Inspired Fundraising - Don't Do Work for a Nonprofit When In an Interview Process
There are red flags that may be well meaning but not necessary.
I realize the job market is difficult right now.
If you're in nonprofit fundraising and the organization you have applied to invites you to an interview but also asks you to complete some tasks before the interview, consider that a red flag.
The tasks I'm talking about ask you to create a campaign idea, fundraising plan, or perhaps a thank you email.
No, thank you.
Questions about your process in creating these, and past experience with them, are great. Asking you to do work that people are paid for, no.
A nonprofit in a job search can look for amazing candidates, and give those candidates a respectful process without asking them to do work, especially work that could benefit the organization even if that candidate does not move forward.
I understand the idea behind these tasks, but I disagree with the method.
In hundreds of interviews with fundraising and nonprofit executive candidates for the nonprofits I work with, there has never been a requirement for additional work or tasks.
It's not necessary.
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Take a risk. Be of service. Support your friends and colleagues. Be kind.
New book suggestion for nonprofit fundraisers!
I’m reading “Thankology” by Lisa Sargent! I highly recommend this for colleagues and clients in nonprofit fundraising, nonprofit leadership, or those on nonprofit boards.
Upcoming nonprofit fundraising conferences:
GIVECON 2025 February 23 - 26, 2025
NTEN Nonprofit Technology Conference April 16-18, 2025
Build Good Summit May 22 -23, 2025
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