[933127]

I applied for an administrative/accounting assistant job at a nonprofit arts organization.


The phone interview went well; a few times we got off topic and talked about favorite TV shows. I asked what the next step was, she told me they will be conducting phone interviews with others and then hopefully next week will schedule second round interviews.

Most of the job duties and qualifications are pretty broad/basic stuff anyone working in an office should have.

Qualifications they want that worry me:
Proficient in accounting software (prefer Sage, Peachtree), 2 years work experience, Bachelor’s degree (prefer) no specification on degree in what, Ability to troubleshoot technical equipment, familiarity with nonprofit industry.

Closest I have to match:
Taking weekend adult class for QuickBooks accounting software, 1 year at most adding up all my temp jobs, Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with minor in Information Technology, once replaced my laptop’s hard drive (manually disassembled) and reinstalled operating system, did 3 month internship at nonprofit for geriatrics.

I checked their website.

The current staff members all hold a bachelor’s/master’s in art management, film studies, theater, other art degrees. Only accounting person there is CFO with professional designation in accounting but not college degree.

I send thank you email, got a response, it says “Thank you, ******. We will be in touch”.

Would I be a good match for what they are looking for?

Is the response “we will be in touch” a positive or negative sign?

I’ve heard that non profits are not too selective/picky and hire whoever they can find as the lower salary in nonprofits typically deters away top talent. Is this true?

[933127]

I know I am over thinking all of this, but it is because I have been unemployed for the past 3 months since being let go from a temp to perm job. I have been avoiding all staffing/recruiting agencies since then, hoping to find a job by applying directly to the employers rather than an agency.

I am still applying and looking for other job posts so I am not putting all my eggs in one basket. I just want someone with past/personal experience to give me their insight on my chances of landing a job at this non profit based on what has happened so far and the questions I have.

[notz]

Hang on 933127, there are some very good posters in this forum who will probably answer you. I wish I were one of them! I just wanted you to know that you'll probably get responses soon and not to get discouraged.

[ladytiger]

Interviewing and talking about non work stuff very positive sign about getting the job. It sounds as though your interview flowed very smoothly as if conversational which is great! Oh, if only my interviews were very conversational and business-like instead of interrogation it would make me enjoy being "interviewed" more often.

Non profits being picky not sure about it that's a good question.

[933127]

Originally Posted by ladytiger

Interviewing and talking about non work stuff very positive sign about getting the job. It sounds as though your interview flowed very smoothly as if conversational which is great! Oh, if only my interviews were very conversational and business-like instead of interrogation it would make me enjoy being "interviewed" more often.

Non profits being picky not sure about it that's a good question.

ladytiger thank you so much for replying. If you can answer my three questions based on your own experience that would be nice too.

I think you misread the third question I have. My question is whether non profits are picky or not picky. I have heard from others that nonprofits are usually willing to hire just about anyone who applies and is interested as they are unable to attract top talent with their lower than industry salary averages.

I want to know if it is true or not. If it is true, then it is favorable for me.