How to apply for Not-For-Profit jobs

Adriana Modersitzki
Aug 1, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jul 2

Changing to work in the not-for-profit sector from private business or government roles can be an exciting and fulfilling change. However, it can be challenging to create a resume and cover letter that is suitable for non-profit organisations and that clearly shows your transferrable skills.

In this article, we explain key differences about applying for roles with not-for-profit organisations, how to tweak your resume and cover letter to reduce potential concerns, and the essential skills that are expected in these organisations.

What's different about applying for a not-for-profit job?

Just like when you update your resume to apply for a new role in a different industry, it's important to know some of the differences between working in not-for-profit and private organisations.

A list of five differences in non-profit job applications, also listed in the text below.

Who does the hiring?

Sector Difference: Not-for-profit organisations come in all different sizes, from five people to some with over 1000 staff. Due to the size differences, not all non-profits have an HR or recruitment team. In these cases, hiring managers might be a leader in the organisation, or a board member with recruitment experience.

Application Modification: Read the job advertisement to see who is in charge of hiring and write your application to meet their expectations. For example, a hiring manager without an HR background will tend to look for the exact same keywords in your application as their job description. However, a board member is more likely to want to understand where you applied those skills.

Salaries and wages

Sector Difference: Average salaries can be quite different for the same job role when comparing not-for-profit to private or public organisations. Don't feel dishearterned though - not-for-profits don't value their people less! Salaries are often lower because their income often comes from grants and donations and has to be carefully managed across all expenses, including staff wages.

Application Modification: It is common for people transferring from private businesses to have higher salary expectations than a not-for-profit can afford. To help address any concerns the hiring manager may about this, briefly explain in your cover letter why you want to work for this organisation and their cause, and how your skills and experience align with their goals.

Organisation purpose

Sector Difference: All organisations are trying to achieve a particular vision and mission. But unlike private businesses, non-profit organisations often value their purpose above and beyond other targets, such as financial income or number of sales.

Application Modification: Before you write your application, research the organisation to understand its vision, mission and values. This information will help you to identify which skills, qualifications, and experience you should highlight in your resume. If you can, add in a personal life experience that shows why you are interested in working for the organisation. A personal example can help build an emotional connection with the hiring manager.

Volunteering

Sector Difference: The non-profit sector has a strong focus on volunteer work. Highlighting your previous and current volunteering experience shows your passion for helping others and commitment to making a difference.

Application Modification: If you have volunteering examples to share, create a new section in your resume with the title Volunteer Experience. Make sure that these examples clearly show how your experiences, skills and motivations are relevant to this particular application.

Transferrable skills

Sector Difference: Just like moving to a new industry, when you make the move to the not-for-profit section, you should demonstrate which transferrable skills you have that would be a benefit to the role you are applying for.

Application Modification: Every industry has its own professional language, but this can be confusing when moving to a new sector. Avoid technical jargon and use clear, straightforward language to explain your accomplishments, skills, and responsibilities.

Which skills should you include in your resume?

The job ad and position description should clearly list the skills and experiences that best match the position's responsibilities. Below, we’ve highlighted five of the most common skills in non-profit organisations that you should consider including in your resume.

1. Communication

Working in a non-profit means working with a diverse range of people from many backgrounds. Whether you are in a client-serving role, supporting the office or a manager position, you must demonstrate your ability to work with any individual.

2. Passion

A passion and genuine commitment to the organisation's cause will help you stand out from other applicants. Show that you understand how your abilities and values align with the non-profit, and back this up with work or volunteering examples.

3. Adaptability

The non-profit sector changes quickly to meet the ever-changing needs of clients, new funding and grants, and the effects of new technology. Being flexible and able problem solve when challenges arise is a much sought after skill.

4. Self-Management

Due to funding constraints, not-for-profit organisations often have larger teams and fewer managers. Staff should be able to confidently manage their own tasks and calendars, raise concerns and risks, and successfully juggle multiple projects at once, all without a manager looking over their shoulder.

5. Growth mindset

Being open to learning new skills and taking on activities outside of your normal tasks helps the team to collaborate, and builds your own capability. Plus, if you are looking to develop your career, non-profits often have more opportunities for you to take up new projects or roles that help you advance your career!

Looking for other relevant skills? Below is a list of other competencies frequently found in job descriptions for not-for-profit positions.

The title is Common NFP skills and next to it is a list of key skills used in not-for-profits, on a bright oranage background.

Making your resume suitable for not-for-profit roles requires a change in focus and tone from a traditional resume. However, much of your resume will use the same techniques to highlight your transferable skills and position yourself as the best fit for the job.

Still unsure about converting your resume for a not-for-profit position?

Our professional resume writing services will make your application stand out and help you land your desired role faster. With a tailored approach and a team of experts, we’ll take your application beyond the generic and create a strong resume and cover letter that helps you achieve your career goals.