Supplemental Resource

Finding the Right Volunteer¹¹

Not all people are suited to all volunteer jobs. Just as employees are more suited for one task rather than another, so are volunteers. Here are some hints on getting the right volunteer for the job.

• Write a profile of the perfect volunteer. Use the profile as you interview volunteers and talk about the tasks. This is not the same as the position description.
• Talk to current volunteers about taking on a new task. Look at who you have "in house" before going elsewhere.
• Do your best NOT to replace a volunteer. Rather than rushing to fill a vacancy, take the time to assess your situation. Could you combine positions to cover those duties? Does your organization need an overhaul?
• Never lower your standards. Don't just look for a warm body to fill a vacancy. Always ensure the right person gets the right job.
• When you interview, talk about things the volunteer has done. Get examples of previous (related) experience. If the volunteer is new to this particular task, ensure he/she has a mentor or supervisor. Set a trial period and then re-assess the volunteer's suitability for that task.
• If a volunteer will be in a key leadership role, send him/her to lunch with some other current volunteers. Then ask your current volunteer to "brief" you about the new recruit.
• When interviewing, ask open-ended questions. Yes and no answers won't tell you very much.
• Write down what you hear. It's easy to forget some key points if you don't take notes.
• Be a volunteer. People who manage volunteers should have volunteer experience of their own.