How to Ace an Interview for an NGO Position

When you’re applying for a position at an NGO, acing the interview is key to getting hired. Here are 10 tips on how to make sure you put your best foot forward and impress the interviewer:

1. Do your research. Learn as much as you can about the organisation and the specific role you’re applying for. This will not only help you be more prepared for questions that may come up during the interview, but it will also show the interviewer that you’re truly interested in the position.
2. Be yourself. The NGO sector is all about people working together to achieve a common goal, so it’s important that you show your true personality during the interview. The interviewer wants to know if you’ll be a good fit for the team, so don’t try to be someone you’re not.
3. Tell stories. When answering questions, use examples and stories to illustrate your points. This will help bring your answers to life and make them more memorable.
4. Ask questions. Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’re engaged in the conversation and interested in the role. Prepare a few questions in advance, but make sure they’re relevant to the specific role and organisation.
5. Be prepared to talk about your experience. The interviewer will want to know about your past work experiences and how they’ve prepared you for the role you’re applying for. Be ready to talk about your successes and challenges in previous roles.
6. Show passion. NGO work can be challenging, so it’s important to show that you’re passionate about the mission of the organisation and committed to making a difference. Talk about why you care about the work of the NGO and what motivates you to do your best.
7. Be positive. NGO work can be challenging, so it’s important to show that you’re up for the challenge and maintain a positive attitude. No one wants to hire someone who seems negative or pessimistic, so make sure you come across as someone who is excited about the opportunity and ready to take on whatever comes next.
8. Be professional. Even though the NGO sector is more relaxed than some other sectors, it’s still important to dress professionally and conduct yourself in a professional manner during the interview. Remember that first impressions matter, so make sure you’re making a good one.
9. Follow up. After the interview, be sure to send a thank-you note to the interviewer. This is a nice gesture and it shows that you’re interested in the position.
10. Be patient. The hiring process for NGOs can sometimes take longer than other sectors, so it’s important to be patient and not get discouraged if you don’t hear back right away. Keep your head up and keep applying for other positions until you finally get the yes!

How are interviews for NGO positions different from interviews for other types of jobs?

For starters, the interviewer is likely to be more interested in your passion for the cause than your experience. They want to know if you genuinely care about the organisation’s mission and if you’re committed to making a difference.

• Be prepared to talk about why you’re interested in the organisation and what you can bring to the table. Be honest, but also be enthusiastic. The interviewer wants to see your excitement for the work that the NGO does.
• Do your research on the organisation before the interview. Show that you’ve taken the time to learn about their values and goals. This will demonstrate your interest in the organisation and give you a chance to ask informed questions during the interview.
• Finally, remember that NGO work is often challenging and demanding. Be prepared to talk about how you handle stress and adversity. The interviewer wants to know that you’re up for the challenges of the job.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to ace your interview for an NGO position. Show your passion for the cause and be prepared to talk about your skills and experience. Do your research beforehand, and be honest about your ability to handle the challenges of the job. With a little preparation, you’ll be on your way to landing that dream NGO job.

7 challenges you may encounter in an NGO interview

If you’re looking for a job in the non-profit sector, you may be wondering what kinds of questions you’ll be asked in an interview.

In order to help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of 7 common challenges that NGO interviewers often ask candidates about. Read on for tips on how to answer these questions effectively!

1. You’re not used to talking about yourself:

Most of us have been taught from a young age that it’s impolite to talk about ourselves. However, in an interview setting, you’ll need to do just that! Be sure to practise discussing your accomplishments and skills in a way that is both humble and confident.

2. You’re not sure what to say when asked about your motivation for wanting to work in the NGO sector:

It’s important to be honest here – interviewers can spot BS a mile away. If you’re genuinely passionate about social justice issues and helping others, say so! If you’re looking for a career change and think working in the non-profit sector might be rewarding, tell them that too. Just make sure your answer is authentic.

3. You’re not sure how to answer questions about your experience working with diverse populations:

If you don’t have a lot of experience working with people from different backgrounds, that’s okay! Instead of trying to fake it, focus on explaining why you’re interested in learning more about diversity and inclusion. For example, perhaps you grew up in a homogeneous community and now want to work in a more diverse environment. Or maybe you have personal experiences that have made you sensitive to the unique needs of diverse groups. Whatever your reasons may be, be sure to communicate them clearly and concisely.

4. You’re not sure how to answer questions about your experience leading teams or projects:

If you don’t have a lot of direct experience leading teams or projects, that’s okay! Focus on explaining your transferable skills, such as teamwork, collaboration, and communication. For example, perhaps you’ve been a member of a sports team or a student group where you had to work together towards a common goal. Or maybe you’ve taken on leadership roles in your personal life, such as caring for younger siblings or organising social events for your friends. Whatever your experiences may be, be sure to highlight how they’ve helped you develop the skills needed to lead effectively.

5. You’re not sure how to answer questions about your experience working in developing countries:

If you don’t have any direct experience working in developing countries, that’s okay! Focus on explaining your interest in the issue and your willingness to learn. For example, perhaps you’ve been following the news about the Syrian refugee crisis and feel compelled to do something to help. Or maybe you have friends or family members who have lived or worked in developing countries, and you’re interested in hearing their stories and learning more about their experiences. Whatever your reasons may be, be sure to communicate them clearly and concisely.

6. You’re not sure how to answer questions about your experience with fundraising:

If you don’t have a lot of direct experience with fundraising, that’s okay! Focus on explaining your transferable skills, such as teamwork, collaboration, communication, and persuasion. For example, perhaps you’ve been a member of a student group where you had to work together to raise money for a cause. Or maybe you’ve taken on leadership roles in your personal life, such as organising social events or fundraisers. Whatever your experiences may be, be sure to highlight how they’ve helped you develop the skills needed to fundraise effectively.

7. You’re not sure how to answer questions about your experience working with NGOs:

If you don’t have a lot of direct experience working with NGOs, that’s okay! Focus on explaining your interest in the issue and your willingness to learn. For example, perhaps you’ve been following the news about the Syrian refugee crisis and feel compelled to do something to help. Or maybe you have friends or family members who have worked with NGOs, and you’re interested in hearing their stories and learning more about their experiences. Whatever your reasons may be, be sure to communicate them clearly and concisely.

Conclusion

An interview for an NGO position can be daunting, but if you go in prepared and confident, you will increase your chances of acing the interview. Remember to do your research ahead of time, dress the part, and be ready to answer questions about your qualifications and experience. With a little practice and some helpful tips, you can ace your NGO interview in no time.

Do you have any other tips on how to ace an interview for an NGO position? Let us know in the comments below!

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Minoas graduated with a Merit upon studying the full-time MPA Public Administration – International Development degree (MPA-ID) at the University of York. He is currently working as a freelance EU affairs consultant in Belgium.
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