Job search: voluntary work, constable!

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 - Job Search UK, Voluntray work

Job search: voluntary work, constable!

In these times when many are unemployed, the recruitment profession has turned to the benefits of voluntary work on your Professional CV.

The types of voluntary work available are huge, and vary from internships for school leavers and graduates, to community voluntary work for adult job seekers. All of these types of voluntary work come with a few plus points (you don’t end up with a “gap” on your CV; you have real work experience – best undertaken in your ideal next job market), but one big downside: it costs!

If you read many of the job seeker forums, particularly those focused on graduates, then personally I conclude that presently employers are taking graduates for every penny they possibly can in an extended and real-life job interview version of Sir Alan’s The Apprentice. On the one hand I think buyer beware, and on the other hand think there should be some guidance to employers about what is an internship and what is exploitation: presently, its too far towards the later.

Voluntary work outcome

One of the outcomes of a piece of voluntary work should be a great job reference: if it is not then what did you go through that time and cost for? However, some forget to gain a reference, and some job seekers get something which is akin to that written by a primary school teacher.

I always recommend having regular minuted reviews with your supervisor (accepting that that person in a voluntary situation can change regularly), and then drafting a suitable job reference towards the end of your voluntary period. Don’t pack it full of power words, but make it factual:

• Worked from/to (dates)
• Did the following duties
• Achievement, ie: Supervised people or gained additional sales or organised something
• Now leaving because they want to get paid work, we will miss them
• Contact us at (address/telephone).

Best voluntary work?

However, following a recent conversation with a long term job seeker, there is a form of voluntary work which is available to all and comes with a secret golden lining: it engages every employer and increases your chances of a job interview. There is a downside in that they ideally want you to volunteer for a period of at least six months, but the training is good and often there is reimbursement of what could be considered reasonable costs, covering travel and free in-house tea and biscuits.

Who is this voluntary work with? Your local police force. The combined UK police forces set up the website Police Could You to attract new full-time police officers, but it now also covers PCSO’s, Special Constables, Civilian support staff as well as Police volunteers.

Now, don’t be upset that you won’t as a volunteer tracking down hardened criminals like they do on ITV’s “The Bill,” but your job will involve supporting police officers in their daily duties and making sure the system runs smoothly. In reality, the job is acting as an admin support officer like in any office, but the quality of the training (hence why they want you to stay for at least six months), and reference is second to none.

For young people, Police Could You also has details on the cadet forces which is handy for this young future policeman……

Getting into the Police Force?

Gareth asks: I’m 16 just left school, and I want to become a policeman once I’m 18. At the moment, as i have two years to wait, are there any good ideas for me to do which could get me a better chance in getting into the police force? Ideas could be like courses at college? Jobs in helping me gain better chances in getting into the police force? etc.. Thanks!

In answer:
Nice to reply to someone who knows what they want to do! The police have a cadet force which exists for those between the ages of 16 and 18, details of which can be found on the dedicated police recruitment website at Police Could You.

Your chances of getting in from the cadet force are six times as great as if you apply from the general public. The greatest reason for rejection from the police force is physical fitness, so after getting a general health check from your GP to make sure there is nothing long term stopping you passing a police medical, I would join a local gym or sports club. Even better, get involved in some training of others in your chosen sport, so you can show your ability to engage the community. I would also look at community projects and volunteer projects.

With regards education, the police are pretty easy on qualifications, but written and applied subject areas, and the new areas of psychology also help. All of these are available at A-level, or in some form of work-related subject area. Also, don’t forget to get your driving license, and try to find an instructor who is ex-local police.

Good Luck!

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8 Responses to “Job search: voluntary work, constable!”

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