At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional customer service and maintain store standards.
- Company: Join WHSmith, a growing brand with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, employee discounts, and wellness support.
- Other info: Flexible summer hours with opportunities for growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that makes every journey better for customers.
- Qualifications: Passion for customer experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 9.9 - 12.1 £ per hour.
Channel Tunnel, Ashford Rd, Folkestone CT18 8XX, UK
Job Description
Posted Wednesday 29 July 2026 at 00:00
As a Sales Assistant you’ll provide exceptional customer service and work independently or as part of a team to deliver our fantastic store standards.
We want you, our customers, and our colleagues to be proud to share their journey with us.
We have a variety of hours available for the Summer Period Mon - Fri 8am-2pm / Tuesday 12-5 / Tuesday 5-9pm / Thursday 12-5 / Thursday 5-9pm
This will be a fixed term contract until 28/08/26
What being a Sales Assistant is all about
- Delivering an exceptional customer service to all our customers.
- Carrying out stock replenishment, ensuring all areas of the store remain tidy and inviting for our customers to shop.
- Meeting high standards of display and visual merchandising helping customers find what they're looking for easily.
- Being part of a team and supporting colleagues.
What our Stores would love to see
- A passion for customers having an exceptional experience in store.
- Confident in communicating within the team.
- Motivated to achieve fantastic results and standards.
- Adaptable to meet company requirements and goals.
How we reward our teams
- salary
- pension scheme
- cycle to work scheme
- paid annual leave
- employee discounts
- range of deals from retail partners that will help you save money and make memories, whether a delicious meal, an adventurous day out, or tickets to see the latest blockbuster.
- Employee Assistance Programme will support you with help and guidance for your wellbeing whether physical, mental or financial.
About us
WHSmith has a remarkable heritage and we are growing particularly in our airports, hospitals, rail stations and motorway services.
Our aim is simple, to offer our products to everyone on any of life’s journeys.
Our In Motion brand, a leading digital accessories business, continues to grow and develop, offering an amazing customer experience with all the latest tech.
We have created great partnerships with the likes of M&S and Costa Coffee, ‘broaden our offering’ to our customers throughout the UK.
That’s why, as we continue our journey, our aim is simple: to make every one of life’s journeys better!
WHSmith are proud to be an inclusive employer, we want our colleagues to feel welcome, and free to be themselves with us.
- Channel Tunnel, Ashford Rd, Folkestone CT18 8XX, UK
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Main - Sales Assistant in Folkestone employer: WHSmith Travel
WHSmith is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture where teamwork and exceptional customer service are at the heart of everything we do. With competitive benefits including a salary pension scheme, employee discounts, and a supportive Employee Assistance Programme, we prioritise the wellbeing and growth of our staff. Located in dynamic environments such as airports and rail stations, our employees enjoy unique opportunities to engage with diverse customers while being part of a company that values inclusivity and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Main - Sales Assistant in Folkestone
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Main - Sales Assistant in Folkestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to WHSmith Travel:Don’t forget to personalise your application for WHSmith Travel! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at WHSmith Travel
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that WHSmith Travel offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at WHSmith Travel and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
