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.

If you're interested in learning about nonprofit career trajectories or planning your next professional move, this webinar will provide you with the tools you need to leverage your experience and talents in new ways.    

NPAG's webinar series are complimentary, but space is limited. Register now to reserve your spot. We hope that you join us.

(P.S. : This is my last post @ Change.org - please reach out via Twitter @ErinNPAG or Erin@Nonprofitprofessionals.com) 

(Photo Credit: www.comixconnection.com)

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)  

If you are a sector switcher or just a regular, ol' nonprofit job seeker, it's difficult to stay motivated and engaged.  The longer the job search stretches out, the more difficult it becomes for many people. Of course, I recommend NOT giving up. Instead, take time out for other activities to boost your spirit and confidence.  It could mean that you should take some time off from a job search or maybe, refocus your efforts in a different area. 

Just like everyone else, I can get sidetracked, overwhelmed and even worse, procrastinate my days or weeks (seems like my life, sometimes!) away waiting for the right answer, the best fit, a quick fix or best of all, a life-saving solution via email.  What I've learned and offer to job searching clients, is that sometimes it's OK to wait, but most often, it's important to keep moving forward.  Here are 8 ways to stay motivated during your job search:

1. Keep a Schedule.  If you're working, this is an easy first step. If you're unemployed or working part-time, this may prove more challenging. If so, set your alarm clock, and go to work - the work of job searching. However you can manage, find a set time to job search, and stick to it.  Otherwise, it'll take over your life and creep into your every waking (and sleeping) moment.  Trust me that you'll get very tired, very quickly.
2. Stay Current.  When you arrange your schedule, set-aside time to read newspapers, journals, magazines, blogs and relevant sector information.  The news is important especially if you are not working, as you don't want to miss a thing.  All this information and knowledge will be helpful to your job search, cover letter crafting and of course, give you something fabulous and interesting to discuss at your next job interview.
3. Get Out and Network.  It's important to gain and/or maintain your visibility while job searching. If you are switching sectors, you'll need to join membership associations, affinity groups and other leadership organizations to develop new relationships. If you're searching for a new job within the nonprofit sector, reinvigorate your relationships and make new ones by accepting invitations and joining new groups.
4. Learn Something New.  It's easy to focus only on a job search (especially if you aren't currently employed), but if you can, learn a new skill, take a class or try something that you've always wanted to attempt. A good example is my colleague, Jennifer. She just started a course at our local Apple Store, and is learning film editing.  She's having fun, meeting new people, learning a new skill and is all about landing her next creative job... it'll happen for her. 
5. Get Out of Your Own Way. If you can, take some time to volunteer, join a nonprofit Board or spend time doing something you love within the nonprofit space.  Often times, job seekers (and all of us) are stuck and fixated on our ourselves and find that it's difficult to focus on other things.  Spend time helping others, reaching out and in the process, you'll discover it's not all about you! Not only will you meet new people, help others and make a difference through your efforts, it may lead to an expanded network and ideally, a new job lead.
6. Redo Your Resume. If you aren't landing the interviews, you deserve or wish for, change your approach. You can start with a fresh resume. You can hire someone or have a trusted friend or colleague take a look for style, content and really, fresh perspective.  As many times as you've edited your resume, you have missed something important.
7. Exercise. This directly relates to number 5 on the list, and I consider this advice central to success. A walk, short run or bike ride can change your perspective, attitude and clear your head for new ideas, even if it's for 15-30 minutes daily.  
8. Celebrate Your Success.  It doesn't matter how big or small the success, take time and give yourself a big Yay! for hard work and progress.  It's tough work to job search, and if you've made it through another week without throwing out the resume, you've done well! Or maybe, you're the bridesmaid again and not the bride in the final stages of an offer.  It's OK to celebrate, as you're still valued and making progress.

Bookmark this page and refer to this advice when you're feeling stuck or unmotivated.  These 8 tips will make it easier to stay focused or get back on track.  Feel free to share your advice with readers and followers - the more the merrier!

(Photo Credit: http://cnx.org/content/m14808/latest/YouCanDoIt.jpg)

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)

I spend a good amount of my time talking about how different, diverse and unique AmeriCorps programs are. But today, I wanted to focus instead on one of the things that they all have in common. At the end of the day, they are all looking for the same thing in a candidate: The motivation to serve.

We want to know why people what to serve as AmeriCorps members, and more importantly why they want to serve with our organization. When I was a college student applying for a position as an AmeriCorps*NCCC member, I asked the woman interviewing me what she felt was the most important characteristic? Being highly motivated to serve.

Just a few weeks ago, I field a phone call from an AmeriCorps*VISTA member in the mid-west looking to serve a second term at another organization. The number one thing that turned me off? When I asked why she wanted to serve with PA Campus Compact, she said, "I have family in Philadelphia." Needless to say, that was our first and last conversation.

This might sound simple, but in the end, being able to articulate why you want to serve with an organization can mean the difference between getting an interview and getting your resume pitched into the recycle bin.

I'm not going so far as to say that there are right and wrong reasons to serve, however, there are well-thought-out, well-articulated reasons and then there are others. Make sure that you make your reasons clear in these ways:

• Know the organization, understand what they do and show your passion for their passion
• Research the organization
• Read their mission and vision statements
• Focus on their key issues in your personal statement & interview

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)