At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face for customers, guiding them through banking services and digital support.
- Company: Join The Co-operative Bank, a pioneer in ethical banking with over 150 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, competitive pension, wellbeing support, and discounts at over 800 retailers.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your career in a supportive, values-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience is essential; passion for helping others is a must!
- Other info: Full-time role in Islington with comprehensive training provided.
The predicted salary is between 22400 - 28800 £ per year.
Location: Islington (with advocate support based at our Wood Green branch)
Hours: Full Time - 35 hours per week Monday - Friday 09:00 to 16:30
Salary: £26,450
Close date: 01/07/2025
At The Co-operative Bank we're proud to be different. We're proud of our values and ethics, and our unique, customer-led Ethical Policy that shapes everything we do. Born out of the co-operative movement over 150 years ago, you could say that doing the right thing has always been our thing. We don't just help people with their money, but help people fight for justice and the causes they care about. We put people at the heart of every decision we make and there's never been a more important time for our Bank to stand up for the causes that matter most to our customers, colleagues and partner organisations.
Working in one of our branch offices is all about the customer experience, what our customers see, hear and feel and is not just simply a transaction. That's why Moneyfacts have awarded us the 'Branch Network of the Year' several years running!
We have a great opportunity for anyone who is looking to kick-start or continue their career with the financial services industry. It doesn't matter if you haven't worked in a bank before, as you will benefit from our comprehensive training program and supportive environment. You will develop expertise in banking practices and gain a deep understanding of our customers, products and services.
We are looking for people with outstanding customer service skills, who excel in a target driven environment, are motivated to succeed and want to thrive in a fast-paced and rewarding organisation.
What a typical day will look like:
- Acting as the first point of contact for personal and business banking customers within the branch and supporting customers through our digital transformation
- Supporting customers across a variety of channels including in person, telephone and secure messages
- Identifying and addressing customer's needs
- Cash management control
- Utilizing various internal systems to update customer records
- Encouraging customers to schedule an appointment with our dedicated Personal Banking Team to discuss additional products and services
- Protecting and educating customers against fraud and scams
- Engaging with customers from various backgrounds including those who may be vulnerable
- Working towards personal/team targets and objectives
- Adhering to day to day regulatory and compliance requirements
- Working as part of a team, sharing and identifying ways to improve the service provided by the branch
- Participating in community outreach work and charity projects
Knowledge, skills and experience required:
- Previous experience gained within a customer service environment is essential (knowledge of cash handling would be advantageous)
- A passion for excellent customer service with a positive, enthusiastic and resilient approach
- Proven success in achieving targets, objectives or deadlines
- Computer literate with the ability to navigate quickly and confidently around multiple systems whilst speaking to customers
- Proficiency in assisting customers from diverse backgrounds, including vulnerable individuals.
- The ability to work in a fast paced environment
What we can offer you:
- 27 days holiday rising to 30 days plus bank holidays
- Premium Allowance and Time in Lieu for Saturday working
- Competitive pension with up to 10% employer contribution
- Income protection/life assurance
- 2 paid days for volunteering per year
- 'MyReward' corporate discount for over 800 retailers and Cycle to Work Scheme
- Wellbeing support 'Help@Hand' offers mental health support, physiotherapy and GP appointments
- Colleague network groups committed to inclusion and diversity within our Bank
- Family friendly policies and supportive working environment
We can only consider candidates with the right to work in the UK at this time. Our Bank is passionate and committed to continuing to create a diverse workforce and an inclusive environment where all colleagues can fulfil their potential.
As a reputable employer regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, all offers of employment for this role are subject to a series of background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Customer Service Officer - Islington employer: The Co-operative Bank plc
Contact Detail:
The Co-operative Bank plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Officer - Islington
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Co-operative Bank's values and ethical policies. Understanding their commitment to customer service and social responsibility will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing that you're a good fit for their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your previous customer service experiences in detail. Think of specific examples where you excelled in a target-driven environment or helped customers from diverse backgrounds, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills, especially in handling difficult situations. Role-playing scenarios can help you articulate how you would assist vulnerable customers or manage complaints effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research common banking practices and current trends in the financial services industry. Being knowledgeable about these topics will demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and your readiness to engage with customers confidently.
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service Officer - Islington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Customer Service Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise any previous customer service experience you have, especially in a banking or financial services context. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to handle customer inquiries and achieve targets.
Showcase Your Skills: In your CV and cover letter, showcase your skills that are relevant to the role, such as communication, problem-solving, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Mention any experience with cash handling if applicable.
Personalise Your Application: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager if possible, and express your enthusiasm for working at The Co-operative Bank. Mention their values and how they resonate with your own, particularly regarding customer service and ethical practices.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Co-operative Bank plc
✨Show Your Passion for Customer Service
The Co-operative Bank values excellent customer service, so be sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you went above and beyond to assist someone.
✨Understand the Company's Values
Familiarise yourself with The Co-operative Bank's ethical policies and community involvement. During the interview, mention how these values resonate with you and how you can contribute to their mission of making a difference.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
As the role involves supporting customers through digital transformation, highlight your ability to adapt to new technologies and processes. Discuss any relevant experiences where you successfully navigated changes in your work environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations. Prepare by thinking of scenarios where you resolved customer issues or met targets under pressure, and be ready to share those stories.