Kind Advice to Nonprofit Job Seekers

The job market is no picnic these days. So, it’s no surprise that every time I post an opening, resumes, messages, and requests to meet coming pouring in like Niagara Falls during a rain storm.

The folks who hire me often think this is terrific: WOW! Look at all these applicants — our nonprofit must be great!

But here’s the truth: a large portion of those resumes aren’t close to being the right fit. It’s a bit like showing up to the Met Gala in an old track suit and hoping people will think it’s couture.

I’m an outlier search consultant. I thank each applicant for their interest and share the decision-making timeline. But it pains me — because it’s time they’ve spent applying, time I’ve spent reviewing, and a worry that my courtesy reply may unintentionally raise false hope.

So, in the spirit of kindness, here are a few thoughts for nonprofit job seekers who are deciding whether to apply.

1. Relevant experience matters.

In a recent executive search for a human‑service organization, I received applications from people whose sole experience was as restaurant managers, valets, winery staff, real estate professionals, and people with backgrounds in fine arts, veteran affairs, and animal welfare. Many wrote thoughtful cover letters (or asked AI to). But no matter how polished the letter, their experience simply wasn’t aligned.

If I’m receiving bucketloads of applications, you can bet I’m receiving resumes from people who do have directly relevant experience. No matter how cleverly you write, someone who has wrestled with the specific challenges the organization faces will have a leg up.

2. If you do have the right experience, make sure your LinkedIn is current and start networking!

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Yes! My experience is PERFECT for this job,” then update your LinkedIn profile and network your butt off. Find at least one person connected to the organization and check to see if you have any connection to them. If you do, then work that connection, baby. Ideally, they’ll be able to recommend you, or at least, share insights about the organization – insights that might influence what you emphasize in your cover letter.  Real experience and real relationships will help you land in the right spot.

3. If you don’t have senior-level management experience, you’re not ready to be the top banana.

Recent graduates with stellar academic credentials are wonderful gems. But their sparkle doesn’t replace the sleepless nights of balancing budgets, raising money, managing contracts, supervising large teams, working with boards, dealing with HR issues, strategic planning, etc., etc., etc. Get that experience first — then throw your hat into the ring. If it feels like an infinity loop where you want the experience but can’t get your foot in the door, join a nonprofit board or professional trade group where you can get the skills and coaching gratis.

Happy job hunting — truly.

 ---

Pat Libby is a change management consultant working principally with nonprofit corporations. She is author of The Empowered Citizens Guide: 10 Steps to Passing a Law that Matters to You, Oxford University Press, The Lobbying Strategy Handbook, second edition, Oxford University Press, and Cases in Nonprofit Management, Second Edition, Cognella. She has served as an academic, senior executive, board member, and consultant to innumerable nonprofit organizations and foundations for more than three decades.

Want these blog posts sent your inbox? Sign up for Pat Libby's newsletter. Get in touch with questions or to get more information!