Help me land my dream job!

April 5, 2010 6:32 AM

Trying to get my dream job. I've got an interview on Friday. Holy crap.

QUICK NOTE: I am really over-wordy, so there's a short version if you skip to the end.

BACKSTORY: I currently have a job where I have been for 1.5-2 years. I have liked the job reasonably well during this time, although I have been underpaid for the industry in which I work and my geographical location.

My company is firing 2 other employees, who have entirely different job descriptions from mine, and moving their responsibilities onto me (on top of what I already do, not shifting me laterally within the company). I have never been trained in this other position, but I am expected to hold my current title as well as a new title.

I requested a pay increase to reflect my increased responsibilities and was denied. Because of that, I decided to start looking for a new job. I have not informed my current job of this fact (who would, in this economy?) and will keep this job until I have a new one lined up.

As an utter stroke of luck, a well-known nonprofit that I have dreamed of working with since high school is hiring for a position that I am qualified for. I never thought this would happen and am excited beyond belief. Please, help me not screw this up!

They have a very lengthy application, which I filled out to the best of my abilities, and apparently did a good job!, because I had a phone interview the next day. I nailed the phone interview, and heard from them the day after that. My real interview is scheduled for this Friday.

REAL QUESTIONS: I have a few questions. First of all, I'm sure they'll ask why I'm leaving my current job. Is it enough to say that I saw the opportunity to work for their organization, it has always been a dream of mine, bla bla bla? Should I go into detail about the problems at my current job that led me to look at job postings in the first place? On one hand, I don't want them to think I'm always looking at job boards, trying to find the next best thing, but on the other, I don't want it to seem like I'm badmouthing my current employer.

Secondly, I have only ever worked for small businesses with 30 or less employees. I have never worked for a large organization, and especially not an internationally known one. I have the luck of being located geographically near their headquarters, but their jobs are usually the kind that people relocate to take. How do I stand out from the crowd? I'm sort of freaked out by the fact that my interview isn't until Friday -- I'm sure they have lots of other great candidates that they're interviewing Monday-Thursday. How can I make sure the interviewer remembers ME, and that I make a great impression compared to the other similarly qualified applicants?

Third, This has never happened to me before, but during the phone interview, when the interviewer asked me if I had any questions for her, I totally blanked out. I cannot believe I did this, and I am really relieved that I made it through to the next round of interviews despite my mistake. I can't let this happen again! As I said above, I've dreamed of working for this organization since high school, so I don't really have questions about what they do; I've been following their accomplishments for the last 10 years. I guess I have to ask generic new-job questions like "Do you have any questions or concerns about my ability to perform this job?" and "What’s the most important thing I can do to help within the first 90 days of my employment?" and other questions on all the "Interview your Interviewer"-type websites, but do you have any really specifically great questions I could ask, tailored towards a nonprofit setting?

SHORT VERSION: 1. How honest should I be about why I am leaving my last job?

2. How can I stand out from the crowd when interviewing for a very high-profile position that surely has dozens of other qualified candidates interviewing?

3. What are some great questions I can ask my interviewer at the end of the interview? I don't have questions about the work the organization does, and instead need generic new-job questions for a nonprofit setting.

Thank you so much! If I get the job, I'll post back here with all details revealed, and if not, I'll stay hidden in anonymity with my tail between my legs.

posted by anonymous to Work & Money (19 answers total)

1. How honest should I be about why I am leaving my last job?

More money. This is the only correct answer. You are leaving your job because you think you are worth more than you are being paid. Everyone understands this, no one can argue with you about it, and it will never be seen as negative.

2. How can I stand out from the crowd when interviewing for a very high-profile position that surely has dozens of other qualified candidates interviewing?

Be yourself.

3. What are some great questions I can ask my interviewer at the end of the interview? I don't have questions about the work the organization does, and instead need generic new-job questions for a nonprofit setting.

What is the company's policy regarding same sex partners?

