I’ve hired lots of fundraisers in my career.  While there are many characteristics that make people successful, without fail, all great fundraisers I’ve hired or met share two traits in common:

1). People want to spend time with them.  There’s an old adage in fundraising that it’s harder to get the first appointment than the gift. I’ve never found that to be true.  Anyone with any degree of initiative can get in the door once with someone. What’s much harder is getting the 2nd meeting.  And the one after that.  The only way that’s going to happen is if someone sees something in you that makes them say, “I need to know more.”

2).  A fire in the belly for the mission of the organization.   Being able to passionately articulate their own story of why — of all the important work that needs to be done in the world — they are working on this project is a well of inspiration for themselves and for others. While that passion can and should, of course, deepen over time, that initial spark of recognition that this organization is a place where they want to leave a legacy of impact is a critical indicator of future success.

These two items won’t appear on their resume or their LinkedIn page. The personal interview, of course, will reveal potential for these characteristics.  And when you check references, these are two areas to explore about your new fundraiser.