Dear All,
I'm not wanting to get drawn on some of the elements of this conversation, but, if I may just clarify a couple of things, as well as add a few bits of advice from my perspective:
1. This job isn't to replace Chris B. As mentioned when Chris B left, we've restructured things. This vacancy will sit within the Helpline, which is what I manage, i.e. Services.
2. As always with job vacancies, you're looking for the best. How do you know that you're the best? You don't! All you can do is as yourself whether you fit the job descript
ion. If you think you do, then apply. What have you got to lose?
3. folie a deux - not sure when you applied (and didn't get a reply), but can only assume this was the last job vacancy we had (which, in this context, I'm embarassed to say I got!)? If so, as Southern Chap says, it's a sad fact that employers (certainly small charities like Unlock) rarely have the resources to respond to all applications. However, in reference to your community service of 2011, I'm not sure of who you are, but I recall an instance where this was inquired into. From memory, I asked the person to get Probation to contact us, but this didn't happen. Sadly, we can't do much in that situation. But, we have recently had talks with Kent Probation about
how something like this would work. Our concern is that people may feel that being at our office is a punishment - not something we want!
4. To everybody that's reading this, if I can give some personal advice.
Five years ago, I was sat in my little room in a student flat up in Leeds. I regularly used the Unlock site, and one night, I happened to see a job vacancy. That was February 2007. I thought - "what have I got to lose". So, I applied. It was a rare opportunity that I just couldn't afford to turn a blind eye to. It was ideal in so many ways.
I'll never forget the long 4 hour drive from Leeds, setting off at 6am, and getting here about
2 hours early for my interview, sat in the car par across the road thinking "where the hell am I". On the drive back, I remember saying to my girlfriend - "I think I might have a chance at that - we've got some talking to do". I didn't get back until 10pm. That was one hell of a day. Then, a couple of days later, I found out I'd got the job.
I took the job. It wasn't easy. I had to move 240 miles, be away from my girlfriend for over 6 months (until she managed to find a job), I rented a room in a house (as I couldn't afford my own place). I did what was necessary.
Why? Because I knew it was such a great opportunity. At the time, the job that I took was very similar to the one we're advertising for now. In that scenario, I'm the new Chris B, and this job is for a new Chris S. That doesn't mean we're looking for exactly the same. I'm not the same as Chris B (I like to think I make decisions much quicker!). And this new person doesn't have to have a law degree and speak with a Yorkshire accent.
But, they do need to be good at the job. The risk with advertising this job as "for somebody with a conviction", it could suggest some tokenism. That's certainly not the case. First and foremost, the person needs to be good at the job.
If there is one point that I could get across, though, is how fantastic an opportunity it is. I could never have imagined coming straight out of University, and be doing the kinds of things I've done. The opportunities I've had, the people I've met, the projects I've been involved in, and the chances I've had to develop myself personally, I don't thing could have been matched elsewhere. Unlock is a tiny organisation, so all of these opportunities are often balanced with some of the more mundane elements to the job, having an office without central heating etc. And, if that's not for you, then don't bother applying. But, if you think you can do the job, thing you can bring something new and exciting to the charity, and are passionate and determined to help this charity continue to deliver excellent services for people with convictions, then what are you waiting for!
Need Unlocks advice? Visit our self-help information site or contact our helpline