Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/31/2011

Good-bye August, hello September!  The beginning of the new month brings the approach of Fall, the end of Summer, and a new issue of The NonProfit Times.  Check our website tomorrow for articles from the new issue, which focuses on the 9/11 tenth anniversary.  In the mean time, check out today's top nonprofit jobs:

• CEO at Equest: The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for: •Leading and developing a team of 31 employees •Administration and support for the Board of Directors; assistance with strategic planning; implementation of strategic and operational plans
• Online Fundraising Coordinator at Souther Poverty Law Center: The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a nationally known nonprofit organization located in Montgomery, Alabama, seeks an Online Fundraising Coordinator. The SPLC is a dynamic organization that advocates for social change through litigation, public policy advocacy, and education. A successful candidate in this new position will join a team of enthusiastic fundraising and communications professionals to establish and advance SPLC’s online fundraising efforts.
• Senior VP, Animal Health Services at ASPCA (FEATURED JOB!): This position will: Provide leadership to Animal Health Services teams including the Animal Poison Control Center, Spay/Neuter Operations, and Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. Providing guidance on strategic development and alignment with the long-range ASPCA goals.

Job Skills: Which Ones Will Help You The Most?

Being proficient in a particular field of work is the main criteria that an employer will judge you on.  If you don't have the necessary experience for that position, you likely won't get the job.  This is not the only job skill you will be judged on, however.  There are many other seemingly unrelated job skills you should hone if you really want to get a leg up on the competition. 

The first of these job skills is being able to deal with customers.  You might not realize it, but there are many nonprofit jobs where you will have to deal with clients.  If you work in marketing, for example, you will most likely have to communicate with people to help promote your organization.  You might not need as much customer service forte as someone working a call center, but having some skills in that area will help you out no matter what position you apply for.

Having a good understanding of technology is also an important skill to have.  If you have even basic knowledge on subjects like HTML, social media, and technology in general, you will have a built-in advantage over other candidates who might not be as skilled in that area.  Consider taking continuing education courses in some (if not all) of these subjects at your local colleges.  If money's an issue, try connecting with friends who might be able to teach you the basics. 

You will often seen many job applications stress the importance of being a good problem solver.  This statement is so ubiquitous that is often ignored by most job seekers.  This is a mistake.  Being able to solve problems is key for any nonprofit job.  Nonprofits are bombarded by various different issues everyday, so it is necessary to have the personality to handle these problems.  Everyone can solve problems, but not everyone has the ability to come up with a solid process to solve them efficiently.  If you have ever been in a situation where you have had to do this, make sure it is mentioned in your resume or cover letter.

Which of these job skills is the most important?  I would argue that having a solid understanding of technology will help you the most.  We live in a digital world now, and many nonprofits are looking to take their organizations online.  While most everyone knows how to use sites like Facebook, not everyone knows how to use them to help promote a business.  In the competitive job market we live in, you must use every advantage you have at your disposal.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/30/2011

Here are today's top nonprofit jobs:

• Membership Fundraising Manager at The Nature Conservancy: The Membership Fundraising Manager is responsible for the coordination of 16+ annual direct marketing initiatives intended to upgrade current donors. This position works with his/her supervisor to make and implement strategic recommendations which respond to market conditions, organizational priorities and donors’ interests.
• Director of Major and Planned Gifts at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is currently considering applicants for the position of Director of Major and Planned Gifts. The Director of Major and Planned Gifts reports to the Vice President of Development and is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to secure gifts five and six figure gifts, including researching, targeting, cultivating, soliciting, securing, renewing and stewarding major gifts to achieve annual and long-range fundraising goals.
• Controller at The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging: The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging is seeking an experienced controller who will be responsible for directing the fiscal operations of the $5+ million association including accounts payable and receivables, budget development, financial reporting and the annual audit. This position provides support to the CEO with the respect to grant management under OMB, human resources, and payroll.

Using LinkedIn To Follow Employers

We've talked a lot about how LinkedIn is an invaluable tool to help your individual networking, but did you many people are using it as a way to narrow their job search?  There is a feature on the social networking site called the "Follow Company" button.  Simply search for the nonprofit you are thinking of applying to, click the follow button, and all of that organization's activities will be added to your news feed on LinkedIn.  This will give you a better idea of whether the company is hiring, and can also show you the background of candidates that are being hired.  This is a useful feature because it will show you the kind of qualifications you will need, as well as the kind of competition you are up against.

The Follow Company feature also allow you to keep an eye on how many other people are following the nonprofit in question.  If there are a lot of people checking out the organization, you should be prepared for a tough challenge.  Not as many followers will mean less competition, but it could also mean it's not that great of an organization. 

LinkedIn employer profiles include valuable information you should review before applying.  This includes things like how long employees usually work there, the average age range, and more.  The average tenure of employees is a particuarly useful statistic, because it will give you an idea of the turnover rate.  A high turnover sometimes indicates problems within the organization.

Job seekers have been looking for ways to organize their job search for a long time, and this LinkedIn feature allows them to take a step towards that goal.

Employee Recruitment And Retention Aren't Enough

Hope everyone stayed safe during Hurricane Irene this weekend.  I was lucky that my area wasn't affected that badly.  Blogging is going to be slightly lighter today, so I'm going to leave you with this hiring tip that was recently posted on our website:

Across the globe, employers are concerned that they are faced with a workforce that is aging and a talent pool that is undereducated, un-or under-motivated and showing shortages in many critical areas.

These problems pose challenges for almost everyone, but they can be especially critical for nonprofits, which usually operate with smaller staffs than for-profits and rely on energetic, dedicated employees.

Recruitment and retention programs can help address the problem, but by themselves they are not capable of solving it.

Jeffrey Akin and Brenda Worthen, in their essay “Managing the Impending Workforce Crisis,” which appears in the book Capturing the People Advantage , argue that five specific practices will help organizations develop platforms capable of addressing emerging talent demands in a sustainable way.

• Redefining knowledge management. Knowledge embedded in IT often can't adapt or grow to meet changing needs. Knowledge resides in people, not technology.

• Fostering flexibility. This can come in the form of cross-functional or cross-business unit career mobility, job sharing, part-time work, flexible work schedules, etc.

• Supporting transparency. Just as clients want to know what is going on, talented people want their organizations to share information that could affect their careers.

• Decoupling resources from locations. Although globalization can create instability, it can create a more stable supply of talent.

• Breaking down silos. Organizations must abandon structures that rationalize the flow of information up and down the chain of command.

Take Advantage Of Job Search Resources

There is no doubt that we are living through one of the worst job markets in recent history.  It's also one of the more frustrating ones; everytime things seem to be getting back on track, we get smacked in the face by reality.  Despite all of these problems, job seekers are in a better position when it comes to the amount of job search resources they have at their disposal. 

Online job boards did exist a decade ago, but they have become more robust than they ever were.  The features of these boards have improved as technology advanced.  It's not uncommon for a typical job bank to have extensive search filters to make your search simpler.  The rise of social media has also made the job hunt a lot smoother.  Sites like Facebook and LinkedIn have made it much easier to network than it ever was.  Traditional networking events still have their place, and I'd still recommend attending them, but that's no longer the only avenue available.  A big part of getting a job is who you know, and social media makes it much easier to get that inside edge.

