19 Save the Children Interview Questions and Answers

When you’re interviewing for a job at Save the Children, you can expect questions that assess your skills and experience related to the specific role you’re applying for. But you may also be asked questions that are specific to Save the Children as an organization.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions you may be asked in an interview for a job at Save the Children, along with guidance on how to answer each one.

Save the Children Interview Process

The interview process at Save the Children can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, you may be asked to complete a written test or exam before the interview. The interview itself may last for an hour, and you may be interviewed by multiple people. Overall, the interview process is fair and efficient.

1. Why do you want to work at Save the Children?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your passion for the organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of Save the Children that you admire or what drew you to apply in the first place.

Example: “I want to work at Save the Children because I am passionate about helping children who are less fortunate than me. I have always admired how dedicated and hardworking Save the Children’s employees are, and I would love to be part of an organization with such a strong mission.”

2. What are your career goals, and how would working at Save the Children help you achieve those goals?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your career goals and how they can help you achieve them. When answering, it’s important to be honest about what you want in your future career path. You should also explain how working at Save the Children would help you reach those goals.

Example: “My goal is to work my way up through the ranks of a non-profit organization. I’ve been volunteering with Save the Children for several years now, and I think that this is an excellent opportunity to gain experience as a manager. I’m excited to start managing projects and helping others succeed.”

3. Describe a time when you had to deal with difficult people in the workplace. How did you handle it?

Save the Children is a global organisation, so it’s likely that you’ll have to work with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Your interviewer wants to know how you can handle difficult situations in the workplace. Use your answer to show that you’re willing to compromise and are able to communicate effectively.

Example: “I once had a coworker who was very outspoken about their opinions. They would often make comments about other employees’ performance or appearance. I tried my best to ignore these comments, but eventually I decided to speak up. I told them that while I appreciated their feedback, I didn’t appreciate their tone. After this conversation, they were more respectful of others.”

4. Did you know that we have a policy of not discriminating against any employee or volunteer on grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation as well as marital status, political affiliation, domestic violence victim status, genetic information, military service and other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state and local law? If so, is this something you are comfortable adhering to if hired?

This question is a way for the interviewer to gauge your awareness of Save the Children’s policies and procedures. It also allows them to assess whether you are likely to be able to work within their existing framework.

Example: “Yes, I am aware of this policy. As someone who has worked in the field of child welfare for many years, I can say that it is something I would find easy to adhere to. In fact, I have always been an advocate of diversity and inclusion.”

5. Tell me about a time when you had to make an important decision without guidance from others.

This question can help interviewers learn more about your decision-making skills and how you make them. Use this opportunity to highlight a time when you made an independent choice that benefited the organization or helped others.

Example: “When I was working as a teacher, my principal asked me to teach a class of students who were struggling with math. He didn’t have any other teachers available at the time, so he asked me to take on the extra work. I agreed because I wanted to help him out, but I also knew it would be beneficial for me to gain experience teaching older children.

I decided to use a different approach than I did with younger students. Instead of using games and activities, I focused on giving clear instructions and answering questions thoroughly. The students responded well to the change in style, and they started making progress toward their goals.”

6. We believe that every child has the right to be safe, healthy, educated and empowered. Do you agree with these priorities?

This question is an opportunity to show your passion for the cause and how you can contribute to Save the Children’s mission. Your answer should include a brief overview of what you believe are children’s rights, as well as why these rights matter to you.

Example: “I do agree that every child has the right to be safe, healthy, educated and empowered. I think it’s important to remember that all four of these priorities go hand in hand with one another. For example, if a child isn’t healthy, they won’t have the energy or ability to learn. If a child doesn’t have access to education, they will never be able to empower themselves.”

7. In what areas do you think children’s rights are being violated most often?

This question can help interviewers understand your passion for children’s rights and how you might use that passion to improve the Save the Children workplace. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific violation of children’s rights and how you would work to prevent it from happening again.

Example: “I think one of the most common violations of children’s rights is when they are denied access to education. In my last role as an educational consultant, I worked with several schools to develop inclusive policies that ensured all students had equal access to education regardless of their abilities or disabilities. This helped me create more inclusive learning environments for students.”

8. Have you ever been exposed to dangerous situations while doing humanitarian work before?

Save the Children is a global organisation that works in some of the most dangerous places on earth. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience working in these types of environments and how you handled them.

Example: “I’ve worked for Save the Children before, but I was never exposed to any dangerous situations while doing humanitarian work. However, I am familiar with the risks involved when working in war zones and other conflict areas. I understand that it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and to take precautions to ensure your safety. For example, I would always make sure to travel in groups or pairs when visiting remote locations.”