This doesn't affect me, per se, but I've always found it to be a good indication of the company's attitude towards its employees in general.
posted by three blind mice at 6:48 AM on April 5, 2010

I can't answer the middle question, but for the first one, I'd say that saying that you've always wanted to work for this organization is a great answer, and that you don't need to say anything more. (Especially for a nonprofit, I might steer away from the answer "more money," but that's not coming from any particular experience.)

For the last question, I'd ask something like "How do you see XYZ (political issue that you're familiar with) affecting the ABC industry in the next (however many) years?" or something like that. Basically, something that shows that you're interested in and knowledgable about the industry and the factors that affect it. Or maybe you could ask something like "What are the long-term goals for the company in terms of (specific issue X)?"
posted by cider at 6:58 AM on April 5, 2010 [1 favorite]

1. Just say that you are considering leaving the current job because you've outgrown it, and are thrilled by the opportunity to interview at Org X, which you have been following with interest for 10 years. I would not get into "Now I'm doing the work of 3 people and with no raise and I'm tired of this bullshit" backstory.

2. Enthusiasm and the extra knowledge you bring to the table as someone who has been following this organization for 10 years.

3. I think you've got #3 backwards. You need to ask questions about what the organization does, not generic job interview questions. See #2--your ace in the hole, what differentiates you from everyone else who is just unemployed, is that your DREAM is to work there. Don't ask questions about "what do your best employees have in common" or other weak-sauce questions. Ask, "I've noticed that since 2000, your focus has shifted from X to Y; do you expect this trend will continue? If so, how do you think this will be reflected in my responsibilities? If not, where do you see the org evolving" etc.

If you don't have questions specific to the employer, you're doing it wrong. I have interviewed, say, 50 people for jobs, and any applicant that asks more than one or two generic questions goes to the bottom ranking.

Good luck! Can't wait to hear what this is all about once you get that job.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 7:02 AM on April 5, 2010 [1 favorite]

1. Don't be honest to the point where you start saying 'because my boss was a jerk' or anything, but I think it's perfectly acceptable to be authentic and say you're re-evaluating your current situation and have decided to look for work at an organization which is a better fit with who you are - with your core values - and for a company whose work you can be proud of. Don't say anything about money. That's unattractive to a future employer and something you particularly do not want to say for a job at a non-profit.

2. & 3. Show you know a lot about the company and the industry they operate in. Do your research. Make sure the questions you ask indicate that you know a lot about this company and what they do - but make sure that they are still questions, not just a chance to show off all your knowledge.
posted by jennyhead at 7:10 AM on April 5, 2010

You tell them your would leave your current job if hired because you think they are awesome. Make sure you express how interested you are in the position.

And previously
posted by jasondigitized at 7:11 AM on April 5, 2010

Keep up the enthusiasm. Tell them exactly what you told us, and be sure to frame your experiences with your current employer in a positive light:

"I like my job, but unfortunately <Current Employer> is too small/in the wrong industry to provide any meaningful career advancement opportunity for a person in my position."

As long as you don't complain too much about it, it could be worth mentioning that you are indeed one of the last people standing in your department. This would seem to indicate that your current employer felt that you were more valuable than the 2 people they let go. It also indicates that you're working in a potentially unstable organization, which IMO is a completely legitimate reason to start looking for new work.*

Let us know how it goes!

_{Best not to mention this if the NPO you're interviewing for is small or in dire financial straits. A large, stable organization loves hearing this from interviewees, while a small struggling business might question your loyalty.}
posted by schmod at 7:17 AM on April 5, 2010 [1 favorite]

1. How honest should I be about why I am leaving my last job?

>More money. This is the only correct answer.

Wrong answer. You only ever discuss money when they've decided to give you the job. Say what you told us - you've always wanted to work there.
posted by KokuRyu at 7:23 AM on April 5, 2010 [1 favorite]

1. How honest should I be about why I am leaving my last job?

This is an opportunity to talk about what the new role means to you, not what you're leaving behind. You said above: "a well-known nonprofit that I have dreamed of working with since high school is hiring for a position that I am qualified for. I never thought this would happen and am excited beyond belief". There's your answer in outline and it's a great one. Flesh it out (with facts, not emotion).


