Need advice for interview at a Non Profit Animal Rescue

I’ve never worked in non-profit for animal org, but I have worked for non-profits. You will probably be asked why you applied for this job and what you feel that you can bring to the org. I would make sure that you have as much detail as possible about the org, whether through reading website, esp annual reports. This way you can also ask them questions and or suggest things, ie “have you ever considered …” of course in a very polite tone. Interviews go both ways and it’s always good to engage your interviewer by showing them that you’ve done some homework. Non-profits look for extreme dedication and passion, so I would get across that you are willing to put in time beyond reg working hours and weekends, if this is indeed the case. Explain how your bkgd can help the org, just as you did in your post. Also see if any of the rescue groups can give you a reference of some sort, plus other places that you’ve worked for. Best to contact potential references in advance to give them a “heads-up” that they might be called. I would not get overly emotional about your love for animals, ie don’t get all gushy about your love for your own furries (hard, I know 🙂 ) as (and I don’t know anything about this org other than what you’ve stated) in your job you might be called upon to be objective and emotionality gets in the way of this. You have to balance being empathic and objective. I hope that this helps 🙂 If you have any more questions just post. And if not, best of luck! KJ

Hi Mari – good advice from KJ. Your post sounds so sincere so I would think that if you convey what you’ve said here you will do well at the interview. Yep, interviews do indeed go both ways, so without sounding bossy or showy, let them know what you know and by all means, let them know your passion for the job. They will see you as someone who may truly love the work, not just someone looking for a paycheck.
Good luck!

Well I hope it goes well and if you wish please keep us updated.

wishing you the best 🙂 one thing I could add … I’ve death with several rescue groups over the years and deal with a lot when they need advice on the cats/kittens they take in…

one thing that they may well need to know is how good you are in the really difficult situations … unfortunately there are more sad stories than happy endings and they will need to know that mentally you will be able to cope and stick with the job though the good times but most importantly through the difficult times.. so make sure they know you yourself have dealt with the hard times loosing those ferals that you tried your best to save. In my experience a lot of the people that answer to these jobs just want to cuddle and rehome but that’s only 5% of the job make sure that they know that you know that .. and your prepared to do all the dirty work they throw at ya 🙂

also when you get involved with rescues fostering isn’t too far behind so be prepared for that aspect of the work also.. and please remember you will loose some and you will save some but for everyone you loose you learn new things and that knowledge with help others in your future.