31 Nonprofit Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Nonprofit interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Why do you want to work in the nonprofit sector when you can earn more money working in a profit driven corporate environment?
How to Answer
Many nonprofit organizations cannot afford to pay the big salaries of profit-driven organizations. 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.
1st Answer Example
"Compensation is always a factor; however, it is not the primary driving force behind my search. I am seeking an organization with a cause where I can make a difference."
2nd Answer Example
"Working in nonprofit has always been my driving force, far above the concern of compensation. Of course, it is nice to earn a good living at the same time. What I value most is the idea of being pleased with my work, at the end of each day."
2. At Company ABC we want to work with individuals who value volunteerism. Walk me through your volunteer experience.
How to Answer
When applying for a nonprofit position you should be prepared to talk about how you give back to others, and how you contribute to your community. Show the interviewer that you can 'walk the walk.'
1st Answer Example
"I have been involved in volunteer work with our local community for the past ten years. I have worked at our local food bank, women's shelter and humane society."
2nd Answer Example
"I am an avid volunteer at the local animal shelter and have been for the last five years. Animal care is critical to me which is why I am also a foster parent to animals who need to be re-homed but are having a tough time being placed. I believe that all living creatures should be loved and well cared for."
3. At Company ABC we aim to hire individuals who can wear many different 'hats' in our organization. What other job functions could you perform?
How to Answer
Every nonprofit organization seeks to hire the most diverse talent possible. This strategy saves the cost of over-staffing and creating a strain on the budget if funds are low. Talk to the interviewer about your multiple skills and abilities. Now is not the time to be humble!
1st Answer Example
"I am competent in sales as well as online marketing and cold calling. I am very comfortable leading events and am also experienced in recruiting large amounts of volunteers."
2nd Answer Example
"I have many transferable skills which include project management, employee training, interviewing, and succession planning."
4. How do you encourage generosity in others; whether that be their ability to contribute financially, or with their time?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that you can be an active employee when it comes to fundraising and recruiting for Company ABC Talk to the interviewer about your ability to ask for donations, close a deal, or gain a commitment of time from volunteers.
1st Answer Example
"I spent a few years in a business development role before starting my career in nonprofit fund development. I am well connected and persuasive when it comes to gaining financial and time commitments from others."
2nd Answer Example
"I believe that people will readily contribute financially, or with their time, when the cause is close to them or when they fully understand the impact that their contribution will make. I am open to individuals by showing them the impact they can make. This approach generally solicits very positive results."
5. At Company ABC we prefer to hire those who have a penchant for sales and fundraising. Have you ever had a fundraising target from a previous nonprofit employer?
How to Answer
Many people enter the nonprofit sector because they want to help people. What they do not realize is that nonprofit organizations also have funding needs to meet. Assure the interviewer that you will not shy away from aggressive fundraising targets.
1st Answer Example
"I have had multiple sales positions and have also owned my own business in the past. I fully understand that a nonprofit organization still has a bottom line. In my last position with ABC, I was tasked with raising $500K per quarter in charitable contributions."
2nd Answer Example
"In my most recent position I have had multiple targets to reach; whether geared towards dollars, volunteer hours, or regular sponsorship's. I am always on top of my KPI's and targets, setting clear and achievable milestones for myself."
6. At Company ABC we want to hire those who are passionate about our cause. What do you know about our organization and how does our mission fit you?
How to Answer
Show the interviewer that you are fully engaged in this process by revealing the research you have conducted on Company ABC before the interview. How does their mission align with your values?
1st Answer Example
"I have always been passionate about XYZ which is why I have had an eye on openings within Company ABC for quite some time. Your mission is incredibly important, and I would be so proud to join you in that mission."
2nd Answer Example
"I understand that your organization's primary focus is on (specify cause) and that your biggest project to date was the (name of the campaign). I appreciate the hard work and effort that went into this campaign, and I am very excited to work with such a well organized and well-branded organization."
