Recruiter

Manual

Muslim Group of USA and Canada

Invite to the way of your Lord with
wisdom and beautiful exhortation
Holy Quran 16|126

May 1st, 2015

RECRUITER MANUAL

MUSLIM GROUP OF USA AND CANADA

Recruiter Manual | Muslim Group of USA and Canada

TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Organization:..............................................................................................................1
Purpose of this Manual......................................................................................................2
Introduction.......................................................................................................................2
Steps to recruitment..........................................................................................................3
1.

Set the Requirements..............................................................................................3

2.

Create a Pool...........................................................................................................3
Research sources of potential volunteers in the community......................................3
Announce Volunteer Openings....................................................................................3
Encourage Diversity....................................................................................................4
Collect Applications....................................................................................................4

3.

Reach out to Recruits..............................................................................................4

4.

Screen Applications.................................................................................................4

5.

Select Interviewees.................................................................................................4

6.

The Interview...........................................................................................................5
Plan the interview process..........................................................................................5
Schedule interviews....................................................................................................5
Create interview questions.........................................................................................5
Conduct interviews.....................................................................................................5

7.

The Selection...........................................................................................................6

8.

Offer the Position.....................................................................................................6

Rules and provisions..........................................................................................................6

Frequently asked questions...............................................................................................6

THE ORGANIZATION:
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Recruiter Manual | Muslim Group of USA and Canada

The Muslim Group of USA and Canada (MG) was founded on November 23, 1977 by a
collective of college students who noted the scarcity of religious leaders equipped with
the cultural literacy to nurture the spiritual and religious needs of Muslims residing in
North America.
During its early years, the Muslim Group steadily began to establish a regional and
international standing for its efforts to revive Islams traditions of learning and
spirituality through an everexpanding network of educational
programs, events, publications and
national conferences. By virtue of
these efforts, the Muslim Group was
soon recognized as the first formal
Shia organization to operate within
North America.
In 1982, the Muslim Group
restructured its operations into five
regions that spanned the continental
United Statesand a sixth region
that included Canada, thereby
optimizing its activities across an
expansive network that
encompassed the entire North
American region. This restructuring marked a sustained period of productivity and
growth, as the Muslim Group helped establish libraries and Islamic centers throughout
numerous Muslim communities.
In the ensuing years, the extensive variety of the Muslim Groups activities and
services would culminate in its annual conference, to which thousands of faithful
Muslims congregated on a yearly basis, joining them with internationally renowned
intellectuals and scholars of the Islamic tradition for an uplifting spiritual experience
that has oft been hailed as a mini-pilgrimage.
The Muslim Group of USA and Canada is an incorporated non-profit independent
organization. It is not a political party and it has no affiliation with any domestic or
foreign, private or governmental establishment.

PURPOSE OF THIS MANUAL

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Recruiter Manual | Muslim Group of USA and Canada

This manual serves as a guide for Committee Heads to properly recruit volunteers for
their respective committees within the Muslim Group of USA and Canada. It includes
steps and techniques for interviewing and recruiting volunteers. This manual also
gives a clear idea of what is expected of volunteers.

INTRODUCTION
Before entering the recruitment process, one must understand the following:

You
You
You
You
You
You

cultural and ethnic groups.

You understand why you should recruit people from different groups to be

volunteers.
You know the ways to recruit members of specific populations.
You must abide by the MGs set rules and regulations, ensuring you follow every

understand what it means to recruit volunteers for your organization.

understand why you should recruit volunteers.
know when you should recruit volunteers.
are familiar with the basic steps to recruit volunteers.
researched sources for potential volunteers in your community.
understand the challenges and benefits of recruiting volunteers from varied

step of the process they have provided for you when it comes to recruiting new

volunteers.
You will demonstrate good character, appropriate behavior, professionalism, and

proper etiquette in all aspects of your given duty.

You will examine all candidates for volunteering and observe closely.
You will not judge an individual by any background information, opinion, or

action.
You will not finalize a decision without executive permission.

STEPS OF RECRUITMENT
The following steps outline the way to find the most qualified volunteers:

1.Set the Requirements

Determine how many volunteers are needed, what the position descriptions are, and
what their qualifications must be.

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Recruiter Manual | Muslim Group of USA and Canada

2.Create a Pool
RESEARCH SOURCES OF POTENTIAL VOLUNTEERS

Look for volunteers from different age groups, different backgrounds whether work or
school, neighborhood groups, school, businesses, youth groups such as Girls or Boys
Scouts, senior groups, etc.
Ask current members why they volunteered, what continues to motivate them, and
how they were recruited as you begin to map out your recruitment strategy.

ANNOUNCE VOLUNTEER OPENINGS

Do not underestimate the power of letting people know you need their help. Organize
annual appeal for volunteers, set booths at local fairs, and ask current volunteers to
make an appeal on your behalf to local community clubs. Post notices at all the places
community members regularly visit (mosques, public library, grocery stores, etc.).
Most importantly, post announcements on the website and social media. A sign up
sheet that can be distributed in person is attached below:

MG Sign-Up
Sheet.docx

ENCOURAGE DIVERSITY
Promoting diversity will broaden the range of opinions and ideas to which our
organization has access. Work to highlight the achievements of volunteers from
different cultural groups, offer families opportunities to volunteer together, etc.

COLLECT APPLICATIONS
Use an online applicant tracking system. This tool will enable you to review all
candidates applications, share applications with other committee members,
correspond with applicants, and qualify each candidate online. Questions can be
developed for your position based on the qualifications set forth. This will identify
those candidates that are qualified.

