Interview tomorrow - voluntary but highly sought after work

[anothercrackatit]

I've got a "chat" tomorrow regarding volunteering at a fantastic museum. I have a relevant degree but ended up working in offices due to circumstances, convenience etc.. I'm really keen to get back into something I actually enjoy! If anyone has any tips I'd be very grateful indeed, questions that might be asked, questions to ask etc.. Thank you!!!

No experience of working in a museum but hope it goes well.
I started an interview thread yesterday in chat and got given a good list of questions from there.

Here

Thank you boogie, that's great, I'll read through your thread. Good luck in your interview

You'll hopefully be asked why you want to volunteer, they'll want to know what motivates you as well as understanding what skills you can bring.

Knowing museums, they also might ask what you think the purpose of a museum is in general and what are the key issues facing museums today, questions around funding sources, something on customer service, something on team working, something on problem solving/using initiative. They may well 'test' your knowledge of this particular museum, historical and operational, so worthwhile doing a bit of research if you haven't already.

Good luck!

Thank you Bill, that's great, it's given me something to focus on. I just wish it was over and done with!

What kind of role is it?

Try to bring out your transferrable skills

this is exactly what im doing now - applied for a volunteer job thats perfect and based on my degree. i think if you love it it will come across in the chat. i am just worried they will ask why i have not used degree before. just go for it tho im sure u will come over as v natural

I think there are a lot of roles you could end up in, it's a large open air museum with lots of "working" elements. I'm determined not to take crappy admin stuff, I could do that here and get paid for it! My degree is in history and archaeology but I know there are a lot of us out there who are in the same boat. I'd like to do something hands-on. I'm not desperate to work with children but I do have experience and I quite like them really! I'd like to do something either artifact related or in the kitchens but I have no post-grad qualifications. Oh well, we shall see!

Well, knowing what you want to do and how you are going to get to do that is always attractive.

Do you have a longer term plan? A job you'd like in 3- 5 years time? Is it that sort of volunteering or more of a volunteering-as-hobby thing?

When we (galleries) were looking for volunteers and interns (whom we paid), it was always good to understand motivations, see a sense of purpose etc. Willingness to muck in and not be too precious always good.

I think I had my preciousness knocked out of me long ago! I definitely had that, "I'm a graduate, don't you know?" attitude when younger. Now I'd be grateful to do pretty much anything if I could get my foot in the door. I like to volunteer and to give something back, I've been very privileged in my life and I'm lucky enough to be in a position to do so. At present I'm focused on my children and elderly relatives, my husband works long hours and travels and I've found that paid work can be difficult to combine with home responsibilities. I do need something to engage me on a more intellectual level and I'd live to belong to a team, have Christmas activities, that sort of thing. Something for myself, I suppose. I would like to be in a position to apply for work when circumstances allow and to apply for something I'd really enjoy, not just a job for money.

urgh i was such a niave graduate too was totally not prepared on how to get a career and then less than 4 years later i had dd

I had dc1 the year after graduation , me a nice Russell Group girl and everything! What are you wanting to go into Daisy?

im hoping to get into some sort of job relating to writing as have journalism degree - am going to be volunteering as media coordinator but would be happy to do pr or content writing etc

Hope its gone well!

Yay, I got it!!! Can't quite take it in. I haven't worked in nearly three years, it's going to be a big change! I love the place, I got there early and walked around and then finished up (a quick tour) after the interview. I'm sooooo excited! I've declared it Winesday . Thank you so much for your advice and encouragement

Daisy have you considered the freelance route? My cousin did it for a while whilst working in Blockbusters to make ends meet (clearly a few years ago!) he ended up getting a semi-regular gig with The Times.

Well done

Hope it takes you where you want to go!

Thank you, Bill, time will tell I suppose. It is a lovely space in which to spend time, regardless.

Well done! congratulations!

well done glad to hear u got on well. just to what you said earlier...dont actually want to be journalist eventhough thats what my degree is in lol. thought abt freelance but hate working self employed find it too stressful. im basically looking to go down the more media communications route so fingers crossed

Thank you TheReal, I'm hugely relieved that I'm vaguely employable! Daisy you've done really well getting voluntary work on your desired field, onwards and upwards!