It is never a good idea to try to conduct your initial contact with an employer when you are preoccupied or unprepared. If you are called without warning for an on-the-spot phone interview, ask to schedule a time to call them back. There is no way that you could possibly know everything at your first interview. Also prepare some questions about the nonprofit itself as you would with any other job. Show your connection through good eye contact, a pleasant disposition, a firm handshake, and your genuine interest in the position and what the organization is all about. Some EDs get the job after years working as a senior fundraiser or in some other nonprofit leadership position. Section 2. For one, I was applying for an exciting new low-paying job. Close the interview on a high note. A ‘connector’. Because of the high-profile nature of board positions, the interview process usually starts with a vetting that includes pre-interview reference checks. Don't be afraid to ask questions about salary or resource limitations; these will both play into your final decision if you are offered the job. The research you do in advance of the interview should help you in preparing a long list of questions for the interviewer. Would you be interested in receiving additional samples of my work? The interv… You do not need to know everything, but you should be able to speak confidently about yourself. Think beyond preparing a series of questions for the interview. Use the Job Description In addition to the sample questions above, make sure you review the job description in its entirety and check to see how your tasks might affect interview questions. This research should be done prior to the interview. All Career Q&As . Be prepared to discuss your knowledge, skills and experience in detail . Ask open-ended questions, ones that elicit discussion and can’t be answered with a yes or a no. Here’s some advice for both. You’re a mission-driven nonprofit professional ready to tak e the next step in your career. Nonprofit HR is the leading human resources firm in the country that works exclusively with the nonprofit sector. On day one, he advises, do all your research. While many nonprofit organizations promote a business casual work environment, we encourage you to “take it up a notch” on your first meeting. Start preparing during the resume screening process by compiling a list of questions and/or issues you would like to probe with each interviewee. Think you don’t have the skills or experience? What are the objectives that I will be evaluated on and how will those be measured? Doing your research isn’t limited to a company’s mission statement, though – we urge job seekers to go a step further and take a look at their target organization’s social media pages to get a feel for what their cultur… What is the salary? Employers want people who want to work for them. There’s a lot of prep work you can do for the interview to improve your chances to stand out from the crowd. Have you ever had a fundraising target from a previous nonprofit employer? Keep the conversation by engaging your interviewer with questions that allow you to get to know each other. You also may have screamed with excitement when you got the call for an interview with the Executive Director. As you’re getting ready for your first interview in the nonprofit sector, the most important thing is to get educated. Preparing for an interview Preparing for an interview primarily means taking time to thoughtfully consider your goals and qualifications relative to the position and employer. A member of the nominating committee might do this, or the process might take place during the first interview with the full committee. Prepare a list of questions based on your research. © Copyright, Nonprofit HR Solutions, LLC, 2013. Seven Important Interview Tips: Understand the sector. Keep the conversation by engaging your interviewer with questions that allow you to get to know each other. What does the organization do? How to Prepare For the Interview (Please note that your search consultant will always provide you with salary range information before the interview, if it is available.). You should know their buzzwords, areas they are looking to grow/improve, their values, their mission, and anything else that you can find out ahead of time. Feel confident and you’ll be confident.Whatever fears you may have, they’ll potentially show up on your face or body. You’ve worked tirelessly on the perfect cover letter that describes your passion for your nonprofit dream job. What is your favorite aspect of working here? If the interviewer pins you down, give a salary range. I cared deeply about the mission of this organization. Learn how to prepare for your nonprofit interview and what do to make sure you have the best chance of landing the job. As a non-profit job candidate, one should be able to answer personal and professional questions. Prepare a List of Questions. Tie your responses to the position when possible. Before your interview day, make sure you’re familiar with what that particular organization does, how they do it, and of course, how your skills can improve their existing operation. Nonprofit HR, a career site specializing in nonprofit human resources, suggests several ways to ace an interview with a nonprofit. 1. The savvy candidate will prepare several strategic questions in advance that illustrate an appreciation of how the organization works. © Copyright, Nonprofit HR Solutions, LLC, 2013 If you do not have questions, it appears that you do not care. Can you describe your organizational culture? Research the Company . Thus, it is important that an applicant’s values are in line with the values of your organization. A smart and strategic person. Reiterate your thanks for the interviewer’s time and your interest in who they are and what they do. These channels will usually give you an indication of how formal the nonprofit is and will often also give you some deeper insights into organization’s culture as a … One of the best ways to find out what to wear to your interview is to check out the organization’s website and social accounts. A nonprofit is not a company, it is an organization. To accomplish this, you should perform research on the company and carefully review the job description to understand why you would be a good fit. Now, this is a common question but don’t ask it in a first interview, but it’s better to broadly ask about an overall compensation package that includes non-monetary benefits too. Finding the keeping the most productive board members possible is not just a matter of luck or connections. Prepare some questions that pertain to your job; for example, if you're a web developer, prepare to ask about the content management systems you'll use or the budget you'll be working with. Most nonprofits want to know