• Pre-Interview
• During
Interview
• Post-Interview
Pre-Interview
Resume
Do not submit a confusing functional resume. This might interpret
as "trying to hide something", like a gap in employment.
Ideally you must create a chronological resume, not more than two
pages. Do not use a professional writing service; trained HR specialists
can easily make out the difference. Infact its better you do it yourself,
that way you can tailor your resume according to the position and
organisation you have applied to.
Cover letter
So now you have your masterpiece ready! Next is preparing an equally
powerful cover letter. Never make the mistake of throwing in a quick
cover letter or worse still forget about it totally. In large NPOs
there are several positions open, so summarising you skills and your
objective will help the employer to understand your resume better.
Research
their needs
Very important that you know about the company before you step in
front of a panel of people firing questions at you. Get a copy of
the company's annual report, visit their website, ask for the positions
job description, talk to people etc. At the end of it all you must
have answers to the following:
•
What are the issues the NPO addresses?
• What is the size of the
organisation?
• Where does their funding
come?
• What is the background
of this organisation?
During
the Interview
Your
first round of homework is done. Now the time has come to take a pen
and paper and jot down all your skills related to the position. Bring
extra copies of your resume, the relevant work samples.
First Impressions
They count! So here are a few things you must keep in mind-
• Be on time, Infact 15 minutes
earlier
• Dress professionally
• Do not come across as arrogant
Be prepared
for common questions like "Tell me something about yourself"
According to T.Sreedhar in his role as the COO of TMI (Talent Management
International), one of India's largest integrated Recruitment and
the largest Recruitment Advertising Agency---"This question can
be quite a "bone crusher". Normally candidates speak more
than required. All the interviewer really wants is a quick answer
to reveal if you and the job match. Prepare a list of your major selling
points, and then condense it."
Be ready
for closing questions
On the first interview, you don't discuss the money and perks the
company is offering but what you can do for them. Counter questioning
will show the employer that you are insightful and want to know what
you might be getting into. "What are a few of the projects I'd
be tackling?" "How would you describe the biggest problems
facing the company today?" "What do you find most rewarding
about your job?"
Post-Interview
Too
much or too little
•
Do call to see if your resume has been received within 10 days, but
don't keep calling back to check the status.
• Write a thank-you note
after the interview and add any further information the company might
have requested.
• Don't call once a week
to see what progress is being made
• Even if you do not get
the job, do send another letter indicating your disappointment but
wish the company well
Negotiating
salary
When you apply for the non-profit sector, you must already be aware
that it pays you 25% less than most corporate jobs. So money cannot
be the biggest incentive to join. You should, however, have a realistic
idea of salary and benefit possibilities. Ask for the salary range
of the position. A good answer might be "The amount should be
based on the contribution I make to the company."
Reference
A general guide is to provide the name of one immediate supervisor.
It's important for you to call your references before giving out their
names.
Be who you
really are
Be yourself. See if you fit in to the culture of that particular non-profit.
What kind of a commitment are they asking you to make and are you
prepared to make it? Make sure that you understand what is expected-be
prepared.
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Boss
Button.
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