Texas Campaign for the Environment Interview Questions
& Process

When I called, I was asked a few questions about my political and environmental interests, then got scheduled for a first interview. Then I submitted an online application before I showed up at the office. The questions weren't that difficult, but were very personalized: why do I care about environmental issues and why do I believe I can do the kind of work necessary to make social change. It made me feel like my point of view really mattered, which was cool. I was also asked about my communication skills, then given a description of a typical workday. At the end, I was invited back for a second interview, which is a full day with the campaign staff shadowing one of the trainers. At the end of the volunteer day (the second interview), I was offered the position and asked to commit to a paid training.

I saw the ad on Craigslist and called the office to schedule an interview. They emailed me an application that I completed and returned. I was then asked to come to their office for an in-person interview. While waiting, I was given some reading material about their campaigns. I spoke with the director for about 10 minutes. They discussed past TCE successes and ongoing campaigns, and explained the nature of the work, which involves canvassing. I was then invited back for a second interview, which is an unpaid volunteer day. During this day, you shadow a senior staff member and learn how to canvass. You have an hour to try it yourself to see if it's a good fit. Afterward, I met with the director again, who informed me I was recommended for the position and could start the following day.

I thought I would be great for this Canvasser position because I care about the environment, but it turns out that wasn't the case! The interview was going fine for about 20 minutes, with questions that weren't too tricky. I learned about the job, and the interviewer learned about me. We got to the end, but then the interview was cut short because I'm not political. I was told I should attend or organize rallies. If being politically active was a requirement, they should have said so upfront instead of wasting both our time.

First, you have a one on one interview in the office. Then, they invite you to come to canvas a neighborhood with them. They offer transportation and this would standard if you get the job. On our way to the neighborhood, the interviewer and the employees gave me a weird vibe. I brushed it off because not everyone you work with you will like. Once we reached the neighborhood they take us on runs with the person interviewing you to see what you will be doing. All in all, they want you to beg for money going door to door and if you don't come back with money you don't get hired. It upsets me because there are discriminatory factors as to why I wouldn't be able to produce donations from their potential clients. I say this because almost every door I went to with the interviewer he received a donation but when they let me do a test run to see if I can produce money many people didn't even open their door. Sidenote: this is in an affluent neighborhood so they have cameras to see who is coming to their door. The people who did open their doors almost immediately shut me down. This company needs diversity and inclusion. Anyways by the end of the day, I saw on the interviewer's face that I did not get the job.