What do you do if you want to effectively convey the impact of your volunteer work in an interview?

2 Tailor Your Story

Your volunteer experiences are as unique as you are, so when sharing them in an interview, tailor your story to align with the job description. Identify the key competencies and skills the employer is looking for and match them with what you've learned through volunteering. Did your volunteer work require teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving? Use specific examples from your volunteer experiences that illustrate these skills in action. By customizing your narrative, you make it easier for the interviewer to see how your volunteer work is relevant to the job at hand.

3 Highlight Achievements

Discussing the achievements within your volunteer work can be a powerful way to demonstrate your impact. Rather than just stating your responsibilities, focus on what you accomplished or contributed to the project or organization. Did you help raise a significant amount of funds, implement a new program, or increase awareness for a cause? Speak about these achievements with enthusiasm and pride, as they offer tangible proof of your abilities and the positive effect you can have within an organization.

4 Quantify Impact

While it's important to share the qualitative aspects of your volunteer work, quantifying your impact can make your experience more relatable and understandable. If possible, provide numbers or percentages to illustrate the scale or outcome of your efforts. For example, you might mention how many people benefited from a project, the percentage increase in event attendance, or the amount of funds raised. These figures can help paint a clearer picture of your contributions and suggest a level of professionalism and attention to detail that is attractive to employers.

5 Practice Articulation

Articulating the impact of your volunteer work clearly and confidently is key. Practice how you'll discuss your experiences ahead of time. This could involve rehearsing with a friend, mentor, or in front of a mirror. Focus on being concise yet descriptive, avoiding jargon that may not be familiar to all interviewers. Remember, the goal is to engage the interviewer with compelling stories that highlight your skills and character. By practicing, you'll be able to deliver these stories smoothly and confidently when it counts.

6 Connect Values

Lastly, connect your personal values with those of the organization where you're interviewing. Employers are often looking for candidates who not only have the skills for the job but also share the company's ethos and culture. Discuss how your volunteer work reflects values like service, innovation, or collaboration, and draw parallels to the company's mission. This shows that you're not just a fit for the role based on your skills but also based on a shared vision and values, which can be just as important in the long run.

7 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?