You should be prepared to answer open-ended questions such as: Tell me about yourself? The job interview has finally arrived. What is your favorite aspect of working here? While many nonprofit organizations promote a business casual work environment, we encourage you to “take it up a notch” on your first meeting. 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!" Are you searching for a career in the nonprofit sector? The funny thing is, I shouldn’t really have been so nervous. Check out our careers pageand use these interview tips to land your nonprofit career. At Company ABC we prefer to hire those who have a penchant for sales and fundraising. Also, I knew my strengths. 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. Employers want people who want to work for them. 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. Read up on their mission, constituencies (who they serve), and their services. This research should be done prior to the interview. Is it grant funded? The question portion of the interview can secure your fate with the nonprofit. May I have a program/facility tour and meet potential peers? Here’s some advice for both. I cared deeply about the mission of this organization. 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. What strengths would you bring to our team? Show that you are enthusiastic about their mission, values, culture and everything else you know. Keep the conversation by engaging your interviewer with questions that allow you to get to know each other. The person performing the interview should take the time to review the application and volunteer job description that the candidate is applying for. 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. What does the organization do? By reviewing the job requirements and possible interview questions, you can give yourself the best chance to present yourself as a qualified candidate to an employer. Reiterate your thanks for the interviewer’s time and your interest in who they are and what they do. Reiterate your thanks for the interviewer’s time and your interest in who they are and what they do. What are the objectives that I will be evaluated on and how will those be measured? Practice builds confidence so seek a friend to help you do a mock interview. Nonprofit HR’s Official Diversity Statement, Are you searching for a career in the nonprofit sector? Ask questions to get useful information such as: What does a “typical day” look like in this position? Feel confident and you’ll be confident.Whatever fears you may have, they’ll potentially show up on your face or body. Are you searching for a career in the nonprofit sector? A nonprofit is not a company, it is an organization. Practice builds confidence so seek a friend to help you do a mock interview. 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. It will help you prepare to answer interview questions about the company and to ask the interviewer questions about the company. Preparing for an in-person interview can be a deciding factor in whether or not you receive a job offer. Ask open-ended questions, ones that elicit discussion and can’t be answered with a yes or a no. If this is a temporary assignment, this question most likely will not be asked, however, be prepared if pressed for a response. All Interview Topics . The research you do in advance of the interview should help you in preparing a long list of questions for the interviewer. 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. 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. Now it’s time to prep for your interview! 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. Can you describe your organizational culture? How to Prepare For the Interview On day one, he advises, do all your research. 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. © Copyright, Nonprofit HR Solutions, LLC, 2013. Nonprofit HR, a career site specializing in nonprofit human resources, suggests several ways to ace an interview with a nonprofit. The savvy candidate will prepare several strategic questions in advance that illustrate an appreciation of how the organization works. 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. Always do the following: Express interest in their mission and the organization’s work. Be sure to keep your questions and overall conversation extremely positive. If the interviewer pins you down, give a salary range. Plan the interview with the goal of actively engaging the candidate in the interview process. You also may have screamed with excitement when you got the call for an interview with the Executive Director. Here are some quick interview tips for preparing for your nonprofit interview: Check out the organization’s website. What has been the most challenging day you have experienced here? Start preparing during the resume screening process by compiling a list of questions and/or issues you would like to probe with each interviewee. Because of the high-profile nature of board positions, the interview process usually starts with a vetting that includes pre-interview reference checks. As a non-profit job candidate, one should be able to answer personal and professional questions. because you are preparing to embark on a dynamic and highly gratifying career path. This blog on nonprofit interview tips is made available from Scion Nonprofit Staffing, a national expert in nonprofit recruitment, and nonprofit executive search. Dress for (nonprofit) success. Check out our careers page and use these interview tips to land your nonprofit career. 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. Not me. The following top ten nonprofit job interview tips will prepare you best to meet the needs of nonprofit employer expectations. Think about the meaning of the word, “interview.” The prefix “inter” means “between” or “reciprocal” and “view” means “perspective.” 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. Business attire is always safe. The interv… Think you don’t have the skills or experience? 