At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional service and inspire creativity in customers every day.
- Company: Join The Works, a vibrant retailer that values creativity and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25% discount, flexible hours, and access to exclusive perks.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that ignites passion for reading and creativity.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and a positive, can-do attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24960 - 28000 £ per year.
Position: Retail Sales Assistant – Keyholder (Full time, 12 hour contract) at The Works Stores Ltd, Castleford, ENG, GB.
Why The Works?
We don’t just sell products. We inspire reading, learning, creativity and play. You sell the paint that turns someone into an artist. You provide the book that unleashes an inner author. You supply the games that bring families together. You give someone the puzzle book that reconnects them with a late family member’s memory. With your passion and our products you ignite the spark within people, allowing them to unleash their creativity, find new passions, hobbies, or rekindle fond memories. The unseen possibilities are limitless, and it all starts with you.
Our Perks:
- 25% Colleague Discount – plus exclusive double‑discount days.
- MyWorks – access exclusive online discounts across hundreds of retailers, holiday, utility and tech deals.
- Family Friendly Leave – enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
- Holiday – 28 days including bank holidays (or 33 days for Deputies and Store Managers).
- Can‑Do Academy – instant access to further training and development in areas of interest.
- Stream – early access to 50% of wages as you earn them.
- Share Scheme – own part of The Works.
- 24/7 support for you and your family through our partnership with the Retail Trust Charity, providing an Employee Assistance Programme and more.
- Healthcare Cash Plan – support everyday healthcare costs.
- Long service awards, pension, life assurance, Cycle To Work scheme and optional charity giving.
Responsibilities:
- Deliver exceptional service, spark conversations and help customers with their shopping missions.
- Recommend products that surprise, delight and inspire customers.
- Keep the store well‑stocked, tidy, safe and welcoming.
- Maintain excellent store standards, including merchandising, cleanliness and stock replenishment.
- Operate tills accurately and handle transactions with care.
- Support deliveries, stockroom organisation and product availability.
- Follow all operational procedures, including health & safety and loss prevention.
- Work collaboratively with the team to meet store targets and KPIs.
- Stay informed about promotions, products and services to help customers make informed choices.
Keyholder Responsibilities:
- Open and close the store securely.
- Handle cash and store security responsibilities.
- Conduct cashing up and other management tasks.
- Take on basic supervisory responsibilities when a manager is not in store.
- Receive an enhanced rate of pay for taking on these responsibilities.
Skills / Behaviours:
- Passion for delivering great customer service.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Team player with a positive, can‑do attitude.
- Reliable, punctual and flexible to work varied shifts.
- Comfortable using tills and handling cash.
- Previous experience in customer service or hospitality.
- Experience in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
- For keyholders: experience with store opening/closing and basic supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications:
- Over 18 years of age.
- Training and support to become a keyholder.
- Capability to work physically demanding tasks, manage stairs and heavy stock.
Company Purpose & Values:
- Purpose – Inspire reading, learning, creativity and play.
- Values – Crafty | Smart with what we’ve got. Caring | Heart in every action. Can‑do | Energy that gets it done.
Promoting diversity, inclusion and applying reasonable adjustments.
EEO Statement: We are proud of an inclusive culture where everyone truly feels able to be themselves. Our roles are open to all, including under‑represented groups such as ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, carers & members of the LGBTQ+ community. We are open to discussions around working hours and flexible working, and will support reasonable adjustments for interviews if required.
Retail Sales Assistant - Keyholder at The Works Stores Ltd in Castleford employer: The Works Stores Ltd
At The Works Stores Ltd, we are more than just a retail outlet; we are a community that inspires creativity and learning. Located in Castleford, our vibrant work culture fosters personal growth through initiatives like the Can-Do Academy, offering training and development opportunities. With generous benefits such as a 25% colleague discount, enhanced family leave, and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Sales Assistant - Keyholder at The Works Stores Ltd in Castleford
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like The Works Stores Ltd, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like The Works Stores Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Sales Assistant - Keyholder at The Works Stores Ltd in Castleford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at The Works Stores Ltd, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at The Works Stores Ltd and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show The Works Stores Ltd that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Works Stores Ltd
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
