At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers with ticket bookings and provide excellent service at events.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at The Hexagon, Reading's premier venue.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, gain experience in events and customer service.
- Other info: Perfect for students seeking casual work in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting shows and create memorable experiences for audiences.
- Qualifications: Friendly, organised, and enthusiastic about live events.
Join the team behind some of Reading's biggest shows, concerts, events and festivals as a Casual Box Office Assistant. As the first point of contact for our audiences, you'll play a key role in creating a fantastic customer experience, helping visitors book tickets, answering enquiries, promoting upcoming events and supporting the smooth running of our busy venues. From comedy nights and theatre productions to conferences and community events, no two shifts are the same.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role: As a Casual Box Office Assistant, you'll be at the heart of our customer experience, helping audiences enjoy everything Reading Arts & Venues has to offer. You'll sell tickets, memberships and other products through our ticketing system, while providing friendly and knowledgeable support to customers in person, over the phone and by email. You'll help keep event information accurate and up to date, assist with administration relating to upcoming shows and events, process payments and reconcile takings, and work closely with colleagues across the organisation to support successful event delivery.
You'll also play an active role in promoting our exciting programme of theatre, comedy, music, festivals and community events, identifying opportunities to cross-sell and recommend experiences that customers may enjoy.
We're looking for someone who is:
- Friendly, enthusiastic and customer-focused
- Comfortable working in a busy environment and juggling different tasks
- Organised, accurate and has a great eye for detail
- Confident using computerised systems and Microsoft Office
- Comfortable handling money and carrying out basic reconciliations
- Positive and professional when dealing with the public
- Interested in theatre, live events and the arts
Previous experience in sales, customer service, retail, leisure or a busy public-facing environment would be useful, as would experience using booking or sales systems - but what really matters is your enthusiasm, accuracy and commitment to providing excellent customer service.
This role offers flexible casual hours and is ideal for those looking to gain experience in hospitality, events and customer service. Shifts are available across evenings, weekends, Bank Holidays and event days. A rota system offers shifts when there are events, and you must tell us in advance of any shifts you would not be available for. Most shifts will commence at around 2.30pm and last approximately 5-6 hours. On some days there may be matinee performances that start earlier, or operational requirement to cover weekday shifts during core Box Office hours (10am-5pm). Some weekend work is required but you will not be expected to work them all.
If you are looking for a social role within an enjoyable and hardworking team, have an eye for detail and the confidence to match this could be the job for you!
Closing Date: Sunday 23rd August 2026
Interview Dates: To be confirmed
Interview Process: 30 minute interview at The Hexagon Theatre
Casual Box Office Assistant - The Hexagon in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Whitley Park Primary and Nursery School is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive community where educators can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive work culture, teachers are encouraged to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a collaborative environment with dedicated colleagues. Located in a welcoming area, this school prioritises the welfare of its staff and students, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to grow and succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Box Office Assistant - The Hexagon in Reading
✨Connect with the Community
Get involved in customer support communities online! Platforms like Reddit and specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for sharing opportunities and tips. You can find out about part-time roles that might not even be advertised yet — it's all about who you know!
✨Attend Local Job Fairs
Job fairs are perfect for snagging part-time gigs! Keep an eye out for local hiring events and career expos in your area. It’s a brilliant chance to meet representatives from companies like Reading Borough Council and show off your personality in person.
✨Boost Your Visibility
Showcase your skills in online customer support forums or by offering help on platforms like Zendesk Community. A strong online presence can catch the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers looking for genuinely passionate candidates.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don’t forget, applying through our website is one of the best ways to catch our attention. Tailor your application for the part-time customer support role at Reading Borough Council and let us see your personality shine through!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, communication is key! Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your ability to clearly convey information and resolve issues. Use examples that illustrate how you've helped customers or colleagues in the past.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities:Employers want to see how you tackle challenges. Include specific instances where you resolved a tough issue for a customer or improved a process. Real life scenarios are a great way to showcase your critical thinking and adaptability.
Tailor Your Application to Part-Time Work:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Highlight how you can balance work with your other commitments. It shows you're organised and committed to making the role work for both you and Reading Borough Council.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about Reading Borough Council and our approach to customer support. Mention in your cover letter why you're excited about supporting our customers specifically. It’ll show your enthusiasm and that you've done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. During the interview, make sure to demonstrate your listening skills and your ability to explain solutions simply. Use examples from past experiences where you resolved customer issues successfully.
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like ticketing systems (think Zendesk or Freshdesk) and chat software. If you’ve used any of these in previous roles or during your studies, be ready to chat about your experiences. Showing you can hit the ground running with these tools will impress Reading Borough Council.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a part-time role, emphasise your ability to adapt to different shifts and your willingness to handle varying customer volumes. Share any experiences where you thrived in a fast-paced environment or juggled multiple tasks, which can highlight your time management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Interviewers often love scenario-based questions in customer support roles. Be ready to tackle common customer situations, like how you'd handle an unhappy customer. Practising responses to these scenarios will showcase your problem-solving ability and customer service mindset, which Reading Borough Council will surely appreciate.
