Don't Lowball It: How Guidestar Can Help You Negotiate the Nonprofit Salary You Want

by Rosetta Thurman

categories: Job Hunt Strategy, Salaries & Benefits

Published May 20, 2009 @ 08:11AM PT

Many young professionals get freaked out by the idea of having to figure out the salary ranges for the nonprofit jobs they apply for. You don't want to ask for too much, but you definitely don't want to lowball it either. The goal in any salary negotiation is to obtain the target salary that you would need in order to accept the job. You don't want to accept the first number the organization throws out if it's too low for your needs. But you also don't want to come off as being uninformed about what your position is actually worth. Many job descriptions post a salary range in the ad, but if they don't, you'll have to do some sleuthing to find out what others are earning within the organization. At the very least, you want to be sure you're not asking for more money than the CEO.

Guidestar is a great website to check out the financial information for 1.8 million U.S. charities. Not only can you find out the budgets of these organizations, but you can also view salary data here, too. You can see the salaries of the highest paid employees at nonprofits by looking at their IRS Form 990s that are posted to the site. Usually the most common salary information listed is for the CEO or Executive Director, Deputy Director, Chief Financial Officer, and Development Director.

To get started using Guidestar's resources, you will need to:

1. Register for a free account at Guidestar.org
2. Search for the name of the nonprofit
3. Click on the "Form 990s and Docs" tab of the report
4. Click on the link to the 990 for the most recent year (top of the list)
5. A PDF will come up: page 1 will tell you how much assets the organization has
6. Scroll down to Part V-A, which will tell you the compensation of the CEO (if it is a few years old, calculate for a 3% increase over each subsequent year)
7. Scroll down to Schedule A - Part I, which will show you the compensation of the 5 highest paid employees, as well as how many employees make over $50,000

This obviously won't tell you exactly how much the nonprofit is willing to pay you for your skills and experience, but it does give you a clue as to how much they are compensating everyone else in the organization. If you do your research and find that no one in the organization makes more than $50,000 and your salary goal is $55K, you may be barking up the wrong tree. Do your homework, and you'll save yourself a lot of heartache when negotiating the nonprofit salary you want.

3 Strategies to Build Your Nonprofit Network the Old-Fashioned Way

by Rosetta Thurman

categories: Job Hunt Strategy, Networking

Published May 21, 2009 @ 04:30AM PT

You've heard this many times before. The key to getting your dream nonprofit job is to network, network, network. Well, that's because it's true.  You simply cannot restrict your job search to online job boards and email. Back in the day, before Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, nonprofit leaders actually made connections face to face most of the time. A phone call was more preferable to email, and it wasn't uncommon for hires to be made without a formal interview. These days, technology has made communication much less time-consuming, but the old-fashioned ways of networking still hold true. Most jobs (about 70-85%) are NOT advertised online. That means many nonprofit positions are still filled by someone who knows someone. If you're a young nonprofit professional just starting out, it can be a daunting process to advance your career when you don't know anyone. Here are 3 ways to build your network just like nonprofit leaders did in the olden days.

1. Join a Professional Association: The best thing about nonprofit associations is that they provide you with a ready-made network as soon as you pay your membership fee. Some of the membership dues can be a little pricey, so I suggest you join the ones that are relevant to you.  If you want to get into nonprofit fundraising, I recommend the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Want to work at a nonprofit association? Join ASAE & the Center for Association Leadership. Interested in philanthropy or working at a foundation? Check out Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy. And no matter what kind of nonprofit job you're looking for, you will always meet likeminded folks through the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network or your state nonprofit association.
   
2. Serve on a Committee: This follows from strategy #1 above. Most professional associations have committees that are made up of its members.  Volunteer to join the events or membership committee of the association that's the most relevant to your career goals. You will not only get to know your fellow association peeps better, but your face will be out there for all to see. The key is to build strong ties with those that might be able to help you get a job or advance your career in that particular field. You'll end up learning so much more about your peers and build your leadership skills in the process. A win/win/win for everyone.
3. Attend Nonprofit Conferences: Again, this can get a little pricey, but having the opportunity to meet hundreds of nonprofit professionals in one place is usually worth it. You will meet peers your age as well as experienced nonprofit leaders who could be your next boss. Top-notch annual conferences to attend include: Independent Sector, Craigslist Nonprofit Boot Camp, NTEN Nonprofit Technology Conference, and annual meetings held by your state nonprofit association. Please, whatever you do, don't forget your business cards!

What other networking strategies have worked for you as you start out in your nonprofit career?

