I know what you're thinking: "I have to do an interview to VOLUNTEER?" but don't throw in the towel just yet. Volunteer interviews simply allow the company that you're applying with to get an idea of who their going to be working with, and ensure that it is a good fit. Here are some of my typical answers to the 10 most common volunteer interview questions.
1. Why do you want to volunteer with our organization?
There can be numerous reasons depending on the organization. But I try to hit on a few key points:
- To obtain work experience
- To meet new people from different backgrounds
- To give back to the community
2. What has been your most rewarding volunteering experience so far?
Here I usually just tell a short, simple and heartwarming story from any of my volunteer experiences. For example: When I was volunteering at an animal sanctuary in Bolivia: A squirrel monkey came in with an injured eye; and although the Vet was unable to save the eye, she did save the little monkey. Everyone at the center banded together to nurse that little monkey back to health, and he is now happily living out his days there. I would then state that this taught me about the power of working as a team and the resiliency of both human and animal spirit, or something along those lines.
3. What skills or qualifications do you have that will help you in this position?
List anything, and I mean ANYTHING that could be pertinent. If you're volunteering in Latin America, let them know that you can speak a little Spanish. If you're looking at a Marine Center, tell them you're scuba certified or if you're applying at a humane society; mention that you have a dog at home! And so on and so forth. Even the little things count!
4. Have you had any volunteering experience in the past?
If you haven't, don't worry, just mention that you hope this volunteer job will end up being your first of many memorable volunteering experiences. If you have, don't answer with just a yes! Explain any volunteer jobs you've done before; what your position was, what kind of work you did and for how long.
5. Tell me about yourself and your hobbies/interests.
Ahhhh the dreaded question of pretty much any interview. Do not tell them that your hobbies involve eating and sleeping. Use this question instead to shape yourself for the volunteer position, don't lie, but only include relevant facts about yourself. For instance: if the volunteer project is largely conservation, or based 90% outside it would be a great idea to mention that you enjoy camping and hiking trips.
6. For how long would you like to volunteer?
It's really important that you're honest here. If you can only volunteer for 2 weeks, don't say you're able to stay for a month. You'll end up leaving the organization high and dry and you're burning your bridges for future volunteer work. Word gets around!
7. What makes a good volunteer?
Again, this can vary but there are a few key words that usually pop up in my answer:
- hard-working
- trustworthy
- flexible
Usually the same qualities that make a good employee!
8. What was your least favorite part about your last volunteer job?
Tread very lightly here. This is not a ranting free for all. State the negative thing first, then follow up with something that made it better, or something positive that you ended up learning from the experience. You may say something like "The conditions were pretty rough, but the rewards of seeing an animal released into the wild made it worth it." or even "My supervisor didn't speak a lot of English so communication was hard, but we got by on signing and pointing quite a lot, and in the end I even learned some more Spanish!"
9. What kind of supervisor do you like to work with?
For me the easiest way to answer this question is just to think back over the supervisor's I've had, pick my favorites and then identify the qualities that I liked or admired about them. Usually things such as:
- Gives instructions clearly
- Helps out when needed
- Down to earth
- Genuinely cares about their work and employees
10. Are there any questions you would like to ask me?
Use this opportunity to get a better understanding of the company, and exactly what you'll be doing as a volunteer. It is very important that you do ask AT LEAST one question. This makes you seem more interested in the position, and shows you put some thought into the interview.
Interviews can be scary no matter what. But don't let that deter you from having an amazing volunteering experience! Just get in there, be honest and be yourself. Good luck!
For even more helpful volunteer tips or more about volunteer jobs worldwide check out the Animal Volunteer Work Resource.
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