Are you considering a job change?

If so, fall is a great opportunity to begin your nonprofit career search. Specifically, fall is a period when many organizations post higher than usual volumes of openings online.

This posting trend can already be seen across the Canadian labour market, including on CharityVillage’s job search engine right now! 

Therefore, whether you are seeking your first role or are an experienced professional looking for a new challenge, this article will help guide you on your job-hunting journey.

 Step 1: Understand your “why” and “what”

Before searching for postings, reflect on why you want a new role. For example: are you seeking a higher salary or a better work-life balance, relocating, changing industries, etc.?

Next, begin brainstorming the specific job qualities you are looking for, including any deal breakers. This will easily help you narrow down what types of jobs to search and apply for.

Position qualities to consider include:

  • Commute time
  • Salary
  • Hours
  • Field of Work
  • Leadership Capacity
  • Flexibility
  • Opportunities for Growth
  • Benefits
  • Professional Development
  • Start Date
  • Depth of Impact

Step 2: Collect resources

Now that you know the type(s) of the role you want and why, you will need to collect, organize, and edit your job application resources.

Job application resources include any document or file that accompanies or supplements your job application. Resources can include:

Be sure to save these files in an easy to find location (e.g. in a desktop folder called “Fall 2022 Job Applications” with various sub-folders like “Job Postings”, “Work Samples”, “Application” and such).

Of note, however, all application resources should be edited to suit the specific needs of each role. Therefore, the most time effective approach is to invest time in creating a ‘base’ cover letter, resume and application email which can be easily adjusted for each posting.

Step 3: Applying to roles

When looking for job postings, it is easiest to search online. Career websites like CharityVillage and organization websites are the best options. Be sure to try using specific keywords when searching (i.e. “nonprofit HR jobs in Toronto”).

A useful organizational tool is to track your application progress digitally (e.g. Google Sheets or Excel). Tracking your job search information will not only help you manage your applications, but it will also serve as a reference when/if given a job offer. Column headers can include:

  • Job title
  • Job Description
  • Organisation Name
  • Role Location
  • Wage
  • Benefits
  • Hours
  • Company Website Link
  • Job Posting Link
  • Contact Information (e.g. the name and info for the HR manager for the competition if known)
  • Application Deadline
  • Date Applied
  • Status of Application (e.g. rejection status, interview date etc.)

When applying, focus on quality, not quantity.

In other words, instead of spending an afternoon applying to 10 different positions haphazardly, use that same time to instead apply to 1 or 2 postings that you are passionate about and take the extra time to frame your experience to address the posting’s need(s) and requirements.

Step 4: Interviews

If you are offered an interview, congrats! Prepare prior to the interview with a trusted friend or family member and go over answering common interview questions. Be sure to also come ready with questions to ask at the end of an interview.

On the day of the interview, arrive early, dress appropriately in business attire, bring your relevant application resources (e.g. extra copies of your resume, cover letter, certifications etc.) and be yourself! For a digital interview, also be sure you have a quiet location with good lighting and functional headphones.

Step 5: Post-interview considerations 

Post interview, send a thank you email and continue to research the role. Here is a helpful article on post-interview correspondences. Also, be sure to continue applying to relevant roles in the event you are unsuccessful with a previous interview.

If you accept a role, be sure to take time to consider if the role is right for you, and make the appropriate steps to leave your current role if necessary.

Final thoughts

While job hunting is rarely easy, seeing job hunting as a methodical process will save you the most time in the long run. Best of luck job hunting!

If you are thinking of applying to openings on CharityVillage’s website, use this helpful guide.