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?
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