Best Buddies International
Chapter President Interview Questions
Interview Tips
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Read over each application prior to the interview and make note of accomplishments and
schedules. (Note: middle school chapter presidents (CPs) do not have an application, but
program managers (PMs) are encouraged to seek recommendations from the faculty
advisor when selecting MS CPs.)
Ask each applicant if they understand the role of the chapter president and expectations.
Provide each applicant with the specific requirements asked of leaders in Best Buddies
(available in Leadership Team Information on the Volunteer Resource Site).
For new chapter president applicants, be sure to evaluate their thoughts and feedback on
the outgoing chapter president. Ask them to discuss the notable strengths and
weaknesses of the outgoing CP, while also noting if they have developed a plan of action
to improve upon these areas if selected.
Take note of how each applicant responds to specific questions. Are they giving full,
detailed answers or short, uninterested answers?
Sample Interview Questions
General Questions
 What is your current status in school (freshman – junior)?
 What additional extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteer work) or jobs will you
have next year?
 For college applicants: how many classroom hours have you planned for the next two
semesters?
 What is the best way to communicate with you? What modes (e-mail, Facebook, text, cell
phone, etc.) of communication do you prefer?
 Are you willing to commit to serving as chapter president for the entire school year?
 Will you be able to attend the leadership conference in July (provide them with specific
dates)?
Best Buddies Involvement and Friendship
 What does friendship mean to you?
 How would your friends describe you?
 How and why did you become involved in Best Buddies?
 Tell me about your experience thus far with Best Buddies.
 Were you matched with a buddy this year? If so, what was your friendship like with your
buddy?
 What other experience have you had interacting with people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities?
 Why is Best Buddies an important club to have on your campus? What is your vision for
the Best Buddies chapter at your school? What would you like to change/improve?
Leadership
 Share your previous experience in a leadership role, if any.
 Describe your leadership style. What are your strengths and weaknesses in being in a
leadership role?
 Why do you want to serve as chapter president?
 Explain what you think the role of the chapter president entails.
 Do you have any concerns about taking on the leadership role?
Best Buddies International / Resource: Chapter President Interview Questions
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Do you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements that you will have to take
on?
How will you recruit officers and new volunteers?
How will ensure leadership roles for the buddy participants in your chapter?
Do you think that you will have time to manage the chapter on your campus? Will you
make it one of your top priorities in your schedule?
Additional interview questions for returning CPs
 What do you hope to improve upon given your leadership experience this year?
 What changes will you make to enhance everyone’s experience in Best Buddies?
 What was your most difficult challenge as chapter president this year? How did you
overcome this challenge?
 What quality/aspect of your chapter are you most proud?
 How will you ensure success will continue next year and in years to come?
 How will you select your buddy director and get him/her more involved next year?
Scenarios
Ask how the chapter president candidate would respond in the following situations:
 Despite your hardest efforts to recruit new members, only five people show up at the
organizational meeting.
 You learn from the buddy director that one of your peer buddies has not called or visited
her buddy all month, despite listing otherwise in the friendship updates.
 Although you have a complete officer corps, you find yourself doing all the work.
 A buddy approaches you and requests to be matched in another friendship.
 During the first chapter meeting, a peer buddy pulls you aside and reveals that her buddy
is calling ten times per day. The peer buddy has spoken with the buddy about calling once
per day, but is still receiving multiple calls each day. What will you do?
 You recognize that despite your training, interest, and commitment, your chapter’s faculty
advisor is not allowing you or your fellow officers the ability to plan and lead any chapter
events or meetings.
Best Buddies International / Resource: Chapter President Interview Questions
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