Voluntary Work

Re: Voluntary Work

Alan Tevendale — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:12:57 GMT

Getting experience in any field of work is always going to be one of the most difficult aspects of the job. As an employer I would always if possible employ someone with good experience over a new grad etc. Obviously that isn't always possible. Like previous postings I would, if I were you, take the positive from this that you now have some much needed experience and now try to find a appropriate job for you.

Try not to take this as too much of a negative and move on.

Re: Voluntary Work

Mark Hedberg — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:03:42 GMT

[quote user="plantagenet"]

As an employer, I have had this situation. A young would-be vet nurse helped at the practice for a considerable period. I would not have employed her and the job that she could have had went to someone else. I would have given her a refererence, but it can be very difficult to be entirely honest in a reference. We have to employ who we think is right for the practice, not to return a favour, I'm afraid. That you are not the right person for this practice is not necessarily condemnation and the practice has given you the opportunity to get the experience which may make you more able to get a job elsewhere.

[/quote]

I certainly agree it's a difficult position...It's hard to write "good work for free but not work I'd pay for" on a reference ;)

Re: Voluntary Work

An On MRCVS — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 22:45:54 GMT

Mark, you're right. This is exactly how I feel. I think I'm loosing my time now, and I could do my best if offered the job.

Sometimes the meritocracy seems rare, and I feel frustrated about that.

The owner may think I'm not right for the practice, but it's not what all the other colleagues and nurses say about me.

All of them are happy to work with me, and I'm happy with them. So I really don't understand.

I hope to find a job soon, otherwise I'm not sure what to do.

Thanks.

Re: Voluntary Work

plantagenet — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 17:19:32 GMT

Re: Voluntary Work

Mark Hedberg — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 17:10:08 GMT

If you're worried he's not supporting you, maybe ask for a reference letter? Something in writing is generally useful.

Of course, the other point of view is this: of course he's not going to offer you a position - you've proved you'll work for free, so if he doesn't offer you the position then you might still stay as a volunteer. So he'll have his vet employee AND your free work. Great deal, isn't it?

Re: Voluntary Work

Michael Woodhouse — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 15:56:45 GMT

Maybe the boss doesn't think you are right for the practice. That doesn't mean that the experience you are gaining during your work experience is meaningless nor does it mean they will no longer act as a referee. We have recently given a vet student a reference despite the fact we would never consider employing him.

From reading your post I assume you are not a UK graduate?