Importance of volunteer experience?

[CooperSmith]

I am interested in applying under the direct entry officer plan. I believe my application would be very strong, except for one short-coming: I have no volunteer experience whatsoever. What is the importance of volunteer experience and would this prevent me from being accepted? I'm worried I might get asked questions like "you've never volunteered your time anywhere, you clearly don't care about anyone but yourself, so what makes you think you'd make a good officer?" and I would have no good answer to that. Should I even bother applying? Do applicants ever get in without volunteer experience?

 

[Pwegman]

If you're not sure to apply just for that reason, for me its a proof of lack of self confidence .. Thing that a leader,  in this case officer need allot ... .. So i am not sure i want to be under your order one day or another ....  :2c:

 

[Gimpy]

I am interested in applying under the direct entry officer plan. I believe my application would be very strong, except for one short-coming: I have no volunteer experience whatsoever. What is the importance of volunteer experience and would this prevent me from being accepted? I'm worried I might get asked questions like "you've never volunteered your time anywhere, you clearly don't care about anyone but yourself, so what makes you think you'd make a good officer?" and I would have no good answer to that. Should I even bother applying? Do applicants ever get in without volunteer experience?

There is zero harm in applying. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Every applicant is ranked against one another and sure, there will be applicants with more volunteer experience than you, but they may not have scored as well on the CFAT as you. It's all about how well you stack up overall, and while the lack of volunteer experience will pull you down a bit, being strong in other areas will boost you up.

Also, if you're still worried about the lack of volunteer experience why not do something about it and start volunteering before or during the application process?

 

[cryco]

I applied for an officer position, and have sadly, never volunteered anywhere (and I'm 41) .
Hasn't hurt my chances. Don't let that stop you. 

 

[The_Falcon]

Not everyone has the time nor inclination to volunteer.  Volunteering with an organization you truly like and enjoy is very altruistic and people recognize that. Volunteering for the sake of it, or to pad a resume is something people recognize as well and see right through.