7. We want to know what you are passionate about. If you could work for any cause, what would you choose?
How to Answer
This question is a perfect time to show the interviewer a little bit about yourself and your passions. Don't hold back, but be sure to talk about how the cause at Company ABC is of interest to you as well.
1st Answer Example
"I am passionate about any cause to do with helping children and animals. One of my greatest passions is my volunteer work with the local humane society. I feel that working with Company ABC would help me to round out my passions. I'm very excited about this opportunity."
2nd Answer Example
"There are so many worthy causes - that is a challenging question! I have a soft spot in my heart for the disabled. My sister has a physical disability, and I have worked very hard for many years to advocate for individuals with both physical and mental disabilities. If I could continue to advocate for this cause, for a living, that would be so fulfilling for me."
8. In your opinion, how does social media marketing fit with nonprofit fundraising?
How to Answer
More nonprofit organizations are seeing the benefits of social media for fundraising. Talk to the interviewer about your thoughts on this form of marketing. If you have ever taken on social media related activities, be sure to mention this to the interviewer.
1st Answer Example
"I was the social media marketing lead for Company ABC for approximately eight months while we back-filled a marketing position. I feel that small and fast fundraising goals work well on social media. The efforts don't necessarily need to be solely financial focused either. For instance, if you look at the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Not only did it raise an incredible amount of funds - but it also raised a huge amount of awareness of the disease."
2nd Answer Example
"It's interesting that you ask this question, as I just read an article related to this the other day. One of the ways that social media marketing is beneficial to non-profits is because it allows continual engagement of its stakeholders. Another way social media is great is that it allows for global reach that one normally could not achieve."
9. Do you know anyone who has worked for Company ABC before? What kind of feedback have you received on our organization?
How to Answer
Have you ever discussed the workplace culture of Company ABC with a former or current employee? What have you heard in regards to the pros and cons of working here? Make sure to keep your answer positive.
1st Answer Example
"I have an acquaintance who has worked for Company ABC for a few years now. He has great things to say about the workplace culture. From what I understand, it's a very collaborative and creative environment here."
2nd Answer Example
"I am not familiar with anyone within Company ABC; however, I have read a multitude of phenomenal reviews on Yelp, Google, and Glassdoor. The feedback has had a common theme of being well organized, treating your staff with respect, and offering transparency that is not always common in the nonprofit industry."
10. Do you have experience in recruiting volunteers?
How to Answer
A large part of the success of a nonprofit organization comes from it's dedicated volunteers. A nonprofit organization will often have recruitment fairs to find and onboard more significant amounts of volunteers. Talk to the interviewer about any experience you have in attracting potential volunteers.
1st Answer Example
"In my current position I have recruited a total of 40 volunteers in the last year. I am very vocal about my love for volunteering and hope that it's contagious enough to attract others. I have also helped at hiring fairs for Company ABC. I am comfortable in interviewing and screening potential volunteers as well."
2nd Answer Example
"I do not have experience in recruiting volunteers; however, this is a responsibility that I would enjoy learning more about. I am eager to expand my capabilities and feel I would be great in this capacity as I am thorough, with strong intuition."
11. In your opinion, what are the greatest needs in our community?
How to Answer
Have an open discussion with the interviewer on what you feel are the most significant needs in your community at this time. Let your passion shine through! Avoid being negative or having a "doomsday" attitude. Remain positive and hopeful by talking about what you can do to make a difference.
1st Answer Example
"doomsday"
2nd Answer Example
"We have many needs in this large and diverse community. My initial instinct is that we need a focus on continued adult education, and supporting low-income families through affordable childcare. What do you feel are the greatest needs in this community?"
12. Many nonprofits take an apologetic approach when asking for funding. What is your fundraising approach?
How to Answer
Assure the interviewer that you are comfortable when it comes to asking for funds. How would you describe your approach to asking for donations?