Keep your head up job seekers.  Things may be gloomy, but you have a lot more resources at your disposal.  Make sure you take advantage of all of them to give you a leg up in this tough economy.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/25/2011

Do you want to have weekly updates about nonprofit careers delivered to your inbox?  Sign up for our nonprofit jobs e-newsletter today and get links to the top nonprofit jobs of that week, as well as helpful career advice articles.  It can be hard to consistently follow this blog on a daily basis, so you can think of our newsletter as a summary of what you would find here.

• Development Officer at Georgia Historical Society: Under the general supervision of the Chief Operating Officer, the Development Officer is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating a development plan designed to obtain philanthropic support to achieve GHS’s organizational and financial goals. The candidate will support the fundraising efforts of the CEO, the Board of Curators, and others, to raise funds to meet specific measurable fundraising goals, and to monitor progress against those goals.
• Senior Program Manager at Freedom House: This senior staff position in the programming area of Freedom House requires knowledge of Internet freedom issues and effective program and grant management skills. The Senior Program Manager will report to the Deputy Director of Programs. The position is contingent on funding.
• Major Gift Officer at Framingham State University: The Major Gift Officer will help create and initiate fundraising objectives for the University and will be responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating and closing major gifts of $25,000 and higher from alumni and friends. Additionally, this position will play a key role in the strategy and execution of future fundraising objectives. The interested candidate should possess a strong history of fundraising, preferably in a higher education setting and must be a highly energetic professional with a track record of building donor relationships and closing major gifts.

Job Search Frustrations and Solutions

There is no question that the job search is really frustrating these days. It seems like everyday there is negative news about the job market. How is anybody supposed to function in such a terrible climate? It's times like these where the frustration can really reach an all time high when looking for nonprofit jobs. It's how you deal with this frustration, however, that will determine how succesful you will be looking for work.

The most common job search advice you will get when it comes to dealing with this kind of adversity is to just hang tough and keep looking. The prevailing wisdom goes that nothing can be gained from walking away from the search for just a little bit. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Think about it: When you are at your most agitated, it is almost impossible to anything at a high level. And when it comes to finding work, that is one of the most important things. Any little mistake could severely damage your chances at getting that job, so your mind needs to be clear.

So the next time you start feeling frustrated, do yourself a favor: Walk away from the computer and do something you truly enjoy. Hang out with some friends, watch a movie, go bowling. It really doesn't matter what you do as long as it puts you in a better frame of mind. That way you will be refreshed and ready to to start again when you get back.

Let's get one thing clear: This isn't going to guarantee you are never going to get frustrated again. If we're being honest with ourselves, it's probably going to happen a lot more. That's just the nature of the job search these days. What this will do, however, will increase the quality of your work. It might even make it more enjoyable for you. It's so easy to get burnt out, and as long as you are working hard, these breaks can be a sort of reward for you.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/24/2011

If you already work at a nonprofit job, be sure to participate in NPT's Best Nonprofits To Work For 2012.  There are plenty of great nonprofits out there, so make sure your organization is represented!  The deadline to register is October 14th, which is coming up faster than you think. 

• Manager of Annual Giving at Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles: The Manager of Annual Giving is responsible for the design, implementation, and management of GSGLA individual fundraising campaigns including Annual Giving, Family Partnership, and Staff Giving. Responsible for meeting annual goal of $500,000. Reports to the Sr. Manager of Donor Relations.  (Note: This is a featured job.)
• Executive Director at SBA of Houston Gulf Coast: Do you want to make a difference in the lives of people? Have you shown drive and leadership in instituting a vision? Have you surpassed fundraising targets by uniting funders and programs around a just cause? Do you have a passion for helping those with disabilities? If you answered yes to these questions, the Executive Director (ED) position in the SBA of Houston Gulf Coast may be the job for you!
• Director of Grants Compliance at ASPCA: The Director of Grants Compliance is responsible for assisting the Vice President of Grants Management and the Grants Coordinator in several aspects of grant management for all departments at the ASPCA. This position is primarily responsible for assisting the department with adherence to its strategic plan, due diligence and legal/best practices compliance, budget maintenance and marketing of the ASPCA’s grant programs.

Three Huge Job Interview Mistakes

Mistakes can be easy to make with something as nerve-wracking as a job interview.  You will most likely end up making some minor blunders no matter how hard you try, so don't get too discouraged.  There are some errors, however, that have bigger ramifications.  Let's take a look at three of the biggest job interview mistakes you should avoid:

• Showing up too early.  Did you know that showing up to the interview too early can be just as bad as showing up late?  Interviewers are very busy, and showing up when you are not supposed to be there can make them feel like they have to stop what they are doing to deal with you.  What exactly is too early?  I'd say showing up any earlier than 10 minutes before your interview is pushing it.  If you do end up arriving earlier than expected, wait at a local coffee shop or some other location before going to the office.
• Mixing up details.  Make sure you get all of the details of the organization right.  Nothing is more embarrassing than confusing the workings of one nonprofit with another one to which you applied.  On a related note, you should be sure to know the name of your interviewer.  It might seem like a minor mistake, but it's one that you can be judged harshly one.
• Trash talking former employers.  Let's face it: There are some jobs that you had that you simply hated.  That doesn't mean you should express that hatred during the interview.  Hiring managers don't want to hear negativity from potential employees.  This doesn't mean you have to lie if you are asked why you left that company.  You can simply state that the work environment wasn't right for you, and that you wanted to explore greater opportunities.

There you have it: The three deadly sins of job interviews.  Do you have any others you think I left out?  Feel free to share them in the comments section below.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/23/2011

Wow, an earthquake on the east coast.  That was certainly the last thing I ever expected to experience.  The whole building was shaking, and we were all evacuated.  According to reports, the quake originated near DC, and was between 5.8-6.0 in magnitude.  I also read that Colorado experienced it's largest earthquake in 40 years.  This was certainly one way to make the day more exciting.  Anyway, back to our regularly scheduled program:

• Director of Special Events at American Lung Association: Working with staff and volunteers throughout the State of New York, the Director of Special Events will have primary responsibility for fundraising for major special events. This includes our Signature Fight for Air Climb Series, Fight for Air Walks and Corporate events.
• Education Manager at American Hospital Association: The Education Manager provides staff leadership and expertise to the curriculum and program management of a portfolio of AHRMM’s professional development / educational programming. Manages the delivery of educational programs that meet the organizational objectives in the strategy map, and as directed by the board.
• Administrative Assistant at Partners in Care: Partners in Care, a respected leader in home health care, is seeking an Administrative Assistant to assist the President by performing a variety of related administrative and secretarial functions. Duties including but are not limited to: coordinating the daily activities and appointments of the President, filing; screening phone calls; and handling confidential information with discretion.

6 Ideas For Your Cover Letter

From The NonProfit Times Management Tips page:

Resumes seem to have a set form while cover letter get free reign. Don’t forget that the creativity behind a cover letter still needs some guidelines, according to Bruce A. Hurwitz, vice president of New York City-based Joel H. Paul & Associates, Inc., a national executive search firm for the nonprofit sector.

Hurwitz set the ground rules for cover letters at Fundraising Day in New York held by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater New York Chapter.

Check out his cover letter checklist:

-Short and sweet. This isn’t your college thesis and potential employers don’t have time to read a novel. Keep your cover letter to the point.

