Finding the right people can be tricky. Sometimes it’s a matter of asking the right questions.

During the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) International Fundraising Conference, a set of common interview questions was offered for any nonprofit manager who might have to do any hiring. They deal with a variety of concerns.

* Problem-solving: What is the most creative work-related idea you have had? Describe a difficult problem you faced and solved; and, What approach to problem-solving works best for you?

* Motivation: What have you done on the job that shows initiative? What career objectives have you met?; How do you measure success? Working with others? What kind of people do you like to work with? Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team? Describe your ideal boss and then your less-than-ideal boss. Tell me about a conflict you had with a fellow-worker. How was it resolved?

* Integrity: How would you react if asked to do something unethical? If you saw a co-worker doing something dishonest, what would you do? If I call your previous employer, what comments will I get?

* Ability to learn on the job: Tell me about a time when you had to learn something new on the job. What created that situation? How did you learn it/what was the result?