At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a busy school office with reception duties and administrative tasks.
- Company: Join a friendly primary school community in Roehampton, near beautiful Richmond Park.
- Benefits: Enjoy school holidays off, on-site parking, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth within a multi-academy trust.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team making a difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Strong interpersonal skills and a positive attitude; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
The Alton School seeks a receptionist/administrator to support its busy school office. You will work from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, for 41 weeks of the year (39 weeks term time, plus the first and last week of the school summer holidays).
We are looking for a flexible, collaborative "team player", with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills, a positive attitude and plenty of enthusiasm. Computer competency, a good telephone manner and a good standard of written communication are essential. Experience of working in a similar role is desirable, but training will be given on the job.
This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to join a busy friendly team, would enjoy being part of a primary school community, and wants time off in the school holidays. The Alton is a small, inclusive primary school in Roehampton, right next to beautiful Richmond Park. It has lovely grounds, a committed staff team and fantastic children! There is parking on site for staff.
We are part of the Quality First Education Trust, a small multi academy trust of five primary schools. Being part of a trust means that there are opportunities for growth and development beyond the school. You will be well supported by the current school team, the trust central team, and the office staff in our other schools. There is always someone you can talk to if you need help or advice!
The role includes:
- Reception duties: welcoming children, staff, parents and visitors in a warm, friendly but professional manner
- Being a key contact point for queries, and communicating effectively with parents, colleagues and other stakeholders, including helping to keep newsletters, promotional materials and webpages up to date
- Managing incoming and outgoing post and deliveries
- Helping to organise appointments, meetings and events, including arranging catering and refreshments, preparing papers and occasionally taking notes
- Undertake routine finance-related administration (full training can be given)
- Record keeping and some data reporting
- Printing, photocopying, filing, ordering stock, and other general office tasks
- Helping with children where required, for example giving medication or sitting with children who are unwell, supporting school trips if needed.
Please see the attached job description and person specification for more details about the role and about the person we are looking for. Interviews will take place in the week beginning 13th July. The role will begin at the start of the new school term in September.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and a barred list check. It is an offence to apply if you are barred for working with children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist / administrator in London
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at The Alton School. 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 The Alton School 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 Receptionist / administrator 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 The Alton School:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at The Alton School 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 The Alton School!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Alton School
✨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.