3.Reach out to Recruits

All candidates must complete the MG Volunteer Application. Any other materials you
require can be attached to the application. The volunteer application itself should
provide you with information beyond what will be offered to you on a resume if you
request one. The application also includes an electronic signature from the applicant,
certifying accuracy and understanding.
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Recruiter Manual | Muslim Group of USA and Canada

MG Volunteer
Application.docx

4.Screen Applications
You will be looking at each applicant's materials to see that the individual meets the
minimum qualifications for the position. If not, the applicant cannot be considered in
this applicant pool. Once you have determined that you have an adequate pool of
qualified applicants, instruct the Public Relations Officer to remove all postings.
Send regret emails to applicants eliminated from consideration. If you anticipate a
long process, you may want to contact those still being considered.

5.Select Interviewees
Select interviewees. At this point, you will look at the applications to select those that
surpass the minimum qualifications. Keep in mind that you are looking for the most
qualified applicants based that on the objective criteria of the materials submitted.

6.The Interview
PLAN THE INTERVIEW PROCESS

Check the schedules of all those who will be meeting with the applicant and select a
variety of times for interviewing. In addition, everyone involved will be aware of, and
witness to, the same interview.

SCHEDULE INTERVIEWS

Give each applicant an overview of what to expect at the interview(s) and an estimate
of the amount of time to allow.

CREATE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

All questions must relate to the position at hand. It is best to ask performance-based
questions because past experience and performance have been determined to be the
best indicators of future performance. Review the responsibilities of the job and write

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Recruiter Manual | Muslim Group of USA and Canada

questions that will elicit information about past performance that is pertinent to your
open volunteering position.

MG Interview
Questions.docx

It is also important to consider and integrate the MGs Mission, Vision, and Operating
Principles into the mix of questions. These types of questions will help you determine
how likely it is that the interviewee respects and behaves in accordance with the
organization values. Look at the Principles that will play an active part in specific
volunteering duties and compose related questions that also will elicit information on
the interviewee's commitment to these principles.
If you are working as a team, meet to discuss and decide appropriate questions and
how you will conduct the interview; for example, each member can be responsible for a
few questions. A good rule of thumb: For each question, ask yourself: "Is this question
pertinent to the responsibilities of the job?" If you don't get an unequivocal Yes,
don't ask the question.

CONDUCT INTERVIEWS
Choose a setting that will allow for no interruptions, or make the interviewee unduly
uncomfortable. It is important to represent the MG as the friendly and considerate
volunteer place that it is, so begin by introducing yourself (and other team members)
with a smile. Start the interview by thanking the applicant for coming and giving the
interviewee an overview of how the process will proceed. Tell the interviewee that you
will be taking notes (very important for future reference), and ask if s/he is ready to
start. Although it is very tempting, do not let the interview begin with conversation
that is not job-related because it can too easily enter unlawful territory. The best way
to conduct a lawful but comfortable interview is to come across in an open, friendly
and professional manner.

7.The Selection
Select the most qualified applicant. Review your notes from each interview and reexamine the interviewees applications. Meet and discuss your impressions with
anyone else who interviewed the applicants. The applicant chosen should be the one
who best meets the qualifications of the position and who also has displayed the
qualities you are seeking in a volunteer. While several applicants may have good

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Recruiter Manual | Muslim Group of USA and Canada

qualifications or pleasant personalities, you should select the candidate who meets the
qualifications more closely than any other candidate.

8.Offer the Position

The position can be offered either orally or in writing but should be confirmed in
writing. Contact applicants not selected within two weeks of your decision. Emails
should be sent to all applicants. You may want to call the interviewees not selected. If
you choose to call, limit the conversation to thanking the applicant and indicating that
you have hired the most qualified candidate. Do not get into specifics; it is possible
that you may be misunderstood and that can present a problem later.

RULES AND PROVISIONS

Recruiters are expected to:

Abide by the lofty, moral and religious principles of Islam.

Demonstrate good character, appropriate behavior, professionalism, and proper

etiquette in all aspects of your given duty.

Adhere to Muslim Group of USA and Canadas objectives and principles aimed
at creating an appropriate atmosphere to strengthen cooperation and

understanding among Muslim communities.

Be committed to the organizations schedule of events.
Adhere to the agenda set forth by the organization on a timely and orderly

manner.
Treat volunteers equally; no discrimination will be allowed, based on race,

background, or nationality.
Provide the tasked information from volunteers and any other collected

information to the executive council in an organized manner.

Go about tasks patiently and interview volunteers in a professional manner.
Report any mishaps immediately to the executive council.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I get a broader spectrum of volunteers?
Make sure all volunteer projects are at times when many volunteer candidates are
free, such as weekends and holidays. Many students and professionals cannot give
their time during the week due to school and work commitments.

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How do you recruit the younger generation for volunteering?
Make it fun and make them part of the team. Promote the spiritual and psychological
benefits of volunteering. Use social media as a way to reach out to the younger
generation. Make it easy and self-explanatory. Follow up after events or projects to
ensure interest is strong.
How do I get skilled volunteers?
Training volunteers is key to gaining skilled volunteers. Encouraging volunteers to
participate in the Training Workshop will help facilitate a broader spectrum of skills.
How can I encourage volunteers to remain committed with organization?
Volunteer recognition, whether it be a potluck or handwritten note, volunteers need to
know they are recognized by the organization and their work is appreciated.

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