Photo credit: Dyxie

You Should Always Be Looking for a New Nonprofit Job

by Rosetta Thurman

categories: Job Hunt Strategy, Networking

Published June 05, 2009 @ 10:13AM PT

Temp Your Way to Your Next Nonprofit Job

by Rosetta Thurman

categories: Job Hunt Strategy, Networking

Published June 09, 2009 @ 05:03AM PT

These days, I meet many young nonprofit professionals who are in-between jobs. They're going to happy hours trying to find leads to their next job, using their online networks to figure out who's hiring, and sending their resume to everyone they know. They're volunteering for good causes and visiting old high school friends in their abundance of free time. In short, they are doing everything but working. If you're unemployed right now and in the midst of a job search, that doesn't mean you can't have a temporary job to bring in the Benjamins while you look for your next permanent gig. Especially if you are a recent grad who needs nonprofit experience for your resume, I would encourage you to consider temping, short-term jobs found through a staffing agency, instead of spending a month working at Red Lobster.

Benefits of Temporary Work

• It's temporary. Most assignments last from a few hours, days, or weeks, making it flexible for you to interview elsewhere and accept a full-time job as soon as you find one.
• You can earn cash at the same time you're looking for a salaried job.
• You can use your temp assignments at various nonprofits to enhance your experience in the field.
• It prevents gaps in employment on your resume.
• You can expand your nonprofit network by meeting lots of different people through various assignments.
• It can help you figure out what type of nonprofit you want to work in. No strings attached means you can leave at any time if you just don't like the work or the organization.
• One of your short-term assignments could turn into a full-time job! Many nonprofits will end up hiring a temp on permanently if they really like you and your work. So, always do a great job!

Here are a few temp agencies that are specifically targeted to nonprofit jobs. Be sure to update your resume before sending it to a staffing firm! This will ensure that you will be placed in a temp assignment that utilizes the best of your skills.

Nonprofit Temp Agencies

Professionals for Nonprofits

Careers in Nonprofits

Nonprofit Staffing Solutions

Jobs in Nonprofits

The One Phone Call That Can Make Your Nonprofit Career

by Rosetta Thurman

categories: Job Hunt Strategy, Networking

Published June 19, 2009 @ 06:59AM PT

Every time you apply to a job, your resume goes into a pile. A big pile. The ones that rise to the top are those that have exceptional qualifications, relevant education and work experience related to the open position. And...those whose names ring a bell. Many applicants are chosen for interviews, and ultimately, jobs simply because their name is known to the hiring organization. But how do you make yourself known to an organization that has never even heard of you, let alone Googled you? One of the best ways to get your name in front of the nonprofit you want to work for is to enlist someone in your network who has a connection to the organization. Put out a query to your email list or your Facebook buddies and ask if anyone knows someone at X nonprofit. They could be former employees, donors, or board members at the particular nonprofit you're applying to. Ask them to make a phone call on your behalf and be sure to thank them for the favor!

Especially if you know someone that knows the hiring manager or CEO of the nonprofit, use that relationship to your advantage. It's a huge leg up when the nonprofit gets an email or phone call, saying "Hey, I know this awesome recent grad named Karen that's interested in the job you guys have open. I think she'd be great for it!"

Nonprofits like to go with people they know or people who know the people they trust. Do your homework and find the people in your network who have connections to the nonprofit you want to work for. Their stellar opinion of you will go further than the average Joe's. You want your name in lights, baby. The stars that stand out are the ones that get job offers.

Photo credit: sweetyetsour.com

Don't Go to Happy Hour for the Martinis

by Rosetta Thurman

categories: Job Hunt Strategy, Networking

Published June 25, 2009 @ 09:52AM PT

In today's whirlwind of social networking on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and countless other online communities, going out to meet people in person may seem unnecessary. Trust me, it's not. One of the best ways for nonprofit job seekers to meet people is still the proverbial happy hour. But because meeting up at a bar has often been negatively associated with drinking too much alcohol and making a fool of yourself, many young professionals have avoided this valuable networking opportunity. Newsflash: you're not supposed to go to professional happy hours for the martinis. I don't care what you do with your friends on the weekends. When you attend a networking happy hour, the game totally changes. This is not the time to do shots at the bar or play beer pong. Professional happy hours are your golden opportunity to make a good first impression on other nonprofit professionals and shine while your light's on.

