How can you ask better interview questions about volunteering?

1 Use the STAR method

The STAR method is a technique that helps you structure your answers to behavioral questions, which are often used by volunteer organizations to assess your past experiences, actions, and results. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. To use this method, you should describe a specific situation or challenge that you faced in a previous or current volunteer role, the task or goal that you had to accomplish, the action that you took to solve the problem or achieve the outcome, and the result that you achieved or learned from the experience. This way, you can demonstrate your skills, abilities, and values in a clear and concise way.

2 Use the SMART framework

The SMART framework is a tool that helps you set and communicate your goals and expectations as a volunteer. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. To use this framework, you should ask questions that clarify what exactly you will be doing as a volunteer, how your performance and impact will be measured and evaluated, what resources and support you will have access to, how your role aligns with the mission and vision of the organization, and what timeline and schedule you will follow. This way, you can show your commitment, motivation, and readiness to take on the volunteer opportunity.

3 Use the 5 Ws

The 5 Ws are the basic questions that help you gather and understand information about any topic. They are Who, What, When, Where, and Why. To use these questions, you should ask about the people involved in the volunteer organization, such as the staff, the beneficiaries, and the other volunteers, the activities and tasks that you will be performing, the time and frequency of your volunteer work, the location and environment of your volunteer placement, and the purpose and impact of your volunteer work. This way, you can express your curiosity, interest, and respect for the volunteer organization and its work.

By asking better interview questions about volunteering, you can not only impress the interviewer and increase your chances of getting accepted, but also learn more about the volunteer opportunity and decide if it is a good fit for you. Remember to use the STAR method, the SMART framework, and the 5 Ws to structure your questions and show your passion, skills, and values as a volunteer.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?