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- Tasks: Assist customers, process sales, and sort donations in a friendly team environment.
- Company: Join the RSPCA charity shop, dedicated to animal welfare in your community.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, meet new friends, and have travel expenses reimbursed.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal welfare while enhancing your CV with practical experience.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and good communication skills!
- Other info: Flexible hours of 2-4 per week; training and support provided.
As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team working with the shop manager and 1-2 other volunteers to help make it a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare. Our charity shop has a lovely team of volunteers who volunteer under two shop managers. You will be given training and support at all times.
About Our Charity Shop
The shop plays an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community and funds for our branch so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work. Our shops sell a mixture of donated items, including clothes, books, bric-a-brac and collectables, and a selection of new items. We have positions available on the shop floor and in our stock room or you could volunteer to do a mixture of both.
Volunteer Charity Shop Assistant responsibilities
- Helping customers in the shop find what they need.
- Accepting donations of items and money from the public.
- Processing sales through the till and card machine, including Gift Aid.
- Sorting through donated items to determine what we can sell.
- Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging items.
- Merchandising stock on the shop floor.
- Creating attractive shop window displays.
What we are looking for in a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant
- Friendly volunteers who are confident talking to people.
- Retail experience would be ideal but is not necessary as full training will be given.
- We are ideally aiming for someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment predominately for 2-4 hours per week.
- Good communication and numeracy skills.
- You will need to be aged 16 or over.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant
- A way to meet new people and make new friends in your local area.
- A place where you will learn excellent new skills to add to your CV, such as customer service, multi-tasking, merchandising, and many more.
- An excellent induction and training programme relevant to your role.
- The opportunity to make a huge difference to the welfare of animals.
- Reimbursement for any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us.
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
Charity Shop Assistant (Bedfordshire South Branch) employer: RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
Contact Detail:
RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Charity Shop Assistant (Bedfordshire South Branch)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the RSPCA's mission and values. Understanding the charity's goals will help you connect with the team and demonstrate your genuine interest in animal welfare during your interactions.
✨Tip Number 2
Visit the charity shop before applying. This will give you a feel for the environment, the types of items sold, and the customer base, allowing you to speak more confidently about your experience and ideas during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for volunteering. Be prepared to discuss why you want to help at the charity shop and how you can contribute to the team, as this will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current volunteers or staff if possible. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and the shop's culture, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Charity Shop Assistant (Bedfordshire South Branch)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Charity Shop Assistant. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you lack direct retail experience, emphasise any customer service or teamwork skills you possess. Mention your ability to communicate effectively and your willingness to learn, as these are key traits for this role.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for animal welfare and your motivation for volunteering. Share why you want to join the charity shop team and how you can contribute to its success.
Provide References: Prepare contact details for two referees who can vouch for your character and reliability. Make sure to inform them in advance that they may be contacted regarding your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for animal welfare during the interview. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to helping animals, as this will resonate well with the charity's mission.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves interacting with customers and accepting donations, it's important to showcase your communication skills. Practice speaking clearly and confidently about your previous experiences, even if they are not directly related to retail.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Teamwork
As you'll be working closely with other volunteers and shop managers, be prepared to discuss your ability to work in a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past, highlighting your flexibility and willingness to support your teammates.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the role and the charity. You might ask about the training process, the types of items sold in the shop, or how volunteers can contribute to the community.
