MockQuestions

Entry Level Mock Interview

To help you prepare for your next job interview, here are 25 interview questions and answers for an entry-level position.

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Question 14 of 25

Have you ever volunteered?

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

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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?"

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "At the moment, I am continuing my education. I take online coursework toward my Master's degree in Education. For that reason, most of my spare time is spent studying and interning. Back to the time I was in high school, I volunteer every month at the local nursing home. Since I was raised by a grandparent, I have a special bond with elderly people, and I hope I can bring some happiness and accompany them. It feels great to help out, their smile and hug melt my heart. I am planning to do more volunteer and currently checking the opportunity at local animal shelters."

      Marcie's Feedback

      Nice! It's wonderful that you enjoy helping the elderly and have done so in the past. Including the tidbit about being raised by your grandparents personalizes your answer and makes it more interesting. Do you also have a special love for animals? If so, consider mentioning that so your intention to volunteer at local animal shelters doesn't come from out of the blue. Also, try to tie any volunteering intentions you have into the role in some way. Great job!

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