At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our college, helping visitors and students with their queries.
- Company: Join York College, the largest further education college in the region.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension scheme, and free gym membership.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' experiences in a vibrant college environment.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths preferred.
The predicted salary is between 15885 - 15885 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Be the first point of contact for visitors, students and staff and deliver a friendly, professional and efficient service through face-to-face interactions, email, telephone, and the college’s online chat service.
- Answer queries and triage people to the appropriate service when necessary.
- Carry out administrative tasks and collaborate with colleagues across departments to ensure a smooth and positive experience for all students, staff and visitors.
Hours and Salary
- Hours: 24 hours per week during term time (39 weeks per year). The summer leave period is six weeks between July and August, determined yearly.
- Shifts: 8:00am to 4:30pm on Monday, Thursday and Friday, with a 30-minute lunch break usually between 12:30pm and 1:00pm. This role is on-site.
- Salary: £15,885 per annum. Plus benefits, including a generous Occupational Pension Scheme.
About the role
Our Welcome Desk Officer is a key front-facing role within our busy college environment. You will be the first point of contact for visitors, students and staff, helping create a positive and welcoming experience through in-person and digital channels.
About the person
- You will have extensive and proven experience in delivering excellent customer service, ideally within a large, complex, customer-facing environment.
- You will hold Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths (e.g., GCSEs at grade C/4 or above) or an equivalent qualification; applications from candidates who do not meet this requirement but can demonstrate relevant and substantial work experience will be considered.
- You will thrive in a busy environment with strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks. You will remain positive, professional and composed under pressure.
- Proficiency in IT applications (including Microsoft Outlook and Excel); experience with database systems would be advantageous.
- You will be resilient, approachable, calm, patient and professional, with a genuine passion for customer service and the ability to build positive relationships and work collaboratively.
About the College
York College & University Centre is the largest further education college in the region, offering a wide range of courses from Entry Level to degree level. We uphold values of ambition, care, respect and success, and are dedicated to providing high standards of education and support to all our students and apprentices.
We have approximately 4,200 school leavers, 1,200 apprentices, 2,000 adult students, and 400 higher-level students studying with us. With a vibrant working environment, excellent transport links to the city centre and surrounding area, plus on-site parking, York College is a rewarding place to work. Staff have access to college facilities, including free gym membership at the Athletic Suite, and a brand-new state-of-the-art gym.
Want to know more?
For an informal discussion about the role, contact Emma Woodward, Admissions and Information Manager, at ewoodward@yorkcollege.ac.uk.
Staff benefits & Important notices
You can find full details on our job vacancies page at Job Vacancies | York College & University Centre. Explore the range of benefits and perks offered.
Please note that CV applications are not accepted. If you are viewing this vacancy on a job board, apply via our website at www.yorkcollege.ac.uk/job-vacancies using the application form. Most correspondence regarding vacancies will be sent via email; please check your inbox and junk/spam folders regularly for updates.
Closing date 31 July 2026 (9 am)
Interview date 11 August 2026
Welcome Desk Officer in Bishopthorpe employer: York College
York College is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment where staff can thrive and develop their skills in a vibrant college setting. With flexible part-time hours, competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package including a pension scheme, employees enjoy a balanced work-life experience while contributing to the educational journey of students. The college fosters a culture of inclusivity and growth, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welcome Desk Officer in Bishopthorpe
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at York College. 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 York College 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 Welcome Desk Officer in Bishopthorpe
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 York College:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at York College 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 York College!
How to prepare for a job interview at York College
✨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.
