How to get a non profit job

A lot of people might read this headline and think to themselves, ‘Why would I want a job where I make no profit?’, but they would be looking at things in the wrong way! A non profit job is one where you get paid to work for an organisation which aims to not make a profit. That is, all of the employees are paid a fair wage, but any profits the company makes is normally ploughed into charity. These positions offer the employer a great sense of satisfaction and a clear conscience, but they are sought after.
Because of this it can be difficult to find the jobs in the first place, and competitive to get them, but if you follow our tips here, you will put yourself in a great position to be successful.

1. Have a passion for your area of work. This is going to narrow down your options in terms of the amounts of businesses you can approach, but it will give a much greater chance of success when it comes to applications. Think of the causes that you care about most, and try to find organisations which match your feelings.

2. Get in contact. There is no reason to spend ages finding out who you are meant to contact – go right to the top. Write an impassioned letter to the director of the organisation, explaining your passion for the work they are doing, and try to find out if there is any way in which you could become involved. Intimate that you are looking for a full time paid position, but try not to spell it out.

3. Follow up your letter. Phone the company to make sure the letter has been received, and try to secure a meeting. If you can’t get hold of the director then speak to their assistant, and be firm about wanting a meeting, but insist that it should be at their convenience.

4. Prepare. If you are fortunate enough to be called to interview, you really need to prepare yourself. You need to know the policies of the company inside out. Look online, in your local library and ask as many people you can about their knowledge of this company. You need to know almost as much as the director themselves to stand a chance of landing a role.

A lot of this is down to luck, but it is also down to perseverance. Try and try and try again, and eventually you will get a response. Stick to the tips we have laid out, and eventually a company will come calling.