What form would I use to record my volunteering?

***Oxfam Volunteering Application Form - help please? 10 points?***?

• I’ve been asked to fill out a form but don’t know what to write, or don’t have much to say since this would be my first time volunteering anywhere. Where it asks ‘tell us about any volunteering experience or any previous employment you have’ can I write about my work experience at a Primary School or does that not count or is not relevant? I have no idea what to put for ‘are you applying for a specific vacancy or do you have specialist skills, interests or hobbies that you would like to use when volunteering for Oxfam?’ I can speak 3 languages including English fluently, and basic German, I am interested in art, lol how can I expand upon that? And lastly it asks ‘are there any particular skils you would like to develop by volunteering with Oxfam?’ Could I write ‘communication skills’? I'd appreciate any help, thanks.

• Answer:

  Your experience at Primary School would be perfect for work experience. It doesn't sound like you have a specific vacancy in mind so you should discuss your skills, interests and hobbies. Certainly being able to speak 3 languages is a bonus. Be sure to indicate whether you can also read and write these languages. What interests or hobbies do you have? Are you computer savvy? That one is always a plus. Music? Woodworking? Scrapbooking? What do you do in your spare time? Write about it. I don't think you need to write an essay, just enough to describe the activity. Skills you want to develop could include communication skills, learning a different culture, learning to relate to others (older people, children, developmentally challenged individuals). I hoped this helped. Good luck!