Olympic volunteers - selection events

[poacher82]

Just wondering if anyone has already attended a selection event? I'm off to Glasgow next month, very excited, but I think they have already started in some regions!

 

[poacher82]

Shameless bump... curiosity as to what I should expect is killing me!!!

 

[poorchickens]

I know they've already had some in London - but I wasn't invited

 

[doratheexplorer]

Nope, sadly I havent heard anything... Im down in Sussex...
Good luck, let us know ehat its all about please!!

 

[poacher82]

Thanks Dora! I think they have only opened in N England so far, and Scotland next month, but there might be more details on the games maker website as to when they get to other areas of the country? That's where I had to go to accept the interview date and choose a time slot. It's a 90min selection thing, 30min of which is a one-on-one interview - never had an interview that long for a full time job, I'm petrified!

 

[CanadianGirl]

Thanks Dora! I think they have only opened in N England so far, and Scotland next month, but there might be more details on the games maker website as to when they get to other areas of the country? That's where I had to go to accept the interview date and choose a time slot. It's a 90min selection thing, 30min of which is a one-on-one interview - never had an interview that long for a full time job, I'm petrified!

I volunteered for the Winter 2010 Olympics that were just in Vancouver. It was so much fun!

If your interview process is anything like Vancouver's my advice is don't worry, relax and be yourself. I guess that would be my advice for any interview really . I was first interviewed over the phone, then there was an orientation session followed by a one-on-one interview (conducted by a very nice person). I was then invited back for another session where they determined which volunteers would be good "team leaders" (I was chosen as a team leader). They made sure that the whole experience was fun and not serious. Even though it's the Olympics, they are still dealing with volunteers. I think they are aware that if they are too serious and militant, people won't want to give their time up for it. Good luck! I hope you are chosen and have as much fun as I did

ETA: Some of the people that I volunteered with had such a good time they have applied to volunteer for the London Olympics as well. I would have too, but there's the small cost of getting over there and finding accommodation for the entire event.

 

[pferdeforever]

Hi,

I had my interview in London yesterday - what a lovely day for being by the Thames!

There were about 20 people per half hour session, we browsed some info boards, watched a really short video and then had interviews - some people were out a lot quicker than others, mine was about 20 minutes. Then you can sign the volunteer's wall that will go up around one of the venues.

The interviewers are nice and try to put you at ease. Of course they'll be looking for things, but it's not intense - just a structured conversation with questions like what inspired you to be involved, what past experience do you have, name a moment you were proud of, that sort of thing. Pretty standard stuff. People were dressing comfortably but still elegantly if that helps.

Show them how enthusiastic you are, say everything you want them to know so you don't come out after thinking 'damn I wish I'd told them about the time I...' and just enjoy the day. Good Luck!

 

[azc193]

Hi there, I've just been called up for an Interview so am trying to find out as much as a possible before hand. Anyone else had interviews and can help with potential questions? Thanks in advance!!

 

[doratheexplorer]

Hi there, I've just been called up for an Interview so am trying to find out as much as a possible before hand. Anyone else had interviews and can help with potential questions? Thanks in advance!!

Hey, I had my interview in August in London. Very relaxed and informal, nothing difficult to answer!

Let me know if you have any specific questions, and I will do my best to help!

 

[azc193]

Thanks for the help DoraTheExplora. Can you remember any questions they asked? Is the dress code more casual or smart casual? Did you get asked anything specific to the area which your interview is related to?

 

[Olliecp77]

Had my interview few months back and got an email yesterday so saying they are considering me as a driver! I was really nervous about the interview also however it is basic and more chatty. They obviously had key words for you to hit, shorter the interview the better you did - so I was told by one of the staff when I was leaving. Asked about if you want to lead a team and if so how would you motivate them etc. Asked if willing to drive in London, how much you have volunteered before (although didn't sound as essential as I thought), general organisational skills I think also. Can't remember much but it was easy - just say what you really think. They do start by asking you which sport interests you most and obviously why you want to volunteer. When you arrive in your small group there are talks, registration of personal info, checking/copying your ID, taking your photograph, walk around a few info boards then a very short video by cadburys (random video) then into interviews. There was a stand to buy merchandise on the way out. All very swift and highly organised with lots of bubbly staff and free cadbury's everywhere. Good luck.

 

[doratheexplorer]

Thanks for the help DoraTheExplora. Can you remember any questions they asked? Is the dress code more casual or smart casual? Did you get asked anything specific to the area which your interview is related to?

I wore a smart skirt, black top and jacket, and I would say I looked smarter than most!! Quite a few in jeans and a smart top... I didn't get asked any area specific questions, although it was hinted that i had been selected for a events services role... I did make it very clear that I would be best with an equestrian role, although my interviewer had no clue about horses, but i will just super enthusiastic and tried to make all my points valid without waffling!!

 

[Custard Cream]

I had mine in Gateshead back in May. Pretty much as others have said. Started off getting a wrist band and a booklet, then photo taken and documents checked, then hanging around watching little vids of the Olympics whilst avoiding huge bins full of chocolates. In to watch a short vid from Seb Coe about volunteering then into my interview. The girl (she was about 19!) knew nothing about horse trials, questions were vague, why do you want to volunteer, what do you love about the Olympics/tell me about a time you've worked under pressure to a deadline/overcome a problem etc. Asked if I'd head a team and what leadership skills I had. Was over and done with in ten mins for me. Dint know if that's a good or bad thing!

 

[azc193]

Thanks so much for all these replies! Really helpful!!!

 

[Sianage]

Hi guys,

I had a selection event interview back in March at the ExCeL centre in London. Pretty much the same as everybody else's experiences above! I went to a medical and veterinary selection event as I was working as a vet technician at the time, but I had also put my name down for all the other equestrian thingies. The interviews were quite generic - only really one question where you could effectively "list" what previous experience you had that was relevant to the role you were applying for.

Have not heard a word from them since. Supposed to hear some news by New Year's Eve - the suspense is killing me!!!

Has anybody else got a role or is there another thread someone can direct me too??

 

[caramel]

My application is still "under review". I applied months ago, and not heard anything! It really is frustrating as people are now receiving offers and had interviews...

 

[Sianage]

Urgh Caramel I am exactly the same as you!!! On the website it says "application is under review" for mine as well... a few of my friends have got roles (not equestrian ones though) and I'm starting to feel left out haha!

 

[caramel]

it's so irratating!! I know they're interviewing into 2012 but it's been months. Heard nothing from anyone. Would rather know one way or another!

 

[[59668]]

I have my selection event in jan in London. Can't wait!

 

[Sianage]

It's so weird that I've posted in here today moaning about not having heard anything... just got an offer by email! Going to be a veterinary technician for the Olympics Excited doesn't even come close! Got an email about 15 minutes ago and have spent the last 15 mins running round my house like a loony!

Good luck with your selection events guys