Preparing for a job interview should start before you send your resume. You should have a genuine interest in the organization, its cause or causes and you should be able to articulate your understanding of the issues facing the organization. While your resume and cover letter may pique the interest of the hiring manager and get you a call-back, your interview(s) can seal the deal and help you get an offer.
- Do Your Homework: Research the organization and find relevant online news. Review their social media and get to know the issues they care about. Use this knowledge to show how you can contribute to the nonprofits’ mission-driven success.
- Create a Standout Resume: In addition to showing when and where you worked, tell readers what you accomplished and how you helped your past organizations succeed. Consider crafting a targeted resume focusing on how your past accomplishments fit with the job description of the position you are seeking.
- Wow Them With Your Cover Letter: Your goal should be to transition from an applicant to an interviewee with a cover letter. Go beyond your resume and align your skills with the nonprofit position. Share your passion and make a case for “Why me?” Check out this article for more insights on writing effective cover letters.
Basic Nonprofit Job Interview Steps
Many organizations use a hybrid system with different types of interviews. Employers that decide to use a hybrid interview process may follow this structure:
- The Recruiter: Some large nonprofits may have in-house recruiters that reach out to candidates and serve as a screener to see if the candidate is eligible to continue through the interviewing process. Recruiters can be in-house or hired as consultants paid by the organization.
- A Phone Interview: A hiring manager usually handles thephone interviews. They give you a chance to learn more about the organization and the role. This is also when you highlight how your skills and experiences match up with the role.
- In-person Interviews: In-person interviews are usually the last step of the interview process. You’ll typically meet the hiring manager and other team members, maybe even the Executive Director.
The size of the nonprofit organization will usually determine its hiring process. Still, it’s best to maintain flexibility and prepare for any interview.
Nonprofit Interview Questions You Should Bring or Be Prepared to Answer
You’ve made it to the interview. Take some deep breaths and maintain eye contact. Questions are a natural part of the interview process, and you’ll spend most of your time answering them.
But, coming to the interview without your own questions is a missed opportunity. First, preparing for hiring managers’ questions means having your story straight.
- Know Your Stories: After researching the company and reading the job description, you should know which stories are relevant. Focus on the data as it reflects the effect your social impact work had on your mission goals. Use the Situation, Task, Action, and Result (STAR) method when structuring your stories.
- Mention Your Values: You’ll be selling yourself for the entire interview. If you can weave your values into answering their questions, you can speak their language.
- Ask About the Nonprofit’s Culture: You’ll spend a lot of time at work, so they need to know if their values align with yours. Ask about their organization and how they define success.
Keeping to a structured method to answer questions will help you stay on track while showing your preparedness and confidence. You’ll also demonstrate your passion for the nonprofit’s mission, which can be a deciding factor in the hiring process.
Questions You Should Expect to Answer
Every nonprofit wants something different, so memorizing a Q & A won’t be that helpful. Instead, you should prepare for background questions, questions about your values, and some about your skills. Among these three kinds of questions, job seekers should expect:
- Why are you leaving your current role?
- What motivates you?
- Give examples of how your previous work helped you to fulfill the nonprofit’s mission.
- What is your experience with remote and team-based work?
Remember, if a question puts you on guard, think before answering. Remaining calm and professional is critical.
Come Prepared With Your Own Nonprofit Job Interview Questions
Having questions to ask in an interview for a nonprofit job is a regular thing. Most organizations will only give you enough information to know the basics. Asking your own questions is an opportunity to show that you have initiative.
Use this time to show your knowledge and ask specific questions.
- What should be the focus of this position within the first 90 days?
- How do you measure impact for this position?
- Can you tell me more about the donor base and fundraising opportunities?
- In your experience, what makes a successful [enter job title] ?
Remember that the nonprofit hiring manager is likely short on time, so keep your questions concise. Ask your general organization questions early in the process with a recruiter or human resources admin and save your more detailed role-oriented questions for your supervisor or coworkers.
Don’t Forget a Thank You
After the interview, follow up with a thank you note. This can be via email or handwritten. A well-written thank-you note can reinforce your interest and leave a lasting impression.
Try highlighting a memorable conversation you had during the interview to put a personal touch to the message.
Ace Your Nonprofit Job Interview
Landing a job with a nonprofit depends on showing that you are passionate, capable, and a good fit for the organization throughout the interviewing process. Acing a nonprofit job interview in SoCal may seem scary, but it’s not always a nerve-racking experience.
With early preparation, demonstrating your values, and asking thoughtful questions, you can ace your SoCal nonprofit interview and stand out. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to securing a job offer in the nonprofit sector.
