20 International Rescue Committee Interview Questions and Answers

When you go into an interview, you want to be prepared to answer any question the interviewer might throw at you. But what if you’re interviewing for a position at the International Rescue Committee? What questions should you be prepared to answer?

The International Rescue Committee is a humanitarian organization that responds to the world’s worst crises and helps some of the most vulnerable people from harm to home. They’re looking for employees who are passionate about their work and who have the skills and experience to make a difference.

In an interview with the International Rescue Committee, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience working in a humanitarian or relief organization, your knowledge of international affairs, and your language skills. You’ll also be asked about your motivation for wanting to work with the IRC and what you think you could bring to the organization.

Preparing for your interview with the International Rescue Committee doesn’t have to be daunting. Just be sure to brush up on your knowledge of the organization and the humanitarian sector, and be prepared to talk about your qualifications and experience.

International Rescue Committee Interview Process

The interview process at International Rescue Committee can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone screening interview and one in-person interview. For some positions, you may also be required to take a written assessment. The entire process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

1. Tell me about a time you had to work with someone who was difficult

This question can help interviewers learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you handle conflict. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of when you worked with someone who was difficult but also highlight the positive outcome of that situation.

Example: “I once had to work with an individual who was very stubborn and didn’t want to listen to my ideas or suggestions. I tried to remain calm and respectful while still making sure they knew I wasn’t going to back down from our disagreement. Eventually, they agreed to try out some of my ideas and we were able to come up with a solution together.”

2. How do you handle working under pressure?

The IRC is a fast-paced environment where employees are often under pressure to meet deadlines and respond to urgent situations. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the stress of working in such an intense environment. In your answer, explain how you stay calm and focused when things get hectic. Share examples from your past experience that show you’re able to work well under pressure.

Example: “I have worked for several organizations that operate under tight deadlines. I’ve learned that it’s important to remain calm and focused even when there’s a lot of pressure on me to perform. When I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I take a few deep breaths to help myself relax. Then, I focus my attention on one task at a time until it’s complete. This helps me avoid making mistakes and ensures I deliver quality results.”

3. What does diversity mean to you?

The IRC is a global organization that works to help people of all backgrounds. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your views on diversity and how you plan to contribute to the team’s efforts in supporting diverse populations. In your answer, try to explain what diversity means to you and why it’s important to work with a variety of people from different backgrounds.

Example: “Diversity is one of the most valuable resources we have as humans. I believe that everyone has something unique to offer, and when we can come together and share our differences, we can create something beautiful. At my last job, I worked with a wide range of people who had different perspectives and ideas. I think that helped us achieve some amazing things.”

4. Why do you want to be part of the IRC?

This question is an opportunity to show your passion for the organization and its mission. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific experience you had with IRC or how you became interested in working there.

Example: “I want to work at the IRC because I have seen firsthand the amazing work they do. My uncle was a volunteer who worked on several projects with them, including building homes for families displaced by war. He told me about his experiences traveling to different countries and helping people in need. It inspired me to pursue a career in international development.”

5. Describe your experience working in the field of immigration and refugee resettlement.

The IRC is a global humanitarian organization that works to help refugees and displaced people. Your interviewer will want to know if you have any experience working with these populations, as well as how your previous experiences prepared you for this role.

Example: “I worked at an immigration law firm where I helped families navigate the legal process of becoming citizens in the United States. This work was very rewarding because I got to see my clients achieve their dreams of living in America. However, it was also challenging because many of my clients were detained by ICE and had no one else to turn to.”

6. Do you have any experience working with refugees or immigrants?

The IRC is a global humanitarian organization that works to help refugees and immigrants. This question helps the interviewer understand if you have any experience working with these populations, which can be helpful in this role. If you do, share your experiences and how they helped you develop skills for this position.

Example: “I worked as an ESL teacher at a refugee resettlement center last summer. I taught English classes to adults who were new to America. It was challenging work because many of my students had never been to school before. However, it was rewarding to see them learn and succeed. I learned so much from that experience about teaching and helping others.”

7. Are you willing to travel?

The IRC is a global organization that requires its employees to travel frequently. The interviewer wants to know if you have any concerns about traveling and how often you would need to do so. If you are unsure of the frequency, ask them directly.

Example: “I am willing to travel as much as needed for this position. I understand that it’s part of the job and look forward to learning more about what my role will entail in regards to travel.”

8. Are you able to deal with highly emotional situations?

The IRC is a highly emotional environment, and the interviewer wants to make sure you can handle this. Your answer should show that you are able to remain calm in stressful situations and have empathy for others.

Example: “I am passionate about helping people who need it most, so I would say yes, I’m able to deal with highly emotional situations. In my last role as an emergency room nurse, I saw many patients who were experiencing extreme pain or grief. While these situations were difficult to see, I was always able to stay focused on providing care and support to those around me.”

9. Can you tell me about a recent project that you worked on as a team member?

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how you helped the team achieve its goals or what you learned from working with them.

Example: “At my last job, I worked on a project that involved creating an online database of all our organization’s resources. This was a large project that required many different departments to work together. We had weekly meetings where we discussed progress and any challenges we were facing. It took us about six months to complete the project, but in the end, we created a resource that other departments could use for future projects.”

