At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to prepare and serve delicious food while ensuring top-notch hygiene standards.
- Company: YHA London Thameside, a vibrant hostel with a friendly atmosphere.
- Benefits: Enjoy 10 free hostel nights yearly, discounts, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.
- Other info: Flexible hours, dynamic environment, and opportunities for personal growth await you!
- Why this job: Perfect for those who love hospitality and want to make guests feel welcome and valued.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience is a plus; training provided for food safety and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 £ per hour.
YHA London Thameside, 20 Salter Road, Rotherhithe, London, SE16 5PR
Fixed term contract, flexible contract - June 2026 to June 2027
Minimum 20 hours per week
£12.71 per hour plus £1.20 per hour Local Living Allowance (applies to all, including those under the age of 21)
Are you looking for a fun and varied job in hospitality? YHA London Thameside are looking for a Catering Team Member to join their team!
Why work for YHA?
- 10 nights free hostel stays per year for you and up to 3 friends or family
- Access to YHA's staff discount and cash back portal
- Free YHA Membership each year
- Access to support via our Employee Assistance Program
What will you be doing as a Catering Team Member?
While this role primarily focuses on the catering aspects of our hostel, you may also be called upon to assist in other hostel departments. We are a friendly team and will provide the training required for you to undertake the role. However, there is plenty for you to get stuck into from day one, including:
- Ensuring adherence to food hygiene standards in food storage, preparation, and delivery.
- Upholding health and safety regulations, ensuring timely and accurate completion of kitchen checks.
- Taking pride in the preparation, presentation, and service of high-quality food.
- Recording food wastage in accordance with your hostel's procedures, focussing on minimizing waste to maximize profit.
- Assisting in the preparation of food and serving food and drinks with genuine warmth, hospitality, and pride that will influence in more sales.
What Skills and Experience do you need to be a Catering Team Member?
Our Catering Team Members undertake a wide range of customer facing duties within the hostel, delivering an excellent service to all guests and visitors. To provide this service to our guests we are looking for the following qualities in our Catering Team Members:
- Experience of working face to face with customers
- Experience of working in hospitality or customer service (desirable)
- Food Safety Level 2 Certificate (desirable) - otherwise will be required to complete within hostel
- Experience of working in a team - can help others to achieve a common goal
- Excellent timekeeping, with flexibility to cover different shifts - punctual, can work to deadlines
- Ability to manage varying pressures, include peaks in workload demands - can prioritise, able to deal with conflicting duties
- Basic IT skills (ideally Microsoft Office) - able to use Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel
- Knowledge and understanding of the core purpose of YHA - what YHA does and how we do it
- Demonstration of our HEART values - they're part of everything we do, and we look for team members who bring them to life in their everyday work
PLEASE NOTE
All relevant checks are in place to ensure safeguarding and legal requirements of safer recruitment are adhered to. We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Catering Assistant employer: Youth Hostels Association
YHA London Thameside is an exceptional employer that offers a vibrant work environment in the heart of London, where you can enjoy a fulfilling role as a Catering Assistant. With benefits like 10 free hostel stays each year, access to discounts, and a supportive team culture, YHA prioritises employee well-being and growth. Join us to be part of a friendly team dedicated to delivering outstanding hospitality while enjoying opportunities for personal development and a unique work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the YHA vibe! Before your interview, check out their website and social media. Understanding their values and culture will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to hospitality and customer service. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role of a Catering Assistant. We want to hear your stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! When you show up for your interview, make sure you look presentable and professional. A smart appearance can make a great first impression and shows that you take the opportunity seriously.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a fantastic fit for the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. A bit of warmth and enthusiasm can go a long way in hospitality.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the Catering Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience in hospitality or customer service, and don’t forget to mention your understanding of YHA's values. We love seeing how you connect with our mission!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforwardness, especially when it comes to your skills and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Youth Hostels Association
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand what YHA is all about. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, especially the HEART values. This will help you show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves a lot of face-to-face interaction, be ready to share examples of your previous customer service experiences. Think of specific situations where you went above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation with grace. This will demonstrate your ability to provide excellent service.
✨Be Prepared for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to food hygiene and safety standards, as well as how you would handle busy periods in the kitchen. Brush up on basic food safety principles and think about how you can manage stress during peak times. Showing that you can keep calm under pressure will impress the interviewers.
✨Dress the Part and Be Punctual
First impressions matter! Dress smartly and arrive on time for your interview. Being punctual shows that you respect their time and are serious about the position. Plus, it gives you a chance to settle in and get comfortable before the interview starts.
