Volunteering & anxiety & references.

Voldemort_2

Hi,

I'm 20 and currently seeking work after leaving university due to bad anxiety and the wrong course choice. I have zero on my cv, no references (none that I would like to approach anyway) or work experience to show to any potential employer, so I was thinking that voluntary work might help me get these.

I understand that without a degree I am going to have to start right at the bottom. My confidence is at zero level and I am socially inept, but I really do want to get over this and have someone just give me a chance.

Has anyone done voluntary work? I was thinking about doing some charity shop volunteering just so that I can apply for basic retail jobs and build up my confidence before trying to find something more permanent... Does anyone know how long is necessary to work before it is kosher to ask for a reference? Is one month enough, providing that I put in quite a few hours per week?

Would like to hear from people in a similar situation, as I am a nervous wreck so a little encouragement wouldn't go wrong! Also, what is shop-work like? Might it be difficult for someone with social anxiety?

Chesnut1

Volunteering does sound a good option for you. From what I have heard off friends it is a good way of gaining a reference but normally you would need to volunteer for about 6 months. This is because they are vouching for you so they really need to see how you work/cope over a longer period and also employers will probably not be satisfied if the time period was shorter. Hope this helps and good luck.

Voldemort_2

Ah okay, I understand... though I do not know what I am going to do if I cannot work for another six months due to lack of a reference. I have a feeling that my parents my opt to chuck me out because they're tired of me being in their way!

Chesnut1

I know what you mean, I have not worked since last Nov due to major opp. Since stat sick pay ran out I have had nothing to live off. My other half is having a hard time making his wages spread and my last employer still has not given me the promised reference. Just a thought who did your personal statement for uni? would they be any good for a ref. Only thought of this as I am thinking of returning to Uni but do not have anyone suitable to do my personal statement.

djdido2

Hey there

You are still quite young so having nothing on your CV would not be that uncommon. There are many many volunteer opportunities for you so do not limit yourself. Maybe you would benefit from working particularly alongside people who suffer from anxiety, nerves so you would not feel so out there all on your own. Look at building your self esteem to arm with yourself with a bit more confidence. If you are keen I am sure you will find work soon.

Good Luck

x

Dido

Voldemort_2

My A level tutor did my personal statement but I haven't seen or spoken to him since I left college (in May '06) so I feel awkward asking for a reference. Plus I fear that the reference he'll give may not be particularly good. I'd like to start from scratch on this I think... I've changed a lot in a year (probably for the worse!) and need to build myself up again before I throw myself into anything. I threw myself into uni thinking that things might be different, but it ended in failure.

As for voluntary work - I'm trying to find something admin-realted to do, as in the long term I'd like to be an accountant. I think it'd be easier than throwing myself at the mercy of the public straight away somehow, but I live in a small town though so there isn't a lot here.

Chesnut1

OK I see your point on the personal statement it was just a thought. Emm admin work is there any community centers in your area that might like help in the office? or if you like animals any rescue centres for any kind of animals near you. They are always crying out for help even in their office. Failing that how about offering a prospective employer that you would work a trial period for a few weeks on a reduced wage. ( If you can do that with national minimum wage) someone would need to advice you on that.

Voldemort_2

That's a good idea about the trial period... I'll have to find out if it's possible. Most of the application forms I've seen have a section that specifically asks about past employment and/or details of referees, which always puts me off applying as I'd have to leave it blank!

Would it be possible to put a friend as a personal reference?!

anewman

Hi, I feel I'm in a similar kind of situation, although I completed university and am now doing a masters as I couldn't get a job. I find interviews go like lead baloons because employers expect people with great communication skills. I also tend to "freeze up" in interviews. Can't wait for the day I get a job and start earning money.

Sorry I can't post a more optimistic response but good luck whatever happens

djdido2

Voldemort

Have you ever had any kind of employment? Be it a Saturday Job or a Paper round etc when you were younger??? Look at www.do-it.org for all the volunteer opportunities specific to the area you live in. You can even choose what type of work you want to do and give your availablility.

Go for it!!!

Plum_Pie

I used to be a volunteer coordinator for a charitable org. The standard we set for taking on a volunteer was lower than for a paid employee (obviously), but if the volunteer had a really great attitude, it was more impressive than if they were being paid. I think 1 month is Ok if you put in the hours, are punctual and try hard.

Almost everyone has a 'work face' which they hide behind during payroll hours! (In my case, a calmer, politer version of the person my friends know!) Anyone you deal with at work is judging you on courtesy and whether you make an effort to help them, not on YOU AS A PERSON! (And everyone has tough moments at work, esp if you work with the public, no one expects you to be superhuman!)