Each year
our program receives upwards of 300 applications from potential AmeriCorps
members who want to serve with the Partnership to End Homelessness. With only
30 spots available, it is up to the applicant to stand out in the interview
and show dedication and professionalism if they desire to join us. We hope this post will help applicants
understand what kind of person we are seeking to enlist in our program. Please read
all the way to the end where you’ll see our top tips and tricks to help you
nail the interview.
1.
Compassion
to serve those in need. Members work directly with homeless and low-income clients
to provide food, shelter, emergency financial assistance, life skills coaching,
employment counseling and case management.
2.
Commitment
and making this position a priority in your life. You must commit one year, 901
hours (if part-time; 1,701 if full-time), to the program. If you leave early,
those relying on your services will be negatively impacted and you put our
entire program at risk for losing funding.
3.
Cultural
sensitivity to those you are working with and serving. Your team and
clients will have different priorities and beliefs than you. You must remain courteous
and empathetic. Attending diversity trainings and cultural activities will
help!
4.
Professionalism
is necessary because you represent the program, your group, and your clients.
Always dress appropriately and speak respectfully.
5.
Initiative
to solve issues on your own and think creatively. If you are unsure of the
directions to an interview or site, gps/mapquest it and test drive the route
before you need to be there. Discover a new idea for a Service Project to meet
the needs in the community. Do not rely on others to give you the answers.
6.
Teamwork
is essential. This means accepting projects you may not like and doing things
for the greater good of your team and the people you serve.
7.
Patience
in understanding and listening to what your clients are going through. Leave
your preconceived judgements at the door. Be open to seeing from a different
perspective.
8.
Be an
example of what you want to see in others. You will be representing
AmeriCorps, your site, your team and your clients. Think of how your actions
affect others.
1.
Research AmeriCorps and the Partnership to End
Homelessness before your interview. The very first question we ask in the
interviews is “What do you know about our program and what we do.” We can
always tell if an applicant has spent time looking at our website or social
media. This is an easy way to stand out!
2.
Have strong reasons for why you want to
participate. A few completely unacceptable answers we’ve heard include: “I need
a job,” “I need money,” and “I don’t know.” You should have a drive to serve
others and an interest in homelessness and poverty.
3.
Find us before your interview. It does not reflect
positively on applicants who are late, call us a few minutes before the
interview because they can’t find us, or who clearly didn’t bother to look at
the map that was emailed out. It is always a good idea before any interview to
drive past the location and check out the parking situation and make sure you
know where you’re going.
4.
Please dress appropriately. While we stress that
AmeriCorps is not a job, this is a professional experience. Your demeanor and
clothing should reflect this. Do not wear jeans, leggings, or sweatpants.
5.
Have questions prepared. We know that AmeriCorps
can be confusing and we genuinely want to answer any and all questions you may
have. It makes you look awesome when you come prepared with questions about the
program or experience.
