The application process may be the most important step in successful recruitment and placement of a volunteer. When considering the questions on the application, remember this is the first step towards providing a clear and concise overview of your organization in regards to branding, professionalism and your organization’s respect for the volunteer.
Through the question process the applicant will begin to gain a clear picture of the organization.
Volunteer application forms vary from organization to organization but typically have, at least, the following elements:
- Contact information, including an email address;
- Emergency contact; relationship of the contact, address and phone #;
- Previous work or volunteer experience;
- Highest education level reached;
- Language/s spoken;
- Physical limitations;
- Description of training or experience that may be pertinent to the volunteer position desired;
- Certifications such as First Aid and CPR with dates of certification and expiration dates;
- References: One or more personal references with contact information; and one or more professional or work-related references with supervisor's name and contact information;
- Skills checklist (list skills needed in organization's volunteer positions such as computer, tutoring, clerical skills, phone calling, teaching, supervision, etc.);
- Preferred volunteer areas (list typical volunteer jobs that applicant can check if interested);
- Reason for volunteering;
- Hours and days available for volunteer work; and
- Signature of applicant and date of signature.
This is also an opportunity for disclaimers from your organization such as a fair and equal opportunity statement or a list of requirements for volunteers such as Police Information Check, reference check, interview, trial period, and required training.
Some non-profits make their volunteer applications available online. They can then be submitted online or printed out for the volunteer's use.