Career Q & A
By Michael Mayne
April 18, 2005
I've sent out tons of resumés for an entry-level job in the nonprofit sector, with no results at all. I want to work in nonprofit because of my beliefs, but should I switch to the for-profit sector just to get a job? Please help.
Entry-level positions in any sector are a challenge. For those interested in the not-for-profit arena, it is no different. You have some excellent education, and probably some summer or part-time work experience that can be transferred to your new job. For the new graduate, different strategies are required in order to be successful and get your first "real" job. Simply sending out resumés is the least likely to produce tangible results, as is using recruiters. These are the strategies that attract the most competition.
New graduates should try networking by talking to people they know who may be able to introduce them to others in the sector. Use a method called "Informational Interviewing" - talking to people currently in the sector who may have information about job possibilities. These people are constantly talking to others in their network, and while this can seem intimidating to people not used to it, it is a great method to get your next job. Do not simply call up these people and ask them for a job. Most people are not in the position to give you a job, and would simply feel bad that they couldn't help you. Getting your first job is the byproduct of the informational gathering stage. You want to get information about where the jobs are or will be, and then act on that information with a directed resum$eacute; and cover letter. Consider yourself to be a reporter, interviewing people of interest - it's your interview, so have plenty of questions to ask.
Another great strategy is to volunteer your services with causes you believe in. This can bring you into contact with people in the organization you might like to work in full-time. As jobs become available, you are in an excellent position to be the first to be considered. This also provides great experience and networking opportunities.
Good luck!
Michael Mayne, M.B.A., CMA, is Managing Partner and a Certified Professional Career Counsellor at Catalyst Careers, a Career Transition, Counselling, and Outplacement firm. Michael has been involved in the not-for-profit sector for many years, and is currently President of ALS Canada. To contact Michael, visit: www.catalystcareers.com.
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