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Welcome!. The training will begin shortly. If you’re experiencing technical difficulties please visit - noi12 .co/ OnyC98 to read frequently asked webinar tech questions. . Nailed It! – Preparing for and participating in interviews. Presenter: Kathleen Sherwin
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Welcome! The training will begin shortly. If you’re experiencing technical difficulties please visit - noi12.co/OnyC98 to read frequently asked webinar tech questions.
Nailed It! – Preparing for and participating in interviews Presenter: Kathleen Sherwin Advisor,Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Facilitator: Nick Niles nicholasbniles@gmail.com @nicholasbniles
Kathleen Sherwin Advisor Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA)
Introductions and Polls (5 mins) • Be Prepared: “Good Advance Work” (10 mins) • We are in DC, It’s Politics “ Ask for the Informational Interview as Needed” (5 mins) • Prepare for the “Unexpected & Likely” Interview Questions (10 mins) • Post Interview: “Now What?” (5 mins) • Post Interview: “Debrief Yourself” (5 mins) • Questions: “Ask Me Anything, Remember I Interview People!” (15 mins) • Summary & Takeaways “The Notecard”, the “Musts” & Other Resources (5 mins)
Be prepared – “good advance work” • Job Description: use to anticipate questions in the interview. Be ready with your best stories (stories should be in the problem-action-result format) • LinkedIn: use to research the people you are meeting with and the person who is the predecessor (Facebook and other social media sites are helpful) • Online/news: use guidestar.org, glassdoor.com, lexis-nexis, press releases; ensure you understand what is currently going on at the organization • Know the Organization, Yourself & Their Needs (and Yours): Think about how you wish to position the jobs you have had (the good/bad), think thru how you talk about transitions. Research the organization and really understand why do you want to be at this organization and this role?
Be prepared – “good advance work” • Develop your 30/60/90 plan: consider putting together a plan on action – how would you approach this job if they offered it to you today? • Practice: run thru your interview questions with a friend; actually verbalize your responses in advance. • Remember your advance skills: bring extra copies of your resumes, business cards, pen/paper, arrive early (15 mins), be nice to the front desk staff and be mindful of how long the interview is scheduled.
We are in DC, It’s Politics: Ask for the “Informational Interview or coffee” Why Informational Interviews: • Introduce yourself and have a point of contact when future openings occur. • Learn more about the type of people at the organization and receive guidance from someone who went thru the interview process. • Have a name to use when you apply formally. • Gain insights, hear concerns and test interview answers.
We are in DC, It’s Politics: Ask for the “Informational Interview or coffee” Major Don’ts in Informational Interviews: (the things you should stop doing now): • Ask for a job • Disrespect the amount of time scheduled • Be unprepared • Talk too much • Don’t listen
We are in DC, It’s Politics: Ask for the “Informational Interview or coffee” Major Do’s in Informational Interviews: (things to ask): • Why did you join the organization? • What is the work atmosphere like? • Which skills, experiences or personality types have you found to be most successful at the organization? • How would you assess my background as it relates to the organization and/or role? • Words of wisdom, advice or things you wish you knew when you interviewed or joined?
Prepare for the “unexpected & the Likely” Interview Questions” • Why do you want to work at this organization? • You weren’t at your last job for long, what went wrong? • You have been on a lot of campaigns – how do we know you will stay? • What makes you fire on all cylinders, describe what this looks like with your manager, your peers, your environment and the work? • Of which accomplishment are your proudest? • And of which are you the least? • Tell me about yourself?
Post Interview: “Now what” Next Steps: • Have a understanding of next steps • At least timing and who will be initiating communication Say Thank You: • Email Thank You Notes are a must – but don’t forget “snail mail” • Ensure each thank you note is the not the same – staff share their emails from candidates Pause: • Do not “woulda, coulda” • We try and prepare and sometimes we forget a few things we wanted to say • Resist the urge to call and email and try and fill in all the details
Post Interview: “Now what?” Prepare for Round 2: • Begin to develop your follow-up questions right away • You never know how fast the process may move – could be via email, phone or in-person Debrief your own performance: • Ensure you don’t make the same interview mistakes twice • Think about the answers to these questions • This can also inform your thank you note as well as future interviews as well • We will all be on many interviews!
Post Interview: “debrief yourself” Debrief your own performance: • Did you become comfortable in the interview? • Which questions could you have answered better? • Where did you succeed, where did you fail? • Which topics came with awkward silences? • Did you emphasize your understanding of the connection between the organization’s needs and your skills/experiences? • Do you create a conversational atmosphere? • Did you get asked questions for which you were not prepared? • Did you understand and address concerns that the interviewer may have had about your candidacy? • Which questions did you forget to ask that would help you make the right decisions?
Summary “The Notecards” • Tissues, breath mint and whatever personal grooming items you need • Prepare, research, practice and know why this is where you want to be • Have an index card/small padfolio with a reminder of your achievements and explanations organized by job function • Have a list of questions to ask the interviewer and have “extra” more than you think you may need or even need to know • An appointment book, PDA , blackberry to schedule a follow-up interview on the spot • A working watch to ensure a 15 min early arrival • A folder with extra resumes, business cards and note pad with pen
Summary “The Notecards” • A portfolio or a few selected pieces of campaign plans or projects (as appropriate) • A list of references with current contact information (please include email addresses) • Turn off your cell or Blackberry, iPhone before you get into the building • Don’t bring “extra” items –gym bag, shopping items etc. • We are in the nonprofit space –but we all can iron our clothes, brush our hair and shine our shoes for very little money spent • Bring your passion, your energy, your love of the organization and your confidence –you know this is “your next home” you just have to share and be compelling! • Be proactive on next steps but not aggressive
Summary “the Musts” What does this mean? • Dress appropriately for the organization • Know your weakness and strengths • Ask good questions • Write thank you notes, use this to correct what you didn't do well enough in the interview The Musts: • Mind You Appearance • Above All, Know Thyself, the Organization and its Needs • Tag, You’re It! • The Follow-up
Other resources…….. • http://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/jobs-and-volunteer.asp • www.nonprofitprofessionals.com (they have great content – and helped with this presentation) • http://www.tommanatosjobs.com/ • www.indeed.com • www.encore.org • www.nonprofitjobs.org • www.idealist.org
www.neworganizing.com/jobs Visit our new ‘Work Forward’ site. It’s a great resource to use as you continue your job search!
www.neworganizing.com/toolbox You can view this training and other great trainings online using this link.
Neworganizing.com/trainings/work forward Upcoming trainings: How to strategically use your network to land the job you want How to negotiate salary, benefits, responsibilities, and otherwise
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