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I applied to volunteer but no one contacted me, what should I do?

So you've found a role on our I-VOL database and pressed the register button- you are ready to start volunteering! ...A couple of weeks pass, and you 're still waiting to hear from the organisation. What should you do?

It can be frustrating when you don’t hear back from an organisation. Remember, when you apply for a role, we connect you with the organisation who will have a screening process for new volunteers- this can take time.  Some organisations are time poor, and can’t respond quickly to your application. 

Here are some things you can do to try and move your application forward:

Check on the application process.

Find the original referral email and be sure to read it thoroughly.  The email should contain useful info on the application process such as:

  • Details on the contact person within the organisation
  • The date the application was processed- sometimes it can take a few days before this happens, so the organisation may have just received your information!
  • The next steps in the process. There may be something you need to do, such as fill out an application form. The organisation may be waiting to receive this before moving on with your application!

Check your spam folder and voicemail

It’s quite common for emails from organisations to go into your spam or junk folder. It’s a good idea to check these folders for an email from the organisation you applied with.
Some organisations prefer to ring you for a chat about your application. Be sure to check your voicemail for any missed calls.

Follow up directly with the organisation

If your referral email came more than 2 weeks ago and you haven’t received a call or email, we advise you to contact the organisation directly.

If you received an acknowledgement email from the organisation – for instance when you submitted an application form – use that email to follow up so that the organisation will have details of your application to hand.

Here is an example of a follow up email: 

Hi Lisa, 

I applied to be a Charity Shop Volunteer with your organisation through I-VOL on June 3rd.

I haven’t heard anything since, but I’m still interested in getting involved.

Are you still taking on volunteers? Can you let me know what I should do next?

Thanks,

Sean 

Give us some feedback

We believe that good communication is an important principle of best practice in volunteer management, so we always encourage organisations to contact applicants promptly.

If you have followed all the steps above, and are still having trouble with your application, please send us your feedback at info@volunteerdublincity.ie

We support organisations in running successful volunteering programmes by providing training and other supports.  Your feedback will help us to understand how we can support organisations and improve our services.

There are other fish in the sea!

It’s always disappointing when a volunteer application doesn’t work out, for whatever reason. Keep in mind that you can always go back to I-VOL and start a new search – organisations add new roles to the database regularly so there might be something there you hadn’t seen before!  

Remember:

  • Be patient: allow at least 2 weeks after your application before taking further steps.
  • Don’t take it personally: an organisation’s response time is almost certainly down to their own internal circumstances rather than anything about you.
  • Pay attention: check your spam folder and voicemail regularly when waiting to hear back from a volunteer opportunity.
  • Follow up directly with the organisation: the most efficient way to try and get things moving.

 

If you are having trouble finding your initial referral email or you aren’t sure who to contact you can find details of all your volunteer applications on your I-VOL profile.

Still need help? Get in touch with our Placement Team at info@volunteerdublincity.ie

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