Voluntary work

There are many groups, societies and associations where interviews are required. Some of the advice and questions found in the previous page will be relevant. Again this is based on my experience and that of my lipreading colleagues. If it is useful to you please use it or you may prefer to do your own preparation and find what would suit you better.

Although this is different to applying for paid work the person seeking to appoint you as volunteer will still want to be reassured of your:-

Knowledge of the charity or association etc.

Understanding of what is involved in this position -

Your commitment - this work often involves rotas and if you are unable to turn up it is difficult for everybody else. It would beneficial to both you and the interviewer to know if/how you are expected to behave and the times you will be needed.

Your ability to perform the tasks required – any physical or other problem that could hamper your ability to perform the role should be borne in mind.

Whether you will need support to perform the tasks required and if yes what kind of support. Be prepared to say what your needs might be.

Again you may wish to ask about support and training offered if the role is that of a volunteer.

• Training and support offered especially if the role is that of a volunteer
• What is expected of volunteers (include information about health and safety and codes of conduct)
• Resources available to volunteers whilst they are volunteering for the charity etc
• The organisation’s commitment to Equal Opportunities

Many of the questions for the job interview are relevant to the voluntary sector. You may be asked why you have volunteered/requested to join this particular charity or group.

Before the interview

Find out as much as you can about the organisation. Make sure that you have an understanding of its aims and aspirations. Remember to be ready to say why you wish to be a member and what you hope to achieve. Try to find something to say about the organisation that shows that you have an understanding of the work etc. it does.

Again make sure you know where you are going, how you will get there and where to park if necessary. The same advice applies for the interview situation as before.

Depending upon the kind of situation you are hoping to work in you may be asked about your health and fitness and also need to meet requirements for insurance purposes. With the extended retirement age this may have changed recently. You may wish to check this out.

You may like to ask if other staff are deaf aware.

There may be different roles within the group and it is possible that you could opt for one which will suit you and not put you in a difficult situation regarding your hearing loss.

Make sure you are positive and highlight your skills, talents and expertise whilst demonstrating a willingness to overcome your hearing difficulty with the help of those with whom you will work.

Have your answers ready.

Again the questions will be tailored to the requirements of the role advertised.

NB It is a two way process and don’t be afraid to clarify any points which you about which you are unsure.

Again there are many websites that can give you good advice. See below

Charity and Voluntary Work Graduate Interview Questions ...

www.thejobcrowd.com > Careers > Charity and Voluntary Work

Application and Interview process - Part 2 - Volunteering ...
www.volunteering.org.uk

find others by typing "interview questions for voluntary work/charity work"