At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome clients, handle enquiries, and maintain records at our busy pet hospital.
- Company: Join PDSA, the UK's leading veterinary charity dedicated to improving pets' lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, special days off, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for pets while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and a positive attitude; previous office experience is a plus.
Pets and people at the heart of what we do.
About the Role:
We’re looking for a Weekend Receptionist to join our dedicated team at the PDSA Pet Hospital in Hendon, where you’ll play a key role in delivering compassionate and courteous customer service to our clients.
As the first point of contact on our busy hospital reception, you’ll welcome and process clients attending the hospital, handle telephone enquiries professionally, promote financial contributions to support our vital work, and maintain accurate records and PDSA documentation.
This is a temporary position for approximately 6 months, working 14 hours per week to provide weekend cover.
We’re are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is resilient, and can adapt to changing demands with flexibility and a positive attitude.
About You:
Pethospitals are busy places, therefore successful candidates will need to be organised, with good communication skills and an excellent telephone manner. Previous office experience, including word processing and use of a computerised records systems is an advantage but not essential.
The closing date for this vacancy may be brought forward should we receive sufficient candidates.
In addition to being a great place to work, we offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- 25 days holiday (excluding Bank Holidays) with the option to buy and sell up to 5 days per year (pro rota)
- Special days off – including a paid Volunteering Day, a Celebration Day for something meaningful to you, and a dedicated Wellbeing Day to focus on yourself.
- Generous Auto-Enrolment pension and/or Contributory pension schemes available starting at an enhanced rate of 5% contributions up to 10%
- Life Assurance policy (4 x Annual Salary)
- Employee Assistance Program and Online Wellbeing Centre available 24/7 giving you the ability to speak with a professional in confidence about a range of issues
- Wide range of discounts for Retail, Holiday and similar organisations on our fetch platform
About PDSA:
As the UK’s leading veterinary charity, with 48 Pet Hospitals, we strive to improve pets’ lives – through prevention, education and treatment. Every year our dedicated vet teams carry out 2.7 million treatments on 470,000 pets. Our national network of around 120 high street shops help us to provide these treatments through selling both donated and new goods.
We believe that we work better together, so everyone from our vets, volunteers, shop teams and to our office support colleagues – we are driven in our dedication and passionate about pets. Join us and help improve the lives of every pet.
PDSA is committed to embedding a culture of diversity and inclusion within our teams that reflect the communities we serve. We aim to create a working environment in which allindividualsare able tomake best use of their skills, free fromdiscrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based onmerit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies and opportunity for flexible working arrangements to support team members from different backgrounds.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss via email or telephone reasonable adjustments that you may require throughout the recruitment process.
Weekend Receptionist in City of London employer: PDSA
At PDSA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both our employees and the pets we serve. As a Weekend Receptionist at our Hendon Pet Hospital, you will enjoy generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday, special days off for personal celebrations, and access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program, all while contributing to a meaningful cause in a fast-paced environment. Join our dedicated team and take advantage of opportunities for personal growth and development within the UK's leading veterinary charity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Weekend Receptionist in City of London
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at PDSA. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like PDSA before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Weekend Receptionist in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to PDSA:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at PDSA specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at PDSA!
How to prepare for a job interview at PDSA
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
