At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in shop operations, achieve sales goals, and provide excellent customer service.
- Company: Clan supports anyone 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 real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- 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.
About the Role
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.
Clan Shop Volunteers employer: Voluntary Action Orkney
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 their services during your interactions.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain some experience in retail or customer service, even if it's informal. Volunteering at local shops or helping friends with sales can give you practical skills that will be beneficial when assisting the Shop Supervisor.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills by engaging with diverse groups of people. This will prepare you for the variety of customers you'll encounter and help you provide excellent service, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to demonstrate your adaptability and willingness to learn. During any informal chats or interviews, share examples of how you've successfully handled feedback or adapted to new situations in the past.
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 from your past experiences to illustrate these skills.
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 important 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 motivations that drive you to volunteer, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Highlight your ability to handle complaints sympathetically and effectively, as this is crucial for the role of a Shop Volunteer.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Teamwork
Clan values collaboration, so be prepared to talk about your experience working in teams. Share instances where you supported colleagues or contributed to achieving common goals, as this will show your commitment to promoting success across all shops.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Retail Basics
Even if you don't have extensive retail experience, brush up on basic retail concepts such as visual merchandising and stock management. Showing that you're willing to learn and adapt will impress the interviewers.