At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with customers, sort stock, and create eye-catching displays in our vibrant shop.
- Company: Join Save the Children and make a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, gain valuable skills, and be part of a passionate team.
- Other info: Voluntary role for those over 18, with training provided.
- Why this job: Have fun while helping children around the world and supporting your community.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and teamwork spirit.
Here are 5 reasons you'll love to volunteer in our shops:
- It's fun
- It's flexible
- You'll learn and share skills
- You'll be making a difference
- You'll work with a great team
We're passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.
Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18.
Volunteering in the shop Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.
Our Wandsworth Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there's plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised. It's up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you've applied.
Why volunteer with Save the Children? In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing life-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.
Skills and experiences we seek: We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don't need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What's important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.
What happens next? After you've filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It's a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it's for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don't have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn't related).
How to apply: Express your interest on email via the apply button.
Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18.
Volunteer Shop Assistant — Flexible Hours, Make an Impact employer: Job Search Place Limited
At Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children, we offer a vibrant and inclusive volunteering experience that allows you to make a meaningful impact in your community while having fun. Our flexible hours enable you to balance your commitments, and you'll gain valuable skills while working alongside a passionate team dedicated to advocating for children's rights both locally and globally. Join us in transforming second-hand clothing into vital funds for children in need, all within the welcoming atmosphere of our Wandsworth shop.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Shop Assistant — Flexible Hours, Make an Impact
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the shop and its mission! Before your trial shift, do a bit of research on Save the Children and what they stand for. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Be yourself during the trial shift! It's all about finding the right fit, so let your personality shine through. Engage with customers and fellow volunteers, and don’t be afraid to ask questions – it shows you're eager to learn!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your commitment! If you can, express your willingness to take on various tasks, whether it's sorting stock or creating displays. Flexibility is key, and it’ll demonstrate that you’re ready to jump in and help out wherever needed.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your trial shift! A quick thank-you email to the team can go a long way. It shows appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds as they consider who to bring on board as a volunteer.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Shop Assistant — Flexible Hours, Make an Impact
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are and what makes you tick. Don’t be afraid to share your passions and why you want to volunteer with us.
Show Your Enthusiasm:Make sure to express your excitement about the role! We love candidates who are eager to learn and contribute. A little enthusiasm goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for. Highlight any relevant experiences, even if they’re not directly related to retail – teamwork and communication skills are key!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing volunteers who want to join our team. Plus, it shows you’re serious about making an impact!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Impact
Before your interview, take some time to understand the mission of Save the Children and how volunteering in the shop contributes to that. Be ready to share why you want to make a difference and how you can help raise vital funds.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in this role, think of examples from your past experiences where you've worked well with others. Highlight your ability to collaborate and support your teammates, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Open to Learning
The role doesn’t require prior retail experience, so emphasise your willingness to learn new skills. Mention any past experiences where you’ve quickly adapted to new tasks or environments, showing that you’re ready to embrace training.
✨Dress for the Occasion
Even though it’s a volunteer position, first impressions matter! Dress smart-casual for your interview to show that you respect the opportunity and are serious about contributing to the team.
