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Most Recent
Articles for Sector Switchers
10 Tips for Building A Nonprofit Career
Published November 16, 2009 @ 08:29PM PT
There is NO shortage of advice for job seekers with books, blogs, and experts at every corner. I am a proponent of information and obviously, a supporter of career advice (good career advice). Here are my top 10 tips:
- Update your resume. Your resume must be up-to-date at all times as you never know when your dream job will present itself or an employer will request it. If you don't have time to update it, invest time with a resume professional.
- Network: Build your personal and professional networks.
- Track your accomplishments. Can you point to your top five achievements such as where you've displayed leadership, impacted change or contributed to the bottom line?
- Set realistic goals - professional and personal. If you are over committed, you'll never achieve your goals. Be realistic about what you can achieve and how long it'll take you to get there.
- Establish your online brand. Learn all you can about social media, and how to use it in your job search advantage.
- Join a nonprofit Board, volunteer and find your passion.
- Find a mentor (just don't forget to ask them if they are willing to adopt you!).
- Take the time to reflect and ask important questions such as; is this the right time for a change, what is your motivation, or what are your transferrable skills?
- Practice patience and have a back-up plan.
- Do a good job at your current position - you'll need good references to launch your nonprofit career!
Life is a Stage - Join Prize Winners for an Encore!
Published November 11, 2009 @ 10:08PM PT
I am a long-time admirer and follower of Pulitzer Prize winner and columnist, Ellen Goodman. I've admired her writing for as long as I can remember, and appreciate her perspective on so many important issues that are personal and political to me. In fact, if given the choice, she would top the "if you could have dinner with anyone, who would you choose?" list. I've heard her speak on a few occasions, but wish I could have been up front last week when she was a keynote speaker at the Civic Ventures, 2009 Purpose Prize Summit.
At the Summit, 10 Purpose Prize Winners were announced - 10 social innovators, tackling tough social problems in their encore careers and winning awards between $50,000 and $100,000. Where did they find work? In the nonprofit sector - education, job training, climate change, addiction and homelessness. You can read about their work and contributions here, along with watching moving video.
And what did Ellen Goodman have to say about the encore career? As it turns out, she's about to embark on the next phase of her life, "headed straight for the semicolon, that pause between her long career as a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper columnist - and whatever comes next" as she plans the end of her column this year. She told the crowd gathered to honor encore careerists, "I love the phrase ‘encore careers,' and Life is a stage. We are all, always, only in a stage of life. The words are full of showmanship and applause."
If you are trying to figure out your encore career or considering switching sectors, read Encore David Banks, blog post and retelling of Ellen's preparation for the next stage of her life. She's looking forward to it and anxious to see where she'll make a difference. I am not ready for my encore career, but I work with and personally know many people struggling to find their "next" place. The nonprofit sector is a welcoming place with endless opportunities. We won't all win a prize, but each of us can contribute in small (or big) ways to make a difference.
(Photo Credit: www.ellengoodman.com)
6 Things to Learn at a Job Interview
Published November 09, 2009 @ 06:56PM PT
In addition to working with job seekers, I spend a lot of time interviewing candidates for jobs and of course, have interviewed a few times over the years. In fact, I just told a friend to interview for a job because it is "a good learning experience". After applying for the job, she decided she wasn't interested any longer. Of course, I said "you were interested enough to apply, and should definitely hear what they have to say." As it turns out, she is going to interview tomorrow (good luck!). If she is offered the job, she can always turn it down or if she accepts it and loves it (this is what I am betting on), she'll be glad she took my advice.
A recent article posted online at US News and World Report points out how much there is to learn during a job interview. Blogger and writer, Alison Green does a great job of reminding readers that a job interview is all about kicking the tires to see if it's a good fit for you too. You can read her 6 things here and following this, think carefully during your next interview process.
An interview can tell a lot about an organization especially how important decisions are made (does it take 2 months for turn around?) or how employees are treated. Take a close look to gauge the energy level of staff members - do they look tired or disgruntled? If so, it's not a good sign. What about clarity? Have they told you about the process or detailed what the hiring process entails? Or do you feel like they are trying to up-sell you something? Think about all these things and trust your instincts. Bottom line: It is all about wooing potential employees during the interviewing process, and if an agency or organization isn't on their best behavior with company over (company = you, the candidate), it may only get worse.