-Use bullets. Bullet points draw the eye to the most important information.

-Credentials. Tell them why you would be the perfect fit for the job. Point out how you’ve solved problems or made decisions at prior jobs.

-Contact information. Papers get separated. Make sure your contact information is on the cover letter. Try not to include any ridiculous e-mail addresses.

-In closing. Hurwitz said to have an appreciative close to the letter. It shows you are grateful to be considered for the position.

-Proofread. Spelling mistakes will put you in the “no” pile fast. Spell check, proofread, give it to someone else to proofread and then repeat. There’s no room for errors.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/22/2011

Do you want to stay up-to-date on the latest nonprofit jobs?  Sign up for The NonProfit Times' weekly jobs newsletter!  It contains links to three of the best jobs posted on our career center, as well as an article.  This is a very helpful resource for any job seeker, so sign up today.

• Nurse Practitioner at Verde Valley Medical Center: Nurse Practitioner program with specialty in cardiology required.  Three years in acute care cardiology setting required, intensive care preferred.  One year an a NP required, two years preferred.  Current AZ AORN and CNS-Medical Surgical or NP ANCC or AANP certification required.  ACLS required.  CCRN preferred.
• Associate Director-Integrated Marketing at American Diabetes Association: The American Diabetes Association is seeking a dynamic marketing professional for the role of Associate Director, Integrated Marketing to oversee national strategy for the American Diabetes Association EXPO event as well as implementation of integrated marketing and promotional strategies at the local market level.
• Manager ePhilanthropy and Emerging Technologies at American Humane Association: Responsible for organizing, implementing and managing a comprehensive Interactive Media-based program of soliciting gifts electronically (online and through emerging technologies such as mobile marketing or social media). Duties range from broad-based website driven initiatives to customized approaches for major gift prospects.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/19/2011

Here are today's top nonprofit jobs:

• Senior Director, Finance at APLU: Overall responsibility for preparing financial and management reports, and the presentation of findings and specific recommendations to senior management •Ability to analyze financial data, statements and projections; extensive experience using integrated accounting software; proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.  (My Take: This is a featured job, so don't wait to apply!)
• President, The Keystone Foundation: This person will be responsible for overseeing the organization’s fundraising, marketing and communications efforts including overall corporate giving, corporate and foundation grants, Board of Trustees relations, “big picture” management of the various fund raising events, annual, individual and major gift/planned giving, and all public relations, marketing and publications activities.  (My Take: This is a pretty high profile position, so be prepared for a ton of work if you get it.)

NPT Jobs Recommends: 8/17/2011

Here's a few job articles to get you through the rest of the day:

• 'How NOT to Start Your Cover Letter'-This article contains a great example of a cover letter opening for a nonprofit job.  Definitely check this sample out before writing yours.
• 'Open Job Interviews'-Learn everything you ever wanted to know about open job interviews in this insightful article by About.com.
• 'How to Stay Employed'-Once you get that job, you need to make sure you continue to work there.  This article explains things you can do to help accomplish this.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/17/2011

Sorry for not posting one of these yesterday.  I had a pretty busy schedule, so my blogging time was very limited.  So without further delay, here are today's top nonprofit jobs:

• Foundation Relations Officer at Student Conservation Association:  Positioned out of our Chicago, IL office the successful candidate will manage and grow a portfolio of regional (Midwest, Northeast) and national donors as well as work in collaboration with a four-member team of Foundation Relations Officers (FROs) charged with raising more $6 million annually, and a 20-member Advancement Department raising more than $10 million annually.  (My Take: For those not that familiar with nonprofit positions yet, this is a fundraising position.)
• Director of Capital Campaign Gifts at American University: The Director of Capital Campaign Gifts is one of the major gifts fund raisers American University Washington College of Law. This position works directly with the Associate Dean on building campaign planning and execution, prospect management issues and overall stewardship and comprehensive campaign issues.  (My Take: This is another fundraising position.  Capital campaigns are the most common way for nonprofits to raise money, and they are usually done over a short period of time.  As such, you should be prepared for an intense work environment.)
• Western Division Director of Philanthropy at Trust for Public Land: As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Division Director of Philanthropy is responsible for managing all fund raising strategies for the Western Division, overseeing locations in the following states: CA, CO, HI, MT, OR, & WA.  (My Take: You will be responsible for all sorts of tasks in this position.  Taking a quick glance at the job requirements, I saw that you will have to do some grant writing and have some experience in closing major gifts.)

Re-Post: Tips to Speed Up Your Search for Nonprofit Work

When unemployment hits, it can be hard to get your job search up and running.  Getting laid off from your current job is usually unexpected, so how is one supposed to speed up the search for nonprofit work?  This is going to sound like work, but bear with me: you should start preparing for your job search even if you currently have a job. This can be hard to convince yourself to do, especially if you really enjoy the work that you do.  In today's unstable climate, it is best to be prepared for the worse.

How can you start this preparation?  You should first make sure to have your resume up-to-date. That way you will instantly have a resume ready to send out if you suddenly get laid off. You should also make sure that the voice mail on your cell phone (or other contact number) is professional sounding, so that potential employers will immediately have a good first impression of you.  It's also a good idea to set up a separate e-mail address for not for profit jobs to contact you. It can be very easy to accidentally delete a job offer if it is cluttered with the rest of your personal e-mail messages.

You should also make sure to not just use nonprofit job boards, but also to sign up for newsletters that send nonprofit jobs directly to you! For instance, we offer a weekly newsletter dedicated to nonprofit jobs, so you should be sure to sign up for The NonProfit Times jobs newsletter.  I would also recommend following our Twitter account so that you are informed almost immediately when new jobs added. There are other job services out there as well, so be sure to sign up for as many as you can.

Finally, before you start your job search for the day, consider making a list of everything you hope to accomplish. It may seem silly, but setting these daily goals can really help you stay focused. Job hunting can be tough and frustrating, so having the satisfaction of meeting these daily goals can keep you going.

Job Seeking Tips From The NonProfit Times

I thought I would share this article that was posted a while back on The NonProfit Times.  It was from two years ago, but the ideas still apply to today's job market:

Professional development can help you get to your ultimate career destination, but there are many paths to get there, according to James Weinberg, founder and CEO of Boston-based Commongood Careers.


Weinberg explained that heading back to school isn’t the only way to develop your career at NTEN’s 2009 Nonprofit Technology Conference.


* Graduate programs. These can be costly. Make sure you are in a high-quality program that fits what you want to learn.


* Workshops. This also is expensive. Some workshops guarantee certificates, but check to see if that piece of paper means anything for your professional career.


* Self-education books. Some times your best teacher would be yourself. Look for books or online courses that can help.


* In-house mentors. Ask a competent colleague or supervisor for guidance.

You can read the full article over at the NPT website.

Job Follow Up: Being Persistent Vs. Being A Pest

There's a very fine line between being a persistent and being a pest when doing a job follow up.  If you push too hard you risk turning off your contact.  But, not pushing hard enough can cost you.  How do you hit this perfect balance?  Let's do a little compare and contrast to make this clear.

Being Persistent:

• Sending a polite "thank you" message after you get home from an interview.
• Inquiring on the status of your job application five to seven days after sending it in.
• Wait a week to a week and a half before each additional follow-up.
• Your messages are brief and cordial. 

