The Top 10 Nonprofit Job Seeking Tips

The newest statistics form the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that the economy added 157,000 jobs last month, continuing a series of steady gains for the market. That doesn't mean it will be any easier to get the nonprofit job of your dreams.

As the job market continues to improve, more job seekers will be looking to restart their search, potentially making an already competitive environment even tougher. Job seekers need to adjust themselves to this new market, and this can be done by re-examining the strategies they have so far followed.

In an article posted on the website of The Bridgespan Group's, Tom Friel, a former advisor to the Boston, Mass.-based organization, stressed that individuals looking for employment will not have the success they desire until they follow these 10 job search tips:

• Do a thorough and honest assessment of your own motivations, skills, and capabilities, and record them.
• Decide very specifically what you want to do and make sure your qualifications match the job requirements.
• Learn who the key players are at your target organizations and find a way to get in front of them.
• Consider an interim path to your goal if necessary, such as consulting, temporary assignments, internships, or volunteering.
• Use your personal network smartly and efficiently. It likely is much larger than you think it is.
• Recognize that most people will want to help you, but they won’t do your homework for you.
• Get connected with recruiters and other intermediaries who are specifically involved in the searches that fit your capabilities and objectives.
• When preparing for a meeting, think about the needs of the person you’re meeting with. Over time if you help your contacts, they will help you.
• When given an interview, prepare thoroughly and ask thoughtful questions.
• When your search is completed, thank the people who helped you.