Preparing for Your Interview at The Trevor Project

Interviewing at The Trevor Project can be an exciting opportunity to join an organization that provides vital crisis services to LGBTQ youth. As the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning youth, The Trevor Project offers life-affirming services that create a safe, supportive, and positive environment for youth.

With an inspiring mission and culture focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, The Trevor Project is an impactful nonprofit organization that saves young lives through its free and confidential programs. If you have an interview coming up with The Trevor Project, proper preparation will help you have a successful interview and potentially start an amazing career path at a life-changing organization

In this article, we will provide an overview of The Trevor Project and then dive into the details on how to prepare for various interview questions and formats you may encounter during their hiring process

About The Trevor Project

Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender queer & questioning (LGBTQ) youth. The organization offers accredited life-saving, life-affirming programs and services to LGBTQ youth that create safe, accepting, and inclusive environments over the phone, through text, and via online chat.

With a talented team of more than 200 staff members, The Trevor Project provides the following programs and resources:

• TrevorLifeline: The only nationwide, 24/7 crisis and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ youth offering free and confidential counseling by phone, chat, and text.

• TrevorChat: A free, confidential, secure instant messaging service that provides live help for LGBTQ youth by trained counselors.

• TrevorText: A confidential and secure resource that provides live help for LGBTQ youth with a trained counselor, over text messages.

• TrevorSpace: The world’s largest safe space social networking community for LGBTQ youth and allies.

• Education Programs: Resources to help adults become more competent allies to LGBTQ youth.

• Research: Studies focused on LGBTQ youth mental health and the effects of discrimination.

• Advocacy: Fighting for LGBTQ equality at the federal, state and local levels.

The Trevor Project has been recognized by top organizations for its life-saving work, receiving numerous awards and honors such as:

• The Best Nonprofits in 2022 (Philanthropedia)
• 100 Best Companies Supporting Healthy Families & Communities (Just Capital)
• Top Nonprofit Saving LGBTQ Lives (MTV)
• Champion of Change Award (White House)

Interview Formats at The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project utilizes a multi-step interview process to thoroughly assess candidates before extending job offers. Depending on the role you are applying for, you can expect to participate in 2-4 interviews, which may include the formats below:

Initial Phone/Video Screening

The first interview is typically a 30-45 minute preliminary screening conducted by phone or video conference. This will involve a recruiter or hiring manager asking questions about your background, skills, experience, and interest in The Trevor Project. They want to verify you meet the basic qualifications before moving you further into the process.

One-Way Video Interview

Some applicants may be asked to complete a one-way pre-recorded video interview online. This consists of filming yourself answering preset questions within a time limit. It allows the company to standardize initial screening and evaluate candidates’ communication abilities.

Panel Interview

Higher level roles will often require a panel interview with multiple hiring managers and senior employees. This 60-90 minute video call allows the panel to assess your skills from different angles by taking turns asking questions. Treat it as a discussion rather than interrogation.

Skills Assessment

Depending on the position, there may be a practical component to the interview to test abilities in areas like crisis counseling, writing, or software platforms. You may have to review a hypothetical scenario and explain your approach.

Final Interview

The last round is focused on culture fit and executive alignment. For senior roles, it may involve an intensive multi-hour session to meet with leadership and determine mutual vision. This two-way discussion is more conversational as you share passions and align on The Trevor Project’s mission.

Preparing for Interview Questions

While every interview varies slightly, The Trevor Project tends to ask behavioral-based questions focused on competencies, scenarios, and fit. Here are some of the most common questions asked and how to prepare strong responses:

1. Why do you want to work at The Trevor Project?

• Research the mission, values, and impact to explain your motivation beyond just getting a job. Show you connect deeply with their lifesaving work and community.

2. What makes you a strong fit for this role?

• Carefully review the job description and tie your background directly to the required skills and qualifications. Give specific examples that prove you can excel.

3. How would you handle an urgent crisis situation?

• For client-facing roles, have a methodology for empathetically responding, actively listening, assessing risk, and providing support. Explain your approach to keep them safe.

4. Describe a time you had to interact with a difficult person. What did you do?

• Share a story highlighting your patience, compassion, and conflict resolution skills. Emphasize how you constructively addressed the issue.

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

• Reassure them you intend to grow long-term with the company. Share goals aligned with advancing within The Trevor Project’s mission and making expanded impact.

6. Do you have any questions for us?

• Ask thoughtful questions that show your understanding of the organization, interest in the work, and desire to contribute. Avoid questions easily found online.

Tips for Acing Your Interview

Here are some top strategies to help you have a stellar interview with The Trevor Project and outshine other applicants:

• Demonstrate passion for their mission – Convey genuine enthusiasm for their life-affirming work empowering LGBTQ youth. Use examples of why this matters to you.

• Immerse yourself in their culture – Study their DEI initiatives, perks, values and voice. You want to embody their spirit and language.

• Highlight counseling skills – For client services roles, showcase training, certifications, or experience showing your ability to handle crisis situations.

• Do your research – Invest time learning their programs, leadership, partnerships, clients, history and media presence. This impresses and differentiates you.

• Align your story – Be strategic in selecting the background details you share. Tie each experience or accomplishment back to strengths needed for the role.

• Prepare questions – Bring thoughtful, smart questions that show your interests and engagement with The Trevor Project’s goals.

• Practice aloud – Rehearse saying your responses out loud to polish your delivery. Enlist a friend to conduct a mock interview with you.

• Send thank you notes – Follow up each interview by emailing the interviewer, thanking them, and reaffirming your interest in the role.

With preparation and practice, you can confidently approach the interview process at The Trevor Project. Showcasing your compassion, crisis management abilities, commitment to their mission, and cultural fit can set you apart as a top candidate. If you are lucky enough to receive a job offer, you’ll have the chance to do meaningful work saving young LGBTQ lives at an organization recognized globally for its impact.