At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the face of our Harrow Shop, delivering top-notch customer service and keeping the store vibrant.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at the University of Westminster's Harrow Campus.
- Benefits: Flexible hours around your studies, team socials, and employability support.
- Other info: Perfect for proactive students who love working with people.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on retail experience while making friends and having fun!
- Qualifications: Must be a current student; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 12 £ per hour.
Hours: 0 hours
Location: Harrow Campus
Contract: September 2026 - July 2027
Important Information: Please only apply if you are going to be a student for the academic year commencing September 2026. You will only be able to hold one part-time staff role during the academic year so please do not apply for multiple roles. If we feel when you are interviewing/assessing, you will be suitable for another role we will flag this.
Job purpose: As a Retail Assistant at the Harrow Shop, you will be the face of the store and a key point of contact for customers. Your role is to create a welcoming environment, deliver excellent customer service, and support the smooth day-to-day running of the shop. You will work in a fast-paced environment, interacting with a wide range of customers. No prior experience is necessary, as full training will be provided. This role offers a great opportunity to develop customer service, teamwork, and retail skills alongside your studies. The role is based at the Harrow Campus, and you may be required to work Monday-Friday (08:30 – 18:30), with occasional weekend shifts when needed.
Key responsibilities:
- Key Operational Duties: Support the opening and closing of the shop when required, following established procedures to ensure the shop is prepared for trading and secured appropriately at the end of the day.
- Customer Service & Shop Presentation: Greet, serve, and assist customers, ensuring a positive shopping experience. Handle customer queries, complaints, and requests professionally. Advise customers on offers, promotions, and best-selling products. Maintain a clean and inviting shop floor, ensuring shelves are well-stocked and visually appealing. Assist in creating promotional displays and merchandising stock effectively. Check, unload, sort, and replenish stock in an organised and methodical manner. Carry out manual handling tasks, including lifting and moving stock safely. Conduct stock checks, date rotation, and quality control to maintain fresh and well-organised inventory. Receive, verify, and store deliveries, ensuring correct stock levels. Ensure accurate stock holding and recording, reporting any shortages or discrepancies.
- Operational Duties & Health & Safety: Process customer transactions on the EPOS system (till operations). Maintain high standards of cleanliness, following scheduled cleaning tasks. Complete and submit relevant checklists, reports, and operational logs. Follow all health and safety policies, including safe lifting techniques and fire safety protocols. Report any issues, hazards, or maintenance concerns to the Team Leader or Manager.
Who would this role suit? This role is ideal for students who enjoy working with people, are proactive, and are looking to gain hands-on experience in a customer-facing environment.
What is in it for me?
- Truly flexible working – you’ll never be asked to work over a lecture.
- Access to our employability support and development programme.
- Access to the employee assistance programme.
- Team socials and staff parties.
- Experience working in a varied and fast-paced environment.
- A fun working environment and great culture – you get to work with your fellow students!
Key areas we are looking for: We would love to see how you resonate with the below, so remember to include examples in your application; do not worry if you do not have any work experience, think of any other setting, such as home, university etc.
How will this be assessed: A = Application I = Interview
Qualifications & Expertise: Must be a current student at the University of Westminster.
Skills, knowledge & expertise:
- Friendly, approachable, and able to provide efficient service to a high volume of customers.
- Able to communicate clearly and professionally with students, staff, and visitors.
- Comfortable managing multiple tasks such as serving customers, restocking shelves, and maintaining shop presentation.
- Able to follow operational procedures accurately, including stock rotation, deliveries, and inventory checks.
- Comfortable carrying out physical tasks such as unloading deliveries, lifting stock, replenishing shelves, and maintaining storage areas.
- Able to work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the shop runs smoothly.
Values & behaviours:
- A demonstrable commitment to our organisation’s values.
- Positive and approachable attitude.
- Willingness to learn new tasks and adapt.
Retail Assistants (Harrow) employer: University of Westminster Students' Union
As a Retail Assistant at the Harrow Shop, you will join a vibrant community that values flexibility and student life, allowing you to balance work with your studies seamlessly. With comprehensive training provided, you'll develop essential customer service and retail skills in a supportive environment, while enjoying team socials and a fun workplace culture alongside fellow students. This role not only offers practical experience but also access to employability support, making it an excellent opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Contact Details:
University of Westminster Students' Union Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Assistants (Harrow)
✨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 Westminster Students' Union, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Assistants (Harrow)
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 Westminster Students' Union 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 Westminster Students' Union 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 Westminster Students' Union 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 Westminster Students' Union
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at University of Westminster Students' Union, 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 Westminster Students' Union!
