NEWSJOB SEARCHING

Despite the gloom and doom nature of nonprofit work in the recession, there are still many bright spots for young nonprofit workers who wish to pursue a career in social change. The Bridgespan Group's recent report, Finding Leaders for America's Nonprofits shows that nonprofits are still hiring in this economic downturn.

According to the Bridgespan Group:

In the next 12 months, 28 percent of nonprofit organizations with revenues of $1 million and above plan to make one or more senior management hires, translating to 24,000 vacancies in 2009. Those projected vacancies are largely the result of retirement, since much of the existing leadership is comprised of boomers. Vacancies also stem from new roles being created due to an increase in organizational complexity based on growth in prior years.

Bridgespan also answers two important questions for first-time job seekers or those looking to move to the next level in their career.

What kinds of organizations will need the most workers?

According to Bridgespan, the need for new nonprofit leaders is especially strong in two areas: human services and arts organizations.

Which skills are the most sought-after in these positions?

Bridgespan's survey respondents reported that 50 to 75 percent of the roles they will need to fill in the near future look to require traditional business skills (finance, general management, marketing/communications, planning, evaluation, operations, technology, and human resources).

What this new report tells us is that no matter what the financial outlook may be, great organizations still need great people with talent and passion. Will YOU be one of them?

Photo credit: The Daily Voice

I know, I know, everyone is out and about trying to make the best of this last sunny (at least in DC)  weekend of summer. Amidst all the barbeques and road trips, though, don't forget to take a little time to do something for your nonprofit career. Even if you're not currently job-seeking, you should use any downtime you have this weekend to prepare in case you get laid off unexpectedly.

Update Your Resume

Have you volunteered in the past year? Add your experience as a bullet point on your resume. Also list any leadership roles you've held as a board member or as part of a professional association. Add or revise your position description under your current job experience, especially if your responsibilities have changed. Did your job title change? Be sure to update that, too. And while you're at it, go ahead and refresh your online profiles on Facebook and LinkedIn as well. Since you never know when a job opportunity could come up, it's best to have your online professional identity up to date so potential employers can see just how talented and experienced you are.

Rekindle Professional Relationships

You say you never have time to email all those nice folks you met at that nonprofit conference or career fair last month. Well, now you do. Take part of the weekend to craft a nice note to express your enthusiasm in connecting with them. Use this as an opportunity to set up a coffee or lunch date in the near future to talk to them more about your job search or just to learn about their experience in the field. At the very least, sending a quick email now will remind them who you are when you need to ask a favor later. If you take the time to nurture your professional relationships, you never know how they will pay off for you in the future.

What are some other things you could be doing to advance your nonprofit career this weekend?

True story. I'm sitting at my desk one day when my phone rings. It's someone calling for an employment reference on a person I had never met. Apparently, the candidate had mentioned my name to the person who interviewed her, and they were calling to ask about my impression of her. Well, guess what? Since I had never met this person, I had no impression to speak of, only a puzzled feeling, wondering why someone would drop my name in an interview when we have never even met. But maybe I did meet her, maybe in passing, maybe at a nonprofit event or happy hour somewhere in Washington, DC. Maybe I just didn't remember. Either way, her using my name didn't really help her get the job, because I couldn't confirm that I knew her at all, let alone vouch for her job experience or work ethic.

This incident reminded me of all the times we tell jobseekers that "it's all about who you know". I now need to clarify that statement. It doesn't count as "knowing" someone if you've only heard of them, read their blog, or met them once at an event.  I mean, just because I know everything about Oprah, it doesn't translate into "knowing" her personally. Trust me. It definitely doesn't help your career if a person you use as a reference doesn't remember who you are. While you may think you "know" them, they may not even know you exist.

The moral of the story?

• Don't name drop unless you know for a fact that the person you're talking about will be able to vouch for you if asked.
• If you do meet someone once at a conference or event, be sure to follow-up with a nice note so they will at least have a fond memory of your sparkling personality.
• Ask your references in advance if it is okay for you to use their name in your job search.

All of these precautions will help prevent your own embarassment when the hiring manager for your dream nonprofit job finds out that you don't really "know" Oprah, you just watch her show every day. Who you know is certainly important, but only if they "know" you too.

Photo credit: Oprah.com

All of us career advisors here at jobs for Change pride ourselves on giving you daily advice about finding and keeping a great social change job. Sometimes, however, it can be useful to have a  complete book that you can keep going back to when you have questions. Luckily for you, Idealist.org has recently published two great books that are - wait for it - totally FREE to download as your very own.  Both of the free books hghlighted below offer useful advice, strategies, and resources for people considering a career in the nonprofit sector.  Enjoy!

The Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers for Sector Switchers

This book is a free resource for transitioning professionals pursuing new career options in the nonprofit sector. If you call yourself a mid-career transitioner, a re-careerer, an encore careerist, a bridger, or a sector switcher, this book is meant for you.

The Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers for First-time Job Seekers

This book is a free resource for emerging professionals pursuing their first position in the nonprofit sector. Whether you're a current student, a recent graduate, or someone entering the workforce for the first time, this book is meant for you.

