Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver excellent customer service during meal times and events at St John's College.
- Company: Join the historic St John's College, part of the University of Oxford.
- Benefits: Earn £13.16 per hour, enjoy complimentary meals, and flexible hours.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team in a stunning city centre location.
- Qualifications: Polite, presentable, and willing to learn; hospitality experience is a plus.
- Other info: Casual role with opportunities for social events and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
About St John’s College
St John’s College is one of the larger colleges within the University of Oxford. Founded in 1555 by Sir Thomas White, the College is a long-established member of the thirty-eight colleges of Oxford University. Like all Oxford colleges, it is an independent, self-governing establishment, which functions both as an academic institution and as a social and residential centre for its members. The College has around 650 students and 100 Fellows.
Key objective: To work under the direction of the Front of House, Operations and Events Managers to deliver excellent customer service at all times during College meal service times, functions and events. The nature of work and the size of our team requires everyone to be flexible, willing and an excellent team player.
Key tasks:
- Delivering excellent customer service to College students, academic and non-academic staff, and visitors
- Diligently serving food/drinks to customers in all College units indicated on shifts roster
- Taking food and drink orders to ensure prompt and accurate service (College Café)
- Responsible for processing payment for meals on Hall/College Café tills
- Collaborating with the kitchen staff and management team to ensure smooth operations
- Dealing with customer requests and queries and directing them to Supervisor(s) on shift (in person/by the phone)
- Being polite and friendly at all times
- Maintain cleanliness standards
- Complete additional duties requested by a Manager/Supervisor
- Attend mandatory and other trainings as required
- Comply with College policies and procedures
Person specification:
- Polite, courteous, and presentable at all times
- Ensure good timekeeping and communication
- Have a professional and positive attitude
- Provide a welcoming atmosphere to all guests
- Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
- Happy to take direction from Supervisors/Managers
- Active listening skills to ensure orders are taken correctly and customers' concerns are addressed
- Previous experience in College environment/Hospitality is desirable but not essential as full induction will be provided
Terms and Conditions:
- There are no set hours associated with this role, you will work on a casual basis according to College needs
- The current pay is £13.16 per hour plus holiday pay of 12% of hourly rate
- Complimentary meal when working on a shift
- Complimentary taxi transfer after shift longer than 22:00
- Staff and family members events free to join
- Stunning city centre location with iconic views
Application Procedure:
If you consider that you meet the selection criteria, please send your application consisting of a covering letter explaining your suitability for the post and a full CV with your complete education and employment history (as a single pdf), by email. Closing date: open until filled. Please state the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two people who are prepared to give you a reference for this position. Referees should be people who have direct experience of your work through working closely with you for a considerable period, and at least one of them should be your formal line manager in your most recent job. Please indicate whether we can contact them at this stage. If your application is successful your appointment will be subject to the provision of an original document which indicates your right to work in the UK.
Equal Opportunities Statement: St John’s College is committed to providing equality of opportunity and avoiding unlawful discrimination. The policy and practice of the College require that all staff are afforded equal opportunities within employment and that entry into employment with the College and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each particular post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases the ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. Subject to statutory provisions, no applicant or member of staff will be treated less favourably than another because of their sex, marital status, sexual orientation, racial group, age or disability.
Data Protection: All data supplied by candidates will be used only for the purpose of determining their suitability for the post and will be held in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act 2018, General Data Protection Legislation, and the College’s Data Protection Policy and recruitment monitoring process.
Front of House casual staff in Oxford employer: St John's College University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
St John's College University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Front of House casual staff in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the College vibe! Before your interview, take a stroll around St John’s College and soak in the atmosphere. This will help you understand the environment and show your genuine interest during your chat with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since this role is all about delivering excellent service, think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers. Be ready to share these stories when you meet the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Flexibility is key! Make sure to highlight your willingness to work varied hours, including evenings and weekends. The more adaptable you are, the better your chances of landing the job!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the St John’s College family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Front of House casual staff in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Stellar Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Front of House role. Highlight your customer service skills and any relevant experience, even if it’s not in hospitality.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send out the same CV for every job. Tailor it to match the requirements listed in the job description. Emphasise your flexibility, teamwork, and any previous experience that aligns with the role at St John’s College.
References Matter: When listing your references, choose people who know your work well. Ideally, one should be a former manager. Make sure they’re okay with being contacted and let them know what position you’re applying for!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at St John's College University of Oxford
✨Know the College Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research St John’s College. Familiarise yourself with its history, values, and the role it plays within the University of Oxford. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you understand how you can contribute to the team.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Front of House casual staff member, excellent customer service is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers. Highlight your ability to remain polite and friendly, even in challenging situations, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Team Spirit
The job requires flexibility and teamwork. Be ready to discuss times when you’ve adapted to changing circumstances or worked collaboratively with others. Emphasising your willingness to take direction and support your colleagues will show that you’re a great fit for their team.
✨Practice Active Listening
Active listening is essential for accurately taking orders and addressing customer concerns. During the interview, practice summarising what the interviewer says to demonstrate your listening skills. This will show that you can effectively communicate and respond to customer needs in the role.
