Do you participate in any outreach or volunteer work?
Although being a community volunteer is not a requirement for employment, willingness to give your time and resources to others without compensation shows the interviewer that you have a sincere desire to serve others. If you have volunteered, share a positive experience you had as a volunteer. If you have not volunteered, it is not necessary to embellish your answer. Stating that you have not volunteered previously will not disqualify you from employment.
"I love to volunteer! A group of ladies from my church volunteer at a soup kitchen close to my home once a month. There is nothing like giving to someone you know cannot give back to you! Are there opportunities for employees to volunteer through the hospital?"
"I have volunteered at MedCamps for kids a few summers. I do think community involvement is important."
"I serve on the admissions committee for my university and have done so at various institutions over the past ten years. I'm on several other committees, as well. I also make it a habit to do outreach to support groups and health fairs."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Yes, I love to give back to the community. I volunteer through my school community and my temple. Collecting money to support childhood cancer and within soup kitchens. There is no greater pleasure than give to individuals that you know appreciate your efforts, and you don't expect anything in return.
Rachelle's Feedback
Wonderful answer! Hiring authorities are much more likely to choose candidates who have a background of volunteer work so, all of this involvement should give you an excellent edge.
Anonymous Answer
I do not at this time but I have recently become very interested in Indigenous rights and freedoms especially now that I live in Squamish. I want to be a part of helping the native population especially when it comes to medical care that incorporates traditional practices. I used to volunteer at St Paul's Hospital in their emergency department as well as at the SPCA.
Cindy's Feedback
Instead of answering in the negative ("no, I don't volunteer), I would recommend beginning with your past volunteer experience. I've provided an alternative below:
"In the past, I volunteered at St. Paul's hospital in the emergency department. I also volunteered at the SPCA. [Devote a sentence or two to why you chose these volunteer opportunities]. Recently, I've gained an interest in Indigenous rights and freedoms. I hope to find volunteer work that will help the native population incorporate medical care with traditional practices."
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