How to Answer: We encourage our volunteers to come to us with cost-saving ideas. Tell me about an idea you implemented at your last job.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Volunteer job interview.
9. We encourage our volunteers to come to us with cost-saving ideas. Tell me about an idea you implemented at your last job.
How to Answer
Non-profit organizations are looking for multi-talented volunteers. The interviewer would like to know if you are the type of volunteer who would be proactive if you noticed room for change. Think of some ways you have made an impact at work. When you see something that could be improved, do you take action? Provide an example that shows you have a high level of engagement, and the required confidence to recommend a change.
Entry Level
"In my previous role, I was responsible for merchandising our department's floor. I decided it would be more cohesive to also collaborate with the surrounding departments, and pitched the idea to the other managers and staff. They loved it, so I was responsible for leading a team to collaborate on a bi-weekly theme and work together to develop and execute that vision."
Answer Example
"In my most recent position I suggested that we eliminate the use of fax machines by better utilizing our company technology and shared servers. I calculated the cost-savings for my boss, and it turns out that it saved us over $500/month on paper. Not to mention the environmental impact."
Experienced
"In my most recent position, I implemented a work-share program when profits were declining. It was an answer to pending layoffs, and although it temporarily cut hours back for our warehouse staff, it saved us from having to make layoffs."