To ask for interview help please.

Sunnyflowers11 · 2023-04-01T16:49:08+00:00

Hello there, I have an interview for a fundraising role at a charity soon. I haven't had an interview for years and am incredibly nervous!!! Is anyone else in this sort of role? Or prepped for a similar interview recently? What sort of interview questions might I be asked and does anyone have any incredible answers?! Thank you. I really appreciate any help.

Duckerbizzle · 01/04/2023 17:52

Hey there, I did this role a few years ago. One question they asked me was how do you feel about having to ask people for money? The answer I gave was "I'm fine with it if it's for a good cause."
Good luck OP...if I can remember anything else that they asked me then I'll post again :)

Original poster

Sunnyflowers11 · 01/04/2023 17:54

Duckerbizzle · 01/04/2023 17:52

Hey there, I did this role a few years ago. One question they asked me was how do you feel about having to ask people for money? The answer I gave was "I'm fine with it if it's for a good cause."
Good luck OP...if I can remember anything else that they asked me then I'll post again :)

Thanks so much. I hadn't thought about the possibility of this question! Really grateful. :)
Did you enjoy the role?

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VickyEadieofThigh · 01/04/2023 17:57

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Duckerbizzle · 01/04/2023 18:00

You're very welcome! My job was fundraising for the Red Cross, we had to ring ex supporters and persuade them to sign up again, basically. It was very difficult at times if I'm honest, because to put it mildly, some people did NOT appreciate the calls! But of course many people were absolutely lovely and loads did sign up again. I think maybe they asked me how do you deal with rejection, or something along those lines, because you definitely have to deal with a fair amount of it. Is your role in a call centre? Mine was.

Original poster

Sunnyflowers11 · 01/04/2023 18:02

Duckerbizzle · 01/04/2023 18:00

You're very welcome! My job was fundraising for the Red Cross, we had to ring ex supporters and persuade them to sign up again, basically. It was very difficult at times if I'm honest, because to put it mildly, some people did NOT appreciate the calls! But of course many people were absolutely lovely and loads did sign up again. I think maybe they asked me how do you deal with rejection, or something along those lines, because you definitely have to deal with a fair amount of it. Is your role in a call centre? Mine was.

Amazing, thank you. What a helpful reply. No, not in a call centre. I think it would be more about generating new support. Great shout re; dealing with rejection too. Thank you. :)

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JupiterFortified · 01/04/2023 18:04

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what a strange comment: if you don’t have anything helpful to say to OP then just scroll past

Duckerbizzle · 01/04/2023 18:08

Sorry to keep posting lol, it's all coming back to me now! I was asked what I knew about the charity and what did I think they did well...also they asked me if I supported any charities etc myself.

thenewaveragebear1983 · 01/04/2023 18:46

I’ve just got a job at a charity. My advice would be to find out their mission statement (will be available on their website) and their values, and really think about how your experience and transferable skills link to those values and their mission. Depending on the size of the charity you might find they have very set values and behaviours they work on (mine has a whole behaviour framework that feeds into our strategy also into our appraisals and career development, they are very proud of it) - and they asked at least 3 questions about my experience in the different behaviours and how k demonstrate them in my previous roles. (Eg things like Trust, compassion etc… )

BananasinPyhamas · 01/04/2023 18:47

Same for all interviews -

Research the charity/company etc thoroughly. Use a few sources and remember good stats to bring up in conversation 'I was so impressed when I saw your charity raised over a million last year' etc goes a long way.

Prepare some STAR examples to use - Google the STAR approach and think of a few from previous jobs or general life that might fit what they might ask.

I.e tell me a time when you've dealt with an objection etc....

Bearcheek · 01/04/2023 19:37

Agree with others here, thoroughly familiarise yourself with their mission statement/ values on their website. They might ask you: why do you want to work here / what attracts you to this role?
Reread the person specification (the list of essential / desirable criteria in the job ad). Think of a time you've delivered all the things they are asking for, and use the STAR(R) framework to give detailed answers.
I don't know how often interviewers still ask about strengths and weaknesses, what you're most proud of... I haven't been asked those for years but still think about in advance, and even speak out loud to myself in the shower. To get in the space of talking about myself. All your answers should lead back to the job - why you'd be good at it.

General advice - do your prep, then, as much as you can, let go. If you don't get this one, it's still an opportunity for you to get some interview practice in. And who knows, if you end up applying for another job, could be even better! Good luck!

Greensleevevssnotnose · 01/04/2023 19:46

I was thinking about applying for a fundraising manager role for a local charity so I went and spoke to a lady I know who is the level above in a different charity. She talked me out if it! Unsocial hours monotonous work load very bad pay but the one thing that stuck with me was it's just like any other business. Not special because it's a charity and they are not impressed with well I love cats, dogs, children as reasons for wanting to work there. It's not heartwarming and it's not doing good. Just a corporate machine. I might volunteer but I don't want to work there anymore

Original poster

Sunnyflowers11 · 01/04/2023 19:49

Thanks so much everyone. Very valuable advice and different points to think about! I'll come back on and let you know how I got on. Thanks again!!

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ThinWomansBrain · 01/04/2023 19:49

as well as the website, download their annual accounts from the charity commission (they may be available on the charity's website, but often that will be a glossy abridged version).
Charity accounts include sections on their activities over the past year, future plans - and in a fundraising role getting a picture of their financial position won't hurt.

You don't need to study the financial section forensically, but get an idea of their overall position, and what portion of their income arises from donations.
Charity commission website also has a section with a fiver year summary.

Original poster

Sunnyflowers11 · 01/04/2023 20:03

ThinWomansBrain · 01/04/2023 19:49

as well as the website, download their annual accounts from the charity commission (they may be available on the charity's website, but often that will be a glossy abridged version).
Charity accounts include sections on their activities over the past year, future plans - and in a fundraising role getting a picture of their financial position won't hurt.

You don't need to study the financial section forensically, but get an idea of their overall position, and what portion of their income arises from donations.
Charity commission website also has a section with a fiver year summary.

Wow, I had no idea about this - thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I am going to look right now!!

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