At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of the Royal Academy, welcoming and assisting visitors.
- Company: Join a historic art institution with a vibrant culture and commitment to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous holiday, and access to wellbeing services.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and involvement in employee-led initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on visitors' experiences in a dynamic art environment.
- Qualifications: Excellent customer service skills and a passion for engaging with diverse audiences.
The predicted salary is between 17798 - 21754 £ per year.
Please note that this role is being offered on a permanent, annualised contract basis (18 hours weekly average).
About the Role
Our Visitor Management & Welcome Hosts are the first and last impression of the Royal Academy and as such are seen as the embodiment of our values. The Front of House teams provide assistance and information at each step of our visitor’s journey, anticipating their every need. The team ensure the on-site visit is safe, welcoming, authentic and engaging - from meeting and greeting, ticket/card scanning, and the use of thoroughfares and cloakrooms to the experiences in our restaurants and cafes.
About You
To be considered for this role, you will be a dynamic, customer service focussed individual who believes in putting the needs of a varied audience at the heart of what you do. You will have excellent customer-facing skills, and the ability to deal with a wide range of people. You will be adaptable, friendly, helpful and provide a warm welcome, offer proactive assistance and clear information to all those visiting or working at the Academy. You should be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in people and be able to engage with a high volume of visitors. You may have an appreciation for the arts but more importantly you will be passionate about contributing to the RA’s story.
On an annualised hours contract, hosts will work a set number of hours over the course of a year, rather than a fixed number each week. However, they will be paid each month, based on 18 hours per week. They will be scheduled to work more hours during our peak periods and fewer hours during quieter periods.
The Company
The RA dates way back to 1768 when a group of artists and architects persuaded King George III to help them to ‘establish a society for promoting the Art of Design'. The original academy, in Pall Mall, was less than 10 meters long. Since then, there have been many changes, though the RA’s core purpose of bringing art and design to a broad audience and championing art and artists still holds true. Today we are a contemporary art organisation hosting internationally acclaimed exhibitions and through investment in employee training and development, with courses such as Unconscious Bias, LGBTQ+ Awareness, Bystander, and Mental Health First Aid training, we are striving to foster a safe space for everyone through positive action. We also have Employee Network Groups, Ways In Groups, and an Employee Council so every employee has a voice and a way to feel heard by colleagues through the CEO. The RA is truly a unique place, both as an attraction to our visitors, but also as a workplace. Our people are at the heart of all we do, and we support a broad and inspiring mix of departments; from exhibitions, curators, art handlers, researchers, publishers, and digital to schools and education, visitor welcome, fundraisers, and corporate support.
The Benefits
- Exhibitions: Reciprocal Agreements with galleries across the UK
- Enhanced Pension: Generous employer contributions
- Enhanced Holiday: 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Wellbeing: Access to a virtual GP Service and Mental Health First Aiders
- Agile Working: The opportunity to work flexibly
- RA Staff Council: Where your views are heard and listened to
- Employee Clubs: Football, Staff Choir and more
Visitor Experience Host (Annualised) in London employer: Royal Academy of Arts
The Royal Academy of Arts is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and collaboration in the heart of London. Employees benefit from a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth, as well as the unique experience of working within a prestigious institution that attracts high-profile visitors. With a focus on proactive service and security, this role not only provides meaningful engagement with art and culture but also fosters a sense of community among staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Experience Host (Annualised) in London
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Royal Academy of Arts. 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 Royal Academy of Arts 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 Visitor Experience Host (Annualised) in 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 Royal Academy of Arts:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Royal Academy of Arts 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 Royal Academy of Arts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Academy of Arts
✨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.