2. How can I stand out from the crowd when interviewing for a very high-profile position that surely has dozens of other qualified candidates interviewing?

By demonstrating the extraordinarily high level of research you've done into this position, your detailed knowledge of the organisation you're aspiring to work for, and your motivation to work there. This isn't just a job for you as it will be for many of your competitors, it's your life's dream.

3. What are some great questions I can ask my interviewer at the end of the interview?

Don't feel you have to. I do a lot of interviewing, and a good number of "possibles" rule themselves out at this point by asking crass or quite inappropriate questions. There's a convention here that you've gotta come to terms with. "Do you have any questions for me/us?" is asked out of courtesy, as a nod in the direction of the truism that a job interview is a two way process, but it's also asked as part of the selection itself.

If your research leaves you genuinely curious about important aspects of the role, or if there really might be a deal-breaker somewhere in the terms and conditions of employment, by all means ask about it. But if not, don't manufacture a question - decline courteously, taking advantage (again!) of the opportunity to remind them how much research you've done and how you've already managed to answer (from their website/annual reports/articles/other sources) all the questions that you might otherwise have asked at this point.

Good luck!
posted by genesta at 7:39 AM on April 5, 2010 [3 favorites]

For question one, I'd go with the great opportunity line you give in your question.

Not sure on question two other than the generic 'be yourself'.

For question three, when I last interviewed, I asked people how they ended up at the current company and what are the best parts about working there. This gives you a good sense about the backgrounds of your potential future co-workers and how they generally feel about the place. It also tends to give you good opportunities to ask more questions.
posted by chiefthe at 7:45 AM on April 5, 2010

1. It's like a date - be honest but don't over-disclose and definitely don't badmouth anyone (you don't seem like that sort of person anyway but don't be led down that path).

2. Seriously, be honest and be yourself; once you get the job and you're interviewing for your replacement in a couple of years you'll be amazed at how few sane, honest, enthusiastic people you get to choose from.

3. Picture yourself at your first day of work, what questions do you think you'll be asking your boss, your boss's boss? Do the same exercise for the end of your first week, first month and first year. Choose a sample that seems appropriate for the interview and go with those ('do I get my own stapler; how come that guy seems to think he's my boss; I have an awesome idea should I just go ahead and do it or do I really, really need to go through all the red tape first; this was the best year of my working life but now I really want to head up your XYZ project in Tanzania, who do I need to talk to'... etc).

Best of luck.
posted by HopStopDon'tShop at 8:23 AM on April 5, 2010

2 - Remember that the interviewer isn't a professional interviewer - they have a position and they're interviewing you because they're [usually] a person who has a stake in who gets hired. Just like everybody else, they like to talk about themselves. Be pleasant and friendly, and try to make the interview feel like a conversation, not just a series of questions and answers.

3 - Good questions to ask include: What happened to the last person that had this position? Who are the people I'd be working with? What's something interesting you've experienced working here?
posted by Jon_Evil at 9:00 AM on April 5, 2010

1. Yes, go with that idealism, which a nonprofit will understand. You could add that you'd been wanting to leave the for-profit sector to a role where you got to "give back" more. (This will address any doubts they might have, like "will she mind giving up those swanky conferences?")

2. Talk about how you've been a member for ten years. Find someone you know who knows them and get them to send an email encouraging them to consider you.

3. Think about trying to do the job to the best of your abilities. What questions do you have?

It's hard to give you some because it depends on the role you'll play. But, for instance, if you'll be doing IT, you might ask how they deal with all those field offices. If you're leading educational tours, you might ask how those tours connect with the organization's political work if at all. A good generic question in such a big organization is "how do you make decisions?" and another that might work is "have you had to change how you [their mission] because of [the economy / XYZ political thing]?" People often ask about fundraising, too, (where the money comes from, did the economy impact it?), but if you're not being hired to do fundraising, I wouldn't ask for too many details. I'd focus on the questions that come to you as you try to figure out how you'd do the job really well.
posted by salvia at 9:31 AM on April 5, 2010

1. Since your enthusiasm is genuine, tell them quite honestly you were thrilled when you saw a chance to work at their organization, and you thought it might be a better fit than your current position. If they ask in what way, speak about the positives of the non-profit and why it appeals to you, but don't get into negative details about your current job. Make this all about the job you want, and not about the job you're leaving.

