Building a recruitment plan
Abstract
Recruitment is a continuous activity for national service programs, and building and following a recruitment plan can utilize time and resources in the most efficient way. Catholic Network of Volunteer Service (CNVS) recommends creating a recruitment plan by using their Recruitment Start-up Checklist.
Issue
Recruiting members and volunteers is an essential step in managing a service program , but it can take a substantial amount of time and resources. Developing and consulting a checklist can help streamline the process.
Action
According to CNVS, a recruitment plan should include the following:
- Timeline that includes fixed dates for advertising, receiving applications, performing reference and/or background checks, interviews (first and second round), offer of employment, confirmation letter, and start date
- List of potential staff who will work on a focused campaign
- Survey of public relations/marketing materials — and ideas for revision if necessary
- Budget
- Number of member positions
- Target number of applications
- Standardized application form
- Comprehensive member descriptions that include position title, location and program summary, description of typical service activities, duties and responsibilities, and member benefits
- Support network strategy for members
- Role of staff in relation to members and volunteers
- Orientation and training plan
- Accessibility and inclusion issues related to people with disabilities and cultural diversity
- Assessment of physical space and resources
Context
In addition to the recruitment plan strategies mentioned above, programs that are actively recruiting should:
- Attend events that facilitate outreach
- Give presentations at events, conferences, and meetings
- Provide short information sessions when appropriate
- Distribute mailings to a select audience
- Maintain an active online presence through a website and social media
- Advertise in newspapers, on the radio, and on television
- Submit press releases and general interest articles to newsletters and local papers
- Distribute informative materials at appropriate sites
Catholic Network of Volunteer Service, a nonprofit organization established in 1963, is a national association of Christian volunteer and mission programs. Leaders in promoting domestic and international service opportunities to people of all backgrounds, ages and skills, CNVS provides its over 230 member programs with resources to effectively fulfill their missions.
Posted On
September 7, 2000For More Information
Resources
For more information on program start-up see Building a High Quality AmeriCorps Program, by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Additional resources on member and volunteer recruitment are at http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/volunteer-member-staff-management/recruitment.
The Nonprofit Risk Management Center offers the following checklist for your organization's recruitment and application process: (from Staff Screening Toolkit, 2004)
Recruitment
- Do position notices summarize position responsibilities and requirements?
- Do position notices indicate if a background check will be required?
- Do position notices reflect the organization's nondiscrimination policies?
- Are position notices widely disseminated to develop a diverse applicant pool?
Applications
- Does the organization consistently use a standard application form?
- Does the organization use separate applications for paid and volunteer positions?
- Does the organization solicit resumes to supplement information provided on the application?
- Does all requested information constitute a lawful inquiry?
- Do application items relate to the position requirements detailed on the position description?
- Does the nonprofit's application provide an adequate basis for initial decision-making?
