Volunteering can provide you with skills and knowledge you
didn’t even know you wanted to learn. Maybe you did and that’s why you sought
volunteering, but the benefits of a placement can be underestimated.
So, you
are looking for a new career maybe? Boost your CV? Network? All of this is possible within volunteering,
whilst opportunities may show themselves that you didn’t even know were
lurking.
First thing. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Knowing what you want from
your volunteer placement is a good start. Do you want it to be within your
field, or a complete new experience? Are you wanting to give back to the
community or something that will build upon your skill set? Whatever your
reasons for applying, know this within yourself and be honest in the process of
looking for potential employers. This way you have a foundation of where you
want to go.
Do your research. Knowing the companies, you are wanting to
apply for and what is out there. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer
that can be found on advertising sites such as: Do-it.org, reachvolunteering.org.uk,
or other sites that can be found within a simple google search. Whilst some may
advertise there may be others who do not, but if you have a place in mind,
offer your services! Do not be afraid to approach, send the email or even
better show up and ask to speak to someone who may be able to help. There are
employers who would be thrilled to have a non-paid worker show up and help so
don’t feel discouraged in putting yourself out there!
Don’t be afraid to interview the interviewer- before taking
on any role (whether volunteer or otherwise) remember you need to establish
whether this is suitable for you as well as for your employer. Taking on a
commitment to a new role must both meet your needs as well that of the
employers, and it is important to clarify this in the early stage. Have in mind
questions you wish to ask to know what to expect from the employer:
“What positions do volunteers normally take?”
“is there a
chance to learn other roles?”
“What do you expect from your volunteers”
“What’s
the working environment and culture of the company like?”
In return the employer may ask questions to you that you
need to be prepared for such as:
“What do you expect from us”
“Tell me about your work
history and how does it relate to volunteering here?”
“How long is the length
of commitment we can expect from you”
“How many hours a week can you commit”
“What do you want to achieve within the time that you spend here with us”
These questions, even though they may seem overwhelming, are
really telling to see whether they and you are both suitable for working with
each other. The one element to have in this process is confidence. Regardless
of whether this placement is suitable for you or not, the right one will show
whether now or on the next attempt, don’t give up if its something you want.
When the right one comes along you will have added skills, knowledge and
potential pathways that you wouldn’t have found accessible in a more easy,
productive way. Good foundations are worth investing in!
If volunteering is something you would like to explore, talk to your Better Off Finance Key Worker about local routeways to volunteering and how the programme can help.
Better Off Finance is jointly funded by European Social Fund and National Lottery to support those out of work in the Liverpool City Region to improve their financial position and employment opportunities.
