At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the retail team, providing friendly service and maintaining attractive displays.
- Company: Oxford University Museum of Natural History, a welcoming destination for visitors.
- Benefits: 38 days annual leave, excellent pension scheme, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for additional shifts during holidays.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique museum experience while developing your retail skills.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and retail experience are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24995 - 30549 £ per year.
You will join the retail team at Oxford University Museum of Natural History, home to internationally important collections and a welcoming destination for visitors.
The Museum shop is an important part of the visitor experience, offering a growing range of distinctive products.
You will provide friendly, professional customer service, help maintain creative and attractive displays, replenish stock and support the smooth day-to-day operation of the shop.
Working with the Shop Manager, you will follow cash-handling and till procedures, assist with stock pricing and coding, complete end-of-day cash reconciliation and contribute to annual stock-takes.
Additional shifts may be available during busy school holidays, and some Bank Holiday working is required.
This is a permanent part-time post, working 14.6 hours per week.
The anticipated working pattern is Thursdays and Saturdays.
Due to the nature of this post, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a satisfactory Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check due to access to Museum collections.
You will have excellent customer service skills, a good general level of education or equivalent experience, and experience of retail and maintaining profitable trading.
You will bring cash-handling experience, familiarity with computerised accounts and strong organisational and time-management skills.
You will be a confident, flexible team player who can also work independently, respond to fluctuations in visitor numbers and take a creative approach to developing the Museum shop.
Experience in a museum or gallery, an interest in natural history, Excel skills or a second language would be advantageous.
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees' wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days of annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
Diversity Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture.
Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.
Shop Assistant in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
The Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, along with generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave and a robust family leave scheme, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. This role not only provides the opportunity to influence strategic financial decisions within a world-renowned department but also fosters continuous growth and development in a vibrant academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shop Assistant in Oxford
✨Get to Know Your Local Scene
Retail is all about community, so don't underestimate the power of local connections. Pop into shops you're interested in, chat with staff, and ask if they have any openings. This personal touch could land you a part-time gig with ease!
✨Show Off Your Personality
Retail is a people business, and employers love genuine, enthusiastic candidates. When you're applying for part-time roles, showcase your customer service skills and personality during interviews. Be yourself, and don't be afraid to share your love for the products!
✨Utilise College or University Resources
If you're a student, check out your university’s career services. They often have links with local retailers looking for part-time staff. It's a great way to find positions that work around your studies while also building your CV!
✨Check Out Seasonal Opportunities
Retail often sees a surge during peak seasons like Christmas or summer sales. Keep your eyes peeled for temporary part-time roles during these times. Many companies, including University of Oxford, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Shop Assistant in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, we know that customer service is king! Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've got with face-to-face interactions. Include specific examples where you went above and beyond for a customer—this shows potential employers like University of Oxford that you're all about creating great shopping experiences.
Flexibility is Key!:For a part-time role, showcasing your availability is crucial. Make it clear in your application when you can work, especially if you have weekday and weekend flexibility. Retail can demand odd hours, so we want to see that you're ready to jump in when needed!
Forget the Fancy Formatting:While you want your CV to look good, in retail, clarity is more important than flashiness. Use simple formatting and bullet points to make your experiences stand out. Retail managers at University of Oxford will appreciate a straightforward CV that’s easy to skim through.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:When applying for a part-time retail position, your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you’re excited about University of Oxford and what you can bring to their team. Maybe you love their products or admire their customer service philosophy—let that passion come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at University of Oxford, it’s super crucial to know their brand inside out. Familiarise yourself with their products, customer service approach, and any current promotions. This way, you can engage genuinely in conversations and show that you’re already invested in their vibe.
✨Excellent Customer Scenarios
Prepare for customer service scenarios! Retail interviews often include role-play or situational questions. Think about how you'd handle different customer situations, from dealing with complaints to upselling products. We want to hear how you can keep your cool and keep the customer happy!
✨Tailoring Your Availability
Being part-time means flexibility is key! Be ready to discuss your availability honestly. Employers in retail love candidates who can adapt their schedules to peak hours. Show that you're keen to work evenings or weekends if it helps them out.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Teamwork is essential in retail. Bring up experiences where you worked effectively in a team, whether it’s in previous jobs, school projects, or volunteering. We want to know how you can contribute to a positive team environment at University of Oxford!
