The interview questions you should always be ready for
While my last newsletter focused on the slow season, this week it’s all about getting ready for the fast season. Candidates always ask me for the inside scoop on the job market. So, what am I seeing? Things are starting to move. Orgs are reaching out about fall searches, JDs are coming to my inbox, and teams are gearing up for more interviews.
So, now is the perfect time to sharpen your interview prep. Below are the top questions you should always be ready to answer, and how to tackle them with confidence.
Disclaimer: These questions won’t be asked the same every time. I chose generalized versions of each question. Being prepared for these topics, and having strong examples for each, is what’s important.
Why do you want to work for us?
This really means: What draws you to our mission? Be specific about how you’re connected to or motivated by the mission. If you have lived experience, highlight that! It positions you as a leader in the issue area.
And remember: language matters. Mirror the language the org uses. For example, a youth-focused social justice org might talk about “proven-risk youth” instead of “at-risk youth” or “kids.” Using their language shows you’ve done your homework and understand their values.
Can you walk me through your resume?
I know it can be daunting, but think of this as your storytelling moment. Here are four tips:
1) Tell a cohesive story
2) Explain any short stints or question marks
3) Add context to show why you’re right for this job (emphasizing key language, data, and impact)
4) Be genuine
If you want more on this, check out my deep dive into how to answer this one.
How do you approach working across lines of difference?
This question gets at your skills in equity, inclusion, and collaboration. How have you worked across race, class, gender, lived experience? Give a strong example, and then describe the impact of that project, what you learned, and how it shapes how you collaborate today.
To nail this, connect your example to the big picture. Show your understanding of why this work, and this interview question, are important.
What experience do you have with [job description-specific skill]?
One of my top interview prep tips is to go through the job description line by line. For every skill or competency listed, have a really good example ready.
If you’re anticipating questions about something you’ve never done before, be honest and own it. Here’s our career coach’s approach.
How do you manage competing priorities or tight deadlines?
This question is about project management and thriving in fast-paced environments. Share how you set priorities, delegate, and stay organized under pressure. Use a strong example to help you stand out.
How do you measure success in your work?
Hiring managers want to know how you define and track impact. Talk about how you define goals, how you measure progress, and how you report outcomes. Name drop any project management tools you use here, too.
If you want to sharpen this skill set, The Management Center has wicked helpful resources on setting and achieving clear goals.
Describe a time when you had to pivot quickly. What happened?
I call this hustle. Others might call this adaptability, or grit. Share a specific example of when you had to change direction on short notice. What did you do, and what was the result?
How do you build and support high-performing teams?
If you’re interviewing for a management role, be prepared to cover:
1) The basics. How many years of staff management experience do you have? What are the largest and smallest team sizes you’ve led? What’s the highest level of staff that you’ve supervised?
2) Your leadership approach. How would you describe yourself as a leader? Or even better, how would your team describe you? Are you hands-on or hands-off? Do you have an open-door policy?
3) Culture-building. How do you ensure that values like accountability and collaboration show up in your team’s day-to-day? What systems or norms do you put in place?
Whether you’re just launching your career or bringing decades of experience, getting comfortable with these questions will help you feel confident and ready for the interview season ahead. If you’d like more support or resources, just hit reply. Team NRG is here to help you get ready.
Chief Operating Officer @ National Skills Coalition; Remote; $170K-$190K
Chief of Staff @ Chicago Teachers Union; Chicago; $153K
Director, Programs @ Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation; LA; $125K-$145K
Business Development Director @ Cooperative Home Care Associates; Bronx, NY (Hybrid); $115K-$140K
Director of Strategic Partnerships @ Legal Link; Hybrid in the Bay Area (Remote considered for the right candidate); $100K-$120K
Executive Coordinator, People & Culture @ Freedom Together Foundation; Hybrid in NYC; $117K
Senior Director of Institutional Giving @ National Institute for Reproductive Health & NIRH Action Fund; Remote (Preference for candidates within 4 hours of NYC); $107K-$115K
Development Operations Associate @ Community Foundation for MetroWest; Natick, MA; $55K
Field Organizer @ Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment; Pittsburg, CA; $62K-$65K
That’s not all! We’re hiring for additional jobs and you can see all of them on the NRG website.
UPCOMING EVENTs
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Let’s move,
Naomi
P.S. If you’d like a partner to help you with your job search strategy, sign up right now for 15 minutes with Kristin to learn how NRG’s coaching programs can help you. If you find this newsletter helpful, forward it to your friends and help us build our network! If you received this from a friend, sign up here to receive future “Get Hired'' newsletters.