How to complete the application form

DEPAUL IRELAND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME APPLYING FOR A VOLUNTEER ROLE SOME ADVICE ON COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORM Depaul Ireland strives to be an equal opportunities employer, the application form plays an important part in the selection process: both in deciding whether or not you will be shortlisted for an group interview / induction and as a basis for the group interview itself. The following advice is designed to help you to complete the application form as effectively as possible.

Read the volunteer description and person specification carefully.

- Every volunteer opportunity has a full volunteer description and person specification which will be used to decide which people are interviewed and appointed.

Analyse the volunteer description and person specification.

- Ask yourself why you are interested in volunteering with Depaul Ireland. Have you some free time? Do you want to help others? Would it be a good career move etc?

- The person specification will list the skills, knowledge, qualification and experience required. Show generally how you meet these requirements in the volunteer application form.

Look at your experience.

- What evidence have you got that you have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience?

- Explaining your present (and previous) volunteer experience or job to someone else may help to uncover ‘hidden’ skills etc., that you take for granted.

Do a rough draft first - Write out the form in rough to avoid mistakes, repetitions etc. This also gives you the opportunity to ensure that your form is well organised and relevant.

- Write out your volunteer / career history: do not go into too much detail but make sure that you explain the main feature of each volunteer opportunity or job that you have had. Check that the dates are correct, in the right order.

General experience and further information - This is where you make your case for the volunteer opportunity you want. Please do not send in your CV. - Your form should be written in a concise, well organised and positive way (e.g. use active words like ‘I wrote/organised’). Specify your own responsibilities rather that those of your team or department.

Complete the form - Type it or use ballpoint (black shows up best when copied).

- When you return your form please sign it and post it to us, we will acknowledge receipt of your application by email. When an induction round takes place we will contact you if you meet the minimum basic criteria.

Keep a copy of your application for reference. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Volunteer Programme / Sundial House, 140 James’s Street, Dublin 8. + 353 1 633 9226 / T + 353 1 607 4476 / F volunteer.coordinator@depaulireland.org / E www.depaulireland.org / W Company registration no. 357828 Charity registration no. CHY 14753