At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily admin tasks and assist with customer queries at Mslexia.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to empowering women writers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Office-based role in vibrant Newcastle with opportunities for freelancers.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the literary world while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a knack for organisation required.
The predicted salary is between 23500 - 24500 £ per year.
Job Description
The Customer Services Assistant will support all aspects of Mslexia's day-to-day administration.
Working closely with the Admin Team, you will assist with the smooth running of the Mslexia office, customer relationships, magazine, competitions, projects and online shop transactions.
We are a close-knit team of eight, each with our own distinct roles, but with the shared aim of supporting women writers and promoting gender equality in literature.
You'll be part of our Administration & Finance team for this 12 month, fixed-term contract, working two and a half days a week, from Mslexia's office in Newcastle upon Tyne. (This role is office-based and not conducive to hybrid or home working.)
- Reporting to: Admin Manager
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Deal with requests and queries via telephone and email
- Record and fulfil orders for the magazine subscription, single issues, books, ebooks, events, etc.
- Help update and maintain our internal databases
- Help with the recording of competition entries and responding to associated queries
- Assist with the processing of and response to, quarterly submissions for the magazine
- Assist with the smooth running of the office
- Compile and edit the Competitions Listings sections in Mslexia magazine, and update listings and opportunities in the Mslexia Salon
- Notify the Sales Team of potential advertising and marketing leads
- Contribute to Mslexia magazine, website and newsletter as and when required by the Editorial & Outreach Team
- Support the work of the rest of the staff in administrative matters as and when required
- Reflect in all dealings with the public, Mslexia's respect for and commitment to women writers, whatever their skill and status and background
- Represent Mslexia when required at literary and other events, and contribute to the work of the company in any other areas as and when required
Person Specifications
- Experience with maintaining / updating data and databases
- Experience supporting customers
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A keen attention to detail
- Strong administrative and organisational skills
- High level of IT skills (Microsoft Office, etc.)
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Friendly, cheerful, positive and committed to supporting Mslexia's aims and values
- Terms
This will be a twelve-month, fixed-term contract.
The role is a two and a half days per week office-based position, working Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We welcome applications from freelancers.
Mslexia's office is in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne.
£23.5k-£24.5k per annum (pro rata based on FTE of 35 hours), according to experience; we also welcome applications from freelancers, who can be paid on a daily rate.
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Customer Services Assistant in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Mslexia
Mslexia is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment, dedicated to empowering women writers and promoting gender equality in literature. Located in the vibrant city centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, our close-knit team offers a collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth, all while contributing to meaningful projects that make a difference. With flexible working hours and a commitment to employee well-being, Mslexia is the perfect place for those seeking a rewarding career in customer service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Services Assistant in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Get Social with Customer Support Communities
Join customer support groups on platforms like Facebook or Reddit. They often share job openings or temp opportunities. Engaging with these communities can help you learn more about the specific skills and experiences employers are looking for, plus you'll meet folks who might know about openings at companies like Mslexia.
✨Leverage Seasonal Hiring Trends
Since customer support roles can spike during busy seasons (think holidays and sales periods), keep an eye out for timelines when companies ramp up hiring. Make sure to apply early and stay active; sending a quick follow-up a week after applying can show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Flex Your Communication Skills
In customer support, communication is key! Prepare for hypothetical scenarios that test your problem-solving and customer interaction skills. Practising answers to common role-play questions can really help you shine in interviews—trust us, it makes a difference!
✨Make the Most of Job Boards
Use industry-specific job boards like Glassdoor or Indeed to find temporary roles. Don’t forget to set up alerts for customer support positions at companies like Mslexia. The earlier you apply, the better your chances, so keep your finger on the pulse!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Services Assistant in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Communication Skills:In customer support, top-notch communication is key. Make sure your CV showcases any previous experience where you’ve had to clearly convey information or resolve issues. If you’ve handled customer queries via email or chat, mention it! Let’s see those strong verbal and written skills shine through.
Showcase Problem-Solving Experience:Employers love to see how you've handled tricky situations. Include examples in your application where you’ve tackled customer concerns or had to think on your feet. It's all about proving you can keep cool under pressure and find solutions—something super important in a temporary customer support role!
Tailor Your Approach for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary gig, make sure your cover letter emphasises your flexibility and eagerness to dive right in. Mention that you're ready to hit the ground running and are adaptable to new tools or systems—this shows that you understand the urgency often needed in temporary positions.
Proof of Customer Satisfaction:If you’ve got any quantifiable achievements from past customer support roles, like improved customer satisfaction scores or successful project completions, make sure to include them. Numbers speak volumes! This not only shows your capability but also gives us a reason to believe you'll bring that same success to Mslexia.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mslexia
✨Master the Customer Interaction Game
In customer support, we need to showcase our people skills. Prepare for role-playing scenarios where you'll demonstrate how to handle difficult customers or resolve complaints. Think about the types of issues common in Mslexia's industry and how you can respond empathetically and effectively!
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
For a temporary role, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the products or services Mslexia offers. Brush up on key features, common issues, and FAQs. This knowledge will enable you to respond quickly and confidently to customer queries, showing you’re ready to jump in at a moment’s notice!
✨Flexibility is Key - Emphasise Your Adaptability!
Since this is a temporary role, we're looking to convey how quickly we can adapt to new systems or processes. Be ready to share examples of how you've quickly learned new tools or adjusted to changing environments in past roles. Show them you're the go-to person when the pressure's on!
✨Prepare for Quick Conversational Q&A
You might face a rapid-fire round of questions about customer service principles or how you'd handle specific situations. To ace this, think through different customer scenarios ahead of time, and practice your responses to ensure they're concise and impactful. The aim is to demonstrate your quick thinking and problem-solving skills!