At a Glance
- Tasks: Help sort, price, and display donations while engaging with customers.
- Company: Join Age UK East Sussex and be part of a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and meet new friends.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; perfect for students looking to volunteer.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while having fun and learning new skills.
- Qualifications: No special skills needed, just a friendly attitude and willingness to help.
The predicted salary is between 24960 - 29120 £ per year.
Our shops help raise lots of money for us. It’s always lovely chatting to our customers about the fabulous items we sell and telling them about the fantastic work that we do. As a volunteer you will get the chance to meet new people and make friends, plus be part of an amazing team of volunteers.
There’s so much for you to get stuck into when volunteering in our shops. We get lots of donations so you will be rolling up your sleeves in the back room where you will be receiving, sorting, steaming and pricing donations. It’s always exciting when one of our volunteers spots a real gem.
On the shop floor, as well as welcoming and serving our customers with a smile, you will be using the till (don’t worry, we will show you how) and handling money. When people come in to donate items you will also be completing the Gift Aid forms that let their donations help us even more.
It’s really important that our window and shop displays look appealing so people keep visiting our shops, so you'll be wielding a duster and vacuum as well as your imagination to make the shop look its best. It would be ideal if you could volunteer one shift a week, which is about four hours but we’re also happy to have more flexible times.
No special skills are needed as we will show you what to do and will provide all the training you need. But if you have any experience or particular interest tell us, it may come in useful. It’s really easy to get your volunteering started, if you’re over 16 years old, just click on ‘Apply’ and get filling in your details! We currently need more volunteers to help at weekends.
As a Stock Team Volunteer, most importantly you will be preparing, sorting and pricing incoming stock ready to go out on the shop floor to sell or to be distributed to a more suitable site for sale. Occasionally we may need you to be serving and advising our customers whilst always showing a genuine interest in their needs.
What you will be doing:
- Greet and assist customers in a polite and friendly manner
- Receive donations and complete Gift Aid paperwork
- Sort donations for resale, recycling or disposal
- Label and price goods, referring to the internet for specific price guides if required
- Steam and hang clothing
- Replenish and display stock in the shop throughout the day
- Assist in keeping the shop clean and tidy following the cleaning rota
- Undertake other tasks as required by the Shop Manager
The skills you need:
- Have basic numeracy and literacy skills
- Have IT and internet skills
- Have a neat and organised approach to your role
- Enjoy working as part of a team
- Be trustworthy and reliable
What's in it for you:
- An induction and ongoing training with support sessions if required
- Reimbursement of out of pocket travelling expenses
- Full recognition of the time, energy and skills volunteers freely give – for example long service and merit awards
- The opportunity to be part of a friendly team
- Respect for volunteer’s limitations, both in time and emotional involvement
- The opportunity to meet other volunteers and attend occasional social events
- The opportunity to be involved in the planning and development of Age UK East Sussex
- Appropriate insurance cover – to protect you whilst you are acting on behalf of Age UK East Sussex
- The opportunity to enhance your skills in a retail environment
Age UK East Sussex reserves the right to review this role description from time to time to best suit the changing nature of the role in line with service needs. Any changes to this document will be made by mutual agreement.
Volunteer Shop Stock & Display Assistant employer: Age UK East Sussex
At Age UK East Sussex, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our volunteers. Our friendly and supportive work culture fosters community engagement, allowing you to meet new people while making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. With flexible volunteering hours, comprehensive training, and opportunities for personal growth, you'll find a rewarding experience in our vibrant retail environment located in Newhaven.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Shop Stock & Display Assistant
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out local community events and markets where retail opportunities often pop up. Volunteering at these events not only gives you experience but also helps you make valuable connections with local retailers who might be on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers like us.
✨Reach Out to Local Businesses
Don’t be shy! Walk into shops and ask if they need help. Many small retail stores appreciate the extra hands and are often more flexible with unofficial volunteering roles. Plus, it shows your initiative and interest directly to the business owners.
✨Join Retail Volunteer Networks
Look for local volunteer networks or organisations that specialise in retail placements. These platforms often have a solid list of volunteer opportunities tailored to the retail sector and can connect us with like-minded individuals who can share their experiences.
✨Showcase Your Passion Online
Use social media to showcase your passion for retail. Share posts about your favourite local shops or your thoughts on retail trends. It’s a great way to increase your visibility in the community and may catch the eye of potential retail opportunities—especially if you’re looking to volunteer!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Shop Stock & Display Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, it's all about great customer interactions. Share any previous experience you have in customer service roles, even if it's informal, like helping out in a family shop or during school events. Highlighting a friendly attitude and a willingness to help goes a long way!
Don’t Forget to Mention Team Spirit:Retail thrives on teamwork! Make sure you mention any group activities or volunteer work where you’ve collaborated with others. This shows that you can communicate well and contribute to a positive environment, which is key for any retail role.
Craft a Warm Cover Letter:Since this is a volunteer role, your cover letter should reflect your passion for helping others and your eagerness to learn. Talk about why you want to volunteer with Age UK East Sussex and how contributing aligns with your values and career goals. Make it personal!
Highlight Availability:Being flexible with your schedule can really set you apart for a volunteer position. Mention your availability clearly in your application so that Age UK East Sussex knows when you can jump in and help out. They’ll appreciate your willingness to work around their needs!
How to prepare for a job interview at Age UK East Sussex
✨Dress the Part
Even though it's a volunteer role, you want to show that you respect the retail environment at Age UK East Sussex. Go for a smart-casual look that matches the store vibe—this shows you're ready to represent their brand effectively, and it creates a positive first impression!
✨Know the Products
Retail is all about understanding the products and services on offer. Brush up on Age UK East Sussex’s key items or any seasonal promotions they might have going on. This knowledge not only helps you engage with customers but also shows your commitment to getting involved.
✨Customer Interaction Scenarios
Expect scenarios where you'll demonstrate your customer service skills. Prepare to role-play or answer questions about handling difficult customers or upselling products. Practising these interactions can help us feel more confident and show how we can positively impact the Age UK East Sussex experience.
✨Passion for Retail
As a volunteer, your enthusiasm can shine through your motivation. Be ready to share why you love retail and what excites you about working with Age UK East Sussex. This shows that you’re eager to learn and contribute, which is always a massive plus!
