Aid sector job interview Vs traditional hiring dialogue: learn the key distinctions and do your homework

Are you looking for a job in the international development sector? In that case, the hiring interview will have industry-specific questions and issues that you will not have previously had to deal with. This is because working in the aid sector requires not only specific knowledge and skills but also an advanced ability to deal with the social and environmental challenges that are involved.

Furthermore, for prospective development specialists, the interviewing phase provides an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and potential impact in this dynamic profession.

At the DevelopmentAid Career Center, we have used our extensive expertise in talent acquisition for the international development sector to compile the key distinctions between traditional job interviews and those in the development sector.

Traditional job interview vs development sector interview

A traditional job interview generally involves broad-based questions, sometimes featuring certain behavioral aspects, but an interview with a development sector recruiter could be very different.

While there may obviously be some similar aspects in any interview for any sector, for a role in international development, the interview could feature peculiarities that are distinctive just to this sector.

These distinctions stem from the particular nature of development work, which normally addresses social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Values and mission

Development sector job interview

Although corporate culture and values are essential for every organization, the development sector is more inclined to welcome candidates who can exhibit a genuine dedication to broader development issues that are related to human rights, education, health, and poverty reduction.

Traditional job interview

The primary focus is likely to be on professional skills and experience that are pertinent to the job role.

Sector-specific knowledge

Development sector job interview

A specific understanding of development issues is often required; examples include knowledge of international policies, comprehension of socioeconomic variables, and proficiency in community development or sustainable practices. Sometimes, the candidate will be required to prove their understanding of the interaction between various sectors and stakeholders, which might involve highly specialized knowledge.

Traditional job interview

The traditional job interview is less likely to require an understanding of broader social or economic issues, although, as with any professional interview, you will still need to be aware of the industry specifics related to the job.

Competency evaluation

Development sector job interview

Interviews often feature competency-based questions that evaluate your skills related to the sector, such as project management in low-resource environments, cross-cultural interaction, and engagement with stakeholders.

Traditional job interview

Although competency-based questions are common, these usually focus on skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and technical proficiency.

Expertise

Development sector job interview

There is a strong focus on practical experience in the field. Applicants could be asked questions regarding their experience operating in challenging circumstances, managing projects in developing nations, or interacting with the local population.

Traditional job interview

Although appropriate work experience is crucial, fieldwork and experience in difficult or remote settings will probably be given less weight.

Soft skills and flexibility

Development sector job interview

Development programs are often about changing the behavior of the beneficiaries which requires patience and the ability to view things from a long-term perspective. Cultural awareness, adaptability, and resilience are examples of soft skills that are highly valued in the development sector. Interviewers might ask applicants about their capacity to deal with challenging situations, collaborate with various communities, and quickly adapt to different situations.

Traditional job interview

Soft skills are also appreciated, albeit the specific types of ability may differ depending on the profession and industry.

Ethical questions

Development sector job interview

Candidates should be ready to answer questions about their plans to resolve ethical issues, ensure accountability, or foster transparency in what they do. Candidates may be asked questions about how they have previously updated stakeholders and/or how they have handled instances of fraud or corruption.

Traditional job interview

Any interview should include ethical questions as they are important for assessing a candidate’s values and decision-making abilities. Their significance will vary depending on the position, with interviews for those roles that directly involve ethical decisions placing greater emphasis on these questions.

Collaboration

Development sector job interview

Interviews may concentrate on experience in collaborating with multiple stakeholders. This may include working with governments, non-governmental organizations, and local communities, and sometimes all at the same time!

Traditional job interview

Collaboration is crucial, but it is usually done within the organization or with a company’s business partners or clients.

Funding and donor relations

Development sector job interview

Funding is generally an essential part of a job in the development sector. Experience with fundraising, grant proposal writing, and donor relationship management can therefore be invaluable.

Traditional job interview

Depending on the role, financial considerations may focus more on budgeting, financial management, or profitability.

Red and green flags: tips for candidates

Candidates should aim to provide recruiters with relevant information, be honest, and know how to communicate. Here are some red and green flags to consider:

Red flags:

• Poor homework: not even a basic understanding of the organization or the position demonstrates a lack of interest and dedication.

• Inconsistent or ambiguous answers: when you’re unsure of how to respond to a question, seek clarification. Transparency and honesty are critical.

• Lack of proper communication: failing to connect with the interviewer via body language, and not asking additional questions is a red flag.

• Unreliable job history: If you have a history of frequently changing jobs, this may raise concerns with the employer. You should be ready to answer their questions about this.

Green flags:

• Talking about personal goals: you should show ambition and self-motivation.

• Asking relevant questions: a candidate who poses thoughtful questions is seen as being well-informed about the job and the organization.

• Proving concrete cases: a candidate with an established track record will be able to support their claims with specific examples of previous accomplishments.

• Follow-up dialog: having a follow-up conversation is highly recommended.

Become a DevelopmentAid member, benefit of tailored career guidance, and secure your next role in a development project!

Need more details on expert membership? Download our Ebook