At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch customer service to students and residents in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the University of Southampton's Residential Services team, enhancing student experiences.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, flexible working, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for occasional weekend/evening work during peak times with a clear schedule.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team making a real difference in student accommodation.
- Qualifications: Experience in busy customer service roles and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
Residential Services at the University of Southampton offer accommodation to over 7,000 students every year. You will be joining the team at an exciting time as we continue to develop our portfolio of over 6,600 rooms, instigating a new refurbishment plan along with continued development of our halls offer to enhance student experience.
Key Responsibilities
- This Customer Service Assistant position offers the opportunity to provide excellent service throughout the day for students, residents and other customers who interact with our services.
- You will be calm under pressure and have a commitment to providing excellent customer service at every touchpoint, whilst supporting the ongoing development and improvement projects for our customer facing areas.
- As an excellent communicator and multi‑tasker, you will also play a part in providing valuable support to the supervisory team at Mayflower Halls of Residence both within and outside of reception.
- To ensure the smooth running of our service you will need to work in close partnership with colleagues in the Student Hub team who collectively provide a 24/7 support to students in Halls.
- You will also need to collaborate with other departments within the University and external contractors who deliver services within our Halls of Residence.
Qualifications
- The successful candidate will be able to evidence experience of working within a busy and diverse customer service environment.
- We are looking for an approachable and organized character with excellent communication skills.
- You will need to be confident working within a team, and customer service skills across any industry could well be an advantage.
- The department uses multiple computer systems to deliver its services therefore experience using multiple systems is essential.
Benefits & Working Conditions
- We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work.
- With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.
This role does not qualify for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. To explore alternative UK visa options, see gov.uk.
This position is currently being advertised for 36 hours per week, on a Monday‑Friday rota working between the hours of 8am and 6pm with shifts of 8am-4pm and 10am to 6pm.
You will also be expected to be available for occasional weekend/evening working to support peak activity times during the academic year such as student arrivals/departure events and open days – we provide you with an 'annual leave embargo calendar' which shows you working weekends through the year.
Customer Services Advisor in Southampton employer: University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and personal growth. As a Customer Services Advisor, you will benefit from a generous holiday allowance, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that enhance student experiences in a dynamic environment. Join us in making a difference while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Services Advisor in Southampton
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at University of Southampton. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like University of Southampton before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Services Advisor in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to University of Southampton:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at University of Southampton specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at University of Southampton!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