9. Are you able to pass a background check?

Save the Children is a global organisation that works in some of the most challenging environments. They want to ensure their employees are trustworthy and have no criminal record. If you’re asked this question, it’s likely they will ask for proof of your background check.

Example: “Yes, I am able to pass a background check. I have never been convicted of any crime or had any run-ins with the law. I also have no history of drug use or addiction.”

11. Can you tell us a story where you had to go above and beyond to help someone out?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are willing to help others and make their lives better. It also shows them how you can use your skills to benefit the organization as a whole.

Example: “When I was working at my previous job, we had a new employee who was having trouble getting used to our computer system. She would often come to me with questions about her work, which made it difficult for her to complete tasks on time. I offered to train her in using the computer system so she could learn more efficiently. After training her, she became much more efficient at her job and even helped other employees when they needed assistance.”

12. Do you have experience in fundraising?

Save the Children is a non-profit organisation that relies on donations to fund its projects. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience in fundraising and how you can help them meet their goals. Showcase your skills by explaining what you did, how you did it and the results of your efforts.

Example: “I worked for a local theatre company where I was responsible for raising money through sponsorships and ticket sales. We had a goal each season to raise $100,000, which we met every year. I also helped organize an annual gala event that raised over $200,000 last year.”

13. What was the last book you read?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s interests and values. It can also help you determine if they have any experience with Save the Children, as many of our employees are avid readers.

Example: “The last book I read was The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye by David Lagercrantz. This book is the fourth in the Millenium series, which follows Lisbeth Salander through her life. She is a strong female character who uses her intelligence and skills to fight against injustice. I find this book inspiring because it shows that anyone can overcome their challenges and make a difference.”

14. What personal attributes will you bring to the job?

Employers want to know that you have the right personality for their organization. They are looking for candidates who will fit in with the team and be a positive influence on others. When answering this question, think about what personal attributes you possess that would make you successful at Save the Children.

Example: “I am passionate about children’s rights and equality. I believe that every child deserves access to education, healthcare and nutritious food. I also care deeply about my community and love volunteering. I hope to bring these values and experiences to Save the Children so we can work together to improve the lives of children around the world.”

15. What challenges do you feel like you can overcome in this position?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your confidence and ability to take on challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a time you faced a challenge at work or in life and overcame it.

Example: “I feel like I have the skills necessary to overcome many challenges that may arise in this position. In my previous role as an event planner, I had to plan a large fundraiser with little notice. The organization was underfunded and needed money quickly. I worked hard to create a budget and find sponsorships to make sure the event was successful.”

16. What does success mean to you?

This question is a great way to learn more about the values of Save the Children and how you might fit in with their culture. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what success means to you personally as well as how your personal definition of success aligns with the goals of the organization.

Example: “Success for me is when I feel like I’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life. Whether that’s through my work or volunteering, I love feeling like I’m making a difference in the world. In my last role, I was able to help a family find affordable childcare so they could go back to school and get an education. It felt amazing to know that I had helped them achieve something they never thought possible.”

17. How would you describe yourself?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s personality and values. It also helps employers determine if you are a good fit for their organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include a few of your strengths and weaknesses.

Example: “I am an extremely dedicated person who always puts others before myself. I have a passion for helping children succeed in life, which is why I chose to pursue a career in education. While I love working with kids, I know that sometimes they need extra attention or support. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help them overcome challenges.”

18. What do you expect to gain from this internship?

This question is a great way to show your enthusiasm for the internship and how you plan to grow as a professional. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any skills or knowledge you hope to develop during your time with Save the Children.

Example: “I am hoping to gain valuable experience working in an office setting while also learning more about the nonprofit sector. I have always been passionate about helping children, so I think this internship will help me decide if this career path is right for me.”

19. What kind of budget should we expect to fund your project?

Save the Children is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from individuals and corporations to fund its projects. Your interviewer will want to know how you plan to manage your budget, especially if you’re applying for a managerial position. In your answer, explain what factors you would consider when creating a budget and how you would ensure it stays within the organization’s financial goals.

Example: “I would first determine the cost of each item I need to purchase or create for my project. Then, I would calculate the total amount needed based on the number of children I’m working with. Finally, I would look at the organization’s current budget to see if there are any funds available to support my project.”

20. When would you start?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your commitment level. They want to know that you are willing to start as soon as possible and not wait until after another job starts or other commitments end.

Example: “I would start immediately, even if it meant I had to take time off from my current job. My family understands how important this opportunity is to me, so they would support me in taking some time away from work to travel to San Diego and begin working with Save the Children.”