Where to Advertise
There are various ways of advertising vacancies all of which have their strengths and limitations. Successful solutions will often be a combination of the various media available.
The most popular and inexpensive recruitment tool in HACC CSOs is ‘word of mouth’. This will probably continue to be the case in spite of its limitations. Personal recommendations from existing volunteers, in particular, are effective as existing volunteers have the knowledge to both accurately and honestly describe the role and also have the infectious enthusiasm that encourages others to join in.
Volunteer Resource Centres are probably the next most popular source of new volunteers. Generally their requirements ask that CSOs utilising their services are community-based organisations that provide the appropriate levels and types of volunteer insurances. They will also normally ensure that prospective volunteers are made aware of their rights and responsibilities and that CSOs provide accurate job descriptions, orientation, etc.
- Notice boards
- Presentations to local community groups
- Local churches
- Other HACC CSOs
- Websites
- Community or local radio
- Leaflets
- Social functions
- Posters
- Advertising boards outside CSOs
- Sporting and service clubs
- Libraries
- Educational institutions
- Community Information and Advice Centres
and many others.
When advertising, an abridged PD should be included.
When targeting specific skills or qualifications, a CSO will also need to target the method of advertising. For example, when trying to recruit culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) volunteers, it would make sense to use media, clubs and community groups associated with the particular group being targeted. Also, if a CSO is trying to target younger people, advertising on one of the volunteer recruitment websites such as Go Volunteer or Australian Volunteer Search should be considered. Check out our links sections for some of these sites.