Interviewing Hints

When seeking volunteer opportunities in retirement, you may find yourself in interviewing situations.  Even though you are not seeking a paid position, the selection process for these volunteer positions is the same as looking for a full-time job.  The organization is interviewing you for fit and to see what your skill set is.  In my experience many non-profit employers are ill-equipped to talk to potential volunteers (especially the older generation) and to know what to do with them and where they fit. 

When they look at your resume and discuss your background they don’t always see the connection between what you did for a living and how you would fit into their organization. To them it is not always obvious that you might be ideal for their organization.  

The key is your transferable skills.  Your prior experience  gave you skills that made you good at your job.  Those skills transfer to a new opportunity, not necessarily the same kind of job.  You may have to show how your transferable skills make you ideal for the position/organization.  

For example:

• An ex- engineer has great project management skills which may be useful on the fundraising committee for a new building.

• I know of a retired police officer who works for a local high school who developed a crisis management program and teaches it to the faculty and administration.

• An elected official may provide programs in public speaking for employees and the public.

• Managers develop great negotiation skills, whether it be with upper management or between your employees.  These are valuable in any organization.

Make a list of your skill set and when you talk to the interviewer show how those skills made you good at your job and give them specific examples.

Remember every time you meet new people, it's an opportunity to contribute to your IKIGAI!!

Andy Gogates