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Co-op
Hiring Process Suggested
Interview Structure And
Questions for Co-ordinator / Manager Before
the interview Ask
the applicant to bring an example of their writing to the interview. Tell
candidates that they will be expected to do a brief analysis of the co-op’s
last audited financial statement. (This could be verbal, in writing, or you
could even ask them to make a report using the co-op computer.) They
should expect to be at the interview for about 45 minutes to an hour. They
should have a chance to read the job description before starting the interview. Introductions Introduce
members of the hiring committee. Give
some brief background information about the co-op, its history, the job. Encourage
applicants to ask questions if anything is unclear and explain that time will be
set aside at the end of the interview for any questions they may have. Factual
information about the applicant Ask
questions about anything on the resume that is not clear. Clarify
responsibilities in current or previous jobs, if necessary. General
questions What
are your goals in working for a housing co-op? What
parts of the job interest you most? In
previous jobs, what were the things that you most enjoyed? What things were the
least enjoyable? (reference specific jobs from the resume). What
new challenges do you think you might face in this job? Questions
about experience and skills Tell
us about your experience: ·
setting
budgets ·
purchasing
supplies and equipment ·
planning for
future expenditures What
is your experience dealing with arrears? Can you suggest effective ways of
preventing and dealing with arrears? What
financial control mechanisms would you recommend for a co-op? The
co-op operates under an agreement with the province / municipality / CMHC. Are
you familiar with the provincial program / federal program. (Choose applicable
program). What
are some of its important elements? What
are the major mechanical components in this kind of building? How would you
ensure that these systems are properly maintained? Are
you familiar with the requirements of the Ontario Fire Code as it applies to
residential buildings? Are
you familiar with the administration of Rent Geared to Income subsidy? Describe
your experience with this program. Are
you familiar with our co-op’s word-processing and accounting system/software? If
not, how would you be able to ensure smooth financial and other reporting to the
board? Describe how you would deal with, or help to resolve, a conflict
Questions
about attitude and understanding What
is the difference between the roles of the Board of Directors and the Co-ordinator
in managing the co-op? What
types of reports do you think a co-ordinator would take to the board? What
do you think is the importance of member participation? What
safety and security issues do you think you might have to deal with in this
co-op? The
co-op is a multicultural community. If a member complained about being treated
unfairly and described it as racism, how would you deal with the member’s
concerns?
Work habits What
working hours are you most comfortable with? Are you prepared to work evenings? If
overtime becomes necessary in the job, how would you deal with that?
Working Conditions / Wrap up Ask
if there are any questions about the job description. Review
basis of employment (if not already covered): ·
Start date ·
Benefits ·
Vacation ·
Working
hours and conditions ·
Reporting
requirements (to the board) ·
Other staff
and relation to them ·
When the
board will make a decision
After
the interview Show
the candidate the balance sheet from one of your audited statements. Ask what
this tells them about the co-op’s financial status. They may be asked for a
verbal or written report. After
the applicant has left, discuss and record your thoughts.
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