I have done many interviews and always looked for applicants with a history of volunteer service. Al

Thanks! I've done quite a bit of volunteering, so hopefully that will halp.

I tell people only half-jokingly that they should say they have no ideas, no ambitions, that all they want to do is answer the phone at the Extension office. That seemed to be the main criteria where I am but we have had a change of personnel so this may not hold true.

Our program did not require a live interview, but did call for a short essay on 'why I want to be a master gardener' on the application. I don't know what anyone else wrote on theirs, but the fact that I have the time to spend on volunteer activities had to help when there are more applicants than places in the program.
Jo

Thanks everyone. All good suggestions. It seems the volunteer effort is the key. I like the one about answering the phone at the Extension Office. You may just be correct!! grit

grit, The interviewers are looking for a person that already does volunteer work but it's how you come across personally that really makes the difference. They want a friendly, outgoing person that enjoys learning and passing that learning on to others. Good luck with your application and interview. Billie