ASPCA, National Shelter Outreach
Interviewing and Seletcing Volunteers and What To Do
With Them Once You Have Them
Do conduct a personal interview for every applicant
Do give the volunteer your full attention during the interview
Do provide a volunteer application form containing:
- Pertinent information including emergency contact
- Short descriptions of volunteer opportunities
- Schedule of available time to volunteer
- Employment information/special skills
- Volunteer release form
- Personal interests
- Reason for volunteering
Purpose of the Interview
- To screen the applicant
- To allow the volunteer to screen the organization
- To evaluate if this is an appropriate match — philosophies/time commitment
- To decide on volunteer position
- To clarify expectations of volunteer and organization
Sample Interview Questions
- How did you hear about our program?
- Do you have previous volunteer experience?
- What are your strongest qualities or skills that would benefit our organization?
- What do you anticipate you would like most about volunteering?
- What do you anticipate might be difficult for you as a volunteer?
- Do you prefer to work independently or with others?
- How much time commitment can you make to volunteering?
- Do you have any companion animals? Tell me about them.
- How do you feel about spaying and neutering?
- How do you feel about euthanasia?
- What questions do you have?
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DO NOT ASK QUESTIONS THAT ARE NOT DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE ABILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO PERFORM THE SPECIFIC VOLUNTEER JOB THEY ARE CONSIDERING.. SUCH AS AGE, MARITAL STATUS, RELIGION… |
Ways to Say NO to a Potential Volunteer
- I don’t think you’ll get what you want out of volunteering with us
- Your time availability doesn’t coincide with our needs
- You’re talents/abilities are not suitable for us, but…
- Our program doesn’t demand the skills you wish to give
- I wish we had something suitable, but we don’t at this time
- NO, I’m sorry I don’t feel that at this time that this is a suitable match for us
Volunteer Job Descriptions
IN WRITING PLEASE…
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Job Title
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Purpose
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Time Commitment Required
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Training or Skills Required
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Tasks and Duties of Positions
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Supervision Provided by Organization
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Benefits
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Volunteer Training
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General Information about the Organization
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Mission/Philosophy
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History/Accomplishments
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Important Phone Numbers
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Glossary of Commonly Used Terms
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Rules and Regulations in writing
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Policies
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Animal Placement
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Spay/Neuter
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Fees and Charges
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Paperwork
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Incoming Animals and Outgoing Animals
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Special Skills: Animal Handling, Customer Service, and Adoption Counseling..
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Hands-On Training: Workshops, One-on-One Buddy System
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Continuing Education
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Termination or Resignation Procedures
© 2001 ASPCA
