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Non-profits are usually more feeling types and I was wondering how this effects the interview. Do I reveal personal challenges that I had to face so I can empathize with my customers?

It is a technical job and I have been told that out of all the candidates that I am the only one that came across as a manager.

My last interview is with the CEO of the company. Not much on him on the Internet.

Thank you,
Kevin

pmoriarty's picture
Training Badge

I'm assuming you got this far in the process by being yourself. So, you should continue to do just that.

I would avoid bringing up the personal challenges unless it is a requirement of the job that you will be customer-facing and need to be empathetic.

Good luck!

jhack's picture

Nothing will convey empathy like good eye contact, listening attentively, directly answering questions, and engaging in meaningful diaglog.

Good luck!

John

bflynn's picture

[quote="ksweeney"]Non-profits are usually more feeling types and I was wondering how this effects the interview. Do I reveal personal challenges that I had to face so I can empathize with my customers?

It is a technical job and I have been told that out of all the candidates that I am the only one that came across as a manager.

My last interview is with the CEO of the company. Not much on him on the Internet.

Thank you,
Kevin[/quote]

I'm not sure its fair to characterize non-profits as any more feeling type than others. The same people are present in a non-profit as in a business. However, because priorities are different, that tends to express itself differently.

The purpose of the non-profit business isn't about making money for the shareholders. Until you see this in action, its difficult, almost impossible to internalize...we are just too used to it being about money.

To prepare for the interview - focus on what the needs of the organization are. Remember, it isn't money, but its frequently about growing larger and exposing more people to the ideas of the organization or getting more people to participate. Your job as manager is going to be to support that indirectly.

There isn't much on the CEO, but you can trust that he probably has a bit of a passion for whatever it is that this business does. His responsibility, some might describe it as a public trust, is to grow the business. Win him over by understanding what the business needs.

KS180's picture

Thank you all! this is solid advice and I'll let you know how things work out.
Kevin

Mark's picture
Admin Role Badge

Kevin-

Interview no differently. Prepare, and be your smart self.

CEOs of non-profits are a LOT more like CEOs of for profits than they are like most non-profit managers.

Mark

stephenbooth_uk's picture

Asking stupid question to avoid silly assumption. What is a non-profit? The only examples that come to mind are charities, preservation societies and governmental organisations such as local councils and NHS trusts, are they that sort of thing?

Thanks

Stephen

kklogic's picture

Kevin,
If I may - I suggest picking up the Good to Great monolith "Good to Great and the Social Sector." It gave me nice insight into the differences in the nonprofit world and the for-profit world. I'm not sure if this will help you on your interview, but it might be nice knowledge to have going in.

KS180's picture

Interviewed, closed, great position. Followed -up and all I get is voice mail but no turn down letter. My source tells me they haven't hired anybody yet.

Is there a podcast on how to properly treat interviewees who may be holding their breath until they hear from the company? It is very frustrating to get voice mail every time but I continue to be nice and not let it show.

Week 4 - 11 to go. Still got nothing.
Kevin

juliahhavener's picture
Licensee Badge

Kevin - keep leaving voicemail.

I spent four weeks on pins and needles waiting to hear from my current position. Understand that many companies won't tell you anything until they have something solid - either an offer or a no thank you letter.

Your follow up is STILL critical. I understand that it was one of several things that set me apart from the others who applied.

You did send a thank you note, right?

huntbk's picture

[quote="stephenbooth_uk"]Asking stupid question to avoid silly assumption. What is a non-profit? The only examples that come to mind are charities, preservation societies and governmental organisations such as local councils and NHS trusts, are they that sort of thing?
[/quote]

Other non-profits in this area include hospitals and health care systems, associations, and relgious organizations.

aspiringceo's picture

[quote="huntbk"][quote="stephenbooth_uk"]Asking stupid question to avoid silly assumption. What is a non-profit? The only examples that come to mind are charities, preservation societies and governmental organisations such as local councils and NHS trusts, are they that sort of thing?
[/quote]

Other non-profits in this area include hospitals and health care systems, associations, and relgious organizations.[/quote]

Here in Scotland / UK non profits are also known as "The Third Sector" ie private sector, public sector and third sector,some quick facts are

*The income for the Third Sector in Scotland alone consists of voluntary sector charities £2.87bn, housing associations £870m, and credit unions £130m and applies to 20,879 organisations out of an estimated total of around 45,000 organisations in the wider Third Sector.

*The Third Sector employs an estimated 129,000 professional paid staff, which is larger than employment in each of the following industries: ‘Transport, Storage & Communication’, ‘Financial Services’, ‘Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing’, ‘Mining & Quarrying Industries’, ‘Electricity, Gas & Water Supply’

*There are 19 charities responsible for 36.6% of the sector's total income. ie income in excess of £100 million pa

*Two thirds of charities have an annual income under £25,000.
* In the UK the vast majority of hospitals and health care fall under the remit of the NHS and are therefore public sector

James Gutherson's picture

[quote="huntbk"][quote="stephenbooth_uk"]Asking stupid question to avoid silly assumption. What is a non-profit? The only examples that come to mind are charities, preservation societies and governmental organisations such as local councils and NHS trusts, are they that sort of thing?
[/quote]

Other non-profits in this area include hospitals and health care systems, associations, and relgious organizations.[/quote]

I am with a 'Community College' that is a non-profit. We provide personal and industry training, apprenticeship, employment services, Tennancy Advice etc.

bflynn's picture

[quote="stephenbooth_uk"]Asking stupid question to avoid silly assumption. What is a non-profit? The only examples that come to mind are charities, preservation societies and governmental organisations such as local councils and NHS trusts, are they that sort of thing?

Thanks

Stephen[/quote]

I'm not sure I saw a direct answer - I'm a little tired, so might have missed it.

A non-profit is an organization which does not seek a profit. Yes, your list has some of the common non-profits, I think you have the right idea. They can also be organizations promoting something, such as an art museum, a hobby group or activism group.

In the US, non-profit status also carries an implication with regards to income tax and there are several very subtly different types, including non-profit, not-for-profit and probably 2-3 others that I'm just drawing a blank on.

Brian

KS180's picture

Well, it has been two months since my last interview with a non-profit and still nothing. I sent the thank you's, make my bi-weekly calls and send my bi-weekly email (alternating calls and email) and still nothing.

My sources tell me that the position is still open so I'm in the running but I cannot believe the total lack of feedback.

Note to other managers: Be considerate of the interviewee's time and risk of hunting for a job. Feedback to the candidates what is happening.

In the meantime I'm hoping to hear from two other companies about an offer.
Kevin

jhack's picture

Thanks for the update.

It probably isn't intentional disrespect.

Good luck with the other firms.

John

Mark's picture
Admin Role Badge

kevin-

Almost all companies are horrible at this, and non-profits are notably the worst. As sad as it is to say, your results are not atypical...but that's kind of good.

Stay frosty.

Mark