How to Prepare for a Volunteer Role Interview

You have applied to a volunteer vacancy and are now invited for an interview by the organization of your choice. How can you prepare for this conversation so that their expectations become clear and that you can assess whether the role is suitable for you?

Whether your interview is online or at the non-profit premises, expect the same dress code as for a regular Dutch job interview. Unless you are applying for a board position, you are not expected to wear a suit. The Dutch use the following expression about volunteer work (vrij means free in Dutch) with the word free , it is "vrijwillig maar niet vrijblijvend." This means that it is voluntary unpaid work, but it does require commitment and a sense of responsibility. They cannot assist their participants without reliable and competent volunteers.

It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the organization’s mission, which should be published on their website. Visit their social media accounts. Non-profit websites can be outdated, so you are more likely to find out their latest campaigns and programmes on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. A recent picture on their account may inspire you to ask a relevant question during the interview and gauge the amount of ‘gezelligheid’ (conviviality) during their events.

The volunteer manager will tell you all about their mission and the tasks you would perform but they will also expect you to ask some questions. If they state that this role involves 4 hours of your time per month, you could inquire whether this would be on a set day during the week, or at the weekend or in the evening. Finding out what a typical volunteer shift looks like for a volunteer in this role will help you imagine yourself in the role and decide whether it is for you. You might also be curious about who is going to be supervising you and supporting you. It is also normal to ask whether they cover travel costs for certain activities. If you receive any social benefits, be sure to ask consent from your UWV advisor before accepting a volunteer role.

Photo credit: Mina Rad on Unsplash

If you already feel like you are very interested, you could ask whether there are any special days in the year that you should already mark in your agenda. For example, cities often organize a yearly volunteer thank you event, which is full of entertainment and nice attentions for people who donate their time and expertise. If you want to have a general impact on the organization you can also ask what their most urgent needs are and what challenges they face right now, this way you can connect them if you know of others who may have some resources, expertise or funds that could help the organization thrive beyond your particular role.

In a nutshell, treat your volunteer role interview seriously, find out about the tasks and necessary availability, the organization’s culture and if you are convinced this is a good match demonstrate that you are ready to be an asset and an ally to your interviewer. A good volunteer opportunity is a win-win situation for you as a volunteer and the organization who wants to recruit you, not measured in money but in personal and professional growth in your new country. Visit the Volunteer The Hague's volunteer vacancy search page and apply for a volunteer role today!