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Finding Your Perfect Nonprofit Job

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” That is one of the more famous sports quotes of all time -- coined by legendary University of Texas coach Darrell Royal -- but it has endless applications.
   
Preparation for your nonprofit job search can mean the difference between getting a good job and a great one. Good preparation, according to the Boston, Mass., nonprofit search firm Commongood Careers, entails the following:

-- Planning – knowing what you want and what’s available.
-- Networking – building relationships and knowledge of the sector.
-- Marketing – knowing your audience and positioning yourself for success.
-- Executing and Managing – finding and applying for great jobs.

Planning consists of framing your ideal position and organization. To effectively do this, consider the geographic region where you’d like to work, focus of the organization (e.g. arts, advocacy, education, health, human service, environment), specific population or issue the organization deals with (e.g. disability, children, civil and human rights), type of work (e.g. fundraising, management, finance), size of the organization, salary and benefits, and the office culture.  How you fit within this last consideration oftentimes can be the deciding factor for either yourself or for the hiring organization.

According to Commongood, you should also familiarize yourself with the field by reading pertinent publications, print or other.

Networking can be accomplished in many ways, including via introductions from family, friends and/or colleagues. Informational interviews are a great way to both gather information and network within the sector. Other good networking options include attending career fairs and events, participating in volunteer opportunities and internships, and working with a search firm. 

Timing is key for effectively marketing yourself. The general rule is that you begin applying for jobs two months before you will be available, and keep in mind that nonprofits, like many organizations, hire when there is a vacancy.  Participating in volunteer and internship activities is another effective way of getting your name and face out there.

Executing and Managing involves writing a cover letter and resume that highlight your passion for the organization’s mission, focuses on how your experience positions you for success in the job, addresses every posted qualification, lists relevant experience, including participation in extracurricular activities and leadership positions. There should be no typos and both cover letter and resume should be kept to one page each. 

With all of your preparation, you should be readily equipped when the job opportunities arise, having done the research necessary to prove yourself a qualified candidate.