1st Answer Example
"My approach to fundraising is simple. I ask for donations assuming that they are going to say yes. I have approximately five years in corporate fundraising with targets at $4M per year. I am very confident in my ability to fund-raise in a simple and non-apologetic way."
2nd Answer Example
"My approach is "You don't know until you ask." I am unafraid of receiving a 'no' because for every few no's, there is a yes waiting!"
13. Do you have experience with writing grant proposals?
How to Answer
Grant funding is a vital part of many nonprofit organizations. If you have exposure to this type of work, walk the interviewer through some of your grant writing success. If you do not have experience with it, discuss how you could assist and learn.
1st Answer Example
"I fully understand the importance of grant proposals as it accounts for millions of dollars awarded every year to a variety of causes. I am a solid writer; however, my current organization employs professional writers to do these tasks. I have assisted in the way of collecting data for our fundraising plans."
2nd Answer Example
"Yes, I have written approximately five grants in my career so far. They are tedious and challenging, but in a way that I enjoy. Will grant writing be a part of this role?"
14. Tell me about your greatest work related accomplishment.
How to Answer
Talking about your most significant accomplishment will give the interviewer a firm idea of where you place your values. It will also show the interviewer more about your personality, how you like to be motivated, and how to coach you in the future. It is okay to brag a little bit when answering this question. Show that you are proud of yourself and your career accomplishments!
1st Answer Example
"The greatest accomplishment in my career was graduating University as an honors student while still working full time in a related field. I was top of my class, and working full time. This accomplishment showed me that I could dedicate myself to my career, and reach the goals that I set for myself. It felt great to accomplish so much and be recognized for my dedication."
2nd Answer Example
"I have many accomplishments of which I am very proud. Overall, I would say that my greatest work accomplishment is the positive reputation that I have in this industry."
15. Tell me about a contribution you made to the last team you worked on.
How to Answer
It is essential to show the interviewer that you are a team player. Talk about a time that you were recently expected to achieve a goal in a team setting. How did you go over and above to ensure that your contribution was felt?
1st Answer Example
"My biggest contribution to my last team came in the form of leadership. I am a natural leader and can foster strong communication with my team which directly impacted the overall results."
2nd Answer Example
"My most notable contribution was my ability to analyze and predict market trends, and then create a successful marketing strategy. Before me, there was no one with a true marketing background on the team."
16. Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond.
How to Answer
Display to the interviewer that you can do more than the bare minimum. Show that you can react appropriately when you see that your employer has a need that goes beyond your usual day-to-day expectations.
1st Answer Example
"Last week I noticed that my manager had not completed the schedule for the following week. Some of the staff were complaining that they didn't have their work schedule yet. Rather than going to my manager with the complaint, I offered to take on some of her workload so that she would have the time to complete the schedule. We worked together for a couple of overtime hours that day and were able to catch her up on everything. It felt good to help but also benefited me by way of organization."
2nd Answer Example
"I often go above and beyond what is expected of me. Most recently, I agreed to cover for a co-worker who was on short-term medical leave. I worked 10 hour days for two weeks so that our work did not suffer any setbacks."
17. What are your salary expectations?
How to Answer
The best way to discuss your salary expectations is to use your current earnings as an example. Be open, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.
1st Answer Example
"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year my earnings were $52,000, and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."
2nd Answer Example
"I am currently making $60,000 per year with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth."
18. Do you feel performance should be rewarded over experience?
How to Answer
Do you feel that you should be paid based on tenure, or results? Discuss this with the interviewer and back your answer with an example, if possible.
1st Answer Example
"I feel that employees should be paid, and rewarded, based on their performance. A new employee would be greatly motivated through being rewarded for performance, and it encourages a healthy competition with tenured employees."
2nd Answer Example
"I feel both performance and experience should be equally rewarded and weighted."
19. How often do you take work home with you?
How to Answer
The majority of people will work overtime hours or take work home with them on occasion. Talk to the interviewer about how frequently to take your work home.