Being a Pest:

• Sending a follow-up message almost immediately after you send in your job application.  Anything less then five days is too soon.  Countless applications are sent in everyday, so give the employer time.
• This applies to the rest of your messages.  Hiring managers love to see persistence in a candidate, but they also don't want their inboxes flooded with messages.
• The whole point of your follow-up messages is to show that you really want the job.  There's no need to send over an essay.  All you have to do is a send a brief note saying that you are really excited about the opportunity to work at the organization.  You can then politely ask if they have any update on the status of your application.
• Make sure you aren't coming off as too nosey or desperate in your messages.

If you don't hear back from an employer after two or three follow ups, it's time to close the book on that opportunity.  If you do hear back, pay close attention to the language they use.  Refrain from sending anymore messages if you see statements like "I will contact you when I have an update."  Just thank them for all of their help, and back off.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/15/2011

There was some sad news in the nonprofit sector this weekend: Peter Goldberg, the CEO of Families International, passed away after sufferring a massive heart attack.  He was 63.  Our thoughts go out to his friends, family, and colleagues.  If you have time, I'd urge you to read more about Peter Goldberg.  I never met him myself, but he sounded like a remarkable man.

• Director of Human Resources at National Nurses United: The California Nurses Association/National Nurses United ("CNA/NNU") is seeking an experienced Human Resources Director to manage the Human Resources Department and direct human resource functions serving a national staff of more than 200 employees.  (My Take: I had recently heard that these types of positions were becoming more popular, so expect some heavy competition for this one)
• Director of Development at Florida Immigrant Advovacy Center: Director of Development will be responsible for fund raising, strategic planning and public relations functions for the organization. Under supervision of the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Development is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing a comprehensive plan for raising operating funds and diversifying the funding sources to include corporations, foundations, major individual supporters, direct mail efforts, and special events.  (My Take: Please note that they list an Advanced Degree as a plus.  This isn't always the case, but when a job description lists something as a "plus," it usually means it is a quality they would really like.)
• Chief Operating Officer at The Trudeau Institute: The Trudeau Institute, Inc. is seeking a Chief Operating Officer. This position is responsible for the executive oversight of the Institute’s scientific and business strategies. The COO will ensure that sufficient human, financial, technological, informational, and material resources are available for the success of the Institute’s business relationships, organizational structures, and motivational schemes and processes.  (My Take: This is a very high level position, as you might imagine.  You should have an extensive medical background for this position.)

Quick Resume Tips

Writing a resume is usually the first thing you will do before starting your job search.  Although it might seem like a simple task, there's a lot more to it than meets the eye.  Here are some handy resume tips I have thrown together to get you started:

• Include only the most recent companies for which you have worked.  A job you had 10-15 years ago will be of little relevance to the employer.
• Try to only list jobs that are relevant to the position for which you are applying.
• Always include an "objective" at the top of your resume.  Here you will reveal what you hope to get out of your resume.  Make sure you put the text in bold so that it is clearly visible to the reader.  The resume objective is often overlooked, but it's very important.
• Try to limit your resume to one page.  This isn't a deal breaker, but it will show you are able to write important information in a concise manner.
• Don't use flashy fonts.  You do want your resume to catch the reader's eye, but this shouldn't be done at the expense of professionalism.  The only styles that should be used are bold and italics. 
• Be sure to include keywords that are relevant to the position.  You can find the correct terms to use by looking through the description of the job you want.
• Make sure to list your name and address at the top of the page.  List it again if you have a second page.
• Don't just explain what you did at your various jobs, say how it helped the company.  If you did blogging for a company, for instance, mention how it helped increase traffic to their website.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 8/12/2011

Here are today's recommended job articles:

• 'What to Avoid on LinkedIn'-Not everything on LinkedIn is helpful.  ResumeBear lets you know what you should avoid when you use the site.
• 'How to Get Your Resume in Front of the Right Person'-Thousands of people submit resumes everyday: How do you make sure that yours gets seen?  USA News gives advice on who you should send your resume to.
• Looking to brush up on your nonprofit skills?  Tune into Tony Martignetti's nonprofit radio show.  It contains useful advice on all things nonprofit, making it perfect for those who have no experience in the sector.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/12/2011

Happy Friday everyone!  Do you have anything exciting planned for the weekend ahead?  Here are some nonprofit jobs you can consider before you head into what looks to be a beautiful weekend:

• Associate Director of Development at The Burke Rehabilitation Hospital: Under the general direction of the Chief Development Officer, the Associate Director will support all fundraising efforts and initiatives including the annual fund, direct mail and special events. This position will help to establish relationships with key stake holders and prospective donors and help implement the Development Department’s strategic plan.  (My Take: This is a fundraising position, so make sure you are excellent with numbers.  Good conversational skills are also helpful).
• Finance Director at SeaView Community Services: The Finance Director will manage the fiscal operations of SeaView Community Services including AP, AR, fixed assets, payroll, GL, fund accounting, capital grants, financial analysis & reporting, audit preparation, and agency budgets. Experience in facility management for 3 commercial buildings a plus, including maintenance, tenant leases, etc.  (My Take: At 50 employees, this is not a huge company, but it does very important work. I could see this being a job that is in high demand).
• Association Executive at Columbia-Greene Board of REALTORS: Professional real estate association of 400+ members seeks outgoing individual to partner with its leadership in managing its Association. Candidate must demonstrate excellent oral and written skills. Minimum 3 years management experience is required. Experience in providing member education, innovative programs and enhanced services are a plus.  (My Take: Real estate isn't exactly a booming industry right now, but this looks like a solid position.  Do take note of the requirements.)

Personal Branding: How To Market Yourself

Did you know that you can be a brand? You will find much more success in your job search if you market youself just like a product. Before you start breaking out the film cameras and filming a commercial, let me explain a little more. Take a look at all the things that represent you, both online and in your appearance. What does your Facebook page say about you? Does it paint you in a good light, or is it embarrassing What about your e-mail address? Are you still using that funny username you made when you were younger? If there is any doubt in your mind about these questions, you need to start changing them to improve your personal branding.

Nonprofits go through many qualifications when hiring a new employee. They will want to know not only whether the individual has the right skill setfor the job, but also whether they are a quality person. These organizations are not going to want to soil their image by hiring people who don't seem professional. That's why you must clean up your image immediately to make yourself marketable. Let's start with your Internet presence. Whether it's fair or not, your online personais fair game for potential employers. This doesn't mean you have to make your Facebook or Twitter into sterile environments, but it doesn't mean you need to think twice about what you write or share. Here are some things you should avoid:

*Refrain from using profanity in your status updates or tweets

*Before you share a link, make sure it doesn't contain anything that can be offensive. If you really want to share it with friends, send it in a private message.

*Everything you write should be free of typos or grammar mistakes. You should also avoid the use of common Internet abbreviations. The fast-paced world of the web may have made these things commonplace, but it doesn't mean an employer will judge them any less harshly.

*Use a separatee-mail address from your personal one. This is even more important if your personal e-mail uses a silly username. You're not going to get a high level position if your e-mail is "thecowgoesmoo@yahoo.com."

*Make sure your LinkedIn profile is completely up-to date. It will look really bad if your employment history doesn't match what's on your resume.

