Interview Questions
Applicant: ______Phone Number: ______
Date of Interview with Site Director: ______
1. Tell me again what your reasons are for wanting to do a year of service.
* Why are you interested specifically in Notre Dame – AmeriCorps?
2. What kind of service do you feel would best match your abilities and interests?
3. What do you see as the difference between committing a year to full-time service versus a full-time job?
4. Tell me about your experience as a …. (camp counselor, tutor, working with youth etc.)
5. What do you think will be the hardest part about committing to a year of service? The best part?
6. Describe a time when you made a challenging commitment and met it.
7. What kinds of support do you see yourself needing? What kinds of support do you already have in place?
8. How will you survive on the stipend for the year?
9. What types of qualities do you think are necessary when working with diverse groups? Can you give an example that illustrates how you have worked with someone from a very different background than yourself?
10. An important part about serving as a full-time volunteer is the ability to be flexible and adaptive. Give me an example of a time when you have been flexible in a situation.
11. What do you do when you are stressed?
12. How do you handle conflict? Tell me about a time when you handled conflict well and a time when you wish you had handled a conflict differently.
13. Where do you see yourself in the future?
14. Do you need any accommodations to perform the essential functions of this position (explain the essential functions?
15. Are you thinking about the community living option? What kinds of expectations do you have? What is the most important thing you feel you can bring to living in community?
16. Is there anything else you would like me to consider in the application process?
17. Specific questions referring to the essays/application:
a. If applicant marks “average” or lower on self-reference, ask about this.
b. If applicant alludes to a past drug/alcohol problem, ask about this.
c. If applicant has a medical condition from his/her past that is not explained in the essay and that might prevent them from performing his/her duties as an AmeriCorps member, ask about this.
d. If applicant has a criminal charge, ask about this.
* After interview is complete, ask specific questions related to:
i. site preference
ii. placement procedures, etc.
Also discuss:
iii. Stipend (it is taxed), health benefits, Education Award
iv. Structure of Year: Orientation (dates, time of year service begins, 11 months), time off
v. Bi-weekly trainings
vi. Mid-Year training
vii. Spirituality Retreat available
viii. Intentional Community Living option
ix. Role of Site Director