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- Tasks: Assist customers, process sales, and create attractive displays in our charity shop.
- Company: Join the RSPCA team, 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 enjoying a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Friendly attitude, good communication skills, and a commitment to volunteering on weekends.
- Other info: No retail experience needed; full training provided!
Milton Keynes and North Bucks RSPCA have a cattery and two retail shops that support the work of the cattery and our fosterers. Anyone joining the Newport Pagnell team is in for a real treat; our Shop manager, Ruth, is friendly and supportive and takes her role as a mentor seriously. You will most likely be working with one or more other people during a 4 hour shift. The shop is based in Newport Pagnell and ideally the person coming to volunteer will be from the Milton Keynes or Bedford area.
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.
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 on Fridays and Saturdays.
- 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.
We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!
Charity Shop Assistant (Milton Keynes and North Bucks 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 (Milton Keynes and North Bucks 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 shop before applying to get a feel for the environment. This will not only show your commitment but also give you insights into how the shop operates, which you can mention when you meet the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current volunteers or staff if possible. Engaging with them can provide you with insider tips on what they value in a volunteer and may even lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your availability and flexibility during your shifts. Since they are looking for ongoing commitment, showing that you can be reliable on Fridays and Saturdays will make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Charity Shop Assistant (Milton Keynes and North Bucks Branch)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Charity Shop Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for animal welfare and your desire to contribute to the RSPCA's mission. Share any relevant experiences, even if they are not directly related to retail, to demonstrate your commitment.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your communication and numeracy skills in your CV and cover letter. If you have any experience in customer service or teamwork, make sure to include specific examples that showcase these abilities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
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 motivations that drive you to support charities like the RSPCA, as this will resonate well with the team.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working closely with other volunteers and the shop manager, highlight your ability to work in a team. Provide examples of past experiences where you collaborated effectively with others to achieve a common goal.
✨Prepare for Customer Interaction
As a Charity Shop Assistant, you'll be interacting with customers regularly. Practice how you would greet customers, assist them in finding items, and handle transactions. A friendly and approachable attitude is key!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer about the role and the charity's mission. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team's success.