Many people think that just because you work for a good cause, your workplace will always be hunky-dory. You'll come into the office or program site in the morning and everyone will be smiling and jumping up ad down with excitement about saving the world. And your boss and board members will be just swell people of the highest character. While these are all nice sentiments about nonprofit work culture, they're just not true. Nonprofit workplaces can be plagued with the same irritations as for-profit companies: office politics, incompetent bosses, lying, stealing, lazy co-workers, etc. But if you don't go into it with rose-colored glasses, you can avoid hating your nonprofit job. You have to ask yourself what really matters to you in your everyday job besides making a difference. What kind of work environment do you need to be satisfied and happy? Here are some examples of factors that young professionals often overlook when searching for a nonprofit job.

Being in close quarters: Many nonprofit offices are so tiny, you can hear everything - every strike on the computer keyboard, every phone call, every stomach growl. Working in cubicles is more common than having an office with a door. If you need privacy in your work environment, you should be sure not to take a job where you won't get any.

Working on evenings and weekends: Many nonprofits hold events at night or on the weekends as part of their programs or for fundraising purposes. I knew someone who worked for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and their work was around the clock, not confined to the typical 9-5 work hours. If you don't want your nonprofit job to interfere with your after-work happy hours or weekend activities, you should find out what the nonprofit's culture is before you accept the position. Ask your potential employer what a typical week would look like, as well as what a "worst-case scenario" week might consist of as well.

No support for professional development: This is by far one of the biggest complaints by young professionals about their nonprofit work environment. Many organizations don't have the budget to pay for addtional training or staff development. On the other hand, there are also nonprofits that do have the funding to support professional development, but don't give employees enough time off or a flexible work schedule to take advantage of available learning opportunities. Oftentimes, nonprofit workers have to pay for conferences and workshops out of their own pocket as well as use their vacation time to attend. Be your own best advocate in the job searching and benefits negotiation process to make sure you're joining an organization that will support your ongoing growth as a nonprofit professional.

If you don't do your due diligence on the type of nonprofit work environment you're signing up for, it's nobody's fault but yours. These items may at first seem like minor considerations, but if you plan to stay in a position for awhile, they can tend to wear on you. Choose your next nonprofit job carefully so you can love your work with a passion instead of hating it with a passion.

Many nonprofit job-seekers, especially recent grads and sector-switchers, get stuck at the beginning phases of the job search because they don't know how to create an effective resume. They think nonprofits merit a special kind of resume, but the truth is that the main concepts involved in effective resume writing are the same, no matter which industry you want to work in. Though they can be very valuable, if you're unemployed, paying for resume-writing services can get a little pricey. Thankfully, there is a ton of free information online to help you in the process. If you're having trouble developing an awesome resume, try checking out these free online resources to help you get it right.

Yahoo Hot Jobs: Career Tools

Yahoo's job search portal includes free career advice and tools like a salary calculator. They have a special resume section with lots of information about writing resumes. Recent articles include:

• How to Write a Resume That Gets Interviews
• Words Every Resume Should Include

Monster.com: Career Advice

Monster.com has always maintained a great collection of articles about job searching, even offering sample cover letters for specific jobs. They also have a special section on resumes and cover letters. Recent articles include:

• What Nonprofit Employers Are Looking for in Resumes Today
• Refresh Your Resume

Welcome to YNPN Wednesday, my weekly blog series highlighting stories and advice from members of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network chapters all over the country. Each week, I'm sharing an interview or guest post from a young nonprofit professional just like you! Today's guest blog is the second of two posts from Heather Carpenter, a member of YNPN San Diego and a blogger at Nonprofit Leadership 601. Heather recently attended the Opportunity Knocks Career Conference and graciously shares all of the insider information with you below!

The Key to Writing Amazing Cover Letters and Resumes

by Heather Carpenter, MMNA

I've known Dalya Massachi of Writing for Community Success for the past few years, however I had never attended one of her writing workshops until now. Wow! Dalya provided helpful information pertinent to anyone looking for a job!

Purposes of a Cover Letter

• Pique your reader's interest
• Clarify your unique skill set
• Show that you've done your homework
• Encourage a wise investment with a promising return: you!
• Relate to your reader with shared values and concerns
• Demonstrate your proficiency

Even if they don't ask for a writing sample, your cover letter is a writing sample. It's your key in the door. Be specific to your skills and detail about the organization.

Purposes of a Resume

• Summarize experience and volunteer work
• Show increasing levels of responsibility: within a single organization or across several organizations
• Show potential: success breeds success
• Impress your reader

I really wish I had taken Dalya's workshop when I was looking for my first job!

Other helpful advice from Dalya:

• Your resume and cover letter needs needs to be tailored to the reader.
• Put key words that the organization wants in your cover letter.
• Pull out key items from resume and put those into your cover letter.
• Highlight leadership experience, technology skills, and direct ways your improved the organization.
• Have someone read through and proof read your resume and cover letter.

Here are a few more posts with writing tips for cover letters and resumes.

• Is Your Cover Letter Sabotaging Your Chances at a Great Nonprofit Job?
• So I didn't get the job -- what I'd do differently next time
• Why Most Nonprofit Resumes Suck

Dalya has these tips and many more in her new book: Writing to Make a Difference which I think everyone should read.

