NEWSINTERVIEWING

A recent article in the Washington Post, client work and a slew of "unprofessional" emails have made me realize how important manners are to a job search, especially when dealing with recruiters.  Of course, most jobs are found through networking, but recruiters still place nearly 5 percent of all nonprofit professionals. Given this, the best time to make a relationship with a recruiter is before you need a new job.  If you are uncertain of the best way to develop a relationship with a recruiter, consider the following:  

1. Connect and share information. If you have connections with recruiters or placement professionals, respond when you hear from them. Many professionals throw a net out when launching a new search, and it's in your best interest to respond with a "thank you" or a list of colleagues in the field that could be of assistance. For example, if a recruiter calls or emails you about a search, think about the position and who you know that a. might be looking for a job or b. would be willing to share leads and information and c. share this information with the recruiter.

2. Find your niche. There are many recruiters out there, specializing in specific nonprofit areas - geography and industry/mission. If you are able, identify the company working in your knowledge area such as fundraising/development, academia or the medical field. The chances are very good that you will find a recruiter with a shared passion for your work and valuable contacts.

3. Build your online presence. Recruiters are paid to find the leading, most knowledgeable and qualified candidates in a field of many, many candidates. What if they can't find you? It is important to have a complete LinkedIn profile, connections within your field, and whenever possible, content about your area of expertise. Recruiters source candidates from a variety of places, and you'll want to be in visible, noteworthy spaces whenever possible.  In many ways, it's all about the "company you keep."

4. Respect their time. Imagine being inundated every week with hundreds (sometimes thousands) of emails asking for advice, job leads or even, an invitation to coffee or lunch. With only so many hours in a week for coffee or lunch, it is important to maximize your time and chances of getting time with a professional. This is especially important if your qualifications aren't a match with any of the company's current searches. The best approach is to ask for a few minutes, and be prepared with questions when given the 10 or 15 minutes.  Also, remember a thank you note.  More importantly, don't be a stalker or expect "deep, life changing, career counseling."

5. It is OK to date more than one recruiter. Similar to dating, your relationship doesn't have to be exclusive until you get serious about a position. If you are a final candidate or nearing the end of a search, you should definitely disclose what is happening to all parties especially if you think you'll end up with more than one offer. Developing a relationship with recruiters may help you land your next job, but you should never lie or be dishonest. It is important to always tell the truth.

If you're uncertain about where to start, here is a quick list of recruiters that live and work in the nonprofit sector, working collaboratively with a range of clients across the vast sector:

The Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group

Isaacson Miller

The Bridgespan Group

CommonGood Careers

KornFerry  

Dewey & Kaye

If I have left a recruiter off the list (it definitely wasn't intentional...), please feel free to add yours to the list via email or the comment section.

(Photo Credit: www.careervanity.com)  

Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group hosts quarterly online webinars/teleconferences, and if you haven't had a chance to join the conversation, you should definitely make the time!

You are invited to join NPAG's President and Founder, Laura Gassner Otting, and Erin O'Connor Jones, NPAG's Director of Candidate Services on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 from 12:00-1:00pm(EST) to discuss nonprofit career tracks and strategies to move your career forward. 

You can also call in live tomorrow at 104.1 The Truth when I'll be talking nonprofit careers with listeners! The show begins at 1:30 (EST) and is always great conversation, filled with informative ways to help your nonprofit job search.

TGIF and Happy Weekend!

(Photo Credit:  http://www.degreedirectory.org)

The best part of my work involves talking directly to candidates, professionals and others searching for their next, best gig.  I spend a lot of time listening carefully, asking questions, pushing for details and of course, encouraging job seekers to push the envelope whenever possible. Many times, people have one foot out the door before they should.

Are you preparing your resume and anxiously looking for your next job because you think opportunities are slim, advancement is limited or there is little room for professional growth? If so, this post is for you!  I speak from experience when I give this advice - I once left a great job because I thought I had hit the wall with few chances for advancement.  I remember feeling tired, burned out, underappreciated and most of all, ready for a change.  The grass looked greener, and I was wooed away for a fabulous opportunity with a higher salary and a better, more important sounding title.  Not only was the grass NOT greener, but I missed my colleagues, mission-driven work and mostly, making a difference. 

