<p>So my son applied for summer volunteer positions at 3 hospitals. All 3 mentioned on application that it is competitive and not everyone will even get an interview. So, 2 hospitals came back and scheduled interviews. One for April 28 and another on May 5th. However today we received a packet from the second hospital stating that May 5th is not really an interview, but an orientation. They also asked us to choose preferred weeks and provide some health forms. The deadline is April 20th.</p>
<p>The thing is the first hospital with April 28 interview is much closer to our house (20-25 minutes difference ) and the schedule is more convinient (one day a week throughout the summer vs. 2 full weeks). There is no way to accept both positions and avoid scheduling conflict as my son is also volunteering at the zoo during last two weeks of summer when program at first hospital ends (all these programs had different deadlines and he wanted to cast a wide net). Volunteer position at first hospital is not guaranteed as the interview is one on one and will last half an hour.</p>
<p>So the question is what should we do about second hospital? I would hate for my son to have commit to it and then get a position at the first hospital. On the other hand breaking a commitment doesn't sit well with me.</p>
<p>I would suggest being honest with hospital #2, saying that your S is very interested but would like an additional 14 days before he makes a commitment (or something similar). It is best to keep doors open and lines of communication as clear as possible, since your S may wish to volunteer/intern/work at these hospitals in the future. Even in volunteer positions, many hospitals & other orgs receive many more volunteer applicants than they accept.</p>
<p>Well… that is the thing. How honest can he be? I am concerned how open he should be about the reason for the delay. I just don’t think a “more convinient” opportunity is a good enough reason.</p>
<p>I know all these organisations receive more applications than they can accept. This is why he applied to so many places. If he was guaranteed acceptance at his first choice we would not be in this situation. </p>
<p>Can somebody help with the wording for the reason for a delay?</p>
<p>I think that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Moreover, working for two weeks straight will leave the rest of his summer free for other activities that a one day per week commitment might prevent him from doing. The difference in travel time really is not a big deal. I’d proceed with the offer he has.</p>
<p>Traveling time is somewhat of a problem because of where my daughter’s (my other kid) summer camp is located and where my work is located. I have contingency plans in place, but I would much rather not. I realize it is my fault that I allowed my son put himself and me in this situation. I need to figure out how gracefully to get out of it. He just scheduled April 28th interview, so cancelling it is a problem too.</p>
<p>Call the April 28th hospital, explain the situation and ask for an earlier interview. Or accept what you have in hand. Decline the other, you have an offer from the current hospital.</p>
<p>I would have him call the second hospital and see what they say. They have to know that this happens each year, and probably why they have the 20th deadline.</p>
<p>I had my son email first hospital and explain the situation. First hospital will involve working with children, and it appeals to him much more than second hospital (he does not really care that I have to drive all over town if he volunteers at the second hospital). So he used working with children reason to explain why he would much rather work there.</p>
<p>He asked for an earlier interview. We will see what happens.</p>
<p>This FYI update if your child ever ends up in a situation like this.</p>
<p>I had my son email both hospitals explaining the situation. Volunteer coordinators from both hospitals were understanding. </p>
<p>Hospital number 1 re-scheduled interview for this Saturday. It will be with another volunteer coordinator and that person (based on the time of the interview) agreed to stay later to interview my son.</p>
<p>Hospital number 2 advised my son to submit his paper work right away to ensure that he has an assignment. They told him not to wait until April 20th deadline or he will end up on a wait list. They also told him it is OK to back out later if the first hospital comes through.</p>
<p>So in the end, honesty is the best policy. </p>
<p>By the way, I believe that some of the organizations have early deadline on purpose. The zoo deadline to pick assignments was before March 26th. My son got lucky that they had late August assignments that would not overlap with hospital assignments. I think the harder to get is the program, the less they worry about deadlines. University of Minnesota hospital has the best program (in addition to volunteering they have educational days where volunteers learn about different careers) and they are still accepting applications. My son applied even though he is not going to be the required age until 2 days after the programs ends, so he probably will not be called in for interview. If he is going to be called in, I probably would advise him to pass on it this year.</p>