A well-informed candidate will make a good decision about service

Candidates who understand the benefits and limitations of service are more likely to complete their service year. The interview is a good time to explain the terms of service. Use this checklist to remind you to talk about various topics, including:

• Service commitment
• Stipend
• Health benefits
• Training

Review the checklist information with the candidate either during the interview or when you offer the position.

Sadie O'Connor of the Minnesota Literacy Council says this checklist "has reduced the number of early terminations due to financial hardships or VISTAs saying 'but nobody ever told me about …'"

This VISTA Interview Checklist was contributed by Minnesota Literacy Council (Saint Paul, MN), a VISTA program that provides VISTA members to community organizations, schools, and non-profits to work on eliminating poverty through literacy.