Hiring From The For-Profit Sector

Nonprofits are always trying to hire the best and brightest to join their organizations. That usually means candidates who already have experience in the sector, but that doesn't always have to be the case.

The fact of the matter is that there are many candidates from the for-profit world who are making the jump to nonprofit jobs. The business experience that for-profit workers have can be very valuable for organizations, so it makes sense to consider their credentials during the hiring process.

While it's true that nonprofits are beginning to be run more like businesses, there are still some important differences between the two sectors. Kurt Aschermann, president and CEO Boston, Mass.-based Charity Partners, LLC said that making yourself aware of these differences can be useful when recruiting.

• Nonprofits don't always run at the typical 9-5 hours. Express that to potential hires so they are aware of what to expect.
• For-profit companies sometimes have easy access to things they need to operate, but nonprofits need to effectively use donor dollars.
• Aschermann said that some former for-profit hires have trouble working with volunteers. Consensus is key for nonprofits. It might be harder to get “buy-in,” but it’s necessary.
• For-profit hires are used to reaching one audience -- the people who will potentially use the product they are marketing.