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Induction interviews


Interviews provide a good opportunity to match applicants to the volunteer positions and enable you to:

  • Screen people who want to join the program
  • Find out people's motivations and availability
  • Find out about medical conditions which may affect their ability to do the work
  • Discuss the Volunteer Activities Description
  • Discuss the Volunteer Agreement (if applicable)
  • Get all the forms signed
  • Distribute safety gloves, goggles, hats, equipment (whatever applies)
  • Assess the person's level of skill and training requirements
  • Orientate the new volunteer to the program, the staff involved, and the organisation's structure
  • Answer their questions.

Tips

  • Allow about ½ hour to conduct the interview.
  • The interview could be held at your workplace, at the person's home or at the work site. Be flexible so that it is convenient for both of you.
  • If you have several new volunteers, discuss their personal, training and medical issues in private beforehand and bring them all together for a general orientation meeting or training workshop to discuss activities, get the forms signed and distribute safety equipment.
  • Make notes at each interview.
  • Develop a checklist for the orientation interview so that nothing is left out.
  • Get back to interview applicants when promised.
  • Remember that first impressions count. What will prospective volunteers feel when they first come into contact with your organisation?

An example of volunteer induction interview & questions

Name of person being interviewed:
Date:

Remind the person being interviewed: "This information will be kept confidential"

How did you find out about volunteering opportunities with us?
Newspaper Article/ Advertisement/ Internet/ Radio/ Television/ Friends/ Family/ Other (provide details)

Motivators - Why did you choose to volunteer with us/ our program?

What do you hope to get out of volunteering with us?

Are you able to attend training courses and workshops for volunteers? On weekends? Weekdays? Yes/ No

Checklist of Information to be discussed or distributed
Volunteer Registration Form (to be completed before or at the interview)
Volunteer Job Description
Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities
Health and Safety information
Safety and protective equipment
Volunteer Insurance information
Accident Injury procedures
Use and loan of tools
Work dates and site locations
Newsletter and information about up and coming educational events and training
Medical history and any health issues outlined in Registration Form

Name of site, team, project or task to match this person:
Added comments:

"Thank you and welcome to the program."

Office use:
Name of staff member who performed the interview:
Applicant has been successful
Applicant to be contacted within 2 weeks
Volunteer's personal details have been added to database.


Acknowledgement: Liverpool and and Lane Cove Councils, NSW.

Information kits for new volunteers

At the induction interview, provide a basic information kit about being involved in the program. The kit could include procedures, work dates and locations, contact lists, health and safety information, first aid and suggestions on what to wear and bring to work days.

Tips

  • Keep the information simple and succinct.
  • Avoid overwhelming people with pages of information and details on everything they need to know about the program.
  • People can be fed the relevant information in stages - recruitment information, training and periodic newsletter

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The Volunteer Coordinators Network (Natural Areas) Manual © 2004