National trust welcome assistant interview

[Member786495]

Hi there
Can’t believe I have a cat in hells chance of actually getting this job, but does anyone know what I might actually be asked?
Obviously I’m reading up about the site, and possible customer service questions, but is there anything obvious that I need to research?
It’s been about 100 years since I had an interview too.

Really want to be offered it.
What do I even wear? Smart, casual, loafers or heels?
Aaaahhhhhh.......

Congratulations on securing your interview! I dont work for NT anymore but did used to have colleagues in this role, it is primarily customer service. They will probably ask you some questions about dealing with difficult people/complaints. They may ask you something about using your initiative told solve issues/queries. They may ask you about working with (or as) volunteers.

They are not going to expect you to be an expect on the property from day 1, but obviously its helpful if you can demonstrate a genuine interest or passion in the place (which property is it?). You should also have an understanding of what NT do and how the operate as a charity.

GOOD LUCK!

Oh and presentation is important but dont over do it with heels and a super sharp suit! It's a role where you'll be on a feet a lot!

I'm a NT volunteer, and the welcome assistants are mainly customer service roles- you don't need to be expert on the property you are working at, but most learn a bit in the role.

If you google National Trust values , there is some useful stuff there. And mug up on the property.
I'm ex Civil Service ( niche part) and our favourite opening question was "What do you know about us?" You wouldn't believe how many people hadn't found anything about us.
If it is an older property, it might be best to avoid narrow heels as they can damage the floors- our Ops Manager says no smaller than a postage stamp.

Thanks @Cluelessasacucumber, that’s fab. Pretty much what I’m looking at.
Have all Easter weekend to panic

Thanks @RainingYetAgain, I’m ex-civil service too. And good point about values.

Also, is it likely they’ve already decided on the person but are interviewing because they have to?
I’d have thought with all the volunteers there would be people eminently more qualified than me...

@Member786495

Also, is it likely they’ve already decided on the person but are interviewing because they have to? I’d have thought with all the volunteers there would be people eminently more qualified than me...

I doubt it. I volunteer at 2 properties and most of us are retired. We have a couple of volunteers who used to work for the Trust. At one property we have a new person just started who was a volunteer, but AFAIK she is the first one in the 5 years I have been a volunteer.

@Member786495
How did it go?

ah thanks for asking. I didn’t get it.
tbh I couldn’t have done more research, and they seemed nice enough. Questions were ok although not sure I answered the one about how to treat volunteers correctly.

I think what jarred with them may have been what I wore actually. They were very casual, the guy was in a fleece, but I was in a suit. Not sure they thought I would have been a good fit.
either that or they just hated me 😁