At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of Somerset House, welcoming visitors and assisting with their queries.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at Somerset House, a cultural hub in London.
- Benefits: Earn £14.80/hour, enjoy flexible hours, and access mental health support.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and potential contract extension based on performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on visitor experiences while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and a passion for engaging with diverse audiences.
The predicted salary is between 14.8 - 14.8 £ per hour.
We are seeking Visitor Experience Assistants to join our Visitor Experience team to support our Summer programme. This is a dynamic, front-facing role which involves being the first point of contact for visitors to Somerset House, providing a warm, friendly and inclusive welcome, giving general information and assisting with ticketing issues or other queries. The ideal candidate will have a commitment and passion for ensuring exceptional visitor experience to a diverse audience. With keen attention to detail, you’ll welcome the last visitor of the day with as much kindness and support as you did the first.
Key Responsibilities
- Welcome and knowledge: Be the first point of contact for all visitors at Somerset House; providing a warm and friendly welcome, giving directional information and assisting with any queries or ticketing issues.
- Selling tickets via our ticketing system (Tessitura), checking tickets on entry, managing guestlists and allocating wristbands/accreditation.
- Proactively seek out opportunities to talk to and engage with visitors, sharing your own sense of enthusiasm, passion, and fun for the events programmed with our visitors. Communicate with audiences with patience and generosity.
- Share your knowledge about other events, activities or exhibitions taking place at Somerset House and its history. Use these opportunities to upsell or provide personalised suggestions for how best the visitor might enjoy their visit.
- Problem solving both visitor and site issues that may hinder or damage a visitor’s experience, striving to resolve these issues quickly before they escape using a range of communication styles to suit our different visitors.
- Share knowledge with colleagues and teaching and supporting new members of the team on procedures, expectations, and best practice.
- Assisting visitors with access needs by supporting them with guidance around the venue/site and by having a good knowledge of our access programme and offer.
- Be confident and calm managing busy cloakrooms for events.
- Any other duties consistent with the role, as requested by the Visitor Experience Management team.
Safety and Security
- Work in conjunction with the Security Team to ensure the safety of all our visitors, including helping to maintain clear exit routes.
- Maintain an up to date and good knowledge of Somerset House’s fire, safety and evacuation procedures, facilitating evacuations in the event of an emergency.
- Give clear and confident direction to visitors in the event of an emergency.
- Assist security with the efficient management of confiscated items.
- Anticipate and resolve any safety issues before they arise or quickly escape to the Visitor Experience management team.
- Be present and alert during events to ensure the health and safety and comfort of visitors, reporting problems to the Visitor Experience management team immediately.
- Be vigilant around site, identifying potential safety and security issues and alerting the Visitor Experience management team as soon as possible.
- Be aware of visitor flow and comfortable operating queue management systems. Have a confident and calm approach to addressing queues and crowds as needed.
Presentation and Teamwork
- Ensure your areas of work are well maintained and well presented.
- Adhere to personal presentation guidelines as set out by the Visitor Experience management team.
- Actively participate in regular training and development.
- Respectfully and informatively communicate with colleagues. Share and receive constructive feedback with an open approach to change.
- Contribute to a culture of ongoing, continuous improvement.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Worked in a busy customer-facing role, with excellent customer service skills.
- Teamwork experience, having worked as part of a large team.
- Good communication skills which are utilised proactively to benefit the visitor experience.
- A commitment and passion for ensuring outstanding visitor experience to a diverse audience.
- Enthusiasm for Somerset House and our cultural programme.
- Proficiency in relevant technology – iPads, Scanners etc.
- A flexible approach to work and hours including events, weekends and bank holidays.
Benefits
- Mental Health & Wellbeing: Access to our external Employee Assistance Programme (CiC) for free 24/7 confidential advice and support, including up to 6 free counselling sessions per year where needed.
- Pension: 5% employer pension contributions as long as criteria is met.
Visitor Experience Assistant (Summer Season) in London employer: Somerset House
At Somerset House, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values inclusivity and employee growth. Our Visitor Experience Assistants play a vital role in creating memorable experiences for our diverse audience, all while enjoying flexible working hours and access to comprehensive mental health support. Join us in a vibrant cultural hub where your passion for customer service can flourish, and be part of a team that celebrates continuous improvement and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Experience Assistant (Summer Season) in London
✨Get in Early: Embrace the Seasonal Rush
In hospitality, seasonal hiring can be a bit of a frenzy, so make sure you’re applying early. Keep an eye on when local businesses like cafés and restaurants ramp up for holiday seasons or summer rushes. We can help you stay ahead by tracking application windows—don’t miss out!
✨Join Local Hospitality Groups
Tap into local hospitality communities online or through social media. Groups on Facebook or platforms like MeetUp can be goldmines for seasonal job opportunities. Engage with these communities—join discussions, share your eagerness, and you could snag a gig before it’s even advertised!
✨Show Your Face: Walk-Ins Matter
In hospitality, nothing beats a good ol' walk-in. Visit local establishments and introduce yourself. Bring along a flashy CV and maybe even drop a line about why you’re keen to work there. Sometimes just chatting with the manager can score you an interview on the spot!
✨Use Seasonal Hiring Platforms
Look for platforms that specialise in seasonal positions in the hospitality sector. Websites dedicated to summer jobs or Festival employment can offer unique roles that align with your interests. Don't forget to apply through our website too—companies like Somerset House are constantly looking for enthusiastic seasonal workers like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Experience Assistant (Summer Season) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service game, your customer service skills are your bread and butter. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you have in restaurants, cafés, or similar environments, emphasizing your ability to handle busy situations and provide excellent service.
Seasonal Availability is Key:Since this is a seasonal role, we're looking for candidates who are flexible with their availability. In your cover letter, mention specific times you’re available during the season and any previous seasonal positions you’ve held. This helps us see you as a perfect fit for this temporary gig!
Culinary Knowledge Can Set You Apart:If you have any culinary certifications or training, be sure to feature them prominently in your application. Knowing your way around a kitchen or having food safety certifications could give you an edge over other candidates when applying for a role at Somerset House.
Make It Personal:When applying through our website, use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about working with Somerset House. Draw on any personal experiences you have in the hospitality scene and how they inspired you to apply for this seasonal role. We love a personal touch!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset House
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
With a seasonal role in hospitality-food-service, it’s super important to familiarise yourself with the menu. Be ready to chat about your favourite dishes, special ingredients, and any dietary considerations people might have. This shows you're passionate and prepared to provide excellent service right from the start!
✨Brush Up on Your Customer Service Skills
In hospitality, customer service can make or break the experience. Think of scenarios where you've gone the extra mile for a guest, or how you've handled challenges with a smile. Prepare a few stories that highlight your ability to connect with customers, solve problems, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Flexibility is Key
Seasonal roles often require us to be flexible with our hours and responsibilities. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlighting your ability to jump into different roles, whether it’s serving or kitchen support, can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, especially in busy seasons. Prepare to share experiences where you collaborated with colleagues to create a seamless experience for guests. If you've got any examples where you helped to lift team morale during busy shifts, mention them! It’s all about showing that you can contribute positively to the work environment.
