In my opinion, there is nothing more satisfying in a job than knowing you’re being kind and helpful. Perhaps that’s why I have always been involved in customer facing roles, whether on the phone or in person. Sometimes I come across people working who don’t seem as enthusiastic as I would be; a great shame really as they probably don’t realise how lucky they are to have the position they hold.

This can be frustrating for me, especially when I consider the number of passionate people who would love to be in their shoes. I think it’s time to get these people – you included – into these roles; you just need to know what to apply for. I’ve got a few suggestions…

Sales assistant

If you haven’t worked as a sales assistant before, the Christmas period is a good opportunity to get involved. Many shops are looking for temporary staff, some of whom may end up being employed full time. Your responsibilities will likely involve putting purchases through the till, giving you the face-to-face contact with customers that you desire. Expect to be rushed off your feet in the festive season, but it is very rewarding when you get home and put your feet up.

Customer representative

Have a look at something like the finance careers with Nationwide Jobs if a customer representative role is more up your street. The longer you’re with the company, the more responsibilities you can be given – which is a great long-term solution to your career. There are a number of roles currently advertised so it might be worth applying soon if you’re interested.

Library assistant

Making a difference in your local community can be combined with a customer service position; think about a role as a library assistant. You’ll be working with children and adults alike to help them find what they’re looking for, as well as ensuring that all books and other media are returned for other people to use. You may also be able to assist with events that happen at the library, such as book clubs and readings.

Waitress or waiter

Opt for a role in a restaurant if you want to help customers to have a brilliant evening out. As a waitress or a waiter, you’ll be the customer’s point of contact throughout their meal, so you’ll need to be as charming as possible if you want to get a tip when they pay their bill. Saying that, you don’t want to be too overbearing and distract their company from one another, so it’s all about getting the right balance.

Receptionist

Finally, you could consider a role as a receptionist if you want to meet and greet people, as well as handling incoming phone calls. There are many locations you can do this including hotels, offices, and car hire companies. You’ll spend a lot of time sat down, but you will speak to many people during the day which makes your job worthwhile.