Personal appearance is also important. Shave before you go into an interview, even if you're thinking of growing a beard. Women should avoid wearing flashy jewelry or revealing clothing. For both sexes, make sure your clothes are well ironed. There's nothing more embarrassingthan walking into an interview with wrinkled clothes.

Personal branding is a fine art, but it's one that is vitally important to your career success. If you can associate your name with professionalism and skill, you will be well on your way to getting a great job.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 8/11/2011

I'm continually impressed by the quality of the job articles on the Internet.  What I like the most is that people who have had the most success in this job market are taking the time to help the many job seekers out there.  Looking for work has always been a bit of an art form, but it's even harder these days.  I share these articles with you everyday, so I thought it would be appropriate to tip my hats to these folks.  Thanks!

• 'Just How Do Keywords Work in a Resume'-GreatResumesFast does a good job in this article of explaining how to properly use keywords in your resume.  I can't stress enough how important these are.
• 'The Most Common Mistake When Updating a Resume'-Susan Ireland shares what she believes is the most common mistake people make when updating their resumes: Using the present tense to describe things in the past.
• '6 Ways the World of Work is Changing'-Interesting piece from USA News about how work has changed in today's society. 

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/11/2011

In a bit of encouraging news (for a change) the amount of requests for unemployment aid fell to 395,000, a new four-month low.  These requests had been above 400,000 for the past 17 months, so this is definitely an improvement.  Is it a sign of more good news to come? We'll have to wait and see.

• ReStore Director at Morris Habitat for Humanity: The ReStore will be overseen by a Director who will work closely and cooperatively with the Executive Director to meet annual revenue and profitability goals: The ReStore Director’s functional responsibilities will be running day-to-day store operations. The primary responsibility will be for the overall management of the Store’s day-to-day operations and activities related to the continued, aggressive growth of store sales and income. 
• Executive Assistant/Office Manager at Cultutal Vistas: We are seeking a high level Executive Assistant/Office Manager to manage the day to day operations of Cultural Vistas’ headquarters in New York, and support the President and CEO, Board of Directors and Executive Team. This is a highly visible position within the organization; therefore a high degree of professionalism is a must.
• Circulation Coordinator at National Society Daughters of the American Revolution: The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, a non-profit membership organization located near the White House, has an immediate full-time opening in the Printing and Publications Office for a Circulation Coordinator to serve as a liaison and contact to states, chapters, members and nonmembers and potential subscribers of the American Spirit magazine and Daughters newsletter. 

Getting A Letter of Recommendation

Getting a letter of recommendation is one of the most effective ways to impress potential employers. Job references like these are a big part of what it takes to really sell yourself to an organization.  Asking for a recommendation from one of your former colleagues can be a harrowing task: What if they say no? This is one of the natural fears you will have to battle through if you want to get that reference.

You should remember that the person you ask for a recommendation should be someone who knows you very well. While it might seem impressive to give an employer a recommendation from one of the head honchos at your previous company, they probably won't be able to write a very good letter for you if they didn't work with you much. A good person to ask would be your supervisor, as they would know the most about you as an employee.  They should be more than happy to recommend you to another organization as long as you made a good impression with them.

What should you do if you are just getting out of college and don't have much (if any) work experience? In this situation, getting a letter of recommendation from a professor will suffice. You should choose a teacher who knew you best, just like an employee reference.  It would be helpful if this teacher taught a subject that is relevant to the nonprofit job you are applying to.

Choosing someone to get a letter of recommendation from is the easiest part of this whole process.  The hard part comes when you have to ask them.  It's not as simple as just asking "can you write a letter of recommendation for me?" You should specifically ask this person if they think they know you well enough to right a good reference for you. You should also explain what the job is that you are applying for, so they have a good idea of which of your strengths they should emphasize in the letter.  If it is a marketing job, for instance, they will want to explain what makes you the best candidate for that kind of job.

After you get the letter from your reference, you should write them a thank you note. You should also keep them updated on whether or not you got the job or not. Even if you don't get it, you should thank them again. This will make it more likely for them to write you another recommendation if you need it again. Remember, being polite costs nothing.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/10/2011

We just released the newest webcast of The NonProfit Times TV.  If you are interested, check it out: It's only seven minutes long.  You can look at today's top nonprofit jobs once you are done viewing it.

• CEO at National Health Law Program: The National Health Law Program (NHeLP), a national public interest law firm, seeks a full-time Chief Operating Officer in its Washington, DC office. The position will report to the Executive Director and will be responsible for enhancing the internal organizational processes and infrastructure that will allow NHeLP to continue to grow and fulfill its mission.  (My Take: Expect a ton of competition for this position.  CEO jobs are always in high demand)
• Assistant Director of Membership at Wildlife Conservation Society: Oversee all aspects of new business, acquisitions, and appeals for both Membership and Small Donor fundraising programs with a focus on increasing response rates, revenue, and profitability. Increase the number of Members and Donors on file with high long-term value.  (My Take: You should have excellent people skills for this position)
• Database Specialist at Contact 1, Inc: Old Town Alexandria non-profit seeks database specialist for their scholarship program. Must be expert in Excel. Strong database experience required; Raisers Edge or DonorPerfect a big plus. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Will be dealing with students, academic institutions. Requires outstanding organizational skills.  (My Take: This is primarily a technology position.  Make sure you are comfortable with Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel)

Four Job Application Mistakes

It's easy to fall into bad habits when filling out a job application.  Even the most experienced job seeker can make a mistake, so don't feel too bad if you find you do any of these four common errors.  Just make sure to correct yourself the next time you apply for a job.

1. Making your cover letter an attachment: Most job seekers will do this without thinking twice about it.  The thought is that your cover letter will look more professional if it's in the form of a text document.  This might be true, but it will have a better chance of being read if you copy and paste it into the e-mail. 
2. Not reading the job description closely enough: Simply skimming through a job description will increase the chance you will miss valuable information.  Employers will often include specific information they want in a cover letter (salary requirements, etc).  You will likely be instantly disqualified if they don't see any of this information included, as this shows a lack of attention to detail.
3. Fail to explain large gaps in your employment history: Unexplained gaps in your employment history will make the employer believe you are unreliable.  This is especially true if these periods occurred during more prosperous economic times.  Include reasons for these gaps in your cover letter.
4. Forgetting (or not bothering) to proof-read: Typos and grammatical errors are a fact of life.  No matter how talented you are as a writer, you are going to make them.  That's why you must proof-read what you write before you send it out.  You should also have someone else look it over, if possible.

Making a mistake isn't the end of the world.  The important thing is that you learn from it and avoid doing it the next time.  That's the only way you will grow as a job seeker.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/9/2011

I wanted to take this time to point out an area of our job board you might not have been aware of: The jobs by state page.  You can use this section to quickly see the jobs available in any given state.  These pages are automatically updated, so new jobs will appear there the minute they are posted.  Try it out when you get a chance.

