Have you ever volunteered for a non profit activity?
What was it like?
Presentation: Interviewer’s Curiosity
Siarhei: What's your attitude towards volunteering work? I mean, and in general, like, say. I don't know. I mean animal shelters or some overseas volunteering. Whatever if you tried it, what was your experience like?
Volunteering is great from humane perspective
Daniel: I've not come across any volunteering to be honest. I have, I just think it's great for designers who want to get started. And want to build a portfolio. Because if you; there's a difference between actually doing a project and doing like a concept project. Because it's different when you handle a customer. So I think volunteering, in that instance, is great for both sides. Because one side gets the design, you could say, and the other gets a product for their portfolio and also some experience how to handle customers.
Daniel: I've not come across any animal shelters looking for volunteers here. Because it's, kind of, were I live you have volunteering activities. But it's not really design focused. I've come across people that, I say, were kind of use. I do not say use. But kind of use designers who had no job at the moment, or were looking for a job. Or volunteering in a hope of getting the position. And I think that's kind of scammy. From my point of perspective.
Daniel: I think if you come across animal shelter, or someone who is in need for design work in your specific location. Then go ahead and do it. I think it's a great thing to do from humane perspective. And I really vouch for that.
Siarhei: Ok, so you agree, that volunteering in general helps you to develop, maybe, the skill of conversation with a customer.
design
blazingly fast
I really get into it and get involved.
than just a designer.
Volunteering teaches patience with customers
Daniel: Yeah, more than that, it, I think, it also offers just overall dynamic experience with customers. And I think if you managed to get well with that. You'll be even. You'll be better off ahead. Because, if you have the incentive of getting paid. You can be even more patient. Becaue even if the customer is super annoying like, very unpolite, you can say even rude. If you have the fact in mind you're getting paid for this. It kind of calms you down a time. And if you even don't have that, and you're doing this out of your own good. Then I think you'll be even better off afterwards.
Everyone has something to offer
Siarhei: Ok, and you are also, like I understand, maybe, warn people, those who try to do volunteering work for free. In a hope of getting paid later on. You're against it as I see.
Daniel: I don't. It really depends on the situation. Because, I've come across people who were kind of manipulative. And tried earlier, like back in days, who tried to use me and use my skills. Like, obviously it didn't work for them. At least they tried. I imagine someone who is less experienced and could fall into that. Just be careful and avoid people like that.
Siarhei: Yeah, I see. I also agree with that. But from my experience as a freelancer. I had some gap between working for big companies. It's quite often the case when other party kind of does not have the trust. And on the other hand you have to sustain your living. So, if you agree to work for free, then you waste your time. And won't be able to pay your bills, whatever. On the other hand, if that person is trying to scam someone who is actually without expertise. They will also waste their time anyway.
Siarhei: I have some thought. It' from a book called The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick. It's about customers development. The author has an interesting phrase. It says like - there're actually few currencies you can use as a guarantee that you're not wasting your time with anyone. Like except for money, it can be the prestige or the status. I mean, like, say I do the work for you. Then you advertise my portfolio on your website, to your business associates, whatever. So if you do not want to use money, then make sure to use few other things. That are a proof of involvement and commitment.
Apply risk management for suspicous offers
Daniel: Yeah, everyone has something to offer. I think that's a great deal to have. At least get some publicity off of it or, I don't know, something that is better for you.
Daniel: Like I said earlier, double check people. Because I've come across people, who presented themselves, like yeah, I'm this big entepreneur, I had two startups that I sold. I'm getting this third one. And you should help me up now. I just, don't have any investments now, so I can't pay you off.
Daniel: But later on you'll be able to make some big money. It's better to check facts, or sign a contract instead of relying on false promises. That's another tip for everyone.
Siarhei: Yeah, maybe, I think it maybe good just to involve some risk management. Like say if you do not know whether it is worth it or not. You can say, like, ok I can afford 4 hours per week and then I wait for some commitment from the other side. Until then I put the job aside. And look for something else. Because that one is something risky. I spent enough for me. To make sure, that ok, I can not do more without acknowledgement and commitment from the other side. On the other hand, I've spent at least something. Maybe it was worth it.
Daniel: Yeah, I think it's a great idea to do. I definitely agree with that.
So, here's your call to action – reflect on things you've learnt and send us your thoughts. We'd love to hear about your LinkedIn experiences and maybe even provide some more tips for your job hunt. Remember, you've got this, and LinkedIn is your trusty sidekick on this adventure. Happy job hunting! 🚀