3interviewing volunteers

5/23/2018 3Interviewing Volunteers

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Training Busy Staff

to Succeed with Volunteers:

The 55-Minute Training Series

Copyright 2007

Betty Stallings

Energize, Inc.

Interviewing Volunteers


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2007, Betty Stallings Energize, Inc.S-1

ActivityWhat were the skills and qualities of

the interviewer?

Much is learned about the art andskills of good interviewing byanalyzing someone who interviewed

you well.


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Learning Objectives To discuss the importance and purposes of

having interviews with prospective volunteers.

To review or initiate the four key steps in the

interview process.

To design relevant interview questions and

review the essential role of listening during the

interview process.

To propose options for handling challengingsituations that occur during interviews.


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4 Key Concepts1. The primary purposes of interviewing

volunteers are to determine a mutual fit

between the candidate and the organization,and to screen for risks.

2. There are 4 Key Steps in the interview

process: Preparation, Opening, Body andClosing.


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4 Key Concepts3. Two essential skills in interviewing are

designing and asking questions and

reflective listening

4. It is important to prepare for specialproblems that might present themselves

during the interview.


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Key ConceptThe primary purposes of interviewing

volunteers are to determine a mutual

fitbetween the candidate and theorganization, and to screen for risks

to the volunteer, the organization,

and the clients if the prospective

volunteer is chosen.


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Importance of ScreeningMutual screening

To protect clients.

To maintain paid staff and volunteer morale.To guard the agencys reputation.


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Key Concept 2There are 4 Key Steps in the interview

process: Preparation, Opening, Body

and Closing.


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PreparationReview what you know about the applicant.

Review pertinent information about theavailable volunteer position(s).

Assemble material about the agency.

Formulate questions.

Schedule adequate time.

Arrange for private, comfortable place.

Cast aside all distractions.


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OpeningGreet and put applicant at ease, establish

rapport.

Clarify the purpose of the interview:

to determine if we have a match

Establish timeframe for interview.


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Body of InterviewThere are three basic sections of an

interview:

You provide information on the agency, program,clients served, etc.

Applicant shares information about him/herself

through thoughtful questioning.

You describe available volunteer positions or other

options for involvement.


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ClosingReview and summarize what surfaced during

the interview.

Discuss next steps:

If mutual acceptance: explain how volunteer

becomes active.

If no match: encourage honest sharing and referelsewhere.

Express appreciation for his/her time.


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Key Concept 3Two essential skills in interviewing

are:

Designing and asking questions based

on an analysis of the position and

required qualifications

Reflective listening assuring that both

individuals are hearing and

understanding.


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Designing and Asking QuestionsWord questions to elicit the information you

need.

Open-ended questions are best.

Activity:

Write down:

Volunteer position requirements. Desired characteristics of ideal volunteer.

Questions to elicit useful screening information.


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Core QuestionsWhen several applicants interview for the

same volunteer position, ask them all some

core questions so you can compare their

suitability.

Situational questions determine how theperson might react to specific experiences.


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Listening Listen to understand what is meantnot to get

ready to reply, contradict, or refute.

What is meant involves more than words (tone of

voice, facial expression, overall behavior).

Dont interpret too quickly. Look for clues and put

yourself in the speakers shoes.

Put aside your own views and opinions for the time

being.

Realize that you cannot listen to yourself inwardly and at

the same time listen outwardly to the speaker.


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Listening Control impatiencelistening is faster than talking.

Do not prepare to answer while listening.

Show interest and alertness.

Do not interrupt.

Ask questions to secure more information, not trap

the speaker or force him/her into a corner.

Use the technique of linking (probing) to build onwhat the interviewee has already said.


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Key Concept 4It is important to prepare for special

challenges that might present

themselves during the interview.

What special challenges have you already

experienced or anticipate might occur?


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Possible Interviewing ChallengesThe very shy

The very talkative

Unmotivated, maybe because service is

a requirementAttitude problem, despite skills

Wants position, but is not qualified

Only available for short-term workInterviewing only on the telephone

Online interviewing for virtualvolunteering


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SummaryNothing you do will impact the volunteer

program more positively than effective

interviewing and mutual screening.

When the right people are in the right jobs,

the role of volunteer supervisor is a pleasure!

3interviewing volunteers

Documents

interviewing aredesigning

interviewing volunteers5232018

prospective volunteers

betty stallingsenergize

key steps

key concepts1

key concepts3

volunteer morale