• Senior Development Director at The Urban Institute: The Senior Director of Development is part of the executive management team at Urban Habitat and plays a significant role in the management of the organization. Senior Director of Development is responsible for developing, administering, and implementing UH’s strategic plan for identifying, cultivating, and procuring funds for UH’s programs and operations to ensure the promotion and sustainability of UH’s critical work in the region. (My Take: You should already have significant development experience if you want to apply to this job.)
• CEO at Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS: Excellent oral and written communication skills, using various methods of technology, are required. In addition, viable applicants must have proven ability to effectively network with other real estate-related organizations to increase the Association’s visibility in the community.  (My Take: This is a very well-known nonprofit.  You should expect competition to be very high, as a result)
• Manager, Professional Accreditation at American Thoracic Society: Manage the ACCME self study process. Ensure ATS Compliance with ACCME Standards for Commercial Support for all accredited programs. Facilitate new ATS accreditations, including obtaining accreditation status for Nurses and Respiratory Therapists and maintain compliance with accreditation criteria.  (My Take: There are a lot of requirements for this position.  Be sure to read them all carefully before applying)

Job Postings On The Rise, Despite Job Market Concerns

I just read a very encouraging post on Ere.net about how job postings online are actually increasing despite the recent market troubles.  No doubt you have heard of the troubling economic news of the past few weeks: The downgrade of long-term U.S. debt, the stock market plunge, and the fears of a double-dip recession rising.  The Ere.net article begins with similar gloomy news, citing a report that says job growth is expected to be slow through the end of the year.  It specifically estimates that employment growth is expected to only be about 100,000 per month, a number that the report says doesn't warrant stronger hiring.

Luckily, the author manages to find some very encouraging news.  According to SimplyHired, job postings increased by 6.5% over the last month.  In addition, Indeed.com reported that 12 of the 13 industries had more jobs in July than they did in June.

Combined with the better than expected jobs report for July, perhaps there are some positive signs after all.   You can read the full article from Ere.net by clicking here.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 8/8/2011

Here are today's recommended job articles.  Enjoy!

• 'How To Ace an Impromptu Interview'-Impromptu interviews don't happen to often, but it's always good to learn how to be prepared for one just in case.  This article has excellent tips to help you do just that.
• 'Guide to Layoffs and Layoff Survival'-Layoffs are never easy and, unfortunately, they seem to be happening more and more these days.  Job-hunt.org put up this useful guide on how to get back on your feet.
• 'An Expert Networker's Five Tips for Getting the Most From LinkedIn'-Get the inside scoop from this professional networker on how to enhance your LinkedIn experience.  You might be surprised at the things you learn!

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/8/2011

It's my birthday, and I can cry if I want to.  Well maybe I don't have any reason to cry, but it is my birthday.  Wish me a happy birthday if you want; or get me a cake.  Either one works.  Oh, and look at today's top nonprofit jobs. 

• Coordinator, Corporate Alliances at American Thoracic Society:  Coordinate program logistics and provide administrative support for Corporate Alliances, Exhibit Management and office of the Deputy Executive Director, Program and Development.  (My Take: This is a high level position.  Should probably have very good people skills).
• Advancement Officer at National Center for Family Philanthropy: The National Center for Family Philanthropy is pleased to be seeking its first full time advancement professional as part of the next step in its organizational development as the leading global resource on and for philanthropic families.  (My Take: As the description says, this is the organization's first time hiring a full time Advancement Officer.  You should probably expect heavy competition for this position).
• Director of Campus Operations at The SEED Public Charter School of DC: The SEED Public Charter School of Washington, D.C., is currently looking for a Director of Campus Operations. The Director of Campus Operations will report to the Managing Director to ensure a safe and inspiring campus environment to prepare urban students for success in college. This position will provide senior leadership on a 24-hour educational and residential use facility with 4 buildings on a 4-acre campus.  (My Take: It's not exactly the same as dealing with high school students, but college students provide their own challenges.  Make sure you will be able to handle a multitude of challenges at once).

What To Say After A Job Interview

Did you know you can turn a good interview into a great one with just a few simple statements?  Ok, maybe it's not that dramatic, but the fact remains that what you say after a job interview can really have an affect on how the employer views you.  You may think a simple "thank you" will suffice, but there are a number of things you should say and ask to show that you are really serious about the job.

• Re-state your interest in the job.
• Ask when/how you should be following up.  If they request you don't contact them about the job, respect that position.  In this situation, you should get in touch with any contacts you have at the company to find out what is going on.
• Request the interviewers business card (and give them yours if you have one).

These are all things that hiring managers will look for to see if a candidate is serious.  You won't necessarily be rejected if you don't do each and every last one of these, but it will help your cause.  I say it all the time, but it bears repeating: You need every advantage you can get in this job market.

Do you have any other tips for the post-interview period?  Feel free to share them below.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/5/2011

With today's job numbers, it seems the country drew a collective sigh of relief.  Another month of terrible unemployment numbers would have been too much to bear.  We still have a long way to go, but it's a step in the right direction at least.  Here's hoping for more encouraging numbers in the months ahead.

• Revenue Accounting Manager at ASPCA: The Revenue Accounting Manager will manage and coordinate the revenue general support and earned revenue cycle activities associated with the assigned departments and manage the Cash Receipts Associate. The Revenue Accounting Manager is an integral part of the Finance and Accounting Team. (NOTE: This is a featured job!)
• Executive Assistant at United Way: Provide high level administrative and “logistics” support to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team. Able to work independently, be detail oriented, exercise discretion and maintain strict confidentiality. Should possess excellent interpersonal, communications, time management, technological and problem-solving skills.  (My take: This is an ideal job for those just trying to break into the nonprofit sector).
• Human Resources Director at CNA/NNU: The California Nurses Association/National Nurses United ("CNA/NNU") is seeking an experienced Human Resources Director to manage the Human Resources Department and direct human resource functions serving a national staff of more than 200 employees. (My take: We haven't had a lot of HR jobs posted recently, so this is a great opportunity for anybody who wants to get into that field.)

Putting The July Jobs Report Into Perspective

I've got some good news and bad news.  The good news?  The United States added a better than expected 117,000 jobs last month, according to the just released July jobs report by the Labor Department.  Economists had predicted only 46,000 jobs would be added.  In additon, unemployment dropped slightly to 9.1%.  The bad news?  We needed to add twice that many jobs for the job market to really be on a path to full recovery.  Overall, though, this is better news than we could have hoped to expect after back-to-back underwhelming reports (though I should note those two reports were revised higher in the July report).  That doesn't mean people are not still worried about the state of the economy.

How is a job seeker supposed to stay positive when it seems like the job market is collapsing around them?  Watching the news is an exercise in depression, with bad news bombarding you constantly.  If it's so hopeless out there, why even bother applying for jobs?  It's true that even though the data for the last month was better than hoped, getting a full time job is still extremely hard in this environment.  It's not impossible, however, and that's what you have to keep in mind. 

I suppose that's easy enough for me to say when I am already happily employed, but it wasn't always like that.  It took a full year for me to find any meaningful work out of college, and even then it was an internship.  I eventually had to face the reality that the only way I was going to get a job I liked was to do pretty menial work.  With the job market being as competitive as it is, there comes a time where you are just going to have to accept anything you can get.  Is that a little grim?  Maybe, but I don't think there is anything wrong with it.  I didn't want to have to do tons of part time jobs/un-paid internships, but all these experiences eventually helped me land the job I have today. 

