Do’s and Don’ts for Job Seekers in the Nonprofit World – The Interview
Interviews are where you can demonstrate your personality, your adaptability, and fit with the hiring team (who should somehow represent the work culture).
Do:
1. Research the organization. Be familiar with how long it’s been around, its key programs, its key leaders, and its image in the public. Look at its social media presence to understand its culture.
2. Know the job. Do some homework to identify what specific skill, experience or talent you have that fits each of the elements of the job description.
3. Dress for the part. Be professional in what you wear, even if the organization is informal.
4. Show what you know. Give concrete examples of what your fine points are, don’t just say you are smart, fast, organized and successful.
5. Be calm. If you need to take time to formulate an answer, that’s fine. Breathe, pause, and know that you are doing your best.
Don’t:
1. Use slang. Try to speak professionally. Practice avoiding filler words like “um’s,” and “like” and “to be honest” (you should always be honest, so it goes without saying…).
2. Apologize. You are there to make a positive impression. If there’s something that you can’t do, acknowledge it, but you don’t need to apologize for it.
3. Be late. Be early or on time.
4. Be blindsided by a hard question. Interviewers often ask questions about your weaknesses, your challenges, your defenses. Be prepared for these questions with thoughtful examples and responses.
5. Forget to send a thank you note after the interview. It means something!