You can connect with Heather on Twitter @heathercarpente

Photo credit: Hidden Shadow Walker

There are probably two main categories of young professionals looking for nonprofit jobs right now: 1) recent grads or those just entering the work force, and 2) those with a few years of experience that are looking to transition into a new position with more responsibility and/or better pay. When you need a job or want to get out of your current one, it can be tempting to take the first job offered to you. But this is the time to be picky. If you choose to work for a nonprofit whose mission doesn't really get you fired up, it can be hard to see yourself in the organization for the long-term.  As you conduct your job search, look for causes you personally care about and seek out jobs related to that mission. The great thing is that there are almost 2 million nonprofits in the U.S., which means that there is likely an agency to match every interest.

But before you even send out one resume, I'd highly recommend that you pick up a copy of the incredibly useful book for jobseekers, What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard Nelson Bolles. The new edition suggests numerous exercises to help you determine your dream job. If you're job searching right now, it would be a good time to buy the book and try the activities inside.

At the very least, you should be asking yourself the questions below before researching any open nonprofit positions. They can help you narrow down which kinds of nonprofit work might be a fit for you.

What do you think should be changed in the world?

How do you want to be remembered?

Who would you like to help?

Figuring out what you're most passionate about will make it easier to identify the perfect opportunity when it slaps you in the face. There's nothing worse than settling for any job just because you want to work in a nonprofit. Be picky now. You'll be happier later.

Welcome to YNPN Wednesday, my weekly blog series highlighting stories and advice from members of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network chapters all over the country. Each week, I'm sharing an interview or guest post from a young nonprofit professional just like you! Today's guest blog is the first of two posts from Heather Carpenter, a member of YNPN San Diego and a blogger at Nonprofit Leadership 601. Heather recently attended a nonprofit career conference and is graciously sharing all of the insider information with you below!

How to Identify Your Dream Nonprofit Job

by Heather Carpenter, MMNA

Last week I was in beautiful Atlanta Georgia attending and presenting at the Opportunity Knocks Career Conference.  Miranda Austin, Vice President of Development of the Georgia Center for Nonprofits and Opportunity Knocks presented the first session about the "Third Sector" and provided a lot of resources and statistics about the types of jobs and work that is available in the nonprofit sector.

Types of organizations and jobs available in the nonprofit sector

• Health care organizations have the most jobs, followed by higher education organizations.
• Although human service organizations make up the majority of nonprofits, they tend to be small organizations.
• For a full list of the types of nonprofits check out the National Taxonomy of Exempt Organizations (http://nccs.urban.org/classification/NTEE.cfm)

Workers or types of work in the nonprofit sector
Overall, there are three types of nonprofit jobs or people working in the sector.

1. Professionals - e.g social workers, doctors, nurses, psychologists, artists.
2. Subject/issue specific experts - e.g historic preservation, water conservation, health policy
3. Sector specific specialists - e.g development directors, volunteer managers, advocacy experts.

Identifying the right nonprofit job

• Use your knowledge of the nonprofit sector to inform your search (e.g. small versus large nonprofits; limited staff)
• Research potential organizations on Guidestar. See Rosetta's post about using Guidestar to negotiate your salary.
• Evaluate the financial health of the organization that you are interested in working for. (Look at the organization's IRS Form 990 or Annual Report.)
• Schedule informational interviews with the organization. Ask someone to do a warm introduction for you (possibly through your LinkedIn network).
• Find out how the organization is regarded in the community.
• Volunteer for those nonprofits that are of interest to you (will allow you to get an insiders view of the organization and what it would be like to work there). Find a balance between volunteering and looking for employment.
• The more you know about the nonprofit sector, the better nonprofit employee you'll be.  Professional development is key, attend nonprofit workshops to learn more about the nonprofit sector (e.g. nonprofit sector speak, nonprofit culture).

You can connect with Heather on Twitter @heathercarpente

True story. So I'm interviewing a candidate for a position at my organization. This young lady is pleasant enough, and I start the conversation by leaning in across the table with my best encouraging interviewer smile and ask her the million-dollar question: why do you want to work in the nonprofit field? She blinks. Flips her hair. Flashes a nervous smile and announces, "Well, I've always had a big heart, and I just want to help people."

I blink.

I blink again, thinking this was a false start. Surely she had more to say than that. The satisfied look on her face, however, told otherwise. I sighed, knowing she would bite the dust on most of the other interview questions I had for her if she couldn't at least convince me that she had anything more to bring to this job than the spirit of Mother Theresa.

I wanted to tell her, "you do know that we're not missionaries, don't you?"  I kept wondering why, for some reason, she thought that telling us about her big heart would make her a competitive candidate for the job. It did not.

If you're trying to break into the nonprofit sector for the first time, please practice answering questions about why you want to do this kind of work. Just because you like helping people, doesn't mean you can perform in any nonprofit job. We like your big heart, but if you want to work for social change, you've got to bring much more to the table. Namely: relevant education, skills, and a passion for the specific cause that the organization is addressing.