How would you handle a situation where a volunteer is not fulfilling their responsibilities?

Volunteer Coordinator Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

If a volunteer is not fulfilling their responsibilities, I would first approach them in a friendly and non-confrontational manner to discuss the issue. I would ask if everything is okay or if there are any challenges they are facing. If necessary, I would provide additional training or support to help them succeed. If the issue persists, I would involve their direct supervisor or team leader to address the situation further. The goal would be to find a solution that works for both the volunteer and the organization.

A more solid answer

If a volunteer is not fulfilling their responsibilities, I would first approach them in a friendly and non-confrontational manner to discuss the issue. I would express my concern and ask if there is anything I can do to help them succeed. If necessary, I would provide additional training or resources to address any challenges they may be facing. I would also involve their direct supervisor or team leader to provide guidance and support. Together, we would develop a plan to help the volunteer meet their responsibilities. Regular communication would be maintained to monitor progress and provide ongoing support.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer includes more specific details on how the candidate would handle the situation, such as expressing concern, offering help, providing training or resources, involving the direct supervisor or team leader, and maintaining regular communication. This demonstrates the candidate's interpersonal, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. However, the answer could still be improved by mentioning the importance of setting clear expectations and addressing any underlying issues.

An exceptional answer

If a volunteer is not fulfilling their responsibilities, I would take a proactive approach to address the situation. I would start by reviewing the volunteer's role and responsibilities with them to ensure there is a clear understanding of expectations. If there are any gaps in their skills or knowledge, I would provide them with appropriate training or resources to help them succeed. Additionally, I would identify any underlying issues that may be impacting their performance and address them in a supportive and confidential manner. If necessary, I would involve a mentor or experienced volunteer to provide guidance and support. Throughout the process, I would maintain open and honest communication with the volunteer, their supervisor, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure everyone is aware of the situation and working towards a solution. If all efforts to address the issue are unsuccessful, I would have a candid conversation with the volunteer about their commitment to their responsibilities and the impact it has on the organization. If necessary, I would make the difficult decision to reassign or replace the volunteer to ensure the smooth operation of the program or project.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by including additional details on setting clear expectations, providing training and resources, addressing underlying issues, involving a mentor or experienced volunteer, maintaining open and honest communication, and making difficult decisions if necessary. This showcases the candidate's strong interpersonal, problem-solving, organizational, communication, and flexibility skills. The answer demonstrates the candidate's ability to handle the situation effectively while considering the impact on the organization.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with the organization's volunteer policies and procedures to understand the framework in which you will be working.
Think about past experiences where you have dealt with challenging situations or difficult individuals and how you resolved them.
Consider how you can effectively communicate with volunteers to address issues without causing conflict or discomfort.
Reflect on your problem-solving skills and how you can apply them to identify and address any challenges volunteers may face.
Research different training and support resources that can be provided to volunteers to help them succeed in their roles.

What interviewers are evaluating

Interpersonal Skills
Problem-solving Skills
Organizational Skills
Communication Skills
Flexibility and Adaptability