Practice 35 The Salvation Army interview questions covering mission alignment, community service, and values-based leadership.
Question 18 of 35
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Isaiah Swanson is a volunteer recruitment professional who has interviewed, trained, and supervised thousands of volunteers supporting dozens of nonprofit programs helping families in crisis, homebound seniors, and victims of natural disasters.
The Salvation Army is famous for its Red Kettle Campaign, which features a donation specialist (sometimes dressed as Santa Clause) standing outside a business ringing a bell next to a large, red kettle. This simple fundraising strategy yields roughly 150 million per year in donations to the Salvation Army. This is an important income stream and branding opportunity for the Salvation Army, and the position requires individuals to stand for long periods of time engaging potential donors.

Isaiah Swanson is a volunteer recruitment professional who has interviewed, trained, and supervised thousands of volunteers supporting dozens of nonprofit programs helping families in crisis, homebound seniors, and victims of natural disasters.
"As a child, I was always excited to see a Salvation Army representative standing in front of the grocery store during the holiday season ringing the bell and happily greeting us and thanking us for our donations. Their positive attitudes and commitment to making a difference contributed to my development and instilled in me a desire to help others. I truly believe my ability to engage any stranger, speak passionately about causes close to my heart, and handle rejection with a happy face has prepared me to take on this role."

Isaiah Swanson is a volunteer recruitment professional who has interviewed, trained, and supervised thousands of volunteers supporting dozens of nonprofit programs helping families in crisis, homebound seniors, and victims of natural disasters.
"The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign is a hallmark of American culture, especially around the holiday season. I know that donation specialists are required to stand for long periods of time, most of the time in very cold weather. Physical fitness and endurance are very important to me, and I work out five days a week. In addition, I feel very comfortable in cold weather having grown up in Wisconsin. It would be a dream come true to work with the Salvation Army in this capacity."

Isaiah Swanson is a volunteer recruitment professional who has interviewed, trained, and supervised thousands of volunteers supporting dozens of nonprofit programs helping families in crisis, homebound seniors, and victims of natural disasters.
Tell the interviewer how you prepare yourself for tasks requiring some physical endurance. Next, explain how you are able to engage potential donors who might walk by your red kettle station on their way to some other destination.

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Written by Isaiah Swanson
35 Questions & Answers • The Salvation Army

By Isaiah

By Isaiah