YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
I VOLUNTEER FOR THE RURAL FIRE SERVICE/SES SO NEED TIME OFF WORK ON OCCASION. WHEN SHOULD I RAISE THIS IN THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS?
EXPERIENCED DARREN BUCHANAN MANAGING DIRECTOR, HAYS QUEENSLAND
The best policy is to be honest and raise it with your recruiter when you first meet them and during your first interview with a potential employer. Be as specific as possible. For example, rather than stating you need time off “on occasion”, say one day a month. Talk about the commitment required in an emergency and how many days off you’ve taken in the past in such situations. You could also use your experience to answer one or two interview questions, such as your ability to cope in stressful situations.
MID-CAREER ANDREA DAVEY CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, EMPLOYMENT OFFICE
I think it’s worth listing your volunteer work in your resume as candidates who volunteer are often viewed favourably. I wouldn’t mention that you need occasional time off work at this stage. If I were directly asked about taking time off in the first interview, I would answer honestly. If it didn’t come up then, I’d wait until I was short-listed for a second interview before bringing it up. I’d make sure my future employer knew before accepting a job offer. I’d highlight that I’d be happy to use annual leave for this volunteer time.
UP & COMING JULIE FORD SENIOR EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT, McARTHUR
Recruitment panels and hiring managers are not fond of surprises and it isn’t professional conduct to withhold any important information. The best time to talk about your commitments is when the recruitment process has progressed beyond the initial screening phone call and they have expressed an interest in taking it further. This allows time to discuss the time commitment and how much this would impact the business. Unless it’s detrimental to the role requirements, most organisations can accommodate your voluntary service.
THE EXPERT DR NERIDA HILLBERG DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY, FERRIS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS
Generally, I recommend leaving this until the end of the recruitment process. Specifically, I’d wait until you’ve been offered the role. You don’t want to give an employer any reason to exclude you from the recruitment process. That being said, many are happy to offer employees time off to volunteer. When employees are given time off to volunteer, the organisation often benefits too because happy employees are productive, motivated and committed.