Sometimes finding non profit jobs can be just as difficult as finding jobs in the for-profit sector. When you find these jobs, the payoff is not only monetary, but also an incredible feeling of happiness, because you know you can make a difference in people lives. Because of this double bonus, the competition for not for profit jobs can be steep. Here are some ideas to help you find jobs that fit you and then help you stand out from among the other applicants so you can get the job.
Find a Passion
Find a cause for which you are passionate. In these jobs, you generally will not make as much money as you would in the corporate world, so you had better have a love for what you do. Become a crusader for your cause. With this intensity you will put 200 percent effort into non profit jobs; and more times than not, non profit jobs require 200 percent effort. When you find something for which you have a passion, you have found the type of organizations in which you should look for a non profit job.
Get Experience
Some of the best preparation for non profit careers is volunteering in the non profit sector. You can actually volunteer in various jobs with organizations and help them with different aspects of their programs. This will give you the inside aspect of non profit organizations and also experience in those types of jobs. You will be able to put this volunteer experience on your resume, and you can put any work you complete for the organization in your portfolio, which will help when you apply for non profit employment later in your career.
Be an Insider
Many non profit jobs start with a volunteer position in the organization. Your volunteer work may not be simply for the experience and an addition to your resume. When you work as a volunteer in non profit jobs, you could be on your way to a regular job offer with the organization. If you prove yourself a valuable asset to the organization, you may receive a job offer to stay on as an regular employee.
Make Connections
Always be on the lookout for people who can help you to find connections to non profit positions. In your volunteer work, ask for recommendations from your supervisors and your fellow volunteers for ideas of non profit jobs. Find out if openings in non profit jobs exist in sister or parent organizations linked to your organization. Talk to anyone you can. Most jobs come from connections, not from the classifieds.
Search On-line
Keep working on your connections for charity jobs, but also make technology work to your advantage. Numerous online search engines are at your fingertips to help you in your quest for not for profit jobs. You can start your search for non profit jobs at Web sites like Monster.com, Careerfinder.com, Idealist.org, Nonprofitjobs.org or any simple Web search. You just type in your criteria for non profit jobs and openings pop up that you’re your specifications; or you can list your credentials and recruiters can search you out.
Keep Going
The rule for finding non profit jobs, and finding jobs in general, is hunt hunt hunt. Do not give up. Especially do not give up volunteering for your cause while on your quest. If you keep working toward your goal, you will achieve it.
By D. Blair Thompson