Tips on Interviewing for a Non-profit Job

During the past year we have seen the unemployment rate percentage in many states rise into the double digits. People in most sectors are getting laid off by the thousands, and we’re seeing many of these individuals lining up for jobs in the non-profit sector. “I want to do something that makes me feel good about myself and that helps make a difference in the world,” said one job seeker recently during an interview with a local non-profit.

Jobs — even non-profit jobs — are very difficult to find in this economy. This is the worst recession I’ve experienced in my 40-year non-profit career, but at Richard Male and Associates (RMA), we continue to help individuals and organizations find key talent, usually in the executive or development director roles. However, the competition is intense and for every job posting we see there seems to be 100+ applicants competing for it.

So, this week I thought it would be a good idea to offer some non-profit job interviewing tips to help job seekers get those jobs.

1. Use your networks to help you get the interview for the job. Look at your friends, your family, your religious affiliations and other social networks and don’t be shy about asking them to make an initial phone call or send an e-mail to try to set up an interview.
2. Research the person who is going to interview you before you go to the interview. Remember, the interviewer is still a person just like you and me. Get some background information on him/her and when you arrive in their office look around the room and take notice of the books they read, the family photos on their desk, the type of artwork they like. Try to personalize the visit.
3. Research the non-profit organization you are interviewing with. Make some copies of their web pages and bring them with you so the interviewer might notice that you have done your homework and investigated the company.
4. Be prepared to talk about your accomplishments during the interview. Try to remember three or four of your greatest accomplishments and don’t be shy about talking about the impact you had on both people and organizations.
5. Be friendly and cordial to the receptionist and to others in the office. These people also provide input into the decision so when you walk into the office for the interview, be polite, kind and engaging to the other people that work for the non-profit.
6. It’s not about you; it’s about the job you are interviewing for. Even though the interviewer wants to know about your background, values, and what you bring to the job, they are hiring you to do a specific job and not just because they like your personality. Research the job and talk to the interviewer about why you think you are the best person for the job and what kind of an impact you would like to make.
7. Focus your remarks and keep them short and concise. Don’t drone on with long-winded answers and don’t be afraid of quiet space during the interview. Keep the interview moving quickly and keep your remarks to the point.
8. Taking criticism without getting upset is an important quality. Let the interviewer know that you have no problem admitting mistakes and taking corrective comments on the job.
9. Ask critical questions at the end of the interview. After the interview is almost over there is nothing wrong with saying: “Okay you interviewed me for the past hour, have I said anything that would disqualify me for the job?” This is an opportunity for the interviewer to give you feedback and to clear up anything that you have said that might cause a misunderstanding.

Write a personal thank you note when you get home rather than just sending an e-mail.