Sochi Volunteers
Hmm, I got my test invite on June 1st. Might be time to call them via skype…
I just heard back from them today and received some updated information that may be helpful! If you applied to work in the “event services, ceremonies or sport” areas. Apparently they had to change the interview schedule for those areas to December 2012. I was also encouraged “not to worry…!”
My only concern is there is a “requirement” to work one of the test events that will be held in March 2013, that is a really short time frame to secure the necessary requirements (i.e. airfare, accommodations, time off of work, etc.)
I guess I’ll have to continue to wait patiently regarding the Skype interview until I hear back from them in December!
Sigh…
Yea, I won’t be going from Aus to Russia in March 2013. I don’t have 2x $3000 to get there and back twice.
I put Event Services as my main (I think Ozgirl did as well.) So that’s good news about the December part 
Yeah I think I did too.
If we were from OS I don’t think we HAD to go for a test event.
There is no way they can ask that of us - and I still think they will need “us” (OS people not us in particulkar.
But thanks for the update!
My first selection was for “sport” and I had my Skype interview this past Sunday for a position in the Alpine Events.
Yeah I think I did too.
If we were from OS I don’t think we HAD to go for a test event.
There is no way they can ask that of us - and I still think they will need “us” (OS people not us in particulkar.
But thanks for the update!
Sorry, I should have read all of my emails before posting. Regarding test events – during the Skype interview you will be asked if you want to participate in the “Test events”, you will be given a schedule and all the details. It is NOT a requirement.
For the test events the Sochi organizing committee will provide accommodations, meals, uniform and transportation from accommodation center to the venue and back. All your expenses is airfare to and from Sochi.
I’ll keep posting information as I receive it. Good luck everyone!
My first selection was for “sport” and I had my Skype interview this past Sunday for a position in the Alpine Events.
Did they offer a position during the interview? Or did they inform you what the timeline would be for informing applicants whether or not you have been accepted or not?
The interviewer (who’s signature line from her email indicated that she’s a senior manager for the volunteer programme) did ask whether I wanted to be considered for the 2013 test events. I said I wasn’t sure, but she said I could put my name down now and back out later (they understand people’s schedules change). So I did.
Yep, you’re correct, she said all accommodations, meals, uniform, and test event transport would be covered by the Organizing Committee. Same goes for the Olympics.
As for when volunteers will start receiving by email whether they have been accepted; she said this would happen Jan or Feb.
The responses to the interview questions are first collected and then assessed before decisions are made. A position wasn’t offered right over the phone.
Oh and if you’re interviewing for a sport position, they really like it if you’ve had prior volunteer experience officiating or otherwise helping in similar events.
For example, I’ve been volunteering for the US Special Olympics in its Alpine Events past couple years.
I asked what happens if we don’t get selected for our first choice. If this happens, our app will get passed onto our next choices for consideration by their respective selection committees.
I’m not going to Sochi but I just want to welcome dansochi and rob55431 to the forums.
Welcome to Boardworld, guys! 
Oh and if you’re interviewing for a sport position, they really like it if you’ve had prior volunteer experience officiating or otherwise helping in similar events.
For example, I’ve been volunteering for the US Special Olympics in its Alpine Events past couple years.
I asked what happens if we don’t get selected for our first choice. If this happens, our app will get passed onto our next choices for consideration by their respective selection committees.
Hmmm well I have not worked an event so maybe that’s why we are not at the top of the interview pile!
I still think my patrolling experience will help me though.
Also TJ they specifically say you have to be able to Ski - maybe something you should clarify if you do get an interview. Otherwise we will be teaching you to ski next year!
I sent an email last night to ask what is happening. If i don’t hear back in about a week I will stay at work late one night and call them I think.
I can ski… not well but I can…
I don’t think it would be too much of an issue to snowboard vs ski. I can definitely keep up with skiers on my board but will be a bit behind due to strapping in etc. Still would be quicker than getting me to ski.
Anyway, we didn’t apply for sport? so I shouldn’t need to ski for my volunteer work anyway.
Sport is Events!
Well they are 3 separate categories on the application form…
Sport
Events (Olympics)
Events (Para-Olympics)
This is the link to the JD’s
https://portal.sochi2014.com/portal/private/Sochi2014/MainInformation/FunctionsAndRoles
No such “events” listed.
Whats the login to that page?
This is what I found:
Event Services
The function responsible for visitor services and relations during the Games. Its role includes running information kiosks and providing ad-hoc advice to visitors.
Command, control and coordination, Paralympic Integration, Environment, Test Events Management, Planning and Coordination, Knowledge Management, Risk Management, Sustainability
You have to be logged in to your voli acct to access it.