The orientation is the first official step in an applicant’s interview process. All applicants must attend either a new or returning staff orientation. The dates and times for available orientations should be noted on the KidSpirit website as well as the staff application. The orientation slideshow outlines the hiring process, payroll practice, sample schedule and the KidSpirit philosophy.
Generate impression of applicants in an informal setting
Familiarize the applicants with KidSpirit programs
Provide realistic expectations for employment
Train potential staff on the basic principles of KidSpirit in an unpaid setting
Presenters
Members of the hiring team will present at each orientation. Presenters should review the slide show and policy manual to decide on a presentation strategy and make any necessary changes or updates. During each presenter’s downtime they should be making notes regarding the applicants. Presenters need to be prepared and professional during the orientation including: professional attire, word choice, and body language.
Observers
One to three members of the hiring team will be present at each orientation to take notes on the applicants, as well as to provide feedback on the presentation. These observers will pose as applicants and keep their observations confidential, since this part of the evaluation process is informal. The observers are in charge of keeping notes on the applicants, as well as the presenters to provide feedback on the overall presentation.
What To Look For (applicants):
Communication among the applicants
Willingness to volunteer
Questions and comments from the applicants
Professional dress
Response to the presentation
Use of filler words such as, “um” and “like”
Eye contact
Body Language
Volume and tone of voice
Times spoke
What To Look For (presenters):
Flow of presentation
Use of filler words such as “um” and “like”
Word choice for example “if you are hired” instead of “when you are hired”
Eye contact
Volume and tone
At the end of the orientation the presenters will explain the next step of the hiring process and invite all applicants to sign up for a group and a formal interview. Members of the hiring committee should be stationed at a minimum of two computers to sign applicants up for group interview slots directly onto the applicable hiring calendars.
After each orientation all members of the hiring team present will meet to share notes and impressions. Each team member will choose their top and bottom two applicants based on this first impression and share their reasoning with the group. One person on the hiring team should be stationed at a computer and should type up the feedback onto the orientation impression sheet. The observers will also share their feedback for the presenters.