Whether you have had a prolific career in the for-profit sector or are just graduating college, you may be interested in applying for a position at a nonprofit organization. There are over 1 million nonprofits in the United States, with a large variety of missions, goals, and services. No matter what kind of experience you have had, there is likely at least one nonprofit that would be right for you. However, you will want to tailor your resume specifically to applying for different nonprofit jobs. Here are five tips on how to do that: 1. Research the nonprofit to which you are applying. Do a Google search and read through the company’s website. Monster recommends that you review press releases, commercials, and any other literature on a company so that you can tailor your resume to match the company’s mission and values. You need to prove to the company that you would be an ideal candidate and team member. Not only will the information make your resume better, but your knowledge of the company during your job interview will ensure you shine. 2. Use a simple resume format.Bridgestar emphasizes creating a resume that is easy for human resources managers to read and understand. Stick to one typical font style and size, using boldface to separate company names and job titles. Put your contact information at the top of your resume, with your full name, address, phone numbers (home and mobile), and email address. List your education and degrees, followed by your job experience. List your experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position first. Make sure that you use one tense and are consistent with margins, indents, and bullets. Proofread your resume multiple times as nothing looks more unprofessional than a typo. 3. Immediately state your qualifications. After your contact information, you can start your resume with a brief summary of your career goals and specific qualifications. Monster even recommends establishing a personal mission statement and includes an example on their site. 4. Emphasize your transferable skills. Tailor your past job experiences to the job that you desire. You may want to emphasize projects where you took on a leadership role, your ability to work in a team environment and organizational skills. Proficiency with technology is a bonus in any industry. You should also describe your experience working with the community and providing quality customer service. Good customer service is highly valued everywhere, in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors alike. 5. Include volunteer work and group affiliations. Monster advises you to include this information, as hiring supervisors are impressed with individuals “dedicated to serving the community,” which is central to nonprofit work. If you are a member of a group’s board, include any fundraising work you have participated in as well as event organization. This can include, for example, work with the local Parent Teacher Association, participation in cancer-awareness fundraising events or assisting with a recreational sports league. These experiences show commitment and good citizenship, two traits that nonprofits always look out for.
Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
Bigstock
Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.