At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school, managing reception and supporting events.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Whitgift School, dedicated to student welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a part-time role with competitive pay during term time.
- Other info: Early applications encouraged; safeguarding commitment is key.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' daily experiences in a vibrant school environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication and organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 9770 - 10170 £ per year.
Permanent, Part-time, Term Time Contract
Salary: £9,770 to £10,170 gross pay to reflect Term time and 0.32 FTE
We are seeking an enthusiastic and professional Receptionist to join our Estates and Facilities team, working two days per week, term time only, with the preferred working days being Thursdays and Fridays, although the 2 working days are open to discussion.
Reporting to the Operations Manager, this front-of-house role plays an important part in the smooth day-to-day running of the school. The successful candidate will provide a warm and welcoming reception service, manage the switchboard and visitor sign-in processes, and act as a key point of contact for staff, students and visitors.
The role also involves:
- Maintaining accurate records
- Supporting student sign-in/out processes
- Assisting with events
- Ensuring a well-presented and organised reception area
You will be a confident communicator with strong organisational skills, able to handle a variety of tasks with professionalism, discretion and attention to detail.
We invite interested candidates to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a daily basis, and interviews may take place at any time. This vacancy may close earlier than the stated deadline if sufficient applications are received, so early submission is encouraged.
Whitgift School (part of the John Whitgift Foundation) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Where applicable, applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service and online media checks.
It is an offence to apply for a role at the school if you know that you are barred from regulated activity with children. All roles within the school involve contact with children and are therefore classed as regulated activity. Child protection and safeguarding are the responsibility of everyone who works or volunteers in our school. All staff must be committed to providing a safe environment for children and supporting the school’s safeguarding ethos.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants are required to declare all convictions and cautions, even those that are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules, to assess suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to disclose information relevant to safeguarding prior to interview.
School Receptionist employer: WHITGIFT SCHOOL
Whitgift School, part of the John Whitgift Foundation, is an excellent employer that values a supportive and inclusive work culture, particularly for those in vital roles like the School Receptionist. With a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, employees benefit from a meaningful work environment where they can contribute to the community while enjoying flexible working arrangements during term time. The school also offers opportunities for professional development and encourages staff to engage actively in creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere for students and visitors alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Receptionist
✨Connect with the Community
Get involved in customer support communities online! Platforms like Reddit and specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for sharing opportunities and tips. You can find out about part-time roles that might not even be advertised yet — it's all about who you know!
✨Attend Local Job Fairs
Job fairs are perfect for snagging part-time gigs! Keep an eye out for local hiring events and career expos in your area. It’s a brilliant chance to meet representatives from companies like WHITGIFT SCHOOL and show off your personality in person.
✨Boost Your Visibility
Showcase your skills in online customer support forums or by offering help on platforms like Zendesk Community. A strong online presence can catch the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers looking for genuinely passionate candidates.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don’t forget, applying through our website is one of the best ways to catch our attention. Tailor your application for the part-time customer support role at WHITGIFT SCHOOL and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace School Receptionist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, communication is key! Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your ability to clearly convey information and resolve issues. Use examples that illustrate how you've helped customers or colleagues in the past.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities:Employers want to see how you tackle challenges. Include specific instances where you resolved a tough issue for a customer or improved a process. Real life scenarios are a great way to showcase your critical thinking and adaptability.
Tailor Your Application to Part-Time Work:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Highlight how you can balance work with your other commitments. It shows you're organised and committed to making the role work for both you and WHITGIFT SCHOOL.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about WHITGIFT SCHOOL and our approach to customer support. Mention in your cover letter why you're excited about supporting our customers specifically. It’ll show your enthusiasm and that you've done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at WHITGIFT SCHOOL
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. During the interview, make sure to demonstrate your listening skills and your ability to explain solutions simply. Use examples from past experiences where you resolved customer issues successfully.
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like ticketing systems (think Zendesk or Freshdesk) and chat software. If you’ve used any of these in previous roles or during your studies, be ready to chat about your experiences. Showing you can hit the ground running with these tools will impress WHITGIFT SCHOOL.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a part-time role, emphasise your ability to adapt to different shifts and your willingness to handle varying customer volumes. Share any experiences where you thrived in a fast-paced environment or juggled multiple tasks, which can highlight your time management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Interviewers often love scenario-based questions in customer support roles. Be ready to tackle common customer situations, like how you'd handle an unhappy customer. Practising responses to these scenarios will showcase your problem-solving ability and customer service mindset, which WHITGIFT SCHOOL will surely appreciate.
