Awesome AmeriCorps ProgramInterview Script

The following introductory information should be relayed in the first 15-20 minutes of the interview, then use the interview questions. Conclude the interview by relaying the timeline and next steps.

  • Thank them for their interest in the program, and helping low-income homeowners/grassroots nonprofits.
  • Discuss the structure of the interview: 1) background information on the organization, AmeriCorps and Awesome AmeriCorps Program then 2) discuss the terms/benefits then 3) actual interview questionsand 4) next steps.
  • Introduce yourself your role at Awesome AmeriCorps Program

Ask how familiar they are with the organization; describe the organization’s mission, accomplishments and programs (3-4 minutes).

Describe the general history of AmeriCorps – asked if they have visited Americorps.gov (1-2 min)

  • AmeriCorps began in 1994
  • Since then over 1 million people have served in AmeriCorps and over 80,000 serve each year
  • Like a domestic Peace Corps – intensive full time service in low-income communities to meet critical community needs
  • There many different types of AmeriCorps programs (State, national, NCCC, VISTA, etc)

Explain that the Awesome AmeriCorps Program is the NAME of our AmeriCorps program – (we’reanPennyslvania AmeriCorps State Program). (4-6 min)

Share the mission of the Awesome AmeriCorps Program:

  • We have XX number of AmeriCorps members serving at XX number of sites.
  • Our program is what’s called “individual placements” which means that there are typically only 1-3 AmeriCorps members in your organization. This is not a “team based” program (we are not you and 20 others building houses).
  • Mission of program:
  • How do AmeriCorps members achieve the mission? They work in one of several areas: 1) Volunteer Recruitment/ Management 2) Client Outreach 3) Program Development/Program Expansion/Program Logistics/Implementation 4) Partnership Development 5) Direct Repairs and Construction.
  • AmeriCorps is service, not a job. How is service different from a job?
  • Participants in AmeriCorps are called “members” (not employees of the organization you serve at)
  • AmeriCorps positions are learn-by-doing positions – get the chance to take a program area and develop the program through your vision.
  • Get to do higher-level activities than most entry level positions in the nonprofit field.
  • More training, professional and personal development than entry level jobs in a supportive environment.
  • Set time commitment in AmeriCorps is called the “term of service.” In our program the term of service is 1700 hrs. over 11 months. The commitment to join our program is serious, you take an oath of service, sign a service contract, etc. because we use taxpayer dollars to help people, we take the program seriously and we’re looking for individuals that will finish their service despite challenges and obstacles.
  • Receive a living stipend, not a wage or salary.
  • Part of a larger movement of people wanting to change the world through action

PAUSE and ask if they have any questions!

Briefly describe the position/host site (2-3 minutes), focusing on the activity area.

Then discuss the “Term of Service” and “Benefits.” (4-6 min)

  • The term of service is 1700 hours over 11 months (which comes out to be about 38-40 hours per week). Emphasize that it is full time service.
  • Positions begin on Month/Date/Year and ends on Month/Date/Year.
  • Service begins with an orientation. Orientation is mandatory and the start date is/isn’t negotiable. Training will discuss benefits, program regulations, and skills training on volunteer management, client outreach, etc.
  • The first two weeks of service are spent in aninformal on-site orientation, learning about the organization, mission, history and your duties, and getting to know your supervisor.
  • Other: Unlike many other AmeriCorps programs, in the Awesome AmeriCorps Program members can be in school or have part time jobs, as long as they do not interfere with their service commitment. Each site will discuss their schedule requirements (most are 8-5), but some evenings and weekends will be required.

Benefits:

  • Living stipend of $XXX every 2 weeks before taxes. Not a salary or wage, it is intended to cover your basic living expenses. Members might be eligible for food stamps, low-income energy assistance, and other benefits.
  • Members receive a health insurance benefit – and pay no premium per month (you have to pay co pays, a % of care, prescription drugs, etc.). Advise them that it is a bare-bone, simple plan. Some things are not covered, so it is something to consider if they have health issues.
  • Upon successful completion of your service, you receive an Education Award of $XXX (before taxes) that can be used to pay off student loans or apply to future tuition at a qualified college or university. Many schools around the country double or triple the value of the education award.
  • You can defer your qualified student loans(qualified = federally-backed student loans i.e. Stafford, Perkins – not PRIVATE loans) through forbearance while serving, and the federal government will pay the interest on your qualified student loans that has accrued during the 11 months of service, so deferment doesn’t result in added $$ to your loans.
  • Members can take up to XX days of leave time (vacation/sick) but they will notaccrue hours while they are taking leave, and they’ll have to make up the hours they take as leave over the course of their 11 months (many opportunities to do this).
  • Chance to make a real difference in the lives of people and make a long-term impact at our organization
  • Child care benefits are offered for income eligible members
  • No relocation offered.

PAUSE and ask if they have any questions!

Then go into the interview questions….

After the interview questions discuss the timeline/next steps (1-2 min)

  • If you believe the candidate will be referred on to the next step (an interview with the host site), then advise the candidate that they will be contacted directly by the host site to schedule the second interview.
  • If we haven’t received their résumé and cover letter (see cover sheet), ask them to send in.
  • Ask the candidate to touch base with us if they do not hear from the host site within one week.
  • Advise them that if they are the selected candidate, we will make the offer and begin the enrollment process.
  • Timeline: we’re in the beginning/middle of the recruitment process; ask them to be patient as this process can take 6-8 weeks.
  • Tell them to drop us an email if they accept another position or decide to withdraw.
  • Remind them that they can call or email us at any time with questions. Wish them luck on second interview.
  • Verify that they have Awesome AmeriCorps Program contact info.
  • If you think the candidate should be declined, then thank them for their time, and tell them we will be in touch over the next few weeks (need time to process the decline letter).

1