1st Answer Example
"I make sure to utilize my work hours very efficiently, so the only time that I take my work home is when there is an extremely stringent deadline. I would say that, overall, I take my work home maybe twice per month. It's all about being diligent with your time in the office!"
2nd Answer Example
"I value a strong balance between work and home life so I will only bring work home with me when I am at risk of missing a deadline or when there is an urgent need."
20. How do you prioritize multiple projects when they all seem equally important?
How to Answer
Prioritizing is a skill that requires practice. There are many approaches you can take. Here are some suggestions:
1) Make a list. By thinking through and writing down each item that needs to be completed, you can see it on paper.
2) Mark what is urgent or essential. Take into account deadlines and meetings.
3) Order each task based on effort and estimated value. Considering due dates and how long it will take to do each item (also considering how much time you have).
In answering this question, show the interviewer that you have a system in place that helps you to think through what needs to happen, and when. The better you can prioritize, the more productive you will be, making you an asset to their company!
Answer Example
"I love to keep running lists of everything that I need to do, big or small. Mostly because I love crossing things off of the to-do list, but also because it helps me keep track of everything. Lately, I've started utilizing a free project management software that I use to make those lists, categorize the tasks, and mark them as a priority."
21. Tell me about a time when you took the initiative to improve work related procedures.
How to Answer
Have you ever taken the opportunity to present your employer with potential change? Talk to the hiring manager about a time when you took the initiative in the workplace.
1st Answer Example
"I was able to present and implement one specific change in the office this past year. It was a recycling program that I felt was very important, even for our smaller office. We had significantly less waste after my initiative was implemented and I enjoyed seeing others take pride in helping our environment."
2nd Answer Example
"In my current position, I noticed that our written procedures were not exactly how the employees were doing things. I decided to interview the employees and compare it to the written procedures that management wanted to be used. We were able to come to a compromise that met all of the safety and quality requirements of the company, but still worked a bit faster and easier for the staff."
22. Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.
How to Answer
On a scale of 1-10, how skilled are you in communication? Why did you choose that particular rating for yourself?
1st Answer Example
"I rate my communication skills as a 9/10 as I will, on occasion, have times when I am not as clear as I would like to be. My supervisor and co-workers will attest to my clear and concise communication skills. Because I am an open leader, my team will let me know if I need to clarify anything."
2nd Answer Example
"I will rate myself an 8.5 because I consider myself a strong communicator. It is the foundation of all success in business. I am always striving to be a better communicator, so I leave the rest of the scale as an aspirational measure."
23. Would you say you are a better verbal or written communicator?
How to Answer
In which manner do you prefer to communicate - written or verbal? Discuss your preference with the interviewer and support your answer.
1st Answer Example
"I prefer verbal communication because I feel that with written communication, a lot can be misread due to lack of tone, fluctuation, expression and body language. I will always choose a face to face conversation whenever possible."
2nd Answer Example
"I like to leverage both methods of communications when dealing in business. Sometimes, situations call for verbal communications and other times, written. As a rule of thumb, I tend to practice verbal communications, with written follow up or visa versa. Utilizing multiple methods creates repetition and therefore, change."
24. What experience do you have using team-based messaging applications?
How to Answer
There are many options for communication software and messaging applications. Give the interviewer a brief overview of the apps you are experienced in and assure them that you can learn their internal system, should it be new to you.
1st Answer Example
"I have used a variety of team-based messaging applications. I am best versed in Brosix, AOL Instant Messenger, and Freedcamp. No matter which system you use I am sure that I can pick it up very quickly."
2nd Answer Example
"I do not have a lot of experience with team-based messaging applications besides MSN Messenger years ago. I do pick up on technology quickly and have no concerns when it comes to my ability to learn. What team-based messaging applications do you use?"
25. How do you like to encourage ideas in others?
How to Answer
Encouragement to others is a great skill to possess. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to encourage creative ideas in your team members.
