How to Write a Resume for a Nonprofit Job

Want a job that makes a difference? Getting a job in the nonprofit world is more than just wanting to help. You need a great resume. It's different from a regular, for-profit resume. It needs to show you care about the cause. That you can work with not much money. And that you get the challenges and chances in this world. This is how to write a resume for a nonprofit. Ready to get that dream job?

Understanding Nonprofits and Your Resume

Before you start writing, get what nonprofits are all about. They're all about a mission. About values. And about the people they help. They don't have a ton of money. They need volunteers and raise funds. Knowing this helps you write a resume that speaks to them.

Do Your Homework!

First, research! Don't even think about your resume yet. Learn their mission. Their values. What they do. Who they help. What problems do they face? Now you can make your resume fit their needs.

What Skills Do They Need?

Nonprofits want people with both hard and soft skills.

• Hard Skills: Like managing projects, raising money, writing grants, handling money, marketing (including social media), looking at data, making programs, and managing volunteers.
• Soft Skills: Like talking to people, teamwork, solving problems, being flexible, leading, caring, and being passionate about the cause.

Read the job description. What specific skills do they want? Then, think about how your skills match.

Building a Winning Resume: Step by Step

Let's build your resume, piece by piece.

1. Your Info

Name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn. Make sure your email looks professional. Like your name, not a nickname.

2. Your Story: Summary or Objective?

This is a quick look at what you can do. Choose a summary or an objective.

• Summary: If you have experience. "I'm great at fundraising and managing programs."
• Objective: If you're new. "I want to help this organization with its mission."

Example Summary: "I have 8+ years in nonprofits, raising money and running programs. I can get big gifts, manage budgets, and lead teams."

Example Objective: "I care about social justice and want to help [Organization Name] help people."

3. Your Work History

This is the most important part! Show what you've done. Use numbers when you can. Use strong verbs. Make it fit the job you want.

Here's how to write it:

• Job Title: What was your role?
• Organization: Where did you work?
• Dates: When did you work there?
• What You Did: Use bullets! Focus on what you achieved!

Example:

Program Manager | [Nonprofit Organization Name] | 2018 - Now

• Managed programs for 500+ people each year.
• Got $200,000 in grants.
• Made a new way to check programs, making them 15% better.
• Led a team of 5 staff and 20 volunteers.

Tip: Use the STAR method. Situation, Task, Action, Result. It shows how you did it and what happened.

4. Your Schooling

List your degrees and any classes that matter. School name, degree, and when you graduated.

5. Your Skills

Make a list of your skills. Hard and soft. Group them to make it easy to read.

Example:

Skills:

• Fundraising: Grant writing, working with donors, planning events
• Program Management: Making programs, running them, checking them
• Communication: Speaking, writing, social media
• Tech: Microsoft Office, Salesforce

6. Your Volunteer Work

Nonprofits love volunteers. List any volunteer work, even if it's not about the job. It shows you care.

Example:

Volunteer Coordinator | [Local Charity] | 2016 - 2018

• Recruited 50+ volunteers.
• Organized events.
• Made volunteers stay longer by 10%.

7. Your Awards

Got any awards? List them! It shows you're good at what you do.

Making Your Resume ATS-Friendly

Many nonprofits use computers to check resumes. Here's how to get past the robots:

• Use Keywords: Use words from the job description.
• Keep it Simple: No fancy designs. Just simple and clean.
• Save as PDF: To keep it looking good.
• Use Normal Fonts: Like Arial or Times New Roman.

Don't Do These Things!

Avoid these mistakes:

• Typos: Check your spelling!
• Generic Resume: Make it fit each job.
• No Numbers: Show what you achieved with numbers.
• Too Much Stuff: Only include what matters.
• Too Long: One page is best.

More Than Just a Resume

A great resume is important, but not the only thing.

Network!

Go to events. Talk to people on LinkedIn. Building connections can give you chances you wouldn't find otherwise.

Write a Good Cover Letter

A cover letter lets you tell your story. Why do you want this job? Why are you a good fit? Show your passion! It helps you stand out.

More Help!

Keep learning! Here's how:

• Online Classes: Learn more about fundraising, grant writing, etc.
• Join Groups: Network with other professionals.
• Find a Mentor: Someone who can guide you.
• Stay Positive: Looking for a job can be hard. Don't give up!

Good Luck!

Writing a good resume is key to getting a job in the nonprofit world. Tailor your resume, show your skills, and write a great cover letter. You can get that dream job! Be passionate. Be dedicated. And have a plan. Use this career advice to help you succeed. Now go out there and make a difference!