10. What is your philosophy regarding intercultural communication?

The IRC is a global organization that works in many countries around the world. Your answer to this question can show how you would approach working with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Example: “I believe it’s important to be respectful of other cultures, but also willing to speak up when I see something that isn’t right or fair. In my last position, we had several employees who were refugees. One employee was always late for work, and he often didn’t do his job well. When I asked him about it, he told me that he felt overwhelmed by his responsibilities at work. We talked about what he needed to feel more comfortable, and I helped him find ways to manage his workload.”

11. If you were put into a situation where you had to lead a group, what would your approach be?

The interviewer may ask this question to see how you would handle a leadership role in the IRC. When answering, it can be helpful to mention specific qualities that make you a good leader and what you would do if you were put into this situation.

Example: “I believe my greatest strength as a leader is my ability to listen to others’ ideas and opinions. I also think I am quite organized and decisive when needed. If I was put into a situation where I had to lead a group, I would first take time to understand everyone’s strengths and weaknesses so we could work together effectively. Then, I would decide on a plan of action based on all the information I gathered.”

12. What are some challenges you see facing the current state of immigration in the US?

The IRC is a global organization that works to help people in need regardless of their nationality. As such, the interviewer may want to know how you would handle working with clients who are undocumented immigrants or refugees.

Example: “I believe that everyone has the right to live without fear and persecution. I also think that we should be doing more as a country to support our neighbors and welcome newcomers into our communities. In my role at the IRC, I would work to ensure that all of our clients feel safe and supported while they receive care from us.”

13. What languages can you speak fluently?

The IRC is a global organization that operates in more than 30 countries. As such, they need employees who can communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Your answer should show the interviewer you have experience working with people of diverse backgrounds.

Example: “I speak fluent English, Spanish and French. I also understand some Arabic and Portuguese. In my previous role as an interpreter for refugees, I learned how to translate between these languages. This skill has been useful when communicating with other members of the IRC team.”

14. What is your previous experience in office administration?

The IRC is a large organization that requires many administrative tasks to be completed. The interviewer will want to know your previous experience in office administration and how it can help you succeed in the role. If you have no prior experience, you should explain what skills you possess that would allow you to perform well in this position.

Example: “I have two years of experience as an executive assistant for a small business owner. I am familiar with scheduling appointments, managing calendars and organizing files. I also have some experience using project management software like Basecamp and Trello.”

15. Give an example of a time when you tried to improve a process at work.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you apply them in the workplace. When answering, try to describe a situation where you used your critical thinking skills to find an alternative solution to a process that was inefficient or ineffective.

Example: “At my previous job, I noticed that we were spending too much time on paperwork when it came to our budgeting processes. We had to submit monthly reports of expenses for each department, which took up a lot of time. So, I suggested we use a software program that would allow us to track all of our expenditures online. The company agreed, and after some training, everyone started using the new system.”

16. The IRC has many different departments, which department interests you the most?

The IRC has many departments that work together to help people in need. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your interests and how you might fit into the organization. Before your interview, review the job description to see which department most closely matches your skills and experience. If you have no prior experience with international aid, you can still answer this question by describing what drew you to the IRC.

Example: “I’m interested in working for the emergency response team because I’ve always wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. In my last position as an administrative assistant, I learned valuable organizational skills that would be useful in this role.”

17. When was the last time you had to learn something new for a job?

This question can help interviewers understand how you approach new challenges and whether you’re willing to learn something new. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific skill or knowledge that you learned recently and how it helped you in your current role.

Example: “In my last job as an event planner, I had to learn how to use a variety of software programs for scheduling, budgeting and other tasks. It was challenging at first, but after some practice, I became very comfortable using the different programs. Now, I’m able to complete most tasks without referring to the user guides.”

18. What makes you stand out from other candidates?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to the IRC. To answer, think of a skill or quality that makes you unique from other candidates. You could also talk about any past experiences that helped you develop these skills or qualities.

Example: “I have experience working in an emergency situation as part of my previous job at the local hospital. I know what it’s like to work under pressure and with limited resources, so I’m prepared for anything when I start this position. My communication skills are also strong, which is important for working on a team. In my last role, I was responsible for communicating patient information to their families, so I am comfortable speaking in front of large groups.”

19. What skills do you feel you need to improve upon during this internship?

This question is an opportunity to show your willingness to learn and grow as a professional. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention one or two skills you would like to develop while working at IRC.

Example: “I feel that my ability to communicate effectively with others could use some improvement. I have been taking a public speaking course through my university’s extension program, but I think the internship experience will help me improve even more. Another skill I would like to work on during this internship is my organizational skills. I am naturally quite organized, however, I know there are always ways to improve.”

20. We are looking for people who are motivated self-starters. Would you describe yourself as one?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are motivated and can work independently. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about yourself while also showing the interviewer that you have the ability to take initiative.

Example: “I am definitely a motivated self-starter. I’ve always been someone who has had a strong desire to help others in need. In my previous role as an administrative assistant, I was responsible for managing many of the office’s social media accounts. I noticed that we were missing some key hashtags on our Instagram account, so I created a spreadsheet with all of them and began adding them to each post.”