At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers with enquiries via phone, email, and social media in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Wiltshire Council, a friendly workplace committed to inclusion and support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture where your ideas and contributions are valued.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping the community and resolving diverse customer queries.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and proficiency in IT systems are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27254 - 28598 £ per year.
Salary: £27,254 - £28,598 per annum
Hours per week: 37 hours
Temporary/Fixed term: 12 Months
Interview date: Week Commencing 10 August 2026
Wiltshire Council’s Customer Services team acts as the first point of contact for our customers by telephone, face to face, email and social media. We provide advice, information and assistance to ensure enquiries are resolved to the customer’s satisfaction. This position will be based in our Chippenham hub, which is a predominantly office-based role, with an opportunity for occasional homeworking once you have been trained.
As a Customer Services Officer (CSO) you will be responsible for resolving enquiries across a broad spectrum of services such as Highways, Waste and Recycling, Environmental Health, Housing, Blue Badges, Schools Admissions and Elections. Therefore, the ability to multi-task and gain knowledge for several different services is essential for this role, as is being able to work in a busy and often pressurised environment. The Customer Services team operate from 08:30am to 5:00pm so your working pattern will fall within these times.
We are looking for an individual who can unpick complex queries using intelligent questioning and negotiation skills to get to the root of the issue. Proficiency in different IT systems, including Microsoft, is essential, and our own CRM call logging system, which you will get full training for. If you're motivated, proactive, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and eager to contribute new ideas, this opportunity provides full support for your personal and professional development.
Why us? Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. Our hybrid working model means office staff are on site for at least half their hours, community-based staff carry out at least half their admin time in a workplace, and customer‑facing roles work entirely from their service location. We are committed to creating a workplace where positive relationships thrive and everyone feels engaged, supported and able to do their best. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect, guided by our vision and Our Identity.
Contact details: Callum Cole, Customer Services Team Leader, callum.cole@wiltshire.gov.uk
Please ensure to regularly check your spam or junk folder for any communication from us regarding the status of your application.
Application criteria: Please download and read the role description and person specification carefully before you apply. We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.
We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.
Statement of commitment to equality and inclusion: Disability Confident Employer
Application process: Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement (including through our neutral vendor, Comensura). Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees. If a candidate whose details have been submitted speculatively is subsequently appointed through a compliant route, no agency fee will be payable in respect of the unsolicited submission. Agencies wishing to work with the Council must do so only via our approved procurement processes and neutral vendor arrangements.
Customer Services Officer in Chippenham employer: Wiltshire
Wiltshire Council is an excellent employer for aspiring lifeguards, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises safety and community engagement. With opportunities for career growth through NPLQ training and a commitment to employee development, you will find a rewarding role that not only enhances your skills but also allows you to make a positive impact in the lives of pool members. Join us in a vibrant location where teamwork and public service are at the heart of what we do.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Services Officer in Chippenham
✨Get Social with Customer Support Communities
Join customer support groups on platforms like Facebook or Reddit. They often share job openings or temp opportunities. Engaging with these communities can help you learn more about the specific skills and experiences employers are looking for, plus you'll meet folks who might know about openings at companies like Wiltshire.
✨Leverage Seasonal Hiring Trends
Since customer support roles can spike during busy seasons (think holidays and sales periods), keep an eye out for timelines when companies ramp up hiring. Make sure to apply early and stay active; sending a quick follow-up a week after applying can show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Flex Your Communication Skills
In customer support, communication is key! Prepare for hypothetical scenarios that test your problem-solving and customer interaction skills. Practising answers to common role-play questions can really help you shine in interviews—trust us, it makes a difference!
✨Make the Most of Job Boards
Use industry-specific job boards like Glassdoor or Indeed to find temporary roles. Don’t forget to set up alerts for customer support positions at companies like Wiltshire. The earlier you apply, the better your chances, so keep your finger on the pulse!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Services Officer in Chippenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Communication Skills:In customer support, top-notch communication is key. Make sure your CV showcases any previous experience where you’ve had to clearly convey information or resolve issues. If you’ve handled customer queries via email or chat, mention it! Let’s see those strong verbal and written skills shine through.
Showcase Problem-Solving Experience:Employers love to see how you've handled tricky situations. Include examples in your application where you’ve tackled customer concerns or had to think on your feet. It's all about proving you can keep cool under pressure and find solutions—something super important in a temporary customer support role!
Tailor Your Approach for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary gig, make sure your cover letter emphasises your flexibility and eagerness to dive right in. Mention that you're ready to hit the ground running and are adaptable to new tools or systems—this shows that you understand the urgency often needed in temporary positions.
Proof of Customer Satisfaction:If you’ve got any quantifiable achievements from past customer support roles, like improved customer satisfaction scores or successful project completions, make sure to include them. Numbers speak volumes! This not only shows your capability but also gives us a reason to believe you'll bring that same success to Wiltshire.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire
✨Master the Customer Interaction Game
In customer support, we need to showcase our people skills. Prepare for role-playing scenarios where you'll demonstrate how to handle difficult customers or resolve complaints. Think about the types of issues common in Wiltshire's industry and how you can respond empathetically and effectively!
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
For a temporary role, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the products or services Wiltshire offers. Brush up on key features, common issues, and FAQs. This knowledge will enable you to respond quickly and confidently to customer queries, showing you’re ready to jump in at a moment’s notice!
✨Flexibility is Key - Emphasise Your Adaptability!
Since this is a temporary role, we're looking to convey how quickly we can adapt to new systems or processes. Be ready to share examples of how you've quickly learned new tools or adjusted to changing environments in past roles. Show them you're the go-to person when the pressure's on!
✨Prepare for Quick Conversational Q&A
You might face a rapid-fire round of questions about customer service principles or how you'd handle specific situations. To ace this, think through different customer scenarios ahead of time, and practice your responses to ensure they're concise and impactful. The aim is to demonstrate your quick thinking and problem-solving skills!
