Volunteering tips

[Wheresmrpenguin]

Has anyone found volunteer work through Reach out Volunteering? Or similar.

Have you got any tips on how to secure roles? Pros and cons?

I've been contacted to apply 2 roles that I would LOVE to do for paid work, but in reality wouldn't get a single look in if I applied for an actual job in them.
One of the roles is my dream job and I'm doing a course to do it.
Are expectations lower when volunteering?

What do you do when you know nothing about the charity/institute, or have an unbiased view towards what they do? Just say you're happy to learn and help?

As with any role (paid or otherwise) if you know nothing about the institute, you do as much research as you can.

We have a team of volunteers where I work and our expectations of them aren't lower than the paid workforce but they are different in a few ways. For example, we'd expect the same level of work after training but ultimate responsibility falls to the actual employees.

We also expect them to be just as punctual and reliable.

Do be careful though if in the back of your mind you're hoping that after volunteering you may be offered a job if a vacancy arises, because many places won't want to lose a volunteer in order to fill a vacancy.

@Wheresmrpenguin

Has anyone found volunteer work through Reach out Volunteering? Or similar.

Have you got any tips on how to secure roles? Pros and cons?

I've been contacted to apply 2 roles that I would LOVE to do for paid work, but in reality wouldn't get a single look in if I applied for an actual job in them.
One of the roles is my dream job and I'm doing a course to do it.
Are expectations lower when volunteering?

What do you do when you know nothing about the charity/institute, or have an unbiased view towards what they do? Just say you're happy to learn and help?

Hi, I work for a National charity and have recruited through reach. It depends what kind of role you’re going for - is it specialised/niche or is it a role where they offer training?

The charity you’ve applied for might have info on their own website. Volunteer roles should have a role description of what’s expected from you and what you can expect from them (it’s a two way street!)

Most roles require some sort of volunteer interview - if you don’t know anything about the charity or institute I’d recommend reading up on their values, strategy & aims. Mostly so you know what you’re volunteering for!

I wouldn’t say expectations are lower in volunteering, it really depends what you’re applying for though.

For me when I’m recruiting a volunteer I look for the right motivation & willingness - if they have the right values then we will definitely work well together and I try my best to make sure they get as much as possible out of it. A few of my volunteers have ended up in their ‘dream job’ and I’m so proud!

I hope that helps.

Thankyou so much for your replies @WorraLiberty & @Perpop both very helpful replies! I'm not sure whether i'd say my roles would be niche, looking down the internal assistance like HR, training and project management route.

I wouldn't be applying for the role for the charity though, it'd be more for experience and the role itself.

For the interviews would you do a full interview like a job interview? or just a general chat to get to know?

Interview style Depends on the charity/role. We mostly have a sit down interview (pre covid) over a coffee and do have a list of specific questions we ask with particular qualities and values we’re looking for.

Just go for it - I’m sure you will be fantastic and hope you get the experience you need! 😊