At the time, I thought a linear career path was ahead. If I had looked around at the organization's leadership, I would have discovered that most people didn't have a straight trajectory to the corner office or cubicle.  If you are motivated and interested in moving your career forward, here are a few ways to "manage" yourself upward. Of course, there are many ways to move your career forward, but I believe these methods are important:

1. Focus on your current job and do your best.
2. Establish a network and nurture it.
3. Take advantage of continuing education.
4. Find a mentor, or two or three.
5. Ask for additional responsibilities, pick up projects, and stay late.
6. If you are unable to get a raise, ask for a fancy, new title.
7. Take a new job.
8. Establish yourself as an expert.
9. Get on a board and get comfortable in a leadership role.
10. Do not be afraid to change the plan.

Good luck in your search, keeping up with the Joneses, and moving upward in your career.  If you have any tips to share, please post them!

(Photo Credit: http://www.bossalini.net)

If you are new to the job search or a recent college graduate, it is highly likely that you'll be invited to interview over a meal - breakfast, lunch or dinner.  If so, you may (with good reason) be nervous.  Your potential employer is interested in getting to know you better, anxious to see how you behave in a public setting and lastly, hoping that you will meet their high expectations. 

Before you get too anxious about which fork to use, this etiquette refresher will help. My colleagues and  I have witnessed some of the poorest manners by some of the most well- qualified candidates.  For example, there was the candidate who brought her own breakfast to the "breakfast interview" and confused the table when she declined to order from the menu.  It all made sense when she brought the muffin out of her purse, and placed it on the plate to eat after we'd all ordered breakfast. There is the story about the almost-CEO that talked constantly with his mouth full of food, the woman who reapplied her lipstick twice, and the young man texting while others were talking at the table.  Given these examples, I am going to remind my readers of good etiquette:

1. Be polite. It is important to treat everyone with kindness especially the wait staff, bus person, hostess and anyone else that you have contact with. Your potential employer, Board members and/or boss have their eyes on you. Even if it doesn't feel like it, they are watching your behavior. This is also a good chance to observe how they treat others. If you have some concerns about personality matches - take note of how they treat (or don't) others well.

2. Turn off your cell. You must turn your cell phone off and put it away. It is never appropriate to look at it, take a call or text during breakfast, lunch or dinner. Your hostess or host may have work to do, but don't do yours on their time.

3. The napkin. Place it in your lap, first thing. If you get up during the meal, place your napkin on the chair,  not the table.

4. Wait your turn. You may be the first or second person served at the table, but wait until everyone has their food served before you begin eating. It's not considered polite to ask for the salt and pepper or ketchup to be passed until everyone has his or her food. (another tidbit... always pass the salt and pepper together even if someone has asked for only the salt "salt and pepper are like married people as they always go together."

5. Start from the outside. The place setting can be confusing, especially if you aren't accustomed to dining out. The best way to remember which fork is first is to start from the outside, and work your way in. If you have ordered a salad, the salad fork is the outer fork, and your dinner fork is next. It may feel like the meal will never end, but remember that the fork and spoon at the top of your plate are for dessert and coffee/tea.

6. The great carb debate. The bread dilemma... it doesn't end, does it? If you've been served bread or rolls, use the plate to your left (and the water glass ABOVE your knife), but please don't butter the whole slice or stuff the entire roll into your mouth. It is best to take a bit of butter, and place it on your plate (the one on the left). You should break the bread into bite size pieces (one at a time), butter the piece and then eat. Confusing, isn't it?

7. Stick with coffee, iced tea, soda or water. It really is good advice to stay away from the alcoholic beverage during the interview process. I recommend never drinking over an interview, but others may have a different opinion. If everyone else is ordering wine or a cocktail, one glass of wine is appropriate. Also, if everyone else orders a second one, don't do it. Personally, I think its suspect if a lot of drinking occurs over an interview, and it does happen. Trust your instincts, but just don't be the person ordering a double or another.

8. Take small bites and don't forget all the important things. It's important to take small bites throughout the meal. It is expected that you will talk throughout dinner and most likely, the questions will come just as you are putting the food into your mouth! The other important thing that I've yet to mention, DO NOT talk with your mouth full, keep your elbows off the table and try not to rush.

9. It isn't over yet. When you have finished your meal, move your utensils to the center or on the diagonal across your plate. It is important to place your napkin to the left of your plate, not in the center of your plate.

10. Send a thank you note. Once you have returned to your desk, it is important to send a thank you note. Let the person/s know how much you enjoyed their company, the meal and follow-up with any relevant information or questions you may have.