If You Don't Do Alcohol, Order a Shirley Temple

Contrary to popular belief, not all young professionals drink alcohol. But don't let your abstinence from alcohol keep you from rubbing elbows with people who can potentially lead you to the next step in your nonprofit career. If you don't want to order a glass of wine, order a Shirley Temple or a cranberry juice. No one will know the difference. And for all the lightweights out there like me, if you know you can't hold your liquor, just order one drink and sip on that baby the whole night!

Everyone You Meet Could Be a Resource to You

In this economic downturn, many nonprofits may not be hiring right now. But there will likely still be turnover in organizations, so just because an agency isn't hiring today, doesn't mean they won't have a job for you tomorrow or once the economy rebounds. As a young professional, you may think the only people that can help you in your job search will be older, experienced nonprofit leaders with connections. Don't forget that nonprofit workers your age know people, too. Even someone with the same level of experience as you could serve as a mentor. If you meet a particularly interesting and helpful person, be a dear and buy them a round for their time. People love to help others who also exhibit generosity. The networking process should be a give and take - don't hog too much of people's time or hover over them at the bar!

Where to Find a Nonprofit Happy Hour in a New City

• Your state nonprofit association. They usually have frequent events and networking events you can attend. Visit: http://www.councilofnonprofits.org/salocator
  
• Your local chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network. Most of their networking events are free and will have people from many different types of nonprofits in attendance. Find one here: http://www.ynpn.org
  
• Events hosted by your city or state chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals: http://www.afpnet.org

Good luck in your job search and happy networking!

Maybe It's Not Your Resume, It's You

by Rosetta Thurman

categories: Job Hunt Strategy, Personal Branding

Published July 14, 2009 @ 06:01AM PT

I receive a ton of emails asking me to review resumes for nonprofit jobseekers. I never do it. Why? Two reasons: 1) because there is already a ton of free information out there to help you craft a winning resume (use it!) and 2) because your resume is only part of the equation. Usually, when someone complains about their resume not "working" for them in their job search, what they usually mean is one of two things: 1) no one is calling them for interviews at all or 2) no one is calling them back for second interviews. Take this email I received recently from an anxious jobseeker:

I've been reading your articles and they are very informative.  A lot of your information I have applied to my job search. Unfortunately, it has not worked in my favor.  I am a 2008 graduate.  A lot of my experience has been volunteer management, event planning, and community relations, and I am looking for a position that will combine all interest.  However, I have not been successful.  Do you have any advice?  If it possible that I can email you my resume and get your feedback?  Any information would be most valued.

The first thing I thought after getting this message in my inbox was, maybe it's not your resume, it's you. Now I don't know the person who wrote me this email from Adam. But I felt it was important to point out that in many cases, your resume may not be your only barrier in finding a job.

Are you applying for the right jobs?
You're more likely to get called for an interview if your previous experience or education matches the job you're applying for. Most of job searching is about perception. Your task is to help your potential employer perceive you as someone who is perfect for the job, which is difficult if you have no skills or experience whatsoever that are relevant to the job opening. There are, however, some ways to make yourself look as if you've been "in the field" if you want to branch out into a new direction. I suggest you join the most respected professional association for that particular job area. Also think about volunteering for some of your local nonprofit organizations that deal with the causes you want to work on.

Is your reputation holding you back?
Were you fired from a previous nonprofit job? Did your former boss complain about you showing up late for work, taking long lunch breaks and arguing with your co-workers? If there has been any controversy surrounding your nonprofit career, word gets around. If the organization you're applying for happens to know the folks at your previous job, they WILL call them to get the skinny on you - even if your former employer is not on your reference list. In the search firm world, this is called "going off list" and is a totally legit way for your potential employers to obtain information about you. I have received stellar resumes in the past for open positions, but when I checked their references, their whole persona fell apart. Seemingly competent people ended up being perceived as troublemakers in their former positions. be vigilant in monitoring your reputation in the nonprofit field. Never leave your job on bad terms and never burn your bridges. You will definitely need them in the future!

Did you bomb your first interview?
Again, let me remind you that although your resume can get your foot in the door, the rest of the process is about how well you perform in the interview and how you are perceived. If you land an interview, don't take it for granted that you've got a good chance at getting the job. Make sure you practice your responses to every possible interview question so you're not caught off guard. Your mouth could blow it for you if you complain about your previous employer or roll up in there smacking your gum. And please don't ask about salary or benefits during a first interview. That's like talking about marriage on the first date. The hiring manager's thinking, "Whoa, not so fast. Let's see if we even want to hire you first, then we can start talking compensation." Here are more tips to help you figure out why your interview did not go well.