how to add old volunteer hours to innerview

2 min read 30-11-2024

how to add old volunteer hours to innerview

How to Add Old Volunteer Hours to Your Interview Prep

Adding old volunteer hours to your interview preparation can significantly strengthen your application. It showcases your commitment, skills, and personality beyond your resume's scope. This guide will help you effectively incorporate this valuable experience. Remember, honesty and accuracy are paramount.

Why Include Past Volunteer Work?

Interviewers often look beyond your resume for a more complete picture. Highlighting past volunteer experiences reveals:

Commitment: Demonstrates your dedication to causes you believe in, even outside of formal employment.
Skills: Volunteer roles often involve teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and communication—all highly sought-after skills.
Personality: Shows your values and passions, providing a glimpse into who you are beyond your professional experience.
Addressing Gaps: If there are gaps in your work history, volunteer experience can fill them, showcasing continued activity and development.

How to Prepare Your Volunteer Experience

Before mentioning your volunteer work, prepare detailed descriptions. This makes it easy to discuss them during the interview.

1. Compile Your Information:

Organization Name: The name of the organization where you volunteered.
Dates of Service: The precise start and end dates (month and year are sufficient).
Role/Responsibilities: Clearly define your position and the tasks you performed. Use action verbs to highlight your contributions (e.g., "managed," "organized," "coordinated," "mentored").
Quantifiable Results (if possible): Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. For example, "raised $5,000 for the charity" or "volunteered 200 hours over two years."
Skills Gained: List the skills you developed or enhanced during your volunteer work. These can be transferable to the job you're applying for.

2. Structure Your Responses:

Prepare short, concise answers for potential interview questions about your volunteer experience. Example answers:

"I volunteered at [Organization Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date], where I [briefly describe your role and key achievements]."
"My experience at [Organization Name] allowed me to develop skills in [list 2-3 relevant skills], which I believe are highly transferable to this role."
"One of my most significant accomplishments at [Organization Name] was [describe a specific achievement and quantify it if possible]."

Incorporating Volunteer Experience During the Interview

Naturally weave your volunteer experience into the conversation. Don't force it; let it arise organically.

STAR Method: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, providing context and highlighting your contributions.
Behavioral Questions: Volunteer experience provides excellent examples for answering behavioral interview questions like "Tell me about a time you worked on a team," or "Describe a challenging situation and how you overcame it."
Connecting to the Job: Always connect your volunteer experience to the requirements and responsibilities of the job you're interviewing for. Emphasize how your skills and experiences align with the role.

Example: If applying for a project management role, you might discuss your experience leading a team of volunteers to organize a fundraising event.

What if I Don't Have Proof?

If you don't have formal documentation, that's okay. Your honest and detailed recollection is sufficient. The focus is on the experience and the skills you gained. However, try to provide context or corroboration if possible—mentioning a colleague's name or website references could help.

Conclusion

Adding old volunteer hours to your interview prep isn't about inflating your resume; it's about presenting a well-rounded picture of yourself. By thoughtfully preparing and articulating your experiences, you showcase your commitment, skills, and personality, significantly increasing your chances of success. Remember to be honest, concise, and connect your experiences to the job requirements. Good luck!