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- Tasks: Welcome visitors, provide information, and assist in the museum shop.
- Company: Carisbrooke Castle Museum showcases Isle of Wight history with a rich collection of over 34,000 objects.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, meet new people, and receive full training; no prior experience needed!
- Why this job: Join a passionate team in a historic setting and make a difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Friendly attitude, good communication skills, and an interest in local history.
- Other info: Volunteering is seasonal, with shifts available from April to October.
Carisbrooke Castle Museum is a museum of Isle of Wight history, run by an independent charitable trust and set within the English Heritage managed castle. It was founded in 1898 by Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter, as a memorial to her husband Prince Henry of Battenberg. Beatrice said: “It is my earnest hope and desire, with the help and co-operation of others, I may be able to form a full collection of objects of historical interest connected with the Island.” The museum collections still reflect Beatrice’s wish and the mission of the museum is to collect and record the history of the people of the Isle of Wight and make it accessible to all. The collection, acquired over the last 120 years and now totaling over 34,000 objects, includes applied art, fine art, photography, social history, science and technology, archaeology and archives, and covers local history topics from prehistory to the present day.
In 2017, volunteers at the museum were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK, celebrating the work done by these groups in their own communities. The museum is keen to recruit new volunteers to join its Visitor Welcome team. Volunteers are vital in welcoming visitors to the museum. One current volunteer explains: “I have lived a ten-minute walk from the Castle for more than 30 years and joined the museum volunteer team about 10 years ago. Not only am I interested in the castle and its royal connections, but I also enjoy meeting people. To volunteer gives me the opportunity to talk to visitors from all parts of the world and tell them a bit about our museum, its history, and exhibits. I feel privileged to volunteer in such a historic environment.”
Volunteering can offer a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people, doing something worthwhile in your spare time with just a few hours making a big difference to the museum and its work. No experience is necessary and full training is provided.
What the role involves:
- Greeting visitors at the main museum entrance and providing information.
- Assisting in the museum shop, handling transactions and documenting sales.
- Greeting and assisting visitors in the museum's restored 'Princess Beatrice's Kitchen', providing visitors with a friendly welcome and information.
Skills:
- Welcoming and friendly
- Able to communicate verbally with different types of people
- Able to follow simple processes and policies
- An interest in local history (no prior knowledge necessary)
When can I volunteer?
- Mon: Yes
- Tue: Yes
- Wed: Yes
- Thu: Yes
- Fri: Yes
- Sat: Yes
- Sun: Yes
Availability Details:
The visitor welcome role is seasonal (currently weekdays April - October). Most of our Visitor Welcome volunteers volunteer in a regular weekly shift of between 2 and 4 hours. There are various shift vacancies at the moment which can be discussed in further detail by contacting us.
Location:
Castle Hill Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1XY
Museum Volunteer - Visitor Welcome employer: IW Volunteer
Contact Detail:
IW Volunteer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Museum Volunteer - Visitor Welcome
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the history of Carisbrooke Castle and the Isle of Wight. Understanding the museum's background and its collections will help you engage more effectively with visitors and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Visit the museum before applying to get a feel for the environment and the types of visitors it attracts. This experience can provide you with valuable insights that you can share during any informal discussions with the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current volunteers or staff if possible. They can offer first-hand insights about their experiences and may even provide tips on how to stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion for local history and community engagement in conversations. Being able to express why you want to volunteer at the museum and how you can contribute to its mission will make a positive impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Museum Volunteer - Visitor Welcome
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand what the Museum Volunteer - Visitor Welcome role entails. Familiarise yourself with the museum's history and mission, as this will help you convey your enthusiasm in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the role, such as customer service, communication, or an interest in local history. Even if you lack direct experience, emphasise your willingness to learn and engage with visitors.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for volunteering and your interest in the museum. Share why you want to be part of the Visitor Welcome team and how you can contribute to enhancing the visitor experience.
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 role that involves welcoming visitors.
How to prepare for a job interview at IW Volunteer
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for History
Make sure to express your genuine interest in local history and the museum's mission. Share any personal connections you have with the Isle of Wight or its history, as this will demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves interacting with visitors from various backgrounds, practice clear and friendly communication. You might want to role-play greeting visitors or answering common questions to build your confidence.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Museum
Take some time to learn about Carisbrooke Castle Museum, its collections, and its history. Being knowledgeable about the exhibits will help you engage with visitors and provide them with valuable information.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Teamwork
Volunteering is all about collaboration. Be prepared to talk about your experiences working in teams, how you handle different personalities, and your willingness to support fellow volunteers and staff.