The lesson to take from all of this is that, no matter how bleak things seem right now, it's not hopeless.  I'm not going to try and delude you or use lay some absurd optimism on you ("Yeah, the unemployment is 9%...but that still means 91% of Americans have jobs, am I right?").  Times are undeniably hard, but it doesn't mean you should give up.  All it means is you have to try that much harder to succeed.  Just remember this: It's not easy but it's not impossible.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 8/4/2011

Not sure if you have been an avid watcher of the annual MDA Labor Day Telethon, but there was some breaking news on that front today: Jerry Lewis has stepped down as host of the telethon and as chairman of the organization.  We already knew this was going to be his last year as host, but he was supposed to be staying on as chairman.  There is no word as of now what has changed from that initial announcement in May.  If you're interested, check out the article I linked above.  Now, here are today's job articles:

• 'Job Search for Introverts'-It can be hard to conduct a job search when you aren't that comfortable being assertive.  Take it from me.  Not to worry, though.  Job-hunt.org has some tips that will help the introverts out there be successful in their efforts.
• 'Neworking the Right Way: People Remember How You Make Them Feel'-If you don't network properly, you are going to find people won't want to help you.  Don't make that mistake: Read these tips today.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/3/2011

Make sure to read this special message from our editor-in-chief here at The NonProfit Times.  If you are already working at a nonprofit job (or know someone who is), it will be of great interest to you.  And after you are done with that, check out today's nonprofit jobs:

• President/CEO at Lowcountry Food Bank: The President/CEO oversees fundraising, programmatic, and overall operations while working in partnership with the Board of Directors to guide the organization. Plans, implements, coordinates, and evaluate the activities of the Food Bank within the strategic plan and budget established with the Board of Directors.
• Director, Estate & Asset Services at American Caner Society: The Director of Estate and Asset Services is responsible for building relationships with the planned giving prospects and donors; and with estate and financial planning professionals.
• Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts at Wildlife Conservation Society: Under the supervision of the Director of Major Gifts for Global Conservation Program, identify, solicit, and steward existing individual/family foundation donors and prospects for gifts of $25K or more for unrestricted and restricted support across all WCS program areas, with particular emphasis on Global Conservation.

An Important Job Interview Question

I wrote a post a couple of months ago on some good job interview questions you should ask.  Coming up with things to ask interviewers is very hard, and I thought that the questions I came up with were some of the best you could do.  Turns out, I left a really important one off my list.

Melissa Cooley, who runs an excellent blog called The Job Quest, wrote a post today suggesting job seekers ask the following question of interviewers: "Why do you enjoy working here?"  I have to admit, I never thought of asking this question.  It never even entered my mind.  Melissa does a great job of explaining why you should ask this, so I'm not going to rehash what she said.  Reading her post did get me thinking, though. What are some other ways you can find out about an organization's work environment?

You can sometimes find out some of this information without even asking.  Take a look around when you walk into the office.  It should be pretty easy to see whether the employees are enjoying themselves.  As much as people might try to hide it, it's pretty easy to tell when someone is bored.  The body language signals are simple to spot: Slouching back in the chair, head in hands, staring into space.  If you find that a lot of the employees look bored, that should throw up a red flag.

That doesn't mean it should automatically disqualify the position.  That's where questioning comes in.  Asking a direct question like the one Melissa suggested can be very tough, but it's a surefire way to find out the information you need.  The beauty of this question is that it's not often expected, so you should get as honest an answer as is possible. 

You really need to find out all you can about a company before committing to join it.  This sort of direct inquiry will not only help you out, but it will also demonstrate to the employer that you have solid critical thinking skills.  The next time you go for a job interview, keep this advice in mind.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 8/3/2011

Just a reminder, The NonProfit Times has started the next round of the best nonprofit for which to work. Following on The NonProfit Times’ 2010 and 2011 listings of the 50 best nonprofits at which to work, we are seeking contenders for the 2012 crown.  Please go to http://bestnonprofitstoworkfor.com/ for details regarding how you can nominate your organization to be recognized as one of the best. If you won during 2010 or 2011, it’s time to defend your title.

And now that we have that out of the way, here are today's articles:

• 'Dress For The Job You Want 5 Years From Now'-Despite the title, this post isn't really about dress code.  It's more about, as the author says, how you "think about yourself, and how you act in the workplace."
• 'Professional References'-This is About.com's guide to how to get professional references.  It specifically covers how to ask for them.  It also includes a sample request letter, which is quite helpful.
• 'Mid-Year Job Search Check-Up: Getting Un-Stuck'-Feeling like your job search is going no where?  Don't worry, you're not alone.  That doesn't mean you have to stay like that, however.  In this post, Job-hunt.org tells you how to get out of your rut

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/3/2011

The private sector added 114,000 jobs in July, according to a just released payrolls processor report.  While this is more than was expected, it's still at a slower rate than is needed for a full recovery.  The jobs report for July is set to be released by the Labor Department on Friday, and it doesn't look like it will show any decrease in the unemployment rate.  We've been surprised before, however. 

Luckily there are still jobs being added on our jobs board.  Here are the ones I've chosen to share with you today:

• Center Director at USO: The USO has been serving America's armed forces since World War II.  Now is your chance to be a part of this historic organization.  The Center Director will plan, organize, and direct USO operations in Ft. Campbell, KY to provide quality programs to active military personnel and their families.
• Regional Advancement Director at Southern Poverty Law Center: Located in Montgomery, Alabama, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is a non-profit organization internationally known for our legal victories on behalf of society’s most vulnerable members, our exposure of hate and extremist groups and their activities, and our award-winning Teaching Tolerance program. We seek a Regional Advancement Director (RAD) to join our growing major gifts team. Based in Montgomery, the RAD will travel to targeted regions of the US identifying, cultivating, soliciting and closing individual major gifts.
• Director of Finance at National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: The Director of Finance is Responsible for the overall management of accounting, financial, legal, and administrative functions for the Freedom Center. This position reports directly to the CEO, serves on the senior leadership team and has strategic managerial responsibility for finance and accounting of the organization.

Do You Post Your Resume Online?

Having a great resume is only half the battle.  If the only thing you are doing with it is submitting it via job applications, you are going about the process in the wrong way.  To get the most out of it, you should post your resume online.  Most job boards give job seekers the option to do this, and you should take advantage of this feature immediately. 

In my experience, I have noticed a lot of job seekers ignore this feature.  The process is admittedly tedious, and it would seem very unlikely that your resume will even get seen.  Don't allow yourself to fall into this kind of thinking.  Many hiring manager do use resume searching services, as it allows them to search for resumes that contain specific keywords.  This make it even more likely it will be seen than if you sent it in via an application.

