At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in shop operations, provide customer service, and maintain high housekeeping standards.
- Company: Clan supports those affected by cancer, offering free emotional and physical support across Scotland.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive ongoing training, and have travel expenses reimbursed.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while developing skills in retail and customer service.
- Qualifications: Must be 16+, committed to customer service; retail experience is a plus but not required.
- Other info: Volunteers can earn Saltire Awards hours for their contributions.
Clan is here for anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis. We provide emotional and physical support to people who have a cancer diagnosis, their family, carers and friends. Our services are offered to all free of charge, from pre-diagnosis, through treatment and beyond at our support and wellbeing centres located across the north-east of Scotland and Northern Isles.
Your role as a Clan SHOP VOLUNTEER is to assist the Shop Supervisor with the overall operation of the shop to ensure that sales goals are achieved and exceeded. To provide excellent customer service at all times and ensure a positive customer experience is had by all who enter our shops. To maintain high levels of housekeeping standards.
Location: Our shops are located in Aberdeen, Ballater, Peterhead and Orkney.
Reporting To: Your designated Shop Supervisor or Lead Shop Volunteer.
Key Responsibilities
- Playing an active role in helping to achieve sales targets;
- Sorting, pricing and displaying donations from members of the public;
- Assisting with visual merchandising whilst maintaining housekeeping standards;
- Ensuring that stock levels are reviewed regularly, to maximize sales;
- Supporting the Retail & E-Commerce Manager when required, by identifying donations/stock that would be suitable for marketing on Clan's online sales platforms;
- Supporting other team members and sharing best practice, to promote success across all Clan shops;
- Ensuring that you deal with customer complaints in a sympathetic and timely manner and escalate to the Shop Supervisor when necessary;
- Adhering to Clan's volunteering policies and procedures to ensure statutory requirements are met and maintained;
- Adhering to Clan's HSEQ policies and procedures;
- Raising awareness of Clan, our services and fundraising opportunities.
Clan will make sure:
- The wider Clan team is on hand to answer any questions and support you as needed;
- Your line manager holds check-ins to discuss how you are getting on in your role;
- You have access to ongoing training, supervision and development opportunities;
- Expenses incurred whilst volunteering are reimbursed, when claimed in accordance with Clan's Volunteer Expenses Policy.
Experience required
You must be 16 years of age or older and committed to providing great customer service. Experience of retail and/or selling on online platforms is desirable but not essential.
You should also be:
- Able to communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds;
- Good with numbers – or willing to develop this skill;
- Detail-focused, with a passion for getting things right first time;
- Coachable and willing to take on board feedback from Shop Supervisor and peers;
- Adaptable and driven to continually improve;
- Willing to undertake additional training to enhance the services delivered by Clan.
Travel expenses
Expenses incurred whilst volunteering are reimbursed, when claimed in accordance with Clan's Volunteer Expenses Policy.
Your role as a Clan SHOP VOLUNTEER may involve dealing with difficult situations. Clan will provide you with the necessary training, induction and ongoing support.
Restrictions
Frequency & commitment: Ideally, you will be volunteering on a rota basis, completing a 3 hour shift weekly. We may occasionally need you to be flexible and available at short notice, but we appreciate that this is not always possible. We ask that you commit to volunteering for a minimum period of 6 - 12 months unless otherwise agreed. Volunteers (aged 12-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Contact Detail:
Voluntary Action Orkney Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Clan Shop Volunteers
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Clan's mission and values. Understanding the emotional and physical support they provide will help you connect with customers and convey the importance of the shop's role in the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain some experience in customer service, even if it's informal. Volunteering at local events or helping out in community projects can give you valuable skills that will impress during your time at Clan.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former volunteers at Clan. They can provide insights into the role and share tips on how to excel in the shop environment, which can be a great advantage when you start.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to demonstrate your adaptability and willingness to learn. Clan values those who are coachable, so showing enthusiasm for training opportunities can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Clan Shop Volunteers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Clan Shop Volunteer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these needs.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for supporting those affected by cancer. Share any relevant experiences, such as volunteering or customer service roles, that demonstrate your commitment and suitability for the role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to emphasise skills that are particularly relevant to the role, such as effective communication, attention to detail, and adaptability. Use specific examples to illustrate how you have successfully applied these skills in past experiences.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a customer-facing role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Voluntary Action Orkney
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for Clan's mission and the support they provide to those affected by cancer. Share any personal experiences or connections you have with the cause, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Highlight Customer Service Skills
Since excellent customer service is key for this role, prepare examples of how you've provided great service in the past. Think about situations where you went above and beyond to help a customer or resolved a complaint effectively.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Adaptability
Clan values collaboration and adaptability. Be ready to discuss times when you've worked well in a team or adapted to changing circumstances. This will show that you're a team player who can thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the shop's operations, the team you'll be working with, or the training opportunities available. This shows your interest and commitment to the role.