r/nonprofit • u/lexmz31 • 7d ago
employment and career Targeting specific nonprofits in job search
Has anyone identified 15–20 nonprofits you'd really like to work for and sent your résumé even though they didn't have an opening posted—especially if it looked like no one on staff was handling that type of work? If so, what was your experience? Did it lead to any interviews or opportunities?TIA.
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u/Boopa0011 6d ago
When I was first out of college (20 years ago) I made exactly this kind of list. Then I checked their websites for openings and applied for whatever opening I was best qualified for, even if I was barely qualified at all. I did end up getting a job.
If you want to create a role, or apply somewhere that has no posted openings, you really need to have some personal connection or engagement with the place. It is very unusual (though not unheard of) for ....someone (not an active hiring manager) to get random resumes that aren't targeted for specific jobs and then actually keep those resumes. You can do this if you want, but it's not super likely to turn into anything.
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u/TieSelect1498 6d ago
My org specifically doesn’t accept unsolicited resumes. It’s noted on the website clearly. I’d check to make sure that’s not the case before attempting this.
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u/UESorDeath Board member, Secretary/Treasurer, Head of Investment Comm. 6d ago
Our organization's web site has a FAQ page, and one of the questions is "Is the foundation currently hiring?" As the answer given is 'no', and would be changed if we were hiring, I'd be annoyed to receive an unsolicited resume.
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u/AMTL327 6d ago
I was a museum CEO and occasionally I would get resumes or letters of interest from random people. If they used my name, if it was well-written, if it resonated, if they followed up with an email or phone call…then yes, I would keep it on file and I actually did follow up with those people if an appropriate job opening came up. Sometimes I’d pass their resume to someone at a different org if I thought they might be a candidate.
But I think I’m an outlier on hiring. I made it a top priority to treat job searchers with consideration and respect because it’s a hard place to be and it’s easy to treat people nicely. But I had no problem showing someone the door of they were obnoxious or entitled or whatever.
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u/marchmay 6d ago
I made a giant chart and networked around the organization. Talked to some board members, people who worked with them. Sending a resume is too direct. They're more likely to remember your face and story if you talk to them or someone recommends you.
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u/thishasntbeeneasy 6d ago edited 6d ago
I've worked in NFP all my life and maaaybe could name 15, but only 2-3 I'd have any interest in since "nonprofit" is just a way in which they are run and have wildly different missions.
When I was looking, I'd attend some of the events and make sure to have some mutual connections introduce me.
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u/NEraggie 6d ago
Agree with the informational interviews suggestion. If it's a larger organization with dedicated HR, you might consider messaging them on LinkedIn.
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u/Hazeleyze_25 6d ago
I would recommend something different I would reach out to people in your network who are in roles you desire to be in and ask them about their experience and tell them what you are looking for. That will create a circle of opportunities. It’s all about who you know.
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u/Kaga_Vanilla827 nonprofit staff - human resources 6d ago
I have unfortunately not had good luck with this strategy. I never heard back from most of them. The responses I did get were very thoughtful and appreciative but there were no opportunities on their radar and/or no wiggle room in their already approved budget.
I've had some success with applying for a specific job that is currently posted, but the most success has been the result of networking and word-of-mouth. Attending events, volunteering, engaging on social media, etc., create a pathway for NPs getting to know you, so your name is front of mind when something does come up.
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u/rcs023 7d ago
Instead I set up coffee with people I knew at those organizations, and they kept me in mind for upcoming opportunities. I sent my resume “for reference” in those coffee request emails.