2. Actually, if this is the end of the interviewing process, a Friday interview can be a good thing because you will be fresher in their minds when they discuss who to hire. That said, trust that your qualifications and interactions with the organization have made enough of an impression to get you this far. You are memorable enough to bring in for a face-to-face. Your sincere interest and excitement will further distinguish you. This is an organization you have been passionate about since high school! That's unusual, and presented in a professional manner will certainly help you make an impression.

Oh, and don't worry about the small employer vs. larger organization thing. While there are some differences, they mainly involve the atmosphere of the workplace than your performance as an employee, if that makes sense. Positives (and negatives) can be said about both, but as long as you come across as someone who can adapt to the workflow and systems of a larger organization, you'll be fine.

3. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your knowledge of the non-profit while still seeming intellectually curious. You can lead into questions with things you already know, but then integrate something you've always wondered into the discussion. Also, you can say something like, "Since I've been closely following the organization for such a long time, what do you think I would be interested (or surprised) to know?" That will lead into a dialogue and hopefully more questions. As for generic job questions:

How do you see this role evolving?
What do you see as the challenges of this role?
What would be my main focus in the first few months?
How would you describe the atmosphere of the office?
In your opinion, what is the best thing about working here?

Good luck!
posted by katemcd at 10:52 AM on April 5, 2010

I work for a large nonprofit organization, so hopefully this will be helpful:

First, congrats. Especially in this economy, it should be really encouraging to you that you got an interview (and a second interview) for your dream job!

To answer your questions:

1. I think it's enough to just say that you've been wanting to work for the organization for years, you have such respect for the work they do, etc and so you just had to apply. There's absolutely no need to get into the politics of your current organization. Here are the exact words I used when I was applying for a new job and didn't want to talk about the reasons for leaving my old one:

"I really enjoy my current job, and wasn't actively looking for a new one. But I heard about this position, and it just seemed like such a perfect fit that I couldn't pass up the opportunity to apply."

There's a white lie in there ("I wasn't actively looking") but it's very white and pretty harmless. They're really unlikely to press you by, for instance, asking you why you were looking at job listings, because a lot of people do so even when they're not actively looking.

Do not, I repeat, do not take three blind mice's advice and say you are leaving for more money. This might be appropriate in some areas of the for-profit sector but it is a huge no-no in the non-profit sector - it's a cultural thing.

2. Don't be intimidated by the fact that it is a large, internationally-known organization. I have worked for such groups, and while they do attract some amazing people, it's not like everyone has gold-plated resumes. I haven't really found that the people who work for the big groups are any more talented or qualified than those that work for the smaller groups. In fact, in some ways, the brand name lets people coast more.

All that is just to say, relax. You wouldn't be getting a second-round interview if they didn't think you were qualified. At the in-person interview stage, it's all about fit, and I bet your passion will take you far in this respect.

3. I would try to think of some questions about the job, i.e., what you will be doing, what your role will be, how much responsibility you'll have, etc. And maybe also some questions about the strategy, tactics and future of the project(s) you'll be working on.

One other piece of advice on this:

I've dreamed of working for this organization since high school, so I don't really have questions about what they do; I've been following their accomplishments for the last 10 years.

Eh, I'm not really sure if "I don't really have questions about what they do" really follows from "I've been following their accomplishments for the last 10 years." It's one thing to see an organization's public face (ie, their accomplishments) but there's always a much more complex and interesting story behind those victories: how do they win: if they are an advocacy group, is most of their work legislative, or legal, grassroots or media-based? What model do they use? How do they work with other groups?

