How to Answer: Have you ever volunteered?
14. Have you ever volunteered?
How to Answer
Did you know that, according to LinkedIn research, 1 in 5 hiring managers prefers to hire candidates with volunteer experience? This question is an excellent opportunity to discuss how you are involved in your community and that you commit time to help others. If you have volunteer experience, you have a leg-up on other candidates.
Many non-profit organizations have a long onboarding process with background checks and references required so if you need to gain volunteer experience pronto, here are some options for a quick turnaround:
- Raise money for a cause, like the Red Cross
- Donate blood on a regular rotation or organize a blood drive
- Have a craft or bake sale to raise funds for a charity close to your heart
- Run in a charity race where financial pledges are required
- Advise high-school and University students on a crowd-sourced advice platform like CareerVillage
- Write articles for non-profit organizations, for free
- Sponsor a business owner in a third world country using a platform like Kiva.org
- Volunteer at your church camp
- Clean up a local park
- Volunteer to tutor a student
- Foster animals for a rescue society
Admin
"I currently volunteer every Saturday at the local animal shelter. I help to organize adoption applications and also screen the applicants. It feels great to help out, and it melts my heart when we make a perfect pet-parent match."
Manager
"In my extra time, I put a lot of work into my home. I am quite handy with power tools, believe it or not. Currently, I am finishing the basement of my home into a basement suite, to make it an income suite. Have you ever completed a home reno project? It's quite satisfying work!"
Marketing
"Martial arts is a passion of mine, and I am currently a brown belt. If you are not familiar with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it's an incredible workout both physically and mentally speaking. I train approximately four hours per week."
Retail
"I was a cheerleader all through high school and have continued my passion for dance now that I have graduated. I take Zumba, Tap, Jazz, and Hip-Hop classes most weekends. It's a great way to stay active. Have you ever been to XYZ Dance Studio? They offer a free introductory class on Sunday mornings."
Sales
"I have a range of interests that include going to the museum, the theatre, and seeing a variety of art shows. Many of my friends are performers, so I get out a few times a month to support them and their craft. Have you been to a theatrical performance lately?"
Teacher
"At the moment, I am continuing my education. I take online coursework towards my Masters' degree in Education. For that reason, most of my spare time is spent studying. The rest, I spend dining out with friends. I am a foodie, for sure. Have you been to any great restaurants lately?"
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