At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide friendly service, manage orders, and maintain cleanliness in a busy hospital retail environment.
- Company: Join the Royal Voluntary Service, making a difference in the NHS community.
- Benefits: Earn £12.71 per hour with flexible hours and opportunities for paid overtime.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that enhances patient experiences while gaining valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience is a plus, but a positive attitude is key!
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
Royal Voluntary Service has an opportunity available for a Retail Customer Assistant to join our team at Furness General Hospital, Dalton Lane, Barrow-In-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 4LF. You will join us on a part-time, fixed-term basis until 30/11/2026, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £12.71 per hour (FTE £23,136 per annum).
About the Retail Customer Assistant role:
Royal Voluntary Service hospital cafes, shops and trolleys are part of the fabric of the NHS and a real asset in their own right. Staffed by employees and volunteers, we provide an outstanding range of beverages and healthy food choices. Our customers love the fact that the money they spend with us pays for volunteer action in hospitals and the community. Working alongside a friendly team of employees and volunteers, you will participate in the day-to-day running of our busy retail sites at Furness General Hospital.
In this role, you will be responsible for:
- Providing friendly, helpful and efficient service at all times
- Welcoming customers, informing them about specials or new products, answering questions and accepting orders and payments
- Operating the till and cashing up
- Maintaining a high level of cleanliness complying with Health and Safety and food hygiene standards and ensuring all areas of the site remain tidy
- Ensuring that all stock and displays are replenished regularly and ordering supplies if required
Hours: 20 hours flexible between Monday - Friday. Our retail sites are open on weekends and bank holidays. There may also be opportunities for paid overtime in busy periods or to cover absence.
What you'll bring as our Retail Customer Assistant:
Working in a hospital requires a special kind of customer service. Your ability to communicate with a variety of people in a friendly and cheerful way will make a real difference to someone’s day. The key is to adapt your approach to each person to ensure their needs are met.
This is what we're looking for:
- Previous experience in a retail or cafe environment would be an advantage, but training will be given - just make sure you have a positive attitude and can-do mindset along with a willingness to work and we’ll teach you the rest
- The ability to deliver outstanding customer service
- Excellent communications skills
- Demonstrates a high level of organisational skills
- Familiarity with email and internet is required
- A flexible approach towards working hours
- Enjoying working within a passionate team of employees and volunteers, as well as working on your own on occasions
- Can demonstrate a proficient level of literacy and numeracy
- Knowledge of EPOS / till systems would be advantageous
- Knowledge and experience of general administrative processes
- A willingness to undertake training and continuing professional development
Retail Customer Assistant at Furness General Hospital employer: Royal Voluntary Service
Royal Voluntary Service is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where your contributions truly make a difference in the community. Located at Gartnavel General Hospital in Glasgow, employees enjoy flexible hours, competitive pay, and numerous opportunities for career growth, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about customer service and community impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Customer Assistant at Furness General Hospital
✨Get to Know Your Local Scene
Retail is all about community, so don't underestimate the power of local connections. Pop into shops you're interested in, chat with staff, and ask if they have any openings. This personal touch could land you a part-time gig with ease!
✨Show Off Your Personality
Retail is a people business, and employers love genuine, enthusiastic candidates. When you're applying for part-time roles, showcase your customer service skills and personality during interviews. Be yourself, and don't be afraid to share your love for the products!
✨Utilise College or University Resources
If you're a student, check out your university’s career services. They often have links with local retailers looking for part-time staff. It's a great way to find positions that work around your studies while also building your CV!
✨Check Out Seasonal Opportunities
Retail often sees a surge during peak seasons like Christmas or summer sales. Keep your eyes peeled for temporary part-time roles during these times. Many companies, including Royal Voluntary Service, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Customer Assistant at Furness General Hospital
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, we know that customer service is king! Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've got with face-to-face interactions. Include specific examples where you went above and beyond for a customer—this shows potential employers like Royal Voluntary Service that you're all about creating great shopping experiences.
Flexibility is Key!:For a part-time role, showcasing your availability is crucial. Make it clear in your application when you can work, especially if you have weekday and weekend flexibility. Retail can demand odd hours, so we want to see that you're ready to jump in when needed!
Forget the Fancy Formatting:While you want your CV to look good, in retail, clarity is more important than flashiness. Use simple formatting and bullet points to make your experiences stand out. Retail managers at Royal Voluntary Service will appreciate a straightforward CV that’s easy to skim through.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:When applying for a part-time retail position, your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you’re excited about Royal Voluntary Service and what you can bring to their team. Maybe you love their products or admire their customer service philosophy—let that passion come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Voluntary Service
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at Royal Voluntary Service, it’s super crucial to know their brand inside out. Familiarise yourself with their products, customer service approach, and any current promotions. This way, you can engage genuinely in conversations and show that you’re already invested in their vibe.
✨Excellent Customer Scenarios
Prepare for customer service scenarios! Retail interviews often include role-play or situational questions. Think about how you'd handle different customer situations, from dealing with complaints to upselling products. We want to hear how you can keep your cool and keep the customer happy!
✨Tailoring Your Availability
Being part-time means flexibility is key! Be ready to discuss your availability honestly. Employers in retail love candidates who can adapt their schedules to peak hours. Show that you're keen to work evenings or weekends if it helps them out.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Teamwork is essential in retail. Bring up experiences where you worked effectively in a team, whether it’s in previous jobs, school projects, or volunteering. We want to know how you can contribute to a positive team environment at Royal Voluntary Service!
