Building an Opportunity Application

The application tool in ServiceReef is extremely powerful.

When you are setting up a trip, you will have some options on how best to leverage your application.  We will break this down into 2 sections to better explain. 

SETTINGS

You begin building your application by select various settings.  Let's unpack:

• Approvals - ServiceReef defaults to assuming you will manage an approval process for new applications.  You can turn this off if desired.  We typically see this on for global events and often disabled for local serving events.  The longer the event the more the application is needed.  Also note: applications will generate an email alert to all opportunity admins when each individual applies so you don't have to keep checking the status.
• Application Fee - many organizations will require an application fee often around $100.  This is a great way to measure commitment for the applicant.  Note: you can create a discount coupon for team leaders or others to waive this fee.
• Custom Confirmation Message - when you do accept each individual to the opportunity they will receive a confirmation email.  Here you can customize the content of that message.  We suggest you think about using this email to guide them to next steps, tasks items, things to pray about, and contact information.  Try placing yourself in their shoes and consider all the questions they will have at this point.  

APPLICATION

The application tool is broken into two key functional elements: the master application and the opportunity application.

• Master Application - Have you even had to fill out the same application more than once?  None of us have time to do that!  The Master Application tool of ServiceReef allows you to create system wide applications you can use on multiple events.  Many organizations will have lengthy general applications but only a few specific questions related to the opportunity.  You can create multiple Master Applications so perhaps you have one for local, domestic, and global.  Here's how this works - the first time the applicant fills out their application they will answer each of these questions.  The second time they apply they will see all of these questions with their previous answers where they can simply keep the previous answer or update the field during their second application process.  This will save you and your members significant amounts of time, not to mention frustration.
• Opportunity Application - This is the same toolset for building an application but these questions are ONLY for this specific opportunity.  These may be questions related to the type of work, physical conditions of the location, or anytime else related to this trip or location. 

We understand the complexity and the necessity of applications.  These rich tools will help make your life and your participants lives much simpler with tools that work as you would design them.