(photo credit: http://www.best-interview-strategies.com/images/Interview-2.jpg)
Is It True? Great Jobs:No Candidates
Published November 04, 2009 @ 05:11PM PT
There are reports out there that jobs exist, but no qualified candidates especially in health care and social services. Do you believe this? If you are a job seeker with no leads, it may be that you are applying for the wrong job or need a better, more powerful, targeted resume. According to CNN Money's Jessica Dickler, "despite millions of unemployed job seekers desperate for work, many open positions are languishing unfilled. The reason? Not enough candidates."
Industry leaders are reporting that there are jobs, but not enough qualified candidates. As a nonprofit recruiter, it's painful to sift through over 300 applications to only find 5 or 6 qualified candidates that actually meet the minimum qualifications. It's also time consuming for an employer or recruiter to search for relevant information in a resume or cover letter In an effort to ease every one's pain, consider the following two things when writing your next cover letter:
- Read the job description in full, including the part that talks about "minimum or required" qualifications. Chances are pretty good that if you've applied for over 20 jobs in the last 2 weeks, you are blindly submitting applications that you aren't fully qualified for (unless you are a telemarketer or seeking seasonal, retail work!). If the employer is looking for two years of experience, they want a minimum of two years experience, not 6 months. If you find yourself struggling to locate something that fits in the requirements, it's not a good match.
- Make an effort to highlight the skills and qualifications that set you apart from other candidates. For example, if you are highly specialized or skilled, put this information at the top of your resume. Your potential employer spent a lot of time writing and preparing job descriptions and wants to know right away that you "speak the same language". Many employers are willing to step outside the box to look at nontraditional candidates, but many positions require a demonstrated knowledge of specialized software, training credentials or licensure. If you don't have these skills, knowledge or license, you're probably not their ideal candidate.
if you are unsure, have someone else look at the position and/or your resume. Also, read this recent article from CNN Money to learn more about industry trends and don't forget to network, set yourself apart and keep moving forward.
(Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/howardlake/)
It's Official: Register NOW for Nonprofit Boot Camp!
Published November 02, 2009 @ 06:37PM PT
If you are feeling frustrated, disengaged or depressed about your job search, you'll want to learn about the new job seeker boot camp! I am going to co-lead the series with Laura Gassner Otting, author of "Change Your Career: Transitioning to the Nonprofit Sector" and founder and President of the Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group. This Boot Camp promises to be out of the ordinary, engaging and filled with timely and lively discussions to help your job search! Here are the details:
NPAG's "Boot Camp for Nonprofit Job Seekers," four-part series will begin on Thursday, November 18, 2009 at 12 noon (EST). You'll learn the subtleties of nonprofit sector, the best way to craft a winning resume and cover letter, new and improved strategies for networking and a session dedicated to answering your job search questions. Best of all, participants will receive NPAG's nonprofit job seeker workbook, designed with checklists, resources and tools to complete a successful job search.
Boot Camp dates and topics include:
- Working in the Nonprofit Sector, November 18, 2009 12 noon (EST) You'll get a look inside the nonprofit sector to determine if it's the right place for you. Laura and I will lead participants through the sector, talk about the culture and address the many myths and misconceptions about work in the nonprofit sector.
- Craft Your Winning Resume and Cover Letter, December 2, 2009 12 noon (EST) This session will look closely at resume and cover letter design and format. You'll see the good, the bad and the ugly through the eyes of recruiters, and take away important, new knowledge about presenting your best self.
- Improved Job Search Strategies, December 9, 2009 12 noon (EST) Do you feel like you've exhausted all your resources? Or are you losing or lost your motivation? Let us help with your job search strategy with new techniques and sources along with our favorite, best-kept job search secrets!
- Live Question and Answer, December 16, 2009 12 noon (EST) This is the final session where all your questions will be answered. If you can't join the others, take advantage of this lively and informative Q&A session. Questions will be accepted in advance, and you'll definitely want to listen to hear and learn from fellow job seekers.
