Recruitment (in volunteer management): The process of attracting and selecting volunteers.
Volunteer recruitment
The process of attracting and selecting volunteers. It involves identifying needs, sourcing candidates, and ultimately securing individuals to join your mission.
What is volunteer recruitment
Recruitment refers to the systematic method used to attract, select, and onboard volunteers who align with an organization’s mission and values.
Imagine you’re running a community garden and need volunteers to help plant and maintain it. You might post on social media, attend community events, or collaborate with local schools to recruit those interested in gardening. Effective recruitment isn’t just about filling slots; it’s about finding the right fit.
It’s not merely a one-off event; rather, it can be an ongoing series of strategies to build a cohesive team while fostering connections and commitment. You also want to steer clear of the ‘spray and pray’ approach, where you throw out general ads without targeting a specific audience. Such methods often result in lackluster applications and disengaged volunteers, wasting time and resources. So, what can you do instead? Think about quality over quantity and engage your community directly.
Best practices for volunteer recruitment
- Focus on crafting compelling stories about your organization. Share your mission and the impact of volunteering. This humanizes your call to action and resonates with potential volunteers.
- Leverage your existing network; word of mouth is powerful. Encourage current volunteers to refer friends or family.
- Streamline your application process. A long or complicated application can discourage prospective volunteers, so keep it simple and engaging.
Most common pitfalls
- Avoid vague job descriptions. If volunteers don’t know what’s expected, they may not apply or feel misled once they start. Also, don’t underestimate the power of follow-up. A candidate who doesn’t receive timely communication may lose interest or feel unappreciated.
- Never overlook the importance of a welcoming onboarding experience. If your induction process feels haphazard, new volunteers may quickly disengage, missing out on the potential for a valuable and lasting partnership.
How we can help
A good choice of volunteer management app can impress your candidates even before they join the team. It’s motivating to know that the organisation you’re applying to has their ducks in a row. Zelos comes with a simple application form that lets you recruit volunteers straight into the system. Give it a spin – just create a free account and see if it’s a good match for you!