At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the school team by handling enquiries and providing clerical assistance.
- Company: Join Renfrewshire Council and be part of a vibrant school community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a stable term-time role with a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Work hours are Mon-Fri, 08.30-16.00, perfect for students.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while developing your organisational skills.
- Qualifications: Clerical experience, strong customer service, and IT skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
Renfrewshire Council is recruiting a full time/term time Clerical Assistant to work in a public-facing role within St James’ PS, Renfrew. Working in the office, you will be a key member of the school’s team, engaging directly with pupils, parents and carers, teaching and support staff, and the school’s management team.
Your role here will be highly varied, requiring you to rapidly adapt your style as you deal with enquiries from parents and carers, young children and head teachers all in a matter of minutes. You will be a valued member of the school team working to provide the best education and support we can in order to give our young people the opportunity to realise their full potential.
You will need to have:
- Excellent customer service skills
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Clerical experience within an ‘office type’ environment
- The ability to work to deadlines and respond to last minute requests or changes within a process driven environment
- A strong track record of being a team player
- Experience using ICT systems for data input, reporting, email and using Microsoft Office for word processing and finance recording
- The ability to complete tasks to a high quality and be accurate particularly when handling cash
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- Sensitivity and discretion when dealing with confidential information
- The ability to focus while working in an environment with background noise and regular interruptions
- A commitment to providing pastoral care for children
The current work pattern for the school is:
- Mon-Fri 08.30-16.00 (with 30 mins break)
It is essential that you have experience of working in a clerical role within an office environment. It is also essential that you have knowledge of common IT systems including databases and Microsoft Office and have strong customer service, organisational and time management skills. An SVQ Level 2 in Business Administration (or equivalent) or Customer Service Professional Award is desirable. Experience of working with different agencies and use of purchasing systems is also desirable.
If successful, you will be required to undertake a Disclosure Scotland check, the level of check will be determined by the duties of the post. If you would like further information in relation to the Disclosure Scotland checks, please visit www.disclosurescotland.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clerical Assistant (Term-Time Full Time)(Permanent) - REN14785 in Renfrew
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Renfrewshire Council. 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 Renfrewshire Council 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 Clerical Assistant (Term-Time Full Time)(Permanent) - REN14785 in Renfrew
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 Renfrewshire Council:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Renfrewshire Council 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 Renfrewshire Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Renfrewshire Council
✨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.
