The interview process is your opportunity to learn about your potential new team and demonstrate the skills and expertise you would bring to this role. Interview preparation will help you get the most out of this experience.
Research
The key to preparation is taking some time to do online research. Focus your time in these four areas:
1) The Company. Deep dive the organization’s website to understand their mission, what drives them, who they work with, and what they are aiming to achieve in the community they serve.
2) The Role. Read the job description to understand the responsibilities of this role and what goals they will be working to achieve.
3) The Team. The organization’s “About Us” page can have some great information on who you would be working with. You can also try to find team members on LinkedIn to learn about their work and background.
4) The Landscape. Lastly, familiarize yourself with the space this organization works in. Knowing recent news and policy change can help paint a full picture and add more context to the conversation.
Preparing for the Interview Questions
As you’re researching the role and organization, prepare some of your own results and anecdotes that you want to make sure to touch on in the interview. Of course, the most important thing to do is answer the specific question they ask. However, having a bank of examples in your tool box that you’re already thought about and organized can help you think quicker on your feet during the interview. A common strategy is to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
Know Your Work
In addition to the standard questions your interviewer has prepared, they will likely ask some specifically about your experience and items they see on your resume. Prepare ahead of time to answer specific questions about your most recent positions. Memorize quick facts like success data, team size, etc.
Prepare your list of questions
Candidates can be hesitant to ask questions out of fear that it makes them look like they don’t understand. That actually couldn’t be further from the truth! Asking thoughtful, research-backed questions shows the interviewer that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in becoming a part of their team. You can demonstrate yourself as a critical consumer of the interview you’ve been given. By familiarizing yourself with the organization’s mission, initiatives, partners and communities, you can ask informed questions that demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm.
Your Next Step Forward
Remember, interviewing is as much about finding the right fit for you as it is about impressing your potential employer. When you walk into that interview well-prepared and genuinely curious about the organization’s work, you’re not just positioning yourself as a strong candidate, you’re setting the foundation for a meaningful conversation about how your skills and passion can contribute to their mission.
The social impact sector thrives on authenticity and genuine commitment to change. By taking the time to thoroughly prepare, you’re demonstrating the same thoughtfulness and dedication that will serve you well in the role itself. Trust in your preparation, be yourself, and remember that the right opportunity will recognize the unique value you bring to their team.
Looking for ways to make yourself stand out even more as a candidate? You might want to consider becoming a Board Member!
