According to a national 2012 survey conducted by Nonprofit HR Solutions, an estimated 43 percent of nonprofits will be hiring new staff this year. In a slow job market, any jobs are great news and many applicants like the idea of working for companies that are making a difference. Heavy competition means it may be harder to score such jobs, so how do you get your foot in the door and make your way up in the world of nonprofit organizations?
Use Multiple Networking Channels
The 2012 Nonprofit Employment Trends Survey indicated that over 80 percent of organizations use both informal and formal networks to recruit employees. Top websites used for recruitment included Craigslist, LinkedIn, Facebook, Monster, Idealist.org and PhilanthropyCareers.org. Create and maintain professional profiles on multiple networks and do not forget about local classified ads and job listings.
Try it Out for Free
Nonprofits offer plenty of volunteer and internship opportunities. Students in school can take advantage of these openings to gain valuable resume experience and class credit. Those who are working in the private sector can volunteer during free time to build necessary experience and a network of contacts.
Specialize
Like any organization, nonprofits look for specialists. Graphic designers and copy writers are needed for brochures, magazines and other media. Technical skills are in demand to develop a web presence, in-house software or mobile apps. Almost any nonprofit will need at least one skilled fundraiser. Specializing can also increase your base salary and help land upper level jobs. For example, according to national salary averages, fundraising experts with a CFRE earn as much as $25,000 per year more than non-certified fundraisers.
Keep Your Eyes Open
Nonprofit organizations report high attrition rates, in part due to a lack of growth opportunities. Many people are happy with a certain type of work and are willing to stay where they feel they are making a difference. However, if you are looking to move up in the world of nonprofits, you should always keep feelers out. Network with other organizations, keep your resume up-to-date and do not be afraid of applying with other companies. Just make sure you do all this with tact and professionalism in order to avoid jeopardizing your current position.
Use Existing Business Experience
Your corporate experience may translate into nonprofit skills. Budgeting a large office is similar to budgeting a nonprofit. Marketing experience can correlate to some skills used in fundraising. Think creatively and craft a cover letter that points out transferring skill sets.
Do not let the nonprofit status of a company scare you. Most organizations are looking for dependable team members that are willing to show up, work hard and learn. You may have to start small, but dedication and excellent work will move you toward the top over time.
– Emily North is a full-time writer for higher ed blogs and journals nationwide with a focus on online education opportunities. Several schools offer online degrees, including onlinempa.usfca.edu and www.northwestern.edu.
