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Volunteer Work
Attending an Interview
Once you have contacted an organisation, providing they have vacancies, you will be invited to attend an interview. Every organisation conducts interviews as a means of finding the right volunteer for the job. If you are not offered an interview don't be discouraged, organisations may be unable to take on new volunteers for any number of reasons.
The interview is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the organisation for which you would like to volunteer.
Some questions you might ask at an interview
Will you be?
- Covered by insurance?
- Reimbursed for out of pocket expenses?
- Informed of what constitutes an out of pocket expense?
- Reimbursed for travel?
- Trained before you start your job?
- Given ongoing or advanced training as you need or request it?
- Assigned a supervisor or support worker?
Be prepared to:
- Answer questions about your previous work experience, both paid and volunteer.
- Discuss your skills and qualifications.
- Provide the names of two referees.
In some specialised agencies a potential volunteer may, in addition, be asked to undergo a police check for a criminal record. A volunteer would be informed of this legal requirement during or prior to an interview. A police check is never performed without the consent of the individual concerned. It is also conducted in accordance with strict guidelines to ensure confidentiality and equity.
- Give commitment to work on a particular day for a specific number of hours per week or month.
- Provide personal information that is relevant to your work. Interviews should be conducted in accordance with equal opportunity legislation.
Becoming a volunteer
When you start working in a volunteer program you are there as a valued team member. Whatever your skills or experience, they are of use to the organisation. At the very least you should expect a safe working environment, and training to enable you to perform your job and ongoing support.
If something goes wrong with your placement, deal with it promptly, talk it through with your supervisor or use the organisation's grievance procedure.
An organisation that values its staff will ensure that volunteers gain as much as they give.
