Why do you want to work in the nonprofit sector when for-profit companies generally offer more competitive compensation?
World Food Program USA is an affiliate of the United Nation's World Food Programme. As an international nonprofit, compensation packages are generally more competitive than smaller nonprofits. Still, your experience and skill set would likely result in a higher salary with a corporation. The interviewer wants to know that you are going to be okay with potentially earning less than the average person in your field. Talk to the interviewer about the other ways you will find satisfaction in this role.
"Although appropriate financial compensation is important in sustaining myself, I am driven by the mission of World Food Program USA to alleviate hunger and fight for policies that ensure nobody struggles to find food. Knowing that my talents and hard work can contribute to this work is a powerful motivation for me."
"Like World Food Program USA, I strongly believe that giving a person access to food leads to the realization of their potential. As someone who grew up in a food-insecure household in the Deep South, I understand first-hand the fear associated with not knowing from where your next meal will come. Financial stability is certainly part of the equation, but the mission is the motivation for me."
This is an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding and embrace of the mission and values of World Food Program USA. Describe the specific ways you connect with ending hunger and addressing food insecurity in the United States and around the world.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Working for a non-profit organization provides me with motivation even if they pay less than the private sector and for-profit corporations. I believe that it will be the best opportunity for me to do what I like while fulfilling my passion to serve others, including the most vulnerable people in need. Serving humanity is the most meaningful and rewarding job.
Rachelle's Feedback
Wonderful! You offer the interviewer helpful and heartfelt detail related to your career desires in nonprofit. Rather than saying, 'always been my drive...' try to provide a specific moment or instance when you realized that nonprofit was a passion for you.
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