Don't worry if you experience a small mishap during your interview like dropping your napkin or a fork.  We all make mistakes, but it is more important not to call extra attention by over apologizing or making a big deal out of it.  Move quickly to pick it up or ask the server for another utensil.  

There are so many things to remember, that you probably will not eat your entire meal. Resist the urge to "bring it home" (unless you are interviewing with foodies!) and please, do not ask for a toothpick. This is rude (and gross). Even if you do not land the job, you will still have made a positive, lasting impression.

(Photo Credit: www.boston.grubstreet.com)

After an interview, it's important to take a lot of deep cleansing breaths and reflect about the "process."  If you've been at a job search for a while, really excited about this particular position or just aren't sure how to gauge your performance, use these questions as a guide. More importantly, use your answers to become the better, smarter candidate:

1. Did you feel comfortable during the interview?
2. Which questions could you have answered better?
3. Where were you successful?  And not so much?
4. Were there awkward silences? 
5. Were you able to demonstrate your understanding of the organization?
6. How was your conversational style?
7. Did the interviewer ask questions that you couldn't answer?
8. Did the interviewer have any concerns about your work history, candidacy or skills?
9. Were you able to ask questions at the end about the organization or position? If so, were the answers helpful?
10. Would you do anything differently next time? Or say something different?

You may be thinking, "what's the point now?" given that the interview is over.  If you don't land this job, you'll have another interview to prepare for.  As always, it is important to learn from our mistakes and build on our successes.  Good luck!

 (Photo Credit: http://doroteos2.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/bizfind-girl-thinking.jpg)

May brings beautiful spring flowers, Mother's Day sentiments and of course, graduation speeches filled with advice about "all the amazing things waiting for you out in the real world." If you have chosen the nonprofit sector as your place to explore and land your first real job or even if you are just thinking about it, a big round of applause and congratulations! This sector is an exciting place with endless opportunities to make a difference. Just think, there are currently over 1.4 million registered nonprofits across the United States and while you may not secure your dream job right away, chances are very high that you'll land a sweet spot.

But, how? Here are the Cliff's Notes:

1. Forget Your Degree.
2. Reflect on Your Values.
3. Design a Top-Notch Resume.
4. Discover the Entire Nonprofit Sector.
5. Build a Circle.
6. Consider an Internship or Fellowship.
7. Develop Knowledge.
8. Identify a Mentor.
9. Seek Expert Help.
10. Polish Your Online Presence.

Click here to read more about launching a nonprofit job search...

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I had a great time at a Portland Sea Dogs baseball game tonight, the minor league affiliate to the world famous Red Sox.  There was a lot of family fun with peanuts, popcorn, cracker jacks and a visit from Slugger, who makes the kids laugh and giggle more than ever! The nine innings were action filled and I also spent time wondering how many rookie players have made it to the major leagues for a solid baseball career.  Or, how many nonprofit job seekers build interesting and successful careers?

And so begins the baseball analogies (some good and some bad) that we batted about between hits.  As you know, there is a baseball analogy for just about every life situation, including your nonprofit job search. I have spared you a long list and only mention a few below:  

We just want to get someone on base. This is you, landing an interview! Getting the interview will give you a big boost of confidence, just as getting to first base can change the ending game scenario - it's a move towards landing a job or scoring a run.  

The bases are loaded.  There is no question that you'll be more motivated in your nonprofit job search if you can believe, "This is my ticket to the big leagues and I have to hit one out of the park."

Keep your eye on the ball.  You should always feel confident in your job search and be ready to "connect with the interviewer." Even better, you're in an interviewing situation, "Think of yourself as the batter and the interviewer as the pitcher."

If your job search is stopped or you are putting in too many extra innings, you may need to consider how you are using your existing resources (think of the first, second and third base coaches or pitching staff available to even minor league players).  In a job search scenario, a list of resources includes your colleagues, former colleagues, volunteer work, continuing education courses, a resume critique, practice interviewing or simply, friends and family to boost your confidence in the 9th inning when you can come from behind to land a dream job. 

(Don't forget to Tune in this Saturday at 1:30 PM (EST)/10:30 (PST) to hear Laura Gassner Otting and I discuss the nonprofit job search and sector on 104.1 The Truth in Tucson, AZ)

(Photo Credit: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/)

If you have been searching for a new job, count yourself among the other 12.1 million Americans searching for their next, great opportunity or what I'll refer to as the "new normal."  What exactly do I mean by the "new normal?"  Simply put, you aren't alone in your efforts to land a new job, and that a potential employer, recruiter or human resource professional is familiar with your story because it's no different from many other candidates.

