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Home > Pre-deployment > Is the Job Right for You?


Is the Job Right for You?

When hiring new staff, organizations evaluate whether or not candidates have the right experience, skills, and personality for the position. Likewise, during a job search, potential employees need to ascertain whether or not the job — and the organization — is in keeping with who they are, what they want to be doing right now, and where they are going professionally. Ideally, this is a process of mutual discernment, at the end of which the candidate and the organization will be in agreement that they are a good fit for each other.

With just about any job, there are basic considerations that you, as a potential employee, need to keep in mind. Does this job help you have a positive impact (however you define that) in the world? Will the work environment be stimulating, meaningful, and enjoyable? How will this position help you grow professionally, personally, spiritually, and otherwise? Are the salary, benefits, and working conditions adequate for your needs?

In the case of a humanitarian, human rights, or other overseas jobs in areas of conflict or poverty, you need to take additional factors into consideration. Do you understand and are you willing to assume the security risks inherent in the assignment? Are you prepared mentally and physically for the stress and potential trauma that you might experience? How will taking this job affect your personal relationships? To what degree will the organization support you in dealing with these issues?

There are many more questions that you should ponder when considering any particular overseas position, whether paid or volunteer. The resources below will help you ask those questions. The idea is not to dissuade you in your search, but instead to assist you in making the most well-informed decision possible.

Online Resources


Online Resources

Navigating Organizations - It is useful to familiarize yourself with the culture, history, policies and protocols of an organization prior to commencing a project. This list may assist you in orienting yourself to an agency. Also listed are some useful enquiries to make about an organization's policies on stress and trauma prior to going into the field.

The next three resources listed here come from Idealist's section on working abroad. For general advice and career tips, visit Idealist's career center.

Importance of Informational Interviews - Another great way to get a sense of whether humanitarian work is right for you is to go on a few informational interviews. Find out more about what an informational interview is and how to get the most out of it.

Resource Guide on Working in Human Rights - Idealist has a number of resource guides, including one on working in Human Rights work, that have gathered information that one might gain in an informational interview.

Work Abroad Overview and Calendar - A great overview of entry-level work and volunteering abroad (not specific to humanitarian positions). A great resource for students or recent graduates considering working overseas. 

Non-Traditional Funding Sources - Suggestions of general types of organizations that may be receptive to requests from an individual or institution for full or partial support for an international project or volunteering opportunity. 

Resources When Applying For Visas To Work Abroad - Links to groups with information on obtaining work visas in the United States, Europe, and Australia, embassy listings worldwide, as well as general information about working abroad. 

Researching Your Employers- There are two basic reasons to research employers: 1) to aid you in your job search; and 2) to help prepare you for your interview.

How to Volunteer Abroad, International Volunteer Program Association This site provides an overview of the things to consider when volunteering abroad. From health and mental preparation to finding an opportunity that is right for you.

Relief Groups Seek Workers With Language Skills, Overseas Experience, and a High Tolerance for Chaos, Chronicle of Philanthropy This article takes a realistic look at why people want to do relief work, what it takes to do the job, and what type of person the agencies are looking for. Does the applicant have "experience," and what does that mean? Is the applicant resilient and how does one screen for that?

Emotional Health Issues for Disaster Workers, Red Cross This brief article highlights that disaster workers are a population whose emotional health is especially at risk. A description of these risks is followed by a discussion on the importance of coping and accompanying suggestions for coping mechanisms.



All photos © Karl Grobl


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