Non-Profit Resume Tips

By Mark Swartz
Monster Contributing Writer

More than 1.5 million people work in Canada’s not-for-profit sector. You may already be one of them. Or it could be that you’re looking to move from the for-profit world.

There are lots of good reasons to seek a job in a non-profit. You can choose a particular cause that you support and make a difference through your employment. Hiring standards may be a bit more relaxed than in the private sector. The trade-off is that salaries are typically lower in a non-profit. There are exceptions to these rules, of course.

If you’re trying to land a job at a nonnprofit, the resume you use should reflect this. For the most part it will be just like any other resume. In addition it will contain several unique components that make it distinctly targeted.

Similarities Between Nonprofit and For-Profit Resumes

The nonprofit resume is very similar to a regular version. It focuses on your accomplishments, rather than duties and responsibilities. There should be a summary atop the document that clearly states why you’re qualified for this type of job.

You can choose between styles (e.g. reverse chronological, functional, or mixed). The hard copy should probably be about two pages in length.

You’ll need a scannable version when you’re done. Which means that the resume should be keyword rich. And don’t forget to list in your contact info any social media sites you use for your employment profiles.

Now Add Experience You May Have With Volunteering

In addition to the above, try to add a section labelled “Volunteer Experience.” Here you’d emphasize any exposure to volunteering you’ve had. It doesn’t have to be directly related to the jobs you’re applying for. But it could be important anyway for three reasons.

First of all, it shows that you care enough about a cause that you’ve devoted some of your precious time and skills. Nonprofits often count on volunteers to do work the organization couldn’t otherwise pay for. Showing your dedication in this way suggests you’d be a good fit in the nonprofit sector.

Secondly the volunteering you’ve done may actually be relevant to the job you’re applying for. Tie in the skills you gained as a volunteer to your achievements. Mention if the volunteering you’ve done is in the same field as your target employers.

Thirdly, if you’ve ever managed volunteers, throw this in as well. Especially if having done so is part of the job description or you think it will give you an edge.

And did we mention there’s a possibility your volunteer position could be turned into a paying job?

What Else Have You Done To Support A Cause?

You may not have volunteered your time to a cause before. Don’t let this discourage you. It’s possible you’ve shown interest in other ways.

For instance, if you’re applying to a nonprofit involved with health issues, anything you’ve done that indicates familiarity or affinity toward this is advantageous. Here are some common ways you may have shown support:

· Donated to a related nonprofit group

· Took part in a supportive event (like a walkathon)

· Attended relevant talks or conferences

· Subscribed to or bought connected publications and books

· Signed a petition

Use Your Social Media To Show Your Involvement

A resume can tell the reader about your commitment to causes. Social media can show it.

Facebook and LinkedIn have various groups you can join, and causes you can feature on your profiles. You might want to Tweet appropriately if you have a Twitter account. Post photos on Instagram or Flickr of you at pertinent events. Make a YouTube video describing why you think the issues are important.

Two More Things You May Want To Include

For the most part your resume now looks like a regular one, though with a few added sections. Here are a couple of other elements to consider including.

Nonprofits generally are managed by a Board of Directors. Decision making at the top might be less centralized than in the private sector. So if you have any dealings with boards by all means insert this. This is particularly true the higher up your job is on the ladder.

Finally we’re back to the salary aspect. If you’re worried you might be viewed as too expensive, state in your cover letter and resume that you’re aware of nonprofit compensation norms. That should alleviate concerns that the hiring people might have had.