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It is often difficult to know in advance what to expect in
the job interview. Authors have written entire books on how to interview
effectively and, as in other parts of this booklet, we won't try to duplicate
all their work here. We will, however, throw out several pieces of advice.
Remember also that at this point, your goal is to get a job offer.
Boundaries and Manners
Although nonprofits tend to be less formal than
corporations or even public sector employers, be polite and be respectful of
your interviewer and your interviewer's organization.
Depending on the type of job for which you are applying,
make sure that you dress appropriately. Although you always want to present
yourself nicely, if you seriously overdress for an interview, you risk the
perception that "you can't really identify with the client base, and thus
the cause." Dress codes in the Bay Area nonprofit sector tend to fluctuate
considerably, and, in the words of one recently retired executive director,
"Even after almost ten years in this city, I still manage to get the dress
code wrong once a year or so. And, silly as it sounds, this can compromise my
communications at such meetings." If you are unsure of the dress code,
check with a secretary or receptionist before you go in.
Be personable, but don't be personal. Nonprofit interviews
can often be more relaxed than interviews in other sectors, but don't presume
too much personal familiarity with your interviewer. Don't talk about your own
personal problems.
What You Want to Get Across
In an interview, you want to convey several basic things: In an interview, you
want to convey several basic things: In an interview, you want to convey several
basic things: In an interview, you want to convey several basic things: In an
interview, you want to convey several basic things:
- You are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the
opening and the organization.
- You have the skills to do the job well.
- You would be a pleasant and reliable person to work
with.
- You would make your hiring manager's job easier if
he/she would hire you for this position!
What You Want to Learn
In an interview, you want to learn a number of different things: In an
interview, you want to learn a number of different things: In an interview, you
want to learn a number of different things: In an interview, you want to learn a
number of different things: In an interview, you want to learn a number of
different things:
- What is the exact nature of the position?
- What is the culture of the organization?
- Is this job an appropriate fit for me?
Additional Important Tips for the
Interview
- Do your research. If the organization has a web site,
be sure to visit it. If the interview is scheduled a week or more in
advance, don't hesitate to call the person at the front desk of the
organization and ask them to mail you a brochure for their organization.
Nonprofit hiring managers typically are looking for people "who would
love to work for our organization and our cause," and if you know more
about the organization, you're in a better position to convince them that
you would enjoy working there.
- Come to the interview prepared. Come with scripted
answers to some of the most important or obvious interview questions. Also
come prepared with several questions. Good questions to ask might include:
What is the single most difficult thing about this
job?
What is the most enjoyable/best thing about this job?
This organization?
Describe a typical day at this job (the specifics
provided here give you a much better feel for the actual nature of the
work).
What do you think are the most valuable lessons (or
skills) that somebody can learn from this position? This organization?
How long was the previous person in this job (this is
a polite way of determining how enjoyable or sustainable the position might
be!)?
- Be confident, and be yourself. Make sure that your
passion for the "cause' shows through. In most cases, nonprofits will
hire like-minded, ideologically motivated people.
- Don't hesitate to let them know that you've done your
homework. Try to be specific. Consider saying something like, "I really
like the way you put several of your clients" stories on the web site.
Most organizations talk about their mission on the web site, but that story
you had about the little boy in San Diego really puts a human face on all
the work you do, and I think that's important." At the least, it
communicates to them that you're very interested in the job and the
organization. You never know sometimes you'll even end up complimenting some
aspect of the web site that your interviewer was responsible for!
- Don't raise problematic issues (e.g., health problems,
a commitment to coach a child's soccer team on
Thursday afternoons, etc.) at this stage unless you feel an absolute ethical
compulsion to do so. These issues are easily resolved during the negotiating
phase, but will often derail an otherwise very successful interview if
raised too early!
- Try to get a feel for the culture of the organization.
Ask about the size of the office, the kinds of people who work there, etc.
This will provide you with valuable information, and can also help you to
identify potential common ground.
- Find out about opportunities for growth in the
organization including staff development and promotions. In the nonprofit
world, turnover happens frequently and entry-level jobs often become
higher-level positions very quickly. However, in some organizations, this is
not the case at all - either way, you need to know. Make sure that you
communicate your ambition for moving up in the organization - it shows both
enthusiasm and initiative. If you do not do this, you risk being
"pegged" as permanent entry-level staff.
However, be sure to convince the interviewer that you will be satisfied with
the job for which you are applying so that you will not be perceived as
overly ambitious or threatening.
- Before you leave, ask what the timeline is for filling
the position. This will help you psychologically, and will also let you know
when it is appropriate to place another follow-up call.
- Always send a thank you note the day after your
interview. Use it as an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the
organization and the position.
- Be prepared to be invited for a second, and sometimes
even a third, interview. Some organizations have lengthy hiring processes
involving multiple stakeholders, including staff, board, and potentially
others.
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