ASK HR: Should I volunteer as I wait to take up the new job?

Q. I interviewed for a fantastic job at a not-for-profit agency, unfortunately, I can only take up the new role in April this year due to budgeting constraints.

Should I offer to volunteer in the job between now and then? I am afraid that the position might go to someone else if I sit back and wait.

With a signed contract at hand, the job is yours, so there is no need to be anxious, in any case, if my reading is right, there is no authorised role until April, meaning, perhaps, that there is no structure to support your volunteer enthusiasm.

That aside, the key question is whether it is right to temporarily volunteer for roles you qualify for as a paid hire to ease financial burden to the employer.

There is no right or wrong answer, but I will highlight considerations I would make if I were in your situation.

First, I would not let a great learning opportunity pass me by, especially when I have nothing to lose, so if you have time to spare, offer your skills and learn as you wait for your appointment to start. You will have a head start into the role and are most likely to succeed as your learning curve will be shorter. So yes, go for it. There are a few challenges you might want to consider as you make this decision though.

This gesture and enthusiasm may as well be misconstrued by your soon-to-be employer to mean you are idle. It might however not come to this since it is wise to choose learning than remain idle. And if you were honest about your current occupation as stated in your CV or during the interview, your enthusiasm will be well received.

The bigger risk is that you may come across as too eager to please. You have an agreement, signed by both parties assuring you of the role in a couple of months.

Your gesture may easily be seen as a desperate move to secure the job. My view is if this potential employer concludes the same, they may see this as a selfish gesture done out of insecurity, but if you sense they feel you are the right fit for the job, they are likely to see this as a good gesture.

You could check with your sources whether the organisation has handled a similar request in the past, if not, there is always a first. You will never know if you do not ask.

Weigh these options and I am sure you will make the right decision. Do not mess up this fantastic opportunity by over-analysing and allowing fear to guide you. You seem to have the right drive and passion, sell that.

***

Do you have a question? Send it to our team: [email protected]