Another useful side-effect of the resume search engine is exposing you to positions you might not have considered.  Some of the best jobs are not always posted publicly, so getting your resume onto an online database is a good way to tap into this hidden job market.  Yes, it can be a bit of a hassle to do, but it's a tool worth using.  Remember, you need to take advantage of every job search tool at your disposal.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 8/2/2011

Make sure to take a look at the newest articles from NPT's Exempt Magazine.  We recently put up three articles from the latest issue, and you can take a look at one of them right here.  After you are done with that, take a look at today's recommended job articles:

• 'The 4 Most Effective Sources of Career Referrals'-A good article from AvidCareerist on the best people to contact when doing networking.
• '10 Best Practices for Accelerating the Success of Millenials'-There is no doubt that this generation has landed in one of the worst job markets our country has seen.  That doesn't mean there is no hope, however.  This article gives tips on how young professionals can advance their careers.
• 'The Puppy Dog Close Technique'-Don't be fooled by the cutesy sounding title: This is a very useful article.  In short, it's about what you should do when told there are no openings at a company.  The author suggests the "puppy dog" technique.  What is it?  You'll have to read to find out.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/2/2011

Here are today's newest nonprofit jobs:

• Executive Director at National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster: The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) is seeking an Executive Director. The Executive Director will implement the strategic goals of this national membership organization, and who will be responsible for the overall management of National VOAD including its member/partner programs, fundraising, and business operations.
• Membership Manager at Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America: CADCA, a national non-profit organization, seeks a full-time Membership Manager to provide marketing expertise and excellent member services that will ensure membership satisfaction, growth and retention.  (NOTE: This is a featured job!  Apply today!)
• Assistant Director at Bay Cove Human Services, Inc:  Provides for clinical and administrative leadership of the afternoon and evening shift for a busy urban psychiatric Urgent Care Center and Mobile Crisis Center. Provides staff supervision, triages and reviews clinical assessments of all clinicians' work during evening hours, provides on call services on a rotational basis, conducts emergency psychiatric assessments for youth and adults in the UCC and in the community.

Job Locations: Should You Expand Your Search?

When we look for work, we usually browse job locations that are close to where we live.  It makes sense: Why would you want to work for a company that isn't in your area?  Cutting down on commute time can not only save money, but it can also buy you a little extra sleep.  Still, there are some advantages to expanding your job search to areas you would generally avoid.  This is not to say you should be looking for a job in Colorado while living in Florida, but it does mean you might want to consider looking for work that might have a commute longer than an hour.

Pros:

• You will be exposed to opportunities you would otherwise have ignored. 
• Your range of job choices will instantly be expanded.  Everybody on Earth knows we live in a tough job market, so the more options you have, the better.
• Some jobs offer the option to telecommute, so you might not even have to travel at all.  You should consider this option as you browse jobs that might seem far away.
• Being willing to travel farther than you might prefer will show that you are flexible.  It goes without saying that this is an important trait to have as an employee.
• On a personal level, it's a good idea to get out of your comfort zone once in a while.  You'll never grow, otherwise.

Cons

• Besides the "I don't want to drive that far" factor, there is the issue of money.  The longer you drive, the more gas you use; the more gas you use, the more money you are going to spend.
• Long commutes can lead to exhaustion.  You might not realize it, but driving back and forth five times a week can really take its toll on you; and don't even get me started on traffic.
• Being willing to travel far for work does make you appear flexible, but some organizations might not want to hire someone who would require a long commute.  This isn't always the case, so you should make sure before you apply.
• Going back to the exhaustion point, you are going to have to wake up much earlier than you might normally.  Depending on your personality, this might be a problem.

Most decisions in life come down to weighing the pros and cons, and deciding whether to expand your job search to other locations is no different.  There are probably some points I missed, so feel free to add your thoughts.  Personally, I would consider expanding your search, but it's not for everybody.

NPT Jobs Recommends: 8/1/2011

Included in the newest issue of The NonProfit Times is this year's Power and Influence Top 50 report.  If you are interested in seeing which nonprofit executives made the cut this year, I suggest you check it out.  There were certainly a lot of individuals who were worthy of being listed, so it was a hard task.  We certainly value your comments, so feel free to sound off.  Now back to our regularly scheduled program:

• '5 Job-Search Habits to Break'-I don't know if I'd say company searching is ideal for every job seeker, but I agree with the rest of the suggestions in this article from USA News.
• 'References: Are Written or Verbal Better?'-Jessica Hernandez of GreatResumesFast discusses whether its better for you to have written or verbal references for job applications.
• 'The 12 Habits of Highly Connective People'-Do you want to be the best of the best job seekers?  Take these tips from CoversationAgent.com.

Nonprofit Career Round-Up: 8/1/2011

Welcome to August!  It's hard to believe, but this is the last month of the summer.  I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm wondering where the time went.  I guess time truly does fly when you're having fun.  Hopefully you have been having luck finding nonprofit jobs during this summer.  But don't you worry, there are more out there if you haven't found a match yet.  Take these, for example:

• Executive Director in New York City: Executive Director – Internationally-known but small NYC-based advocacy organization seeks an executive director to handle day-to-day issues. Operations handled by founder. Person should have marketing and fundraising background. Person will be responsible for growing and expanding revenue base for 99% volunteer organization. Perfect spot for a marketer/fundraiser to run things.
• Associate Director of Development at American Academy of Arts and Sciences: The Associate Director of Development, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will oversee the Academy’s development activities with foundations and corporations. The successful candidate will be an experienced self-starter with intellectual curiosity and an eagerness to advance the Academy and its mission. In addition to being self-disciplined and highly organized, s/he will have outstanding writing skills. S/he will work closely with program, finance, and other development staff members to develop comprehensive proposals, stewardship reports, and other documents related to corporate and foundation cultivation and solicitation.
• Executive Director at Five Acres: The ideal candidate will most likely have solid leadership experience in the field of mental health and/or human and social services with in-depth knowledge of fund development, and administration of grant and contract funded programs. It will be important for candidates to have an appreciation for and ideally experience working with and managing residential programs. Experience working with Los Angeles County’s Department of Children and Family Services, or a similar agency outside of Los Angeles, would be beneficial.

August Issue Of The NonProfit Times Is Out!

Just thought I would let my readers know that the August issue of The NonProfit Times has been released!   As with the other issues that go up on the site, it contains three articles from the digital and print editions of the issue, a PDF of the Special Report, and three columns.

The August issue contains the newest edition of NPT's Top 50 Power & Influence Report.  In addition, the issue will cover stories ranging from the re-branding of Gifts In Kind International, to animal groups taking issue with the ASPCA.  Check out the NPT website today to get your first look at this exciting new issue!

Hiring Tips: Seven Ways To Train Staff Online

Often times, The NonProfit Times is updated with management tips designed to help nonprofit organizations. These tips cover a wide variety of categories, one of which is human resources. The most recent tip we put up deals with how to train staff online. With most activities being on the Internet these days, this is an important task for all nonprofits to learn. Below is that article in its entirety:

Nonprofit managers are starting to learn what most college administrators know already: that online education can be a low-cost way to offer training and professional development.

Unlike colleges, which are only looking to cut costs, nonprofits can use online training to fulfill the mission.

Laura Quinn, founder and executive director of Ideaware, a nonprofit technology organization in Portland, Maine, offers the following suggestions as options for inexpensive online professional development:

* Use existing recorded seminars. If the training is not organization-specific, utilize existing resources rather than reinventing the wheel.

* Online conferences. If your needs are relatively simple and cost is a concern, consider online tools that share slides, documents or anything else from your computer.

* Video conferencing. If there are trainers with whom you like to work, broadcast videos of them presenting lessons rather than trying to schedule onsite classes.

* Recorded seminars. Online seminars let you record and archive trainings for staff to watch at their convenience.

* Screencasts. These are videos of your computer screen, often with voiceover narrating your onscreen actions. They can be used to help train staff to use a particular software package or website.

* eLearning. This is a term that generally refers to packaged modules that provide a number of ways to interact with materials.

* Learning Management Systems. If an organization has a number of topics to teach, creating and maintaining an online curriculum through a Learning Management System might be the best way to train staff.