How To Ace A Charity Job InterviewHow To Ace A Charity Job Interview
Proving Your InterestCharity jobs can be very well paid at the top end of the spectrum. But often, entry level positions are not well paid at all. In fact, many charity workers had to cut their teeth doing volunteer work without a salary, and even charity interns may only be reimbursed for their costs.Whatever the job, and whatever the salary, the charity will be looking for genuine interest and enthusiasm in the work they do. Naturally, all job applications require a certain amount of interest in the role, but with a charity job, it pays to believe in the work the organization is doing. After all, without pay, you really need job satisfaction to stay interested.
To prove your interest in the role:
• Write a completely fresh application for every job.
• Demonstrate genuine interest in the charity’s work.
• Research the charity and understand its niche.
• Think about how your skills could help the charity achieve its objectives.
• Understand what makes you indispensable to that particular charity.
If this excercise feels like a chore, or you struggle to muster up any genuine enthusiasm, consider whether the charity is really right for you. Unpaid volunteering can quickly become tiresome if you’re not genuinely interested in what the charity is trying to achieve.Proving MotivationAs you progress up the scale of charity work, you’ll have more experience to draw on and more proof of your skills. But getting the next position is about more than just capability. Charities want people that are motivated and persistent.Draw on your volunteering work or personal life and give examples of times you’ve gone the extra mile to do the right thing. If you can tie this in with the charity’s objectives, fantastic; it’ll count in your favour. If not, don’t worry.Just proving you’re able to pursue something you believe in could be enough to give you the edge over the other candidates.Don’t Be DisheartenedIf you don’t bag your dream charity position first time, don’t give up. The third sector job market is competitive, and some candidates apply for multiple positions before landing the one they really wanted all along. The good thing is that you have the opportunity to build up your skills on the way.While you’re waiting for the next opportunity, continue to seek out relevant volunteering experience and use your contacts to your advantage. If people see you as a willing, capable volunteer, they could put in a good word for you in future, or recommend you to a charity looking for someone new.Finally, don’t forget tiny charities in your local area. The internet has made these organisations much easier to find, and less popular charities are often crying out for an extra pair of hands. Get in touch and offer your help.Be creative, be persistent and keep an open mind, but most important of all, never lose sight of the reason you wanted to work for a charity in the first place. In the end, you’ll land the job you always dreamed of doing.
