Recommended Interview Process

1. Designate one volunteer or staff person as the facilitator of each session. This person will direct the “action,” starting with activities and introduction described below. The other volunteers or staff members can take turns asking the questions listed below. The facilitator will ensure that all applicants have an opportunity to address all questions. The facilitator will remind the applicant(s) about the training program time/dates and dismiss the applicants at the end of the session.
2. Be sure to write on this form each applicant’s name, name(s) of interviewer(s), and the date and time of the interview. Where applicable, rate each applicant’s answer to each question. For most questions, space has been left for interviewers to make additional comments. Please write legibly on the forms.
3. While sessions should have a warm and friendly tone, interviewers must rate each of the candidates according to the UC Master Food Preserver Program position description and criteria. If an interviewer determines that a candidate should be rejected, the interviewer should clearly document specific reasons for the low rating. “Not a fit” is not an acceptable explanation.
4. Per UC ANR’s Non-discrimination policy statements, interviewers must not ask questions or make comments pertaining to a candidate’s age, race, gender, marital status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected categories. Avoid asking personal questions other than those on the interview sheet. Keep the conversation focused on topics that are pertinent to the candidate’s experience in public education, community organizing, volunteering, or food preservation experience and willingness to participate in the >program.
5. Finally, interviewers may not speculate or assume any information about a candidate or assess a candidate against any criteria not listed in the UC Master Food Preserver Program Volunteer Position Description. For example, interviewers may not assume any information about a candidate’s available time for volunteering, motivation for volunteering, or length of time they may volunteer.

Introduction script

Hello and welcome to the UC Master Food Preserver Program screening interview process. The UC Master Food Preserver Program is a statewide program of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR). UC Master Food Preserver Program Trainees complete extensive training, followed by 50 hours of volunteer work in their first year, which includes the training period. In subsequent years, volunteers will complete 25 volunteer hours and 12 continuing education hours. Trainees must attend all Training sessions.

Today we are going to ask 11 questions about your volunteerism, education, and food preservation experiences. Some of the questions may be similar to those asked on the application form. Please feel free to restate or expand upon your application responses. Before we begin, we are required to inform you that if you are selected to participate in the UC Master Food Preserver Program training, you will be required to sign the UC ANR Adult Volunteer Code of Conduct and to submit to a criminal background check (Department of Justice Livescan). Some offenses may bar you from participating as a UC Master Food Preserver Program volunteer.

Conclusion script

Thank you for your interest in the UC Master Food Preserver Program training. Do you having anything else to share? Do you have any questions for the interview panel? We will notify all applicants via e-mail with regard to timeline and next steps. Please contact our University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) office with any additional questions. Thank you.