1st Answer Example
"I like to encourage other people to be creative in their thinking and present ideas to the company, no matter how off the wall they may seem. Some of our most successful employees are ones who are confident in their ability to bring forward their unique ideas. I encourage participation through an open door policy and strong praise for those who show initiative."
2nd Answer Example
"I encourage people to tap into the best parts of themselves. It helps to ask probing questions to get them to generate ideas on their own. I have found that by painting a long-term vision for where I want to go, my team will often jump in with creative solutions to get us there."
26. When have you used an inventive method to stretch company resources beyond the normal level?
How to Answer
If you have an expense account or resource allowance, it is very respectful to the company to be as thoughtful with that allowance as possible. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you have been able to stretch company resources.
1st Answer Example
"I have recently implemented a schedule that allows for ride-sharing rewards which have cut down on our company's fuel expense by $9000 per month. I am quite proud of this initiative because it is not only financially responsible but also environmentally friendly."
2nd Answer Example
"This is a practice I often utilize to maximize company resources and optimize value to the clients. I recycle a lot of company materials to make the most of our resources. I also do this with people regarding cross training and sharing understanding across departments."
27. When have you shown great integrity at work?
How to Answer
Integrity is best displayed through honesty and consistent moral values. Talk to the interviewer about the way (s) that you show your integrity in the workplace.
1st Answer Example
"In my last position, I was responsible for the cash deposit on a daily basis. There was never a discrepancy, in the four years that I worked there. I best show my integrity by being a consistently reliable employee."
2nd Answer Example
"I show integrity every day at work by being my true self. The "me" that you see at work is the "me" that my family and friends get. I am an honest and genuine person."
28. On a scale from 1 to 10, how honest are you?
How to Answer
Do you feel that you are a sincere person or do you have room for growth? This question could be a tricky one as nobody is always 100% honest. Answer to the best of your ability and back your reply by speaking about your ethics.
1st Answer Example
"I would love to give myself a 10/10 for honesty but truthfully - nobody is 100% honest all of the time. I will give myself an nine because I always do my best to be as honest as possible."
2nd Answer Example
"I put a heavy focus on honesty and trustworthiness in the workplace, as well as in my personal life. Because I strive for complete honesty, I will rate myself as a 10/10. My values are solid."
29. Have you ever been advised by a fellow employee or supervisor to lie about a situation? How did you handle this ethical dilemma?
How to Answer
Ethical dilemmas in the workplace will come up from time to time. Assure the interviewer that you can handle these types of difficulties with professionalism and poise.
1st Answer Example
"I have never been told to lie to a fellow employee or supervisor on the job. If I were to be asked to lie, I absolutely would not do that. I am not the type of personality to be pushed around on the job. I will always be myself and keep my integrity first."
2nd Answer Example
"I have never been advised to lie in a situation and would not tolerate being put in such an ethical dilemma."
30. How do you handle stress on the job?
How to Answer
Are you someone who can handle stress on the job? How do you manage the stressful times? Talk to the interviewer about your ability to control pressure in the workplace.
1st Answer Example
"I handle stress very well, and when you call my references, they will attest to this fact. When I am under pressure on the job, I focus on the task at hand and make sure not to get distracted. Staying on deadline is very helpful, and I will delegate when necessary to alleviate some stress."
2nd Answer Example
"Stress is part of any demanding job, and I embrace it to the fullest. I take good care of myself and prioritize my workload to maintain a healthy balance in my stress levels."
31. Are you applying for any other jobs?
How to Answer
It always puts a little bit of fire under the hiring manager if they are aware that you are actively looking for a new position. Tell the interviewer about your search so far.
1st Answer Example
"I am keeping an eye out for viable positions. Although I am not in final stages with any other company, I am actively seeking a new position."
2nd Answer Example
"I am looking for a job that will provide me as much value as I am looking to contribute to an organization, so yes, I am in the process of exploring opportunities at companies that appeal to me."