We are accepting only a limited number of registrants to make this Boot Camp as personal and interactive as possible. Given this, register now for the entire series or just the topic that interests you the most! Don't miss this chance to engage and reinvigorate your job search! Email me (erin@change.org) if you have any questions - I want to hear from you! (Don't let the picture scare you, there won't be any push-ups.)
Green Job Growth - Is the Grass Really Greener?
Published October 28, 2009 @ 07:44PM PT
If you've been thinking about a career change to the nonprofit sector, you may want to consider a "green" job. Many experts believe that we are just at the beginning of job growth in this area. In fact, according to the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society, the number of U.S. jobs directly or indirectly related to energy efficiency and conservation will reach 40 million by 2030.
So, what are these jobs? Work is or will be available in a number of areas (some nonprofit and some not) including air quality, emissions, clean water and clean energy. What does this mean for a would-be green employee? Do your research to determine where your skills are in the highest demand and then, follow the money. NYC (among many others) is taking advantage of federal stimulus dollars to retool, retrain and support organizations in the green sector through 30 new initiative's. According to a recent press release from the Mayor's office, the initiatives - which build upon PlaNYC, the City's comprehensive sustainability plan - will support the creation of 13,000 new jobs, doubling the City's green sector workforce.
The best way to do all this "tracking" is to stay up-to-date through online research and networking. Let Google Alerts do some of the work for you and don't forget to track new funding trends. You can find this information by listening for federal grant announcements, charitable giving initiatives by private foundations or news about newly, launched nonprofit programs.
A recent CNN article provides a lot of useful information especially about WHERE you'll find all this work. If you are "unencumbered" and willing to relocate, there are a number of projected jobs in various places across the country. Think outside the box if you're able to, and pursue a new "green" job in a new place - The grass may be greener after all!
(Photo Credit: http://www.greenernews.com/blogspot.com )
Boo! How To Tell Your Scary Story
Published October 26, 2009 @ 06:59PM PT
October brings apple cider, chilly air, fall leaves and, for many, celebrations of ghosts and goblins with costumed children yelling "Trick or Treat" around the neighborhood. Yet, if you are one of the many staring down a hole in your resume, you might worry that your own professional tale is the spookiest things going this Halloween.
Don't worry, you are not alone. More than half of all employees will, at some point in their lives, get fired. It's a haunting statistic, and one that doesn't even include the many that choose to exit on their own terms before they're officially handed their pink slips. And, while getting fired might very well be the most frightening thing that's ever happened to you, it could, in fact, turn out to be the best thing that's ever happened to you if you muster your authenticity, creativity, courage, and energy to land an even better position.
Ask any person who's been fired for advice, and they usually talk about the danger of being too reactive or not proactive enough in their next job search. The first step, then, is to take a breath and figure out what happened. The sooner you're able to understand why you were fired, laid off, or reduced in staff and then plan for recovery, the faster you'll land your next job. What are some other strategies to consider? Here is a quick list (here's the full article):
- Schedule a party. Yes, a party. It's really important to reach out to your family and friends during this difficult time. Ask for help and take as much time as needed to figure it out.
- Tell your own story. Hopefully the party gave you the chance to heal your spirit enough to launch a new job search. Next, make sure you know how to answer with confidence and honesty the toughest question you'll be asked: "Why were fired?" There are a whole host of reasonable answers that, at once, tell the truth without badmouthing the parties involved; the most important thing, however, is that you should never, ever lie.
- Maximize your references. Don't burn your bridges with a former boss or colleagues, as they can be strategic references moving forward. If you haven't thought about this, it's essential that you think carefully about your references and who they are.
- Press Rewind. If you haven't been in your position for long, go back to those who knew you before you hit this bump and reaffirm your relationship. Former colleagues are an amazing asset during a job search, even those from three or four jobs past. It's important to foster key relationships again as you launch your new job search.
- Be prepared for starts and stops. The reality of the current job market is that it's difficult for all job seekers but, unfortunately, worse for those with a complicated past. If you've got a story to tell, you'll need to be doubly prepared for a bumpy search.
You may feel like you'll never land a new job, but you will. It make take some time and no question, it's a scary time. If you want more advice, read the Boo! in its entirety. Happy Halloween and don't forget the candy corn! (don't you love the pumpkin carving?!)
(Photo Credit: http://www.donotcolorme.blogspot.com)
