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Interviews often take many forms and can come in several stages. The most important way to tackle an interview is to view this as a two-way process. The interviewer is looking for evidence of your ability to do the job. You are looking for evidence that suggests this is a good opportunity for you. Let the interviewer/s lead but treat them as an equal no matter what level of position that you are going for. During the interview expect to be asked questions that test your management skills, strategic and planning ability, levels of creativity, problem solving skills and willingness to go the extra mile. Have fresh in your mind examples of all the relevant achievements to back up the skills based questions you will be asked. Take all copies of your application papers with you and a list of questions that you want to ask

The telephone interview

Typically, the first stage of any process will be a telephone interview that is used to gain an initial impression of your skills and experience. If the recruitment process is being run professionally the NGO or recruitment agency will have agreed with in advance a time and a telephone number to call you on to make sure that your confidentiality is not compromised.
If you convince them that you meet the initial criteria you will be invited for a face-to-face interview. If you are caught off guard when the call comes don't panic! State that you need a minute to close your door to make the call private, then find your CV/ Application Form/ Job spec and a notepad and pen and a glass of water, then continue with the call. Remember to smile it will improve the timbre of your voice. You are now in control. The notes that you take from this conversation will be excellent for preparation for the face-to-face meeting. If you are asked if you have any questions, seek clarification of any points not clear to you and ask about the next stage of the process.

The face-to-face interview

Always prepare yourself well in advance for an interview. This means making sure that you fully understand the post that you are being interviewed for and the organisation itself. Also if the post requires you to make a significant life change such as moving city or country make sure that not only are you willing and able to do this but that you have taken into account those that are close to you such as family, partners and dependants. Do this before you spend your and the NGOs time and money on attending an interview.

Preparation is key to a successful interview. Ensure the obvious; clothing, clean shoes etc. and that you have all the tools you need to enable you to make the right impression. First impressions do count! It may sound obvious but do make sure that you arrive in good time. Excuses such as there was too much traffic or the train was late will not improve the impression you make by arriving late. Take a copy of your CV / Application form, the job description and person specification and a notepad to write down any points raised or that you need to clarify. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer/s and smile. If you are unsure what the interviewer/s are looking for in response to a question, ask for clarification.

Be sure you understand how the interview process has been constructed in terms of the stages. Ask when the decision will be made for the next stage and who is likely to be in attendance. Informal interviews are to be considered no less important. Often the interviewer is a gatekeeper to the main decision makers who has been entrusted to report back with recommendations.

If you are being interviewed by a panel, this may include trustees who might not be very active in asking questions. It is important to have eye contact with all members of the panel, not just the person asking the questions. Remember this is often your last chance to shine. You will have been through a number of sifting processes by the time that you get here so you will be one of only a few who are very close to that job offer.