that you have some sort of interest and/or connection with the cause in addition to having the skills and experience to perform well in the position. The person performing the interview should take the time to review the application and volunteer job description that the candidate is applying for. Nonprofit Interview Questions. At nonprofit organizations, the mission is everything you stand for. Preparing for an in-person interview can be a deciding factor in whether or not you receive a job offer. Business attire is always safe. Top nonprofit interviewing tips. What has been the most challenging day you have experienced here? When we work with boards of directors to help them prepare to interview CEO candidates, we develop an interview guide that will organize the conversation, which typically runs for 90 minutes. You might receive an informal phone call to discuss your interest in the position, because many positions are filled through referrals or nominations by other board members, past presidents or important stakeholders. This blog on nonprofit interview tips is made available from Scion Nonprofit Staffing, a national expert in nonprofit recruitment, and nonprofit executive search. Strong public speaker. Now, it's time to show off your fundraising skills and land the job as development director at a nonprofit with a cause you love. Why are you interested in our organization? Finding an excellent fundraiser is rare in the nonprofit … Of course, because we will recommend you for interview with nonprofit organizations, we also believe it’s particularly important that you understand and connect with the employer’s purpose and mission. You want to make a professional impression. Have a pen and paper to take notes on and maybe a few quick tips on a cheat sheet to help you out during the call. Work your way through the organization's website, study its mission, and get familiar with the issues it addresses. because you are preparing to embark on a dynamic and highly gratifying career path. Check out our. Here are some quick interview tips for preparing for your nonprofit interview: Check out the organization’s website. Now it’s time to prep for your interview! I really wanted this job. Interview Preparation for a Fundraiser at a Nonprofit Organization If you're thinking about pursuing a career in fundraising at a nonprofit organization, then I say, "Congratulations!" Reiterate your thanks for the interviewer’s time and your interest in who they are and what they do. It’s rare to see people come to an interview fully prepared and if you follow these 5 tips, you’ll set yourself apart from the other job candidates. Interested in searching nonprofit jobs in Knoxville and the surrounding areas? The purpose of a job interview is to help the employer to become better acquainted with you, but is also for you to learn more about the organization and the position. This preparation helps to ensure an efficient conversation and communicates that the organization values its volunteers by being prepared. Plan the interview with the goal of actively engaging the candidate in the interview process. Nonprofit HR’s Official Diversity Statement, Are you searching for a career in the nonprofit sector? The next time you plan to interview a candidate, take the time to prepare yourself for the conversation. When I think back to my job interview, I kind of have to laugh. Always do the following: Express interest in their mission and the organization’s work. The question portion of the interview can secure your fate with the nonprofit. Are you searching for a career in the nonprofit sector? At Company ABC we prefer to hire those who have a penchant for sales and fundraising. Most nonprofits want to know that you have some sort of interest and/or connection with the cause in addition to having the skills and experience to perform well in the position. Why are you looking for a new position? Prospective Executive Directors need to know how to prepare for their interviews. If this is a temporary assignment, this question most likely will not be asked, however, be prepared if pressed for a response. Before you attend a job interview, it's important to find out as much as you can about not only the job, but also the company. You may unconsciously hunch up your shoulders, exhibit a nervous habit like twisting your hair or playin… NEVER COMPLAIN OR MAKE NEGATIVE/DISPARAGING COMMENTS ABOUT ANY PREVIOUS EMPLOYERS. If salary does come up with a hiring manager, state that the opportunity is the most important factor. You should be prepared to answer open-ended questions such as: Tell me about yourself? Create a number of questions, and use only those … Do not discuss money or benefits, unless it is with the organization’s Human Resources professional. In 1997, I became the Executive Director of GLAAD. Check out our careers page and use these interview tips to land your nonprofit career. You start actively look ing for a new job — attending networking events, talking to connections, applying online—and you land an i nterview for a position that checks all the boxes. How to prepare. Check out the online ABN Career Center! May I have a program/facility tour and meet potential peers? The job interview has finally arrived. Company research is a critical part of interview preparation. Show that you are enthusiastic about their mission, values, culture and everything else you know. Practice builds confidence so seek a friend to help you do a mock interview. Dress for (nonprofit) success. Be sure to keep your questions and overall conversation extremely positive. Not me. Read up on their mission, constituencies (who they serve), and their services. All Interview Topics . The interview is the first opportunity for the nonprofit organization and the candidate to get to know one another, so it is imperative to prepare well. This will demonstrate your interest in and comprehension of what is being discussed during the interview. The following top ten nonprofit job interview tips will prepare you best to meet the needs of nonprofit employer expectations. Closed-ended questions. Is it grant funded? Your resume highlights your experience and education, which perfectly aligns with the opening’s requirements. Think about the meaning of the word, “interview.” The prefix “inter” means “between” or “reciprocal” and “view” means “perspective.” The kind of person people enjoy having lunch with.And I did have some nonprofit experience, albeit only on a small, local board.But I was nervous. The most important may be: Do your research. A first rate manager. What strengths would you bring to our team? Ten Proven Nonprofit Job Interviewing Tips: how to land a nonprofit job once you have the interview! Many people enter the nonprofit sector because they want to help people. 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