Tell us about your volunteer experience.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Answer Example

Volunteer experience is all unpaid activities and committees you have been involved in. Many hiring managers will choose one candidate over another because of their volunteer experience, especially if the experience was with the NHS. They feel that it shows strong character and selflessness - all qualities that make a great employee. Talk to the interviewers about your willingness to give back to your community through volunteerism. If you do not have formal volunteer experience, you can draw on things you do in your spare time to assist friends, family, or even your current employer.

"I started volunteering at 16 with the British Red Cross to see if the medical field were as exciting as I thought it would be. I enjoyed helping others and started volunteering with the NHS as a patient befriender at 18 to learn more about the hospital setting. I volunteered in that position for four years but have not formally volunteered with any outside organizations in recent years. My sister was in a debilitating car accident, and I help care for her and her family in my free time, which does not leave me time for volunteering elsewhere. While I love volunteering, my family is most important during this time of need."

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How to Answer: Tell us about your volunteer experience.

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a NHS Band 7 Nurse job interview.

15. Tell us about your volunteer experience.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Volunteer experience is all unpaid activities and committees you have been involved in. Many hiring managers will choose one candidate over another because of their volunteer experience, especially if the experience was with the NHS. They feel that it shows strong character and selflessness - all qualities that make a great employee. Talk to the interviewers about your willingness to give back to your community through volunteerism. If you do not have formal volunteer experience, you can draw on things you do in your spare time to assist friends, family, or even your current employer.

Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023

Answer Example

"I started volunteering at 16 with the British Red Cross to see if the medical field were as exciting as I thought it would be. I enjoyed helping others and started volunteering with the NHS as a patient befriender at 18 to learn more about the hospital setting. I volunteered in that position for four years but have not formally volunteered with any outside organizations in recent years. My sister was in a debilitating car accident, and I help care for her and her family in my free time, which does not leave me time for volunteering elsewhere. While I love volunteering, my family is most important during this time of need."

Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023

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