How Volunteers Are Assessed

This article provides information on How Volunteers Are Assessed

When deciding to make the transition from either an entry level candidacy or a seasoned one to that of volunteering for a cause or agency, there are a number of things that a newbie should be aware of. Though you may think-like many-that you are doing the entity a service, and that you may not be getting much in return, this is altogether false. Moreover, you cannot treat the job and application in a manner suited to this thinking, or you will never get the full benefits of the position. This said, you need to know how to approach an application for employment on a volunteer basis, and we offer the best central tips to be aware of when doing so.

When someone hiring for a volunteer organization is reviewing resumes and applications to gauge who to interview and follow up on, and who to pass by; they look at a number of aspects in considering you for the job. The following are most forward in their minds:

• Transferable Skills: Though this is a valuable tactic for all employers, it is vitally important for those hiring for volunteer positions-as most people will not have industry experience prior to volunteering. This said, they need to have proof of transferable skills gained from previous jobs and activities that makes them a suitable candidate for this volunteer position. Common skills they look for are interpersonal skills, leadership as well as team playing skills, ability to learn quick, flexibility, and enthusiasm.

• Previous Volunteer Experience: Though it is not necessary that you have volunteer experience, prior to obtaining a volunteer position elsewhere; it certainly helps your candidacy for a position. It just shows that you are committed to helping causes and that you successfully achieved all tasks and responsibilities in this capacity prior to this position.

• Your Reasons for Applying: This one is true of every employment opportunity; the age old question: why do you want to work here? While it is important to have enthusiasm for all possible job opportunities, enthusiasm and passion is tenfold as important in a position in which salary and prestige are low. You need to show a nonprofit hiring manager that you are in it for their cause, as this is the only reason that will keep you dedicated and helping them to efficiently bring about positive change through their mission.

• Goals: Closely tied to why you have applied to a certain position or nonprofit establishment is that of what your ultimate goals are. Of course, your main goal is to help the entity achieve their mission to help the community or population in one way or another; but beyond this, what are your goals? Do you hope to learn more about the industry? Learn skill sets? Add experience to your education for a career towards that mission? Or are you interested in having a long term paid experience with this particular mission? Its wise prior to applying, that you brainstorm your most solid of reasons for your applying; so that when you start addressing the entity through a cover letter, you know how to address them, in a manner that gets you the interview.