Volunteer Help Needed!

[AguerosAngel]

I’m just looking for some advice from anyone who volunteers please if possible?

I’ve not worked for more or less five years due to very ill physical health/disability. My illness is chronic, fluctuating and there is no cure. I really, really miss work and became very depressed last year because of it, so DH and I discussed it and I decided that I’d like to apply to volunteer with a local community support group in an admin based role.

Anyway, my application was successful and I have to go in to have a chat with the Volunteer Co-ordinator later this week to discuss a vacancy that they have, which I’m really excited about.

My question is, would it be a bit overkill to treat it as a job interview, dress smartly, I wouldn’t go in a suit but was thinking a smartish dress etc? I’ve researched the project and know about the support they offer so I’m ok with that side of it. I’ve volunteered because if/when my illness can be controlled then I’d like to go back to work FT and volunteering would be me trying to keep my skills up to date and relevant, and for my sanity too!

Any advice would be hugely appreciated!

I would dress to match their level of formality or maybe one notch up if informal.

No, it wouldn't be overkill at all.
In fact, it makes a lot of sense.
Make this a 'rehearsal' for your next job interview.

Good luck

I agree with LIZS. I do some voluntary work and that's what I did when I went in to have a chat with them. If you go in too smart they make think you won't fit it well.

I'm a volunteer manager. I'd go with formal or smart casual for an admin role. Having said that, good volunteers are worth their weight in gold to me so if someone came in to see me in casual dress, I wouldn't give it a second thought. Someone who's researched the organisation / project always jumps out to me so the fact you've already done that has got you streets ahead in my book.

Can't speak for other volunteer managers but we always do what we can to support those who are keen with any barriers they might face. I want my volunteers to succeed and get as much from their time with us as we get from them. Good luck, hope it goes well

Thanks all! Smart casual appears to be the norm as they were all in jeans when I went in to drop my application form off so I’ll go with smart jeans and a nice top I think.