At a Glance
- Tasks: Support shop management and deliver excellent customer service across our Cumbria shops.
- Company: Join The Children’s Society, making a difference for children and young people for over 140 years.
- Benefits: Earn £12.71 per hour, enjoy free parking, and access to a pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours, travel required, and opportunities for skill development.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team transforming donated goods into vital support for youth.
- Qualifications: Retail experience and a positive, can-do attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
Fixed term contract for 6 months initially in view of extending. Zero hours sessional contract to cover a shop for holiday, sickness and additional support as and when needed. £12.71 per hour (plus holiday allowance). Located across our 3 Cumbria shops - Cockermouth (base shop), Keswick and Whitehaven.
Benefits include but not limited to:
- We match up to 8% pension
- Free counselling service
- Opportunities to develop and widen your skills
- 55p per mile (from base shop)
- Free parking available at Cockermouth and Keswick
- Reimbursement for parking at Whitehaven
About the role: This role sits within our Retail Domain, which transforms donated goods into vital income to support young people across the UK. You’ll play a key part within our Cumbria shops, supporting the shop management teams to deliver excellent customer service, income generation and reduce any lost trading hours. You need to love working with people and have the ability to manage a shop alongside volunteers in the absence of the shops management team. Hours will differ week to week (Monday - Sunday) depending on the business needs. As a Sessional Shop Assistant, you'll need good communication skills, retail experience with a "can do" approach and ability to work on your own initiative are essential. A willingness to travel will be required to reach the shops. Someone who enjoys variety, builds strong relationships quickly, and can confidently lead a team. If this is you, we'd love to hear from you.
Key Skills and Competencies: The required skills and competencies for this role are:
- Retail experience, and a “can do”, positive approach
It would also be an advantage if you have any of the following skills and competencies:
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle
- Experience of working with volunteers
Closing date: Midnight on 27th August 2026. Interviews: A date to be confirmed in early September 2026.
The Children’s Society is committed to safeguarding and protection of the children and young people we work with. As such, our safer recruitment process includes a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, 2 years of references, and additional vetting checks relevant to the role. We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to promote safeguarding and safer working practices across all areas of our organisation. In support of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, shortlisting is carried out on an anonymised basis. Personal details are hidden from the shortlisting panel, and candidates are referenced by a candidate number only. As part of this process, we ask that your CV is anonymised before submission - this means removing personal information such as your name, contact details, age, and any other identifying details. AI tools can support your application but only when used appropriately. You’re welcome to use them to improve clarity, structure, and research. However, overuse or misuse (e.g. inventing experience or using AI during assessments) may lead to rejection at any stage. We want to hear the real you - authenticity matters.
Sessional Shop Assistant - Cumbria Cluster in Cockermouth employer: The Children's Society
The Children's Society is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people across the UK. With a supportive work culture that values employee development, you will have access to benefits such as a generous pension scheme, free counselling services, and opportunities to enhance your skills while working in a collaborative environment. Located in Washington, Tyne & Wear, this role offers flexibility and the chance to engage with your community, all while contributing to a vital cause.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sessional Shop Assistant - Cumbria Cluster in Cockermouth
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Sessional Shop Assistant - Cumbria Cluster in Cockermouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to The Children's Society:Don’t forget to personalise your application for The Children's Society! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Children's Society
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that The Children's Society offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at The Children's Society and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
