Post Office Customer Service Assistant
Job Description:Post Office customer service assistants help customers in post offices and at counters in shops.
Job Category:What you will do:
In this role you could:
- meet and greet customers and give a good impression of the Post Office
- sell financial and retail products and services to meet targets
- sell stamps and deal with letters and parcels
- pay out pensions and benefits
- accept bill payments
- deal with vehicle registrations and car tax
- check passport and driving licence applications
- sell travel insurance and foreign currency
- complete admin tasks and follow security rules
Skills:
You’ll need:
- good maths skills
- the ability to sell products and services (creativity)
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- customer service skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- persuading and negotiating skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- active listening skills
Entry Requirements:
To become a Post Office Customer Service Assistant, there are no specific subjects that are required. However, having a good general education and certain skills can be beneficial for pursuing a career in this field. Here are some subjects and skills that can be useful:
- Mathematics: Basic math skills are essential for handling financial transactions, calculating postage costs, and providing accurate change to customers.
- English: Good communication skills, both written and verbal, are vital in this profession, as customer service assistants interact with the public daily, assist with inquiries, and provide information on postal services.
- Computer Skills: Familiarity with basic computer operations and point-of-sale (POS) systems can be an advantage, as many Post Offices use technology for transactions and record-keeping.
- Geography: Some knowledge of geography can be useful for helping customers with postal services, especially when it comes to understanding postage rates and delivery areas.
- Business Studies: A basic understanding of business principles can be helpful in the context of working in a commercial setting like a Post Office.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.
In the UK, for example, relevant subjects include:
- Certificate in Customer Service
- Diploma in Customer Service
Apprenticeship
You may be able to get into this job through a customer services practitioner intermediate apprenticeship.
Direct Application
You’ll need a good standard of education with numeracy and literacy skills and good customer service skills to apply for jobs.
You will generally be given Post Office counter training on the job, by your employer.
Many post offices are run as a franchise and are part of shops selling other goods and services. Each franchise will have its own recruitment and selection methods.
Career tips
Previous customer service experience in banks, offices or shops would be very helpful.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 32-40 hours of work. You could be required to work weekends on a rota.
You could work at a store. Your working environment may be physically demanding.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience you could progress to a position in a larger branch, or become an assistant branch manager or branch manager.