At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve food and drinks while creating a welcoming atmosphere for students and guests.
- Company: Join the friendly Catering team at Selwyn College, part of the University of Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free meals, gym access, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work part-time during term time with flexible hours and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Perfect for those who love hospitality and want to make a difference in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: A positive attitude and strong communication skills; experience is a plus but not essential.
Salary: £10,371 per year, pro rata to the full time equivalent of £26,963 per year.
Hours: Part time, 25 hours per week, 30 weeks per year during academic terms.
Contract Type: Permanent/Fixed term, subject to six months' probation.
Selwyn College is seeking a friendly, enthusiastic and reliable Café/Bar Assistant to join our friendly Catering team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people and takes pride in delivering excellent customer service. Reporting to the Café/Bar Manager, the successful candidate will help create a welcoming environment for students, Fellows, staff, conference guests and visitors. You'll serve food and drinks, maintain high standards of presentation and cleanliness, and support the smooth day-to-day operation of the Bar, a key area for the College community.
We're looking for someone with a positive, can-do attitude, excellent communication skills and a passion for hospitality. Previous experience in a café or bar or customer-facing role is desirable, but equally important is a willingness to learn and strong team ethic, as full training will be provided.
Please note that this is a part-year role. The post holder will work for 30 weeks each year during term time, working 25 hours per week. Working hours will be arranged according to a rota agreed with the Café/Bar Manager and Head of Catering.
The College offers excellent benefits, including:
- Generous occupational pension scheme
- A free meal on duty
- Free use of the College gym
- Free on-site parking
- Friendly and pleasant working environment
- University of Cambridge staff card (for a small charge), which offers a wide variety of perks and local discounts
- Access to the College Library and University Library
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Healthcare benefits* subject to completion of probationary period
Selwyn College is home to students of all backgrounds from the UK and across the world. We are proud of our diversity. We are keen to receive applications from people who may be under-represented in our community.
Café/Bar Assistant (part-time, term-time only) employer: Selwyn College
Selwyn College in Cambridge is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from mentorship opportunities with senior leaders, ensuring continuous growth and learning. The college's commitment to meaningful communication with alumni and donors makes it a rewarding place to contribute to the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Café/Bar Assistant (part-time, term-time only)
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Selwyn College and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Selwyn College that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Selwyn College.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Selwyn College get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Selwyn College
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Selwyn College and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
