Careers Springboard is a registered charity providing help to job seekers who are trying to get back into employment.
We are seeking volunteer Interview Practice Advisors with at least three years experience in career coaching.
Careers Springboard is based at Gerrards Cross, South Bucks, but this matters little because all our 1-2-1 services and contact with job seekers takes place online from anywhere in the UK.
We have a weekly online Zoom meeting on a Monday evening when there is a presentation on a job search related topic. Attendance of job seekers (members) on a Monday evening averages 50+.
Over the past 30+ years, we have helped over 3,500 job seekers to secure new employment. Job seekers can apply for our various 1-2-1 services using a simple application process outlined on our website.
At Careers Springboard we provide a range of free support to managers, professionals, administrators and graduates who are seeking employment, including free individualised support to prepare for job interviews.
Applications for our Interview Practice Advisors are initially handled by co-ordinators who obtain a "picture" of the interview practice (e.g. job description etc) which is being requested before contacting our volunteer Interview Practice Advisors to conduct the interview practice itself.
The volunteer Interview Practice Advisor procedure which is used by Careers Springboard Gerrards Cross (CSGX) aims to ensure the highest standards are maintained in relation to the recruitment of volunteers with at least three years appropriate experience.
Experienced Interview Practice Advisors will submit an expression of interest by email to Reach Volunteering. Equal opportunities principles will be adhered to in recruiting appropriate volunteers.
To safeguard our volunteers and members, a risk assessment is in place. CSGX provides professional indemnity insurance.
The volunteer Interview Practice Advisor will be interviewed online by one of our experienced volunteers, and will be formally 'approved' by the Executive Committee to join the team of volunteers.
Volunteer co-ordinators will oversee the scheduling of Interview Practice Advisor sessions and are the first point of contact for any concerns or complaints.
Hours will be 2-3 hours per week with flexible timing that can fit in and around your working day.
We want to have a pool of Interview Practice Advisors so you can feel part of a community as well getting support from our wider volunteer team.
Your input will make a very positive impact on those who are seeking help to pull themselves back into employment. You will shape how we present ourselves to our service users.
With your help we will be able to continue to promote our Interview Practice Advisor service for the benefit of our end users - the job seekers.
You will help us reach out and spread the word of Careers Springboard 1-2-1 services.
Your networking and contacts will help amplify the work already being done by an excellent team of volunteers.
You can provide online personalised support, guidance and encouragement to job seekers who join Careers Springboard. Our informal self-help group enables job seekers to come to grips with their situation, generating confidence and demonstrating how a job search is best managed.
Interview Practice Advisor sessions usually last 45-60 minutes. Follow up sessions for further interviews may also be provided in some instances.
The voluntary work with Careers Springboard is a sound and meaningful launching pad for coaching services experience.
As well as confirming their coaching experience, applications will be enhanced when instances are provided of coaching service skills and experience to clients who are seeking employment or similar stress situations. Applications will also demonstrate at least 3 years of such experience.
1-2-1 Interview Practice sessions will be 45 to 60 mins long and will usually take place online using Zoom.
Applications will show how you can help Careers Springboard members to come to grips with their interview ahead, inspiring confidence and showing members how to organise and prepare for their forthcoming interview(s).
Interview Practice Advisors will be asked to attend 10% of our Careers Springboard Programme (Jan to April, May to July, September to December) in order to maintain a current understanding of the topics, concerns and questions of Careers Springboard members.
We always reach out to members who have secured work and we will update volunteers when a member secures employment, so you know about the impact your support has had.
It's a Job to Get a Job !
Getting a job is a job in itself for our members. As an Interview Practice Advisor you will be part of helping our members gain increased confidence and ultimately financial security for them and their family
Most of the job seekers will be management, administrators and professionals plus some graduates.
Operating within a self help group, volunteer Interview Practice Advisors will be highly focused on all the qualities necessary to provide successful online interview practice - clear direction, full understanding of the interview / job ahead, patience, flexibility, confidence, perseverance, responsive.
This Interview Practice Advisor opportunity is aimed at and requires someone with at least three years of professional experience in coaching services.
The focus of the advisor's time will be to support members of Careers Springboard with interview practice and preparation through online 1-2-1 sessions lasting 45 minutes to 1 hour tailored to the job seeker's needs. Interview Practice sessions will involve spending time preparing the member for their upcoming interview, checking that they have researched the organisation's values and ensuring that they are clear on their skills and strengths and know how to talk about these confidently. As an Interview Practice Advisor, you will go over the STAR technique, help establish some answers to competency-based questions and practise a mock interview if this is appropriate.
We are not very prescriptive about how the session is conducted and every coach will have their own style and way of bringing their own skills and experience into the session.
The impact of this work can be instant as well as long lasting. Job interviews can be challenging, especially for people who haven’t had an interview for some time. Without practical tools, practice and feedback it is easy to become trapped in a cycle of failed interviews.
Interview Practice Advisor applicants are required to have HR or coaching or management experience as well as knowledge of interview techniques and recruitment practices. We look for approachable, empathetic and empowering volunteers.
Please submit your CV and, if possible, a Linkedin page.