I say this because I used to work for a similarly large, internationally-renowned organization of the type that kids dream of working for when they grew up. I was always talking to people who would say things like "oh, I've wanted to work there since I was a kid" but most of the people who said things like that had no real understanding of the work we did - the understanding tended to be very idealized.

Again, it doesn't sound like this description applies to you, since you're obviously qualified for this position. But you definitely don't want to come across as excessively naive or starry-eyed about the organization. Enthusiastic, of course, but do as much as you can to demonstrate that you understand the work that they do.

If you have any follow-up questions for me, feel free to MetaMail me! Knock em dead!
posted by lunasol at 11:42 AM on April 5, 2010 [1 favorite]

2nding Genesta's answer to your second question.
You'll stand out if you show that you've researched the company, know what they do, and understand their business/business model.
I've been astounded by the job candidates who don't even bother.
So really dig around on their website, go to the library and find articles written by/about them in appropriate journals, etc. Do that, and you'll undoubtedly have questions for them.
And good luck!!
posted by dbmcd at 12:38 PM on April 5, 2010

I'd also recommend sending a thank you note after your interview. On Monday, email the interviewer(s) and just say thank you for taking the time to consider me for the position, etc. etc. I don't have good thank you note wording off the top of my head, but google it and you'll find some. In some cases a thank you note can be the deciding factor between two candidates, or maybe it'll have no impact. Who knows. But I don't think there's any harm in sending a thank you note. Please let us know how it goes!
posted by foxjacket at 12:53 PM on April 5, 2010

Do not, I repeat, do not take three blind mice's advice and say you are leaving for more money. This might be appropriate in some areas of the for-profit sector but it is a huge no-no in the non-profit sector - it's a cultural thing.

True. That'd actually be a red flag that you'd likely jump ship later, because in the long run, you'll make more money at for-profit enterprises. Say you're looking for "meaningful work with motivated and dedicated coworkers," that sort of thing.

Eh, I'm not really sure if "I don't really have questions about what they do" really follows from "I've been following their accomplishments for the last 10 years." ...most of the people who said things like that had no real understanding of the work we did

This is a good point of caution. Make sure you really do understand not just what their goals are, but what is their process for achieving those goals.
posted by salvia at 12:58 PM on April 5, 2010

Lots of good advice above, but I just wanted to add:

1. Really, don't badmouth your current employer or position at all--just convey what you said to us: "a well-known nonprofit that I have dreamed of working with since high school is hiring for a position that I am qualified for."

2. In addition to your excellent qualifications, your enthusiasm is certainly a selling point. Another, perhaps minor, selling point might be that since you're already in the area, you might be available more quickly than their long-distance applicants.

3. As lunasol said, you want to balance your enthusiasm with making sure you don't come off as too starry-eyed; asking good questions about the position is part of sounding like a serious applicant. Look up their tax forms for the last few years on Guidestar and study them. Look at their organizing documents, look at who's on their board, make sure you really understand their mission statement.

Possible questions: What are the biggest short-term/long-term challenges the person in this position will face? What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job? What qualities are you looking for in the person you will hire? What do you like best about working here? What challenges did you face when you started? Are there reservations you have about my fit for the position?

Yes, those are generic interview questions, but the answers they give are things you should know about a potential job. If an interviewee doesn't ask questions, that makes me seriously wonder about their interest and curiosity. (Also, depending on the flow of the conversation, you can segue their answer into a summary of how you would meet those challenges/possess those successful qualities/etc.)

Seconding the thank you note advice. Good luck!
posted by nowmorethannever at 11:26 PM on April 5, 2010

Employers aren't interested in how you feel about anything. They're interested in how well you can do something that they need done if they give you money. They want to know how well your skills fit in with what they need done, and whether you are going to be a big pain in the ass to have around. Be quiet, polite and tell them as precisely as you can what you can do for them.
posted by Nicholas West at 6:52 AM on April 6, 2010