Adriana Modersitzki
Transitioning from the corporate world to non-profit leadership can be an exciting and fulfilling change. However, creating a non-profit leadership resume and cover letter that effectively communicates your transferrable skills and that stands out can be challenging! We discuss the differences in applying for roles with not-for-profit organisations, how to tweak your application to mitigate potential concerns, and the core competencies that are expected for leadership roles.
When framing your resume and cover letter to showcase your skills and experiences, it is important to consider some of the differences between working in the not-for-profit and private sectors.
Sector Difference: Depending on the size of the organisation, some non-profits do not have dedicated HR Managers or recruitment teams. This means the hiring manager may be a leader in the organisation, or a panel of board members with experience in sourcing talent.
Application Modification: Establish who is responsible for conducting the hiring and tailor your application to meet their expectations. For example, an individual without HR training may look for the exact same keywords in your application as their job description, whereas a board panel would look beyond keyword matching and want to understand where you applied those skills.
Sector Difference: Salaries may vastly differ for the same job role in not-for-profit organisations compared to for-profit businesses. This difference is not because they value their people less but because their income is often derived from grants and philanthropic donations and has to be carefully managed across all operating expenditures.
Application Modification: Be aware that when the hiring manager sees that you are transferring from the private sector, they may have concerns about your salary expectations. Address this upfront in your cover letter by briefly explaining why you are committed to this particular cause and organisation, and how your skills and experience align with their goals.
Sector Difference: Regardless of industry, all businesses have a vision and mission they are trying to achieve. Unlike private industries, organisations in the non-profit sector often value their purpose above and beyond other metrics that are measured in businesses.
Application Modification: It’s crucial to research the organisation and understand its mission, values, and cause. This insight will guide you in identifying which skills, qualifications, and experience to highlight in your resume. Sharing a personal life experience that pushed you towards the non-profit sector can also help build an emotional connection with hiring managers and help establish your personal brand.
Sector Difference: One distinguishing factor in the non-profit sector is the focus on volunteer work. Highlighting your philanthropic background shows that you are passionate about helping others and committed to making a difference.
Application Modification: Consider creating a separate section in your resume dedicated to your volunteer work. Ensure these examples clearly articulate how your experiences, skills and motivations are relevant to your application.
Sector Difference: More of a consideration relevant to any move any new industry, is the importance of concisely demonstrating the transferrable skills that are relevant to the position.
Application Modification: Use clear, concise language to explain your accomplishments, skills, and responsibilities. Remember that every industry has its own professional terms, sometimes to describe the same thing. Avoid jargon and corporate-speak, and provide specific metrics to showcase your achievements.
The job advertisement and position description will provide you with a detailed list of the skills and experiences best suited for a not-for-profit leadership position. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the common competencies that you should consider including in your resume.
Even more so than in private business, non-profit leadership roles have a strong figurehead component. You’ll be the face of the organisation out in the community, meeting diverse people, discussing with politicians and industry bodies, and pitching services to collaborate with other businesses.
Committing to the organisation’s vision, mission, and values and cultivating a culture that delivers this is critical. A deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist for different programs is a must for non-profit leadership roles.
Leaders must be familiar with the governing rules, regulations and laws related to non-profit organisations, to effectively oversee and guide operations and strategic decisions. This relates but is not limited to finances, risk, management, recruitment and growth.
Understanding the organisation’s vision and being able to adapt and pivot to meeting changing dynamics is critical. Funding, market needs and new technologies in the not-for-profit world tend to change quickly, so realistic and flexible planning skills are key.
When working with limited finances, resources, and often, many volunteer or unpaid team members, leaders must develop creative ways to keep staff motivated and dedicated to the cause.
Below is a list of other skills frequently found in job descriptions for non-profit leadership positions.
Customising your resume for non-profit leadership roles requires a shift in focus and tone from a traditional executive resume. However, you will still apply many of the same techniques to highlight your transferable skills, emphasise your philanthropic motivations and position yourself as the best fit for the position.
Still unsure about converting your resume for a not-for-profit position?
Our individualised services will elevate your application, display your strategic prowess, and land you those desired roles. With our tailored approach and years of expertise, we’ll take your application beyond the generic and craft a powerful resume and position statement that supports you to achieve your career goals.
Contact us today to understand how we can help you create new career opportunities in the not-for-profit sector.
Let’s make it happen together.
We respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land upon which we live and work, the Ngunnawal people.
We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region, and extend that same respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
