All Catchafire projects other than one-hour consultation calls require an interview. The project interview is a critical step in the matching process - it's a time for both you and the Organization to ask questions, learn about one another, and decide if you're the right fit to work together.
After you've scheduled a time to speak, we encourage you to review the Organization's project post once more so you can ask any questions you may have. Read below for how to join your call on the day of your interview, and best practices during the call.
Joining the Call
If you're both based in the US:
Our automated system will call you and your contact from the Organization at the agreed upon time. If for some reason you do not receive a call, or you missed the automated call, you can always join during the scheduled time using your dial-in and PIN. This information can be found on your Catchafire dashboard, as well as in your interview confirmation email.
If one or both of you are outside the US:
Our automated system currently only facilitates calls within the United States. If you scheduled an international call for your project interview, you should have received an email with the other party's contact information so that you can coordinate directly. Remember: This information is also available on your Catchafire dashboard.
Tip: If you’re having trouble connecting with your contact at an Organization, give us a shout! You can always reach us using the blue chat bubble on the bottom-right of your screen. (For keyboard-only and screen-reader users, please email us at help@catchafire.org. This link opens in a new tab.)
Introductions
Start your call by introducing yourself, your professional background, and why you're interested in assisting this Organization. Be sure to mention:
Examples of similar work you've done in the past
Any personal connection you have to the Organization's mission
Information on your current schedule & availability as it pertains to the project
Understanding the Organization and their Needs
Take some time to get to know the people you’ll be working with, and the type of assistance the Organization is looking for, to ensure you're interested in working with them and are a good fit for their needs.
Tip: If you don't understand something from their about their project, Organization or personal profile, just ask!
Answering Questions & Discussing Logistics
Make sure you allot plenty of time to answer their questions and ask your own so they can understand your background fully and make an informed decision on whether they'd like to work together.
Tip: You'll also want to make sure that you and the Organization are aligned on logistics and timeline for the project. For example, if they need the project done within a certain timeframe, you should let them know whether you have the availability to do so.
Wrapping Up
Give the Organization a sense of your timeline in making a decision (and let them know if you're interviewing for other projects, too) to keep them in the loop.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to make a decision about a project, go back to your Catchafire dashboard. You can either:
Select "Start Project" if you'd like to work with this Organization - we'll let you know when they've also made a decision
Select "Pass" if you don't think it's a good fit - our team will send a kind automated email on your behalf
Not ready to make a decision yet? That's okay, if you are interviewing for multiple projects, we still suggest taking no more than 1 week to respond after an interview.
Remember: The Organization has to choose to work with you too! If both parties think it's a fit and select "Start Project," then it's a match! You'll be notified and receive next steps via email.