Are You Treating Your Non Profit Job Search Like a Job?

When going through your nonprofit job search, you might be thinking how the process feels like a job itself.  Indeed, with all the time and effort you put into finding the right not-for-profit job, it might seem like you are already employed.  Well believe it or not, this is a good thing.  Because the fact of the matter is, the more you treat your job search like a job, the better chance you will have in actually getting the position you desire.

Granted, this can be hard.  It's difficult to convince yourself that sitting at home on the computer browsing a nonprofit job board is your employment, but it really is the best way to get employed fast.  This doesn't mean you have to get dressed up in a suit and tie everyday while you browse (though honestly, it doesn't hurt the effect), but it does mean you should set up a job search schedule for the week.  In fact, I would recommend putting aside 20 hours a week to look for work.  That might sound like a lot; and it is.  However, it doesn't have to be as tedious as it sounds. 

Looking for work doesn't just mean browsing job pages, though that is a part of it.  It also means, however, volunteering and doing some major networking.  So for an example, you could spend a few hours a day looking for nonprofit work on the internet, and the rest of the day attending a networking event in your town.  As long as you have a schedule set up, you will be successful.

When it comes to the normal job search, however, you should be as organized as possible.  Whenever you apply for a job, you should immediately write down what that position was.  That way, you won't waste time looking at a position you have already applied to.  This list will also help you in other ways; it's a good way to keep you motivated (by seeing all the work you have accomplished during the day), and it will help you keep yourself accountable (the same way you would be accountable to your supervisor at work).

All in all, if you treat your job search like the job you want, you will find you will be more successful than if you just do it casually.  Besides, when you actually do get the nonprofit job of your dreams, you will find all the organization you have done will help you do better at your job; it's all about getting yourself in the right frame of mind!