The Volunteer Interview

Every volunteer should be interviewed before being given his or her first assignment. It is important that you conduct the interview in person and in private. The interview is an opportunity for you to get to know the potential volunteer, but it is also an opportunity for the volunteer to get to know you and your organization.

Be sure to make the volunteer feel welcome. Express appreciation for them coming to meet with you. Talk about your organization and what the volunteer's role will be. Give the volunteer the opportunity to ask questions. Remember that he or she is still deciding if this is the right volunteer opportunity.

Discuss a variety of volunteer jobs (if they are available) and why they are important to the organization. Be sure to be clear about time commitments, training, rules and regulations.

Watch and listen for "clues" to help you match the volunteer with the right job. Asking a simple question such as "do you prefer working in groups or one on one" can help avoid difficult situations later on. You might even consider creating a new volunteer role after you discover a hidden talent!

When concluding the interview, don't leave the volunteer hanging. Offer a position or let the volunteer know that there are no suitable openings at this time. Explain what will happen next, i.e. training, police checks, other reference checks, further interviews. Be sure to obtain the necessary permission to conduct any reference or background checks.