Mastering the Art of Volunteer Interviewing

Introduction

Volunteers are the lifeblood of many organizations, contributing their time, skills, and passion to make a positive impact on the community. To ensure that your volunteer program thrives, it's crucial to have a well-structured and effective volunteer interview process. This process not only helps you select the right volunteers but also sets the stage for a successful and rewarding volunteer experience. In this blog, we'll guide you through the steps of conducting volunteer interviews.

1. Define Your Needs

Before you start interviewing potential volunteers, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your organization's needs and the specific roles you're looking to fill. Create a list of skills, qualifications, and traits that are essential for success in these roles. This will serve as your guide when evaluating candidates during interviews.

2. Develop an Interview Protocol

Having a standardized interview protocol ensures consistency and fairness in your volunteer selection process. Your interview protocol should include:

• a. Interview Questions: Prepare a set of open-ended questions that assess the candidate's motivation, skills, experience, and commitment. Questions should be tailored to the specific volunteer role.
• b. Evaluation Criteria: Define the criteria against which you will assess candidates. Common criteria include relevant skills, availability, compatibility with your organization's values, and enthusiasm.
• c. Rating System: Create a rating system (e.g., a numerical scale or a checklist) to objectively evaluate each candidate's responses.

3. Promote Inclusivity and Diversity

Diversity in your volunteer team can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to your organization. Ensure that your interview process is inclusive and welcoming to candidates from various backgrounds and experiences. Avoid any discriminatory questions or biases in your interview protocol.

4. Pre-Screening

Before conducting formal interviews, consider pre-screening candidates through phone calls or emails. This step allows you to gauge their initial interest, availability, and alignment with your organization's mission and values. It can save time by eliminating candidates who may not be the right fit.

5. Conducting the Interview

During the interview itself, focus on creating a positive and comfortable environment for the candidate. Start by introducing your organization, its mission, and the specific volunteer role. Encourage candidates to ask questions throughout the interview.

Ask open-ended questions that help you understand the candidate's motivations, skills, and experiences. Listen actively and take notes. Use your evaluation criteria to rate each candidate objectively.

6. Assess Cultural Fit

Volunteer organizations often emphasize the importance of cultural fit. Evaluate whether the candidate's values align with your organization's values. Consider how well they might work with your existing volunteer team and staff members.

7. Share Expectations

Be transparent about your organization's expectations, including time commitments, training requirements, and any relevant policies. Ensure that the candidate fully understands what volunteering with your organization entails.

8. Encourage Questions

Allow time for the candidate to ask questions about the organization, the role, and their potential contributions. Their questions can provide valuable insights into their level of interest and commitment.

9. Post-Interview Evaluation

After the interview, review your notes and evaluation criteria to determine each candidate's suitability. It may be helpful to involve a panel of interviewers to ensure objectivity. Discuss each candidate's strengths and weaknesses, and make a decision based on the organization's needs.

10. Communicate Your Decision

Promptly inform candidates of your decision, whether it's an acceptance, rejection, or the need for further evaluation. Offer constructive feedback to rejected candidates to help them improve if they choose to reapply.

Conclusion

Effective volunteer interviewing is essential for building a strong, committed, and diverse volunteer team that can drive your organization's mission forward. By following these steps and maintaining a fair and transparent process, you can select volunteers who are not only skilled but also aligned with your organization's values and goals. Ultimately, a well-executed volunteer interview process benefits both your organization and the individuals who choose to give their time and energy to your cause.