Application to be a volunteer at a Refugee advisor denied

[Roukaya]

As explained, I showed an interest to apply for volunteer role at a local Midlands Refugee and Asylum Centre.

I went in person and applied for the role as a Volunteer as advertised on their website .

Later this afternoon, I am told there is a waiting list for the voluntary role .

I find this difficult to digest as they specifically advertised the role on their website .

I replied to the organisation and wrote why advertise for the role if you have a waiting list of applicants?

Any one care to comment?

[hypercat54]

Sometimes an organisation has someone lined up for the role but have to advertise it anyway to meet rules. The civil service are notorious for that.

Why not contact them and ask them?

[Roukaya in reply to hypercat54]

To Hypercat I hope you are well.

I did demand a response and I was told the organisation is small and can only accommodate successful candidates as and when a vacancy becomes available.

I find their response an absolute insult to my intelligence because if they have insufficient space for volunteers why advertise on their website for new volunteers.

I went in person to hand deliver the completed application form as was told we have many candidates to choose from .

I think even for this voluntary role , they are choosing who they wish to have .

Even today , I saw a very young customer service assistant become manager of a large supermarket chain.

I have seen it is because she is of the same culture as the preceeding manager so clearly she was favoured for the promotion.

I can see just how tough this world is and I will continue to try but I think my age is a deterrent but I am open to new roles which can benefit from my current skill base .

I hope you are keeping well.

[hypercat54 in reply to Roukaya]

Yes ta. It is notoriously difficult in the UK to find work when you are over 50. Unless you have a very valuable and in short supply skill. Even volunteer work.

The jobcentres are full of the over 50's and over 60's desperately trying to find employment and competing against those much younger.

Have you tried the CAB?

[hypercat54 in reply to hypercat54]

Also I don't know if ethinicity plays a role too as I find many Brits are racist.

This and age discrimination is against the law of course but is very difficult to prove.

[Roukaya in reply to hypercat54]

I would like to explain that I had been shortlisted for a legal property paralegal in Stockport , interviewed for a Paralegal job in Chesterfield plus another job in Manchester.

I have been a Generalist Advisor for the Citizens Advice Bureau from 2010 until 2012.

I can agree it is hard but not impossible as I have had a few interviews but in Manchester however I live in the East Midlands. So following the advice of my , I have tried and continue to try .

[Turnipgirl in reply to hypercat54]

The health service do that as well their jobs are unofficially gone before anyone has their interviews.

[Trentz]

I agree with hypercat, sounds like it was lined up for someone internal. Don't let it get you down, just keep going. You will find something.

[Roukaya]

kind words

How are you ?

[Kinlay]

Sometimes they are looking/hoping/waiting for a specific skill set or a specific "fit". That doesn't mean you did anything wrong. Also, many places also keep a roster of volunteers. I would wait a few weeks and reach back out to let them know you are still interested - if you are. In the meantime, why not look into other volunteer opportunities in your area!

[Roukaya in reply to Kinlay]

Thanks you response .

I will continue to look for other volunteer jobs or paid employment.

[MaggieSylvie]

Hi Roukaya, I agree with every one here, and this kind of thing has one "hopping mad". I just think you have to give it some time and then make a phone call. Get your name familiar to the company so that you are one of those at the top of the list next time.

[Roukaya in reply to MaggieSylvie]

Hello

I was told at first instance there are many candidates who have applied once I had delivered the application form .

Once they had received the application, I was told there is a waiting list .

I should have been told they are seeking volunteers to be appointed as and when necessary .

[MaggieSylvie in reply to Roukaya]

They probably have told you that and it is a disappointing outlook. You could write and say how disappointed you are at their methods of employment and if they have a waiting list, you are hoping to be placed at the top, as you are hoping to be employed by them as quickly as possible. They might have one group operating at the moment and only need one volunteer, but as they develop into more areas, they will need more volunteers.

[Firinne]

I also live in the East Midlands and would be interested in doing some volunteer work. My problem would be my age, I think - I am 77 although reasonably fit. If I do find anything, I'll let you know, Roukaya.

[JaaKK]

Good morning,

That is so great, that you are looking to volunteer! To give of your time to help others! God bless you! Just like the rest of life, sometimes we run into roadblocks. Maybe you might be a better fit somewhere else where they can really use your skills and talents! Where they are desperate for volunteer help.

Don't worry about this place that you applied to volunteer at, there are many other places that would appreciate your help. Just keep searching for that right fit!

[MaggieSylvie]

I totally get where you are coming from. I can only think that the list was compiled once they had received applications for the job, that they have one job at the moment but there are likely to be more in the future. Let's hope that's the case.

[catsrock]

That's weird, but I'm guessing it may be a sign of how disorganized they are which isn't uncommon at non-profits since they are usually understaffed. I hope you find somewhere that is a better fit for you as there as so many places that need help.