Tell Me About Yourself

"Certainly. I'm Szymon, a recent MA graduate with a background initially in Business and Marketing from DMU. I've always been interested in understanding people and how to communicate effectively, which led me towards roles involving engagement and project coordination. My MA studies further developed my ability to connect with different audiences and solve problems creatively. Through experiences like leading the Ford project team and volunteering with Enactus, I've honed my organisational skills, resilience, and ability to communicate persuasively. I'm now keen to apply these skills in a dynamic, face-to-face role where I can make a direct, positive impact, which is why the Fundraiser position at SMILE Fundraising genuinely excites me."

Walk Me Through Your Experience

"My journey started with a Business and Marketing degree from DMU. Early practical experience came from a Sales Assistant role where I focused heavily on customer service and direct communication. During university, I took on internships, like at Arts & Festivals Management, where I promoted events and learned to engage specific target audiences. My volunteer work as Marketing Lead for Enactus Project Smile was particularly rewarding, involving creating materials to drive behaviour change for a health cause within diverse communities in Leicester. As Project Leader for the Ford Smart Mobility Challenge, I coordinated a team, managed logistics like a public research event, and communicated with external partners. These roles, along with experience meeting targets in warehouse environments, have developed my communication, organisational skills, resilience, and ability to connect with people – all crucial for this fundraising role."

Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

"In five years, I see myself as a highly effective and experienced fundraiser, potentially progressing within SMILE Fundraising towards a Team Leader role, as mentioned in the job description. I aim to have mastered the art of face-to-face engagement, consistently achieving targets and making a significant contribution to the charities SMILE supports. I'd hope to have developed strong leadership skills by potentially mentoring new fundraisers, sharing best practices, and contributing to the team's overall success. Ultimately, I want to be in a role where I continue to use my communication skills to make a tangible difference in the charity sector."

Why Should We Hire You?

"You should hire me because I possess the core attributes needed for success in this role: strong communication skills, resilience, a genuine enthusiasm for engaging with people, and a drive to achieve results. My experience, from direct customer service as a Sales Assistant to engaging the public during the Ford project research event, demonstrates my ability to connect with diverse individuals confidently and persuasively. I'm highly organised, adaptable, and motivated by the opportunity to represent important charities and make a real difference. I'm also eager to learn and fully commit to SMILE's training to become a high-performing fundraiser for your team."

What is Your Greatest Weakness?

"My natural enthusiasm for the causes I believe in means I sometimes initially want to share every compelling detail about their work. However, I quickly learnt during public-facing events, like the market research for the Ford project, the importance of delivering the most impactful message concisely in brief interactions. I've been actively working on refining my ability to quickly assess someone's interest level and tailor the key points efficiently, ensuring I'm both informative and respectful of their time, while still being persuasive."

What is Your Greatest Strength? (STAR - Using Ford Market Event)

• Strength: "My greatest strength is my ability to connect with people authentically and communicate effectively, even in busy or challenging public environments, while staying focused on achieving a specific goal."
• Situation: "During the Ford Smart Mobility Challenge, we needed crucial real-world feedback on our 'Hibe' project and decided to run a research event at Loughborough Market."
• Task: "My role involved approaching members of the public amid the bustle of the market, clearly explaining our service concept, engaging them quickly, and gathering their honest feedback."
• Action: "I focused on being energetic, friendly, and approachable. I used clear, simple language to explain the project, actively listened to their responses and questions, and adapted my conversation based on their individual reactions and levels of interest. I made sure to thank everyone for their valuable time."