At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure a safe shopping experience while engaging with customers and deterring theft.
- Company: Join a leading retail brand known for its commitment to customer service.
- Benefits: Earn competitive pay, including an unsocial hours premium, and gain valuable retail experience.
- Why this job: Be part of a festive team, making a difference during the busy Christmas season.
- Qualifications: Must be 18 or older; strong communication and customer engagement skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, with opportunities for growth in a dynamic retail environment.
Work Pattern
- Week 1
- Wednesday 8:30 – 16:00
- Friday 12:30 – 20:00
- Saturday 12:30 – 19:00
- Week 2
- Wednesday 8:30 – 16:00
- Thursday 13:30 – 20:00
- Friday 8:30 – 16:00
Under 18 disclaimer To comply with health and safety legislation and keep our colleagues safe in the workplace, colleagues in this role must be 18 years of age or older.
Due to operational requirements, all successful Candidates will be asked to work up to full time during the weeks commencing 14th and 21st December.
Please note that the + £3.00 p/h unsocial premium is only added on any hours.
Key Accountabilities and Measures
- Clearly identified to provide customers with a visible presence at the beginning of their shopping journey
- Confidently welcome customers to the store with a smile and by making eye contact, and use a range of greeting techniques known to deter theft from the store
- Flexible and trained to support other areas within the store i.e. Foods, C&H, Operations
- Be knowledgeable of the store, support key marketing messages, latest products and top questions (e.g. what time do you close?)
- Assist customers in navigating the store, recognising when a customer needs help and provide the right level of support
- Thank our customers for shopping with us when they exit
- Deal calmly and empathetically with people in a variety of retail circumstances, including confrontational situations
- Respond to door alarms in a sincere and apologetic manner, resolving any issues the customer may have
- Be a visible deterrent against violence, anti-social behaviour, targeted theft, till snatches and criminal activity to support a safe shopping environment
- Identify and monitor suspicious persons, activity or theft and take appropriate customer engaging actions as required to deter
- Ensure all incidents are reported through the M&S Incident reporting process either through the Hicom app (on the Honey well) or into the Security Operations Centre, and to the police where necessary
- Ensure that persons served with a trespass notice do not re-enter the site
- Responsible for carrying store radio and engaging with police and other security personnel to improve service to M&S, this may include crime partnership meetings, agreed police meetings, shop watch schemes
- Apprehend external thieves (only if necessary) in line with business policy and only if all components of theft are seen
- Report any incidents of known or suspected internal theft or malpractice
Key Skills
- Being confident with an easily felt presence and friendly and natural personality is essential
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage customers with ease
- Ability to remain focussed at greeting customers and deterring suspicious activity
- To have a natural empathy with our M&S brand and values, including service behaviours
- To be self-motivated, willing to improvise and suggest or try new approaches
- Able to maintain high standards of appearance and uniform standards
- No requirement to be licensed, but good observation skills would be a benefit
Key Relationships and Stakeholders
- Store Management team
- Store Colleagues
- Operational Security Manager
- Regional teams (RLPMs/RCOMs)
- Store Detectives
- SOC
- Police
- Local Networks
- #Christmas
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Christmas Customer Assistant - Safety & Security - Silverlink Newcastle employer: Marks and Spencer
Contact Detail:
Marks and Spencer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Christmas Customer Assistant - Safety & Security - Silverlink Newcastle
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the store inside out! Familiarise yourself with the layout, products, and key marketing messages. This way, when you chat with customers, you can confidently guide them and show off your knowledge.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your greeting techniques! A warm smile and eye contact go a long way in making customers feel welcome. Try out different ways to engage with shoppers to deter theft while keeping the atmosphere friendly.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay alert and observant! Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity or individuals. If you spot something unusual, don’t hesitate to approach the situation calmly and professionally.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to get noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Christmas Customer Assistant - Safety & Security - Silverlink Newcastle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your friendly and approachable side. Remember, this role is all about engaging with customers, so a warm tone can go a long way.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Christmas Customer Assistant. Highlight any relevant experience you have in customer service or security, and mention how you can contribute to creating a safe and welcoming environment for our shoppers.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforwardness, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so get your application in today!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Christmas Customer Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the store layout, key marketing messages, and common customer queries. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to engage with customers confidently.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
This role is all about interacting with customers, so be prepared to showcase your communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully dealt with customers or resolved conflicts. Practising these scenarios can help you feel more at ease during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
The job requires you to be flexible and support various areas within the store. Be ready to discuss times when you've adapted to changing situations or taken on different roles. Highlighting your willingness to help out wherever needed will make you stand out.
✨Emphasise Your Empathy and Presence
As a visible presence in the store, it's crucial to convey warmth and approachability. During the interview, express your understanding of the importance of creating a welcoming environment for customers. Share any experiences where you've made someone feel valued or safe, as this aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.