Even with this news, you should not sit back and wait if you are unemployed, but you can stop worrying so much.  It is important to demonstrate your value to the nonprofit sector, even if you're between "paid" jobs. You can do this through volunteering, serving on a nonprofit Board or consulting to a nonprofit.  It is taking an average of 6-12 months to land a new job and depending on your salary and job requirements, it could be longer. If you can, forget about your unemployment status and answer the following five questions:

1. Is your resume in top shape? If not, consider having a professional look at it.
2. What is happening with your cover letter? It should be well written, provide the reader with more information about your value and if appropriate, briefly explain what you're doing right now if it is not on your resume.
3. Are you thinking outside the box?  Try to be flexible about salary, geography/location, consulting versus permanent, part-time and lastly, titles. 
4. Can you tell about your "best-self?"  Think "elevator speech" and make it a great 15-second story about yourself, accomplishments and talents.
5. Are you leveraging your network?  Identify your people, get access to "their" people and ask for their help.

These five questions continue to be the foundation for a strategic job search, but more important is your ability to execute the answers. 

Lastly, if you are unemployed consider yourself in good company and relax a little about it (I know, way easier said than done!).  An employer isn't going to count you out because of this. I still recommend looking at every corner for your next opportunity - volunteer, consult or take a part-time job. If it helps, when I am stuck, I remember this easy advice from my mother, "You never know what's waiting for you and you won't find out unless you move forward." So, go forth, and conquer.

(Photo Credit: http://www.careercapitalist.com/)

A big thank you to the nearly 500 registrants that joined Allison Kupfer  (NPAG colleague extraordinaire) and me last week for "The Real Reason You Haven't Landed Your Dream Job."  We had a great time presenting to an amazing, diverse group of nonprofit professionals, sector switchers and soon-to-be encore careerists.  There were so many great questions posted, but unfortunately we didn't have enough time to answer all of them. 

A stand-out question from a less than confident participant, "How do I present confidence when I am not feeling it?" Here are five tips to becoming the most confident and well-prepared candidate you can be:

1. Do your homework. The more information you have the better candidate you will be. There are so many places to find information about an organization including its financials, strategic plans and even better, noteworthy events, grants and media clips. Maximize the Internet to find out everything you can about the organization. The more educated you are about the organization, the more confident you will feel.
2. Use positive body language. Candidates that feel confident, show confidence in their body language. If you aren't feeling confident, try to remember these subtle body language cues: Leaning forward in your chair, chin up, interlaced fingers and, of course, good posture when sitting and standing.
3. Take your time.  It's OK to take time when answering questions during an interview. Of course, a snail's pace is a bit much, but taking a breath or pausing is perfectly acceptable.  A thought-out answer displays your confidence way more than a stuttered, all over the place one.
4. Have questions ready.  At the end of the interview, there is usually time for candidate questions.  Use this time wisely to get valuable information from the employer. Even though it is your time, they are still evaluating you, "the candidate."   A confident, well-prepared candidate will have prepared questions - one-three good ones that let the interviewer know they have thought about the position, the organization and lastly, what value they bring to the table.
5. Find tools to help.  If you aren't naturally confident, it's important to find people and resources to help you get through the interviewing process more easily. Interviewing is tough for everyone (even the most confident!), and if your lack of confidence is hurting your chance of landing a new job, it's even more important to read about tools and tips to gain self-confidence. In addition, practice makes perfect.   Find a friend, family member or trusted colleague to do mock interviews. 

You'll want to listen in this weekend to NPAG's Founder/President, Laura Gassner Otting and me on Arizona's 104.1 "The Truth" radio with Dr. Zara Larson.

(Photo Credit: http://2.bp.blogspot.com)

Have you been looking for a new job or considering launching a search? If so, I hope you'll join me and my colleague, Allison Kupfer on Thursday, April 8th at Noon (EST).  We have a great presentation planned that will lead to a lively discussion. It's our hope that participants will think about their job search differently and learn new techniques to help the job search process.  If you haven't already registered, register here.

Also, more good news here!  

As always, feel free to send questions in advance via email @Erin@Change.org. 

(Photo Credit: http://www.wisebread.com)