City Year Interview Questions
& Process

The interview process moved quickly, but in hindsight highlighted several red flags. From the beginning there seemed to be confusion around what role I was most suited for, as I initially applied for a separate role on the team. The following interviews clarified some questions about the full scope of the position, and I was invited to an in-person interview in Chicago. Meeting with the current team members was a positive experience and I enjoyed speaking with executive leadership, as well-- however about ten minutes into the conversation it was made clear that utilizing the board for any type of fundraising was essentially off the table. Soon after my confusion grew as exec leadership pushed the need to qualify and cultivate new donors/new gifts instead of focusing on stewarding current major donors... at that point they lost me. All in all - the mission remains noble and the impact is real -- the fit was just not there and I withdrew my application. Further, I was disappointed to see the original role I applied for had been filled before my final interview as I was told my focus on the senior director role would not undercut my chances for the original role. Oh well.

The interview process had about 2-3 rounds, which seemed to differ based on an applicant's background and the specific role. The interviewer was really good at communicating and sharing information, making me feel at ease during the interview. They offered the choice between a phone call or a Microsoft Teams meeting.

I applied and had a virtual interview with an executive team member in the region. It wasn't the most engaging interview...he seemed bored at times and it definitely seemed like scripted/canned questions. I didn't feel like we jived well, but I met all of the qualifications and was invited to the next stage of interviewing. I was told that there would be some flexibility with scheduling the second interview since I was working at a school. However, the scheduler told me he could only get a single time and date for the following week. I couldn't do that time due to my current commitments and it raised a red flag to me regarding flexibility. I then withdrew myself from consideration. He didn't say anything or thank me for my time, simply canceled the event on Google calendar. It was very abrupt. Maybe my experience is reflective of just that individual or maybe the region, but it wasn't a great interview experience.

The interview process involves four main steps. First, there's a 30-45 minute phone screening with the chief of staff to go over your background and education. Next, a 45-minute to 1-hour first-round interview with the hiring manager, where they'll ask more detailed questions about the role and your experience. After that, you'll have a 1-hour performance task that's related to the job, which you need to complete before the final interview. Lastly, there's a panel interview with three interviewers, during which you'll present your performance task and answer a few more questions.