Just like applying for a job, just because you apply doesn’t mean that you will get the role. Sometimes an organization has more people applying than volunteer positions available, so the stronger your resume, the more likely you are to get a coveted opportunity (remember, this is similar to applying for a paid job).

Depending on the role and how much responsibility is involved, the organization may ask you to go through any number of screening steps to determine if you are the right person for the volunteer role:

• Volunteer Application Form: most opportunities will have this as a starting point and quite often you will find it on their volunteer page. It may be an online form or a fillable pdf. Make sure that you answer every question as accurately as possible. This may also include a parental consent form if you are under the age of 18.
• Resume: If you are asked for a resume but don’t have one, talk to your teacher or guidance counsellor about helping you create one - that way you have it for any future jobs as well! Check out this helpful article in Indeed.
• Interview:
  • May or may not be asked of you, depending on the opportunity and responsibility and skills required of the volunteer position.
  • If you are volunteering for an event, you generally aren’t offered an interview unless you are applying for a leadership position
  • Other low-risk opportunities like sorting food or clothes at a basic needs organization may not require interviews
• Background checks and references:
  • If you are asked for references, try to provide more “professional” references as opposed to family and friend references.
  • Ideal references are: current or previous employers, other volunteer supervisors in organizations, teachers, guidance counsellors or camp counsellors.
  • This might even include parents whose children you’ve babysat or tutored
  • Make sure you get permission from your references first, before listing them as a reference
  • Police records checks may be required if you need to handle cash or if you would be working directly with children or seniors or other vulnerable populations
• Be persistent! Don’t limit yourself to just one application at one organization. And don’t be afraid to follow up your application with an email.

Got an interview? Check out: How-to Tips for Interviewing and Email Communications

Also check out:

How to Apply for Unadvertised Volunteer Opportunities

How-to Tips for Working in the Volunteer Role

How to Troubleshoot Problems in your Volunteer Role

How to Get a Reference and/or Paid Job!