How do I get my foot in the door for a non-profit agency job?

I desperately want to work with a non-profit organization. I have a psychology degree and have been doing staffing/HR for 2 years. My job bores me. I am simply ready to do something gratifying. I will gladly give 200% for a job if I feel it is for a cause. Not only that, but I also want to work with like-mided people. I would like ultimately to work with civil/human rights and possibly even grant writing but will gladly start anywhere. I keep checking the statewide non-profit job listing site but it is all very upper level. I just need a chance and I know I can show an agency what an asset I could be. I am smart, quick learner, quick on my feet, politically minded, well spoken, and want to make a difference. I am looking at getting an online degree, either a Master in Public Administration or Masters of Science in Human Services specializing in non-profit admistration hoping that will help. Anyone have advice, please?!

Public Comments

  1. Apply, Apply, Apply Research, Research, Research Be persistent and be willing to do anything to get in the door. Any entry level position will get you in and you will have to show them what you can do once you are in.
  2. Non-profits love volunteers and volunteering experience. Try idealist.org; it has all the best non-profit jobs.
  3. Call them and ask if you can VOLUNTEER and offer your assistance. They will be very unlikely to decline free work and thus... you get your foot in the door. Now you can build connections and get to know the company better, plus try and learn the job as best you can to reduce or skip training. Once you get to know people and become a common face, ask if there are any permanent positions available in the agency, something paid. If not be patient. They will likely hire you before someone who just drops off a resume when a position opens up.
  4. try care internation or world vision
  5. One of the best ways to get hired by a non-profit is to already work there....as a volunteer. Non-profits often have at least some volunteer places. It's tough when one works full-time, but it's definitely the way to go. Check out idealist.org for your area, as it will have non-profits listed. Not all of them are actively looking for volunteers, but many of them will accept you if you ask.
  6. I agree volunteering with a non-profit is a good way to learn about their mission and dedication to their cause, but don't be desperate. Try www.opportunityknocks.org to search for jobs, they have plenty of opportunities at all levels. Also check to see if your state has a non-profit center, or if the chamber has non-profit services. Often at those locations, you will have access to training classes that will be very helpful in working at a non-profit agency Be sure your resume highlights work you have done that will closely match what they are looking for. If you've been in HR/staffing, then your resume should reflect your experience in dealing with people, confidentiality, marketing (because you've had to get the word out about the position you are trying to fill, and sell the potential candidate on the position). Often times in a non-profit organization, directors will look for people that have good skills and are able to multi-task, and adapt well to an ever-changing environment. It is not always necessary to have a Master's degree at a non-director level Good luck!
  7. You can also check www.opportunityknocks.org. It lists many non-profit positions. Volunteering is also a great idea-- identify the organizations you believe in and would like to work with and dedicate some time and energy to them as a volunteer. You will have the opportunity to build your resume through this experience, make contacts in the organization, and hopefully move to the top of the list for positions that might open up. Good luck with your search!
  8. Try idealist.com. Be careful before committing money and time to an online degree. Non-profits can be more traditional than businesses and may be suspicious of one and/or think that they can't afford to have someone with a master's no matter how you earned it.
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