13 Oct How to Ensure You’re a Top-Notch Nonprofit Candidate

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact by joining an organization dedicated to positive change? Maybe you’ve discovered the ideal role in a nonprofit setting. Whether you’re just starting your job search or already on the hunt, we’ve compiled our top tips to help you stand out as the perfect match for a mission-driven nonprofit. Get ready to take notes and elevate your candidacy with our expert advice!

Have the right tools

Ensure that your resume and cover letter stand out as prime assets in your professional toolkit. Proofread meticulously for grammar and spelling, while also tailoring their content to directly address the mission of the nonprofit you aspire to join. Beyond merely possessing the requisite experience outlined in the job description, emphasize your alignment with the organization’s values and mission, demonstrating your readiness to fully engage. For insights into crafting an outstanding nonprofit resume, delve into these invaluable tips.

Volunteer

Regardless of what you do in your 9-5 time, volunteering with an organization can help your job search in numerous ways. Volunteering gives you the ability to connect and network with others at the organization and within your community, it grows your specific skillset and provides you with amazing references as well as related experience to add to your resume as a nonprofit candidate.   

Do your research

Understanding the heartbeat of a specific nonprofit will speak volumes as you engage or interview. If you’ve found and applied for an opening at a nonprofit, make sure you research the ins and outs of the organization. Does it align with your values? Do you get excited about the work that the organization is doing in and for the community? Do you have personal connections to the mission? All these are important to communicate within the interviewing process.  

Above all, the qualities that all nonprofits are looking for in an ideal candidate are the following:  

Mission-Matched Employees

 Do you align, agree, and champion the mission of the nonprofit? If this mission and vision do not match your values, it’s prudent to steer clear to ensure the outcome with be a fruitful match for both you and the organization. A cornerstone of nonprofits is their mission, which promotes social welfare as well as improves the lives of individuals and communities they encounter, so they are looking for employees who will be enthusiastic evangelists for that mission. 

Hard Work

Many nonprofits are constantly busy and need hard workers on their team who are willing to dive in with both hands- regardless of how large or small the task may be. Many nonprofits seek to respond to the deeply rooted systemic challenges that may require navigating bureaucracy, raising funds, and providing emotional support. 

Growth and Development

Due to the multi-faceted nature of nonprofits, they provide tremendous opportunities for an employee’s growth and development. This may include refining your skills in policy and grant writing, fundraising, relationship building, project management, and organizational development. Additionally, it may mean stepping into leadership positions in a small organization or learning a new skill set as the client or organizational needs change!  

Agility and adaptability

When you work for a nonprofit, it requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including volunteers, other employees, donors, community partners and the clients your organization may serve. Additionally, working with a nonprofit may also require engagement with various systems and agencies, including legal, educational or medical institutions. When working with these systems, businesses, and individuals, you’ll need to have great communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.  

If you are ready to begin your job search, apply with Scion Nonprofit today! With over 16 years of experience connecting candidates to nonprofits across the nation, we are your trusted partners. Scion’s recruiters have deep connections to the right people, so you can be confident your resume will get to the right hands. Let us walk alongside you as you begin this exciting search!