What are some tips for writing compelling volunteer job descriptions?

1 Know your audience

Before you start writing, you need to understand who you are writing for and what they are looking for. Research your potential volunteers' interests, motivations, skills, and availability. Think about what benefits and challenges they might face in volunteering for your project. Use this information to tailor your language, tone, and content to their needs and preferences. For example, if you are looking for young professionals, you might emphasize the networking and learning opportunities, while if you are looking for retirees, you might highlight the social and personal impact.

2 Be clear and concise

Your volunteer job description should be easy to read and understand, without any jargon, acronyms, or vague terms. Use short sentences, bullet points, and headings to organize your information and highlight the key points. Avoid unnecessary details or filler words that might confuse or bore your readers. Focus on the most important and relevant aspects of the volunteer role, such as the purpose, responsibilities, qualifications, time commitment, location, and benefits. Use action verbs and positive adjectives to describe the role and the impact it will have on the community.

3 Be realistic and honest

Your volunteer job description should reflect the actual expectations and requirements of the role, not what you wish or hope for. Don't exaggerate or overpromise the benefits or outcomes of the project, as this might lead to disappointment or frustration for both you and the volunteers. Be honest about the challenges, risks, or limitations of the role, such as the level of difficulty, the amount of supervision, or the availability of resources. Provide clear and specific guidelines and criteria for applying, screening, and selecting volunteers, and explain how and when they will be contacted.

4 Be appealing and inspiring

Your volunteer job description should not only inform, but also persuade and motivate your readers to apply. Use emotional and compelling language to convey your passion and enthusiasm for the project and the cause. Show how the role aligns with your mission, vision, and values, and how it contributes to a larger goal or change. Highlight the benefits and rewards of volunteering, such as the skills, knowledge, experience, recognition, or satisfaction they will gain. Include testimonials, stories, or images of previous or current volunteers to showcase their achievements and experiences.

5 Be flexible and responsive

Your volunteer job description should be adaptable and responsive to the changing needs and preferences of your volunteers and your project. Review and update your job description regularly to ensure that it reflects the current situation and expectations. Solicit feedback from your volunteers and staff on how to improve or revise your job description. Be open and willing to accommodate different requests, suggestions, or concerns from your potential or existing volunteers. Communicate clearly and frequently with your volunteers about any changes or updates to the role or the project.