At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional customer service and help spark creativity in others.
- Company: Join The Works, a company that inspires reading, learning, and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25% discount, flexible hours, and access to exclusive perks.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that ignites passion and creativity in customers.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and a positive, can-do attitude required.
Full time on site position, 12 hour contract.
Company Purpose
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 help bring families together. You give someone the puzzle book that reconnects them with a late family member’s memory. You never know who someone will become. With your passion and our products, you help ignite the spark within people, allowing them to unleash their creativity, find new passions, hobbies or rekindle fond memories.
Perks
- 25% colleague discount.
- Exclusive double discount days.
- MyWorks – Access exclusive online discounts across hundreds of retailers, holidays, utilities deals, tech and more.
- Family‑friendly leave – enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
- Holiday – 28 days including bank holidays, or 33 days including bank holidays for deputy and store managers.
- Can‑Do Academy – training and development in areas that interest you.
- Stream – early access to 50% of wages as you earn them.
- Share scheme – own a piece of The Works.
- 24/7 support for you and your family through Retail Trust Charity and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Healthcare cash plan.
- Long service awards, pension, life assurance, cycle‑to‑work scheme and optional charity giving.
Role and Responsibilities
- Deliver exceptional service and spark conversations with customers.
- Help customers find products and gifts.
- Keep store well‑stocked, tidy, safe and welcoming.
- Maintain store standards: merchandising, cleanliness, stock replenishment.
- Operate tills accurately and handle transactions.
- Support deliveries, stockroom organisation and product availability.
- Follow operational procedures including health & safety and loss prevention.
- Act as keyholder if applicable: open and close the store, handle cash and store security.
- Work collaboratively to meet store targets and KPIs.
- Stay informed about promotions, products and services.
Keyholder Responsibilities
- Open and close the store.
- Cashing up.
- Carry out management responsibilities.
Skills and Behaviours
- Passion for delivering great customer service.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Team player with a positive, can‑do attitude.
- Reliable, punctual, flexible to work varied shifts.
- Comfortable using tills and handling cash.
- Previous experience in customer service or hospitality.
- Experience in fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
- For keyholders: experience with store opening/closing and basic supervisory responsibilities.
Purpose
To 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.
Diversity and Inclusion
We promote diversity, inclusion and applying reasonable adjustments. Our roles are open to all, including under‑represented groups such as ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, carers and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We are open to discussions around working hours and flexible working where possible.
Retail Sales Assistant - Keyholder at The Works Stores Ltd in Northampton employer: The Works Stores Ltd
The Works Stores Ltd is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where every team member plays a vital role in inspiring creativity and learning. With generous benefits such as a 25% colleague discount, enhanced family leave, and access to the Can-Do Academy for personal development, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. Located in a supportive environment, The Works prioritises employee well-being with initiatives like a healthcare cash plan and 24/7 support, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Sales Assistant - Keyholder at The Works Stores Ltd in Northampton
✨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!
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!
