The Role As the first point of contact the Telephonist will need to ensure a high level of client service is delivered on every call. The role of the Telephonist is to answer all incoming calls quickly and efficiently whilst ensuring calls are put through to the most relevant person/department. The Telephonist will need to be able to quickly identify the nature of the call in a professional manner. The hours for this role are 9:30 am to 2:30 pm Monday to Friday. THE DAY TO DAY Receive incoming telephone calls via the switchboard and route them to the correct person or department quickly and efficiently with the aid of a computerised directory Provide support and assistance to colleagues and callers (clients) to the organisation Ensure any telephone messages are passed to the relevant person promptly and accurately Ensure any network/system failures of the telephone system are reported immediately to the IT Team and liaise with them to ensure the system is up and running as quickly as possible Ensure up to date and accurate knowledge of the Firms colleagues, departments and services WHAT EXPERIENCE DO I NEED? Experience of a modern telephone switchboard would be highly desirable Good IT skills and familiar with Microsoft Office products Previous experience in a client facing or customer services role WHAT SKILLS SHOULD I HAVE? A clear voice and good listening skills The ability to remain calm when the switchboard is busy and prioritise multiple demands The ability to deal with clients in a polite and professional manner Good attention to detail and accuracy The ability to deal with difficult clients in an efficient and calm manner At Holmes & Hills we are proud to have a culture of sharing, collaboration and mutual respect. We are genuine, authentic and down-to-earth. Our colleagues are passionate about what we do and how we do it, and we believe our firm values demonstrate the quality and commitment we dedicate to our large and diverse clientele. These values run through the core of our firm and are fundamental to the development and progression of our 200 highly-valued colleagues. We offer a benefits package that we believe gives all of our colleagues a “bit of everything” but, in addition to these material benefits, we also offer the opportunity to work for a progressive, modern and inspiring law firm in a regional area that brings with it the benefit of a good work/life balance, flexibility and family-focused and with genuine opportunities to develop (evidenced by our commitment to our Career Pathway and Training Pathway). About us Holmes & Hills Solicitors is a large regional firm of solicitors with seven offices across Essex and Suffolk and over 200 legal professionals across a number of specialist departments. Holmes & Hills works in partnership with clients across East Anglia, including businesses, individuals, families and local authorities, to build long standing relationships, protect clients' interests and support clients' growth and development. Working in partnership with businesses and individuals Holmes & Hills' large team of legal experts work in partnership with individuals and organisations to provide them with truly proactive legal services through personal relationships. Acting as a trusted advisor to clients, we take the time to understand clients' needs and objectives before delivering practical advice through a personal and accessible approach. Independently recognised as a leading law firm Holmes & Hills Solicitors is independently recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners - two independent directories of the UK’s top law firms - as being a leading supplier of legal services in the region. These accreditations give our clients the confidence that the legal advice and representation they receive from Holmes & Hills is some of the best available. Our clients range from established and growing businesses whose brands are recognised and sold around the world and local authorities across the region, through to families and first-time home buyers.