Assessment: The Impact of Volunteer Experience on Hiring Decisions

Engaging Your Workforce > Volunteering

In the competitive field of medical recruitment, volunteer experience is increasingly recognised as a valuable asset for job candidates. For Australian doctors, medical professionals, and specialists, volunteer work can significantly enhance their employability and offer unique insights into their character and professional capabilities. This article examines the impact of volunteer experience on hiring decisions and provides practical advice for medical job recruiters on leveraging this aspect during the recruitment process. 

The Value of Volunteer Experience

  1. Demonstrates Commitment to the Community: Volunteer work often reflects a candidate’s dedication to giving back to the community. In the medical field, where empathy and patient care are paramount, a history of volunteerism can indicate a strong commitment to these values. Recruiters can view volunteer experience as a testament to a candidate’s willingness to go above and beyond their regular duties to support public health and community well-being.
  2. Enhances Skills and Knowledge: Volunteer roles can provide medical professionals with opportunities to develop and refine essential skills. These may include clinical skills, leadership, project management, and cross-cultural communication. For example, volunteering in underserved areas can enhance a doctor’s ability to manage diverse patient populations and adapt to different healthcare settings. Such experiences can make candidates more versatile and capable in their professional roles.
  3. Shows Initiative and Motivation: Candidates who engage in volunteer work often demonstrate a proactive attitude and strong motivation. These traits are highly desirable in the medical field, where self-initiative and the ability to handle complex situations independently are crucial. Recruiters can interpret volunteer experience as a sign of a candidate’s drive and enthusiasm for continuous learning and professional development.
  4. Builds Professional Networks: Volunteering can also help medical professionals build valuable networks within the healthcare community. These connections can be beneficial for both personal and professional growth. Recruiters can consider the potential for these networks to contribute to the candidate’s success in a new role, as they may bring additional resources and perspectives to the organisation.

Insights from the Annual Australian Doctor & AusDoc.JOBS Job Seeker Study

The Annual Australian Doctor & AusDoc.JOBS Job Seeker Study provides valuable insights into the importance of various factors in job searches for medical professionals. While specific data on volunteer experience was not highlighted, the study’s findings on job satisfaction and professional values can indirectly support the importance of volunteer work. 

  • Professional Values Alignment: The study found that 27.94% of respondents changed jobs because their personal values did not align with those of their organisation . This underscores the importance of shared values in the recruitment process, where volunteer experience can play a crucial role in demonstrating alignment with the organisation’s mission and values. 
  • Growth and Learning Opportunities: A significant portion of respondents (35.03%) looked for jobs that provided opportunities for personal growth and new skills. Volunteer work often offers these opportunities, making candidates with such experiences attractive to employers seeking motivated and development-oriented professionals. 
  • Community and Patient Focus: Medical professionals who prioritise patient care and community involvement may seek employers who value these aspects. Volunteer experience can serve as a strong indicator of a candidate’s commitment to these priorities, enhancing their attractiveness to potential employers. 

Practical Advice for Recruiters

  1. Include Volunteer Experience in Job Descriptions: When advertising positions, explicitly mention that volunteer experience is valued. This encourages candidates to highlight their volunteer work in their applications and ensures that recruiters are aware of its importance.
  2. Ask Targeted Interview Questions: During interviews, ask candidates about their volunteer experiences. Inquire about the skills they developed, challenges they faced, and how these experiences have shaped their professional outlook. This can provide deeper insights into their suitability for the role.
  3. Evaluate the Impact of Volunteer Work: Assess the relevance and impact of the candidate’s volunteer experiences on their professional capabilities. Consider how their volunteer work aligns with the organisation’s values and mission.
  4. Highlight Organisational CSR Initiatives: If your organisation engages in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, highlight these during the recruitment process. Candidates with a strong volunteer background may be particularly drawn to employers who prioritise community engagement and social responsibility.

Conclusion

Volunteer experience is a valuable asset in the medical field, offering numerous benefits for both candidates and employers. By recognising and leveraging volunteer work during the recruitment process, medical job recruiters can identify highly motivated, skilled, and community-oriented professionals. This not only enhances the quality of hires but also contributes to a more compassionate and effective healthcare workforce. 

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