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. What is the salary? Do not discuss money or benefits, unless it is with the organization’s Human Resources professional. Finding the keeping the most productive board members possible is not just a matter of luck or connections. A smart and strategic person. For example, if you have a job in fundraising, there is a good chance there … Why are you looking for a new position? You’re a mission-driven nonprofit professional ready to tak e the next step in your career. Interested in searching nonprofit jobs in Knoxville and the surrounding areas? Prospective Executive Directors need to know how to prepare for their interviews. Keep the conversation by engaging your interviewer with questions that allow you to get to know each other. 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. The next time you plan to interview a candidate, take the time to prepare yourself for the conversation. Ten Proven Nonprofit Job Interviewing Tips: how to land a nonprofit job once you have the interview! In 1997, I became the Executive Director of GLAAD. Have you ever had a fundraising target from a previous nonprofit employer? 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. Some EDs get the job after years working as a senior fundraiser or in some other nonprofit leadership position. Close the interview on a high note. Closed-ended questions. Worry they’ll think you’re too old or too young? Top nonprofit interviewing tips. Also prepare some questions about the nonprofit itself as you would with any other job. There is no way that you could possibly know everything at your first interview. If salary does come up with a hiring manager, state that the opportunity is the most important factor. 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 … There’s a lot of prep work you can do for the interview to improve your chances to stand out from the crowd. All Career Q&As . Review this list prior to your interview date and make a checklist of any areas you need to accomplish to prepare. Close the interview on a high note. Section 2. 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. Take to Google to find out everything you need to know—and more—about the company. It is never a good idea to try to conduct your initial contact with an employer when you are preoccupied or unprepared. Be sure to keep your questions and overall conversation extremely positive. How can you prepare for what’s next? 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. The question portion of the interview can secure your fate with the nonprofit. When I think back to my job interview, I kind of have to laugh. Create a number of questions, and use only those … 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. This preparation helps to ensure an efficient conversation and communicates that the organization values its volunteers by being prepared. 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. 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. You’ve worked tirelessly on the perfect cover letter that describes your passion for your nonprofit dream job. A member of the nominating committee might do this, or the process might take place during the first interview with the full committee. How to prepare. For one, I was applying for an exciting new low-paying job. At nonprofit organizations, the mission is everything you stand for. Work your way through the organization's website, study its mission, and get familiar with the issues it addresses. Company research is a critical part of interview preparation. Research the Company . NEVER COMPLAIN OR MAKE NEGATIVE/DISPARAGING COMMENTS ABOUT ANY PREVIOUS EMPLOYERS. Strong public speaker. Finding an excellent fundraiser is rare in the nonprofit … Think beyond preparing a series of questions for the interview. (Please note that your search consultant will always provide you with salary range information before the interview, if it is available.). 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… You want to make a professional impression. Tie your responses to the position when possible. Nonprofit Interview Questions. Many people enter the nonprofit sector because they want to help people. Prepare a list of questions based on your research. Step 1: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare “It takes days to get ready for a phone interview,” explains Bailo. The most important may be: Do your research. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge, skills and experience in detail . © Copyright, Nonprofit HR Solutions, LLC, 2013 Your resume highlights your experience and education, which perfectly aligns with the opening’s requirements. Seven Important Interview Tips: Understand the sector. Nonprofit HR is the leading human resources firm in the country that works exclusively with the nonprofit sector. Check out the online ABN Career Center! You may unconsciously hunch up your shoulders, exhibit a nervous habit like twisting your hair or playin… If you do not have questions, it appears that you do not care. What is the sustainability of the position and program? 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. A ‘connector’. Why are you interested in our organization? Would you be interested in receiving additional samples of my work? Thus, it is important that an applicant’s values are in line with the values of your organization. 1. 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. Check out our. 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. A first rate manager. As you’re getting ready for your first interview in the nonprofit sector, the most important thing is to get educated. Learn how to prepare for your nonprofit interview and what do to make sure you have the best chance of landing the job. Prepare a List of Questions. If you are called without warning for an on-the-spot phone interview, ask to schedule a time to call them back. This will demonstrate your interest in and comprehension of what is being discussed during the interview. 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