How to Nail a Job Interview

With the job market still red hot and job openings remaining high, now could be the perfect time to apply for a job at the nonprofit you’ve always admired. Here we have created a how-to interview guide to help get you through the interview process with some additional culture fit inspiration to ensure you’re landing the right job for you.

How to Nail a Job Interview

You take a deep breath in and a deep breath out. After all, you are on your way to a job interview at one of our area’s strongest nonprofit organizations. The position fits your skills perfectly and you have been following this organization for a long time. You believe in their mission and vision, and you are passionate about becoming a team member. Now, how do you express all of this properly in a job interview? Here are some straightforward tips to help you nail a job interview.

Be Prepared

Bring multiple copies of your resume and past examples of your work with you. You never know how many people may be joining you at the interview. Be sure to have a notepad and working pen with you for note taking. Be prepared for the interviewee to ask detailed questions about your past work and personal questions, too. Have questions prepared for the organization. You should also know ample information about the organization before the interview! Research the nonprofit’s website, social media, and past newspaper columns in advance. When you leave your car to head inside for the interview, you should have everything you need. When you open the organization’s door to enter for your interview, you are confident, a bit nervous, but cool and collected. You’re prepared!

Shake Hands, Smile, and Look in People’s Eyes

One of the best ways to introduce yourself to people is to look them directly in the eyes, give them a firm handshake (not too firm!), and a bright, genuine, enthusiastic smile. It goes a long way when you stop for a moment to give a proper handshake, look in the person’s eyes, and smile at them while you introduce yourself. This is sure to get your interview off to a good, professional start. Be sure to make eye contact throughout the interview and while you are speaking to them.

Sit with Poise

The way we sit during an interview can make a difference in our confidence! Elongate your back and neck and sit up straight. It will help you to feel more in charge of yourself as you move through the interview. 

It’s Okay to be Nervous

We have all been there! Interviews can be nerve-wracking and it’s important that you calm yourself when feeling anxious. (Deep breaths really help)! Everyone understands that you are nervous and that is a part of the process. Even saying it out loud can make the interviewee laugh and relate with you more. Your nerves will ease with more interviews or as time goes along during the interview. You want to be yourself and express who you are, what your skills are, and what you can bring to the team. Don’t let nerves get in your way.

Follow Their Lead

Hold your questions about the position and nonprofit until they ask if you have any questions. Let the organization lead the interview. Focus and answer their questions to the best of your ability each and every time.

Follow Up

After another firm handshake, enthusiastic smile, a thank you, and a fond farewell, the first thing you should do when you get home is email the person a thank you note. Include in the note why you are hopeful and think you are the best fit for the position, how much you appreciated their time today, what you learned, and any other additional details.

Above All, Alignment

Veronica Thames, Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s COO, implores you to go a step further. “The keys to a successful interview are to be your authentic self, and to realize it’s a two-way street. An employment relationship is just that: a relationship. In a healthy one, both parties are who they are meant to be, and their values and missions align. An interview should be conducted in everyone’s best interest. You are trying to identify if your authentic self can add value to the organization’s culture and meet your needs, and the employer should be aiming for the same,” says Thames. “Ask tough questions to help you glean what the future may look like for you in this organization. Will you be provided opportunities for growth? Will your innate strengths be valued? Can you be the best version of yourself?” continues Thames. “Remember, this your career at stake. Do you want to spend it with the wrong partner? Consider it a win if you end the interview, do not find alignment, and move on to the next opportunity, just as much as if you find alignment and land the job,” concludes Thames.

With this great advice at hand, we certainly wish you the best of luck on your interview journey!