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Q:   I am applying to an organization I know.  Grant procurement is a big piece of my job, and the organization is an upstream grantor organization. Do you have any tips about how to approach the group? 

A:  This can be a tricky, yet wonderful, opportunity to showcase your knowledge of the organization’s staff, needs and goals to frame a winning cover letter and materials.

On the tricky end, because you are aware of the politics involved, you should take the utmost care in presenting your materials to the right person(s) and must make certain you hit key, high notes in your cover letter and materials.  An outsider might be forgiven an occasional lapse in this regard. You will not. You are already almost a member of the team, so your application materials need to be particularly thoughtful, timely and precise.

Also, present yourself in a more formal manner than you might otherwise to avoid the inference you are seeking “special favors” or are trying to circumvent the process.  Even when you know interviewers well enough to address them on a first-name basis, err on the side of formally addressing them, then use whichever form they prefer for the balance of the meeting.  Showing due deference can go a long way to sending the message that you are treating the application process with full respect.

On the up side of being in such a position, your deep knowledge of the organization can be a clear advantage.  Where others have to explain and introduce, you can “remind” your next supervisors of your leadership strengths and how they relate to what they seek. Also, you have better ways of interpreting the behavior and receptivity to your application based on your past experiences putting you ahead of many other capable candidates.  Also, you can contact current peers not directly involved in the interview process to get an idea of the organizational “temperature.” Doing so at the time you will be interviewing allows you to anticipate any political or personal areas of sensitivity or pride and will help you avoid or reference them appropriately in your comments.  For example, if you learn a significant strategic plan or development campaign is underway, you can signal your support for the venture.  If a sensitive issue arises, you will have had advance warning and can respond in a professional, tactful way.

In short, use your prior knowledge to frame thoughtful, targeted responses to questions and to guide you into the kinds of interview conversations that showcase the depth of your knowledge and your leadership strengths. Avoid using your knowledge to short-circuit or otherwise compromise the application process. Operating with this boundary enhances your credibility thereby increasing the chance you will be invited in for further conversations leading to an offer.

Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit ExecSearches.com for more information about our career coaching services.

ExecSearches.com is a job board for nonprofit job seekers interested in fundraising, management and executive nonprofit jobs.

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Last updated on September 19th, 2012 at 12:14 pm

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