"As someone who has personally benefited from the services of organizations offering emergency shelter, I have a strong belief in the importance of the American Red Cross's mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering. My family lost our home to a fire when I was growing up, and we had nowhere to go. A local organization helped us procure temporary, emergency housing as well as necessary food and clothing items to help us get re-started. They also connected my parents to a program that helped us find permanent housing only one month after the fire. Because of this situation, I began to realize just how life-altering emergencies and natural disasters can be for people. I want to dedicate my life to providing support when people are at their most vulnerable and hope when they are feeling hopeless. The American Red Cross pledges that support in its mission, and I want to be part of it."

"I really connected to the part of the Red Cross's vision about 'turning compassion into action.' During my senior year in college, I noticed an increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness in my city. Although I had consistently donated to and volunteered with organizations providing housing, food, and other emergency services, I felt I wanted to do more and offer something with a measurable impact. With a few of my friends at the school newspaper, I developed a program that would give the opportunity for people experiencing homelessness to sell newspapers full of stories they had researched and written themselves. All of the proceeds from newspapers sold went to the participants, and they felt inspired and motivated by the work of writing and running the business. This experience showed me the importance of offering people resources that will support their efforts to rise above their current situation. Since that time, I have sought out opportunities that allowed me to be involved in direct action. That is what the American Red Cross offers, and that is why I want to work here."

The first step in preparing to answer this question is to familiarize yourself with the organization's mission: 'The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.' Next, visit the Red Cross's website to read more extensively about its values and vision, which include the commitment to disaster preparedness, providing shelter, turning 'compassion into action,' and inspiring hope. Share with the interviewer how you personally connect to the Red Cross's mission, vision, and values and show how you have demonstrated this connection in your work history.