Performance tasks explained
If you’re like me, then you’re glad to be on the other side of Valentine’s Day. I spent the entire weekend nagging my kiddos to complete all of the valentines. For my kids, creating those cards felt like homework.
Speaking of homework, if you are applying for positions that require expert writing or skilled prioritization, then you’ve probably encountered a performance task as part of the hiring process. I’ve seen more organizations use these tasks as a way to see the candidate in action. Sure, we want to hear about how you would describe handling a tricky situation, but in reality, what would you actually do?
This is an exercise you are asked to do on your own time, just like homework or creating Valentine’s Day cards. Remember, this part of the hiring process is a chance for you to show off. It’s not just another assignment. It’s a chance for the organization to see you in action and it’s a chance for you to make sure that this work is what you want to do.
Here are some examples:
Executive Director candidates are asked to give presentations about their vision for the organization and how they would get there. Here’s an example from one of our previous searches: Prepare a 7-10 minute presentation that explains the key takeaways (based on a handout from a redistricting report) and outline the next steps the organization should take to build a campaign around redistricting. We encourage you to use a visual aid in your presentation, such as a slide deck.
Executive Assistant applicants are given several emails and a list of tasks. Then they are asked to write an email outlining the priorities for the week.
Candidates for development-related positions are asked to write a letter of interest to a foundation. Often this will require homework on a particular foundation and then they are asked a few questions to explain why they chose that particular angle of interest as well as a strategy to continue to cultivate the potential funder.
Here are a few additional things to keep in mind:
There is a trend to pay candidates for their work. I like this trend and encourage it, especially if the person is spending more than two hours on the task. Also, most organizations will gladly tell you that you can retain intellectual property rights to the work you produce. If that’s not clear, ask about it.
Use this exercise as a way to determine if you really want the job. Can you see yourself doing this work regularly? If you are making a career change, this part of the hiring process can be insightful.
Nail the details. Proofread. Follow the directions. If they suggest that you spend two hours, then schedule two hours and stick to it. Do your homework. Then proofread again.
Prepare to discuss everything. Hiring managers will ask you about the exercise including why you made certain decisions and not others. They will give critical feedback to see how you respond. Be self-reflective throughout the process and prepare explanations about why you made some decisions and not others.
Here are 9 opportunities. Be sure to check out all of our searches. Twenty-four of those positions are remote.
Highlighted and new opportunities:
Executive Director at Our Climate; $100,000 - $120,000; Remote with travel to Washington, D.C. once per month. Know someone who would be perfect for this position? Tell us about them.
Development & Donor Engagement Officer at UTEC; $65,000-$80,000; Lowell, MA
Director of External Affairs at Brooklyn LAB; $90,000-$105,000; Brooklyn, NY
Senior Policy Advisor at AFL-CIO Technology Institute; $130,000 -$140,000; Washington, D.C.
Director of Organizing at Progressive Maryland; $75,000-$80,000; Remote with travel throughout Maryland
MI Organizing & Recruitment Associate at Run for Something; $72,600; Remote in MI
NH Organizing & Recruitment Associate at Run for Something; $72,600; Remote in NH
PA Organizing & Recruitment Associate at Run for Something; $72,600; Remote in PA
Chief of Donor Advising at Way to Win; $240,000 - $300,000; Remote. Plus, we are offering a $1,000 referral bonus if Way to Win hires your referral. Here’s a video of me talking about the Chief of Donor Advising position with Way to Win and what they are looking for.
In addition to this list, you can find more opportunities on the website.
Follow NRG on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on all of the roles we are hiring for.
Happy job hunting,
Naomi
P.S. Whether you’re an entry- or senior-level candidate, NRG Consulting is offering coaching programs to folks on the job hunt. Check out the programs we’re offering on our website and get in touch with us.
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