At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers, manage stock, and ensure a great shopping experience.
- Company: Join Queen Mary Students’ Union, a vibrant community supporting over 30,000 students.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, pension scheme, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for growth in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a sustainable initiative while gaining valuable retail experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
The predicted salary is between 27340 - 27930 £ per year.
Queen Mary Students’ Union (QMSU) is seeking a Retail Assistant for our retail operations. This is a full-time role (35 hours per week) with 30 days leave, additional college closure days, and a pension.
The Village Shop is our one-stop shop on Queen Mary University of London’s campus in Mile End, offering a great selection of leading brands for students, staff, and the public. We sell food to go, groceries, fresh fruit and veg, toiletries, QMUL merchandise, clothing, and more. In September, this shop will be reopened as a Coop franchise on campus.
We place a huge emphasis on outstanding customer service and satisfaction, continuously looking to improve and expand our offerings. Sustainability and ethical awareness are paramount to our operations, making them key features in all our commercial outlets.
This role will help us strive to improve our offerings to both the student and staff market, focusing on ensuring that the shop is fully stocked at all times and enhancing customer satisfaction. We are looking for someone with a ‘can-do’ attitude who is capable of growing with us along this exciting journey.
Applicants should have excellent interpersonal skills, a keen eye for detail, and a commitment to the values of the organisation, which is a safe, friendly, and student-led democratic entity. Candidates must be able to act in an operational capacity on a day-to-day basis and have the ability to open and close the shops as required. A ‘hands-on’ team player is essential.
This role will involve a variety of shifts, including late evenings and some weekend work as needed. Applicants should possess excellent communication skills and the ability to work with a wide range of people. Candidates must be able to work well under pressure, prioritise a varied workload, and meet deadlines.
The post is permanent with a starting salary within the pro-rata salary range of £27,340-£27,930 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance. Benefits include 30 days annual leave, additional college closure days (including bank holidays and extra days over Christmas), a defined benefits pension scheme, an interest-free season ticket loan, and membership of the Sport and Fitness Centre.
Candidates must demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, which may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme.
Retail Assistant employer: Queen Mary Students' Union (QMSU)
Queen Mary Students' Union is an excellent employer for students seeking meaningful engagement in liberation work. With a commitment to equality and diversity, the Union fosters a supportive work culture that encourages personal growth and development, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about making a positive impact within their community. Located at Queen Mary University of London, this role offers unique opportunities to connect with fellow students and contribute to vital initiatives that promote inclusivity and representation.
Contact Details:
Queen Mary Students' Union (QMSU) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Assistant
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Queen Mary Students' Union (QMSU), so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Queen Mary Students' Union (QMSU)!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Queen Mary Students' Union (QMSU), customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Queen Mary Students' Union (QMSU) and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Queen Mary Students' Union (QMSU) that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Queen Mary Students' Union (QMSU)
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
