Things to know about nonprofits

If you've decided to look for work with a nonprofit organization, you know that some things will differ from a for-profit company. For one thing, there's likely to be a clear and constant sense of mission. Most nonprofits exist for a defined purpose, such as helping youngsters to read or providing meals to shut-ins.
Another difference in a nonprofit might be the organization's need to accept help in nearly any form, from on-site volunteers to in-kind gifts of products and cash donations. Nonprofits also are more transparent than for-profits, as most states require a high level of financial reporting.
These qualities are a tremendous boon to job seekers, because they let you research an organization thoroughly before applying. But they also are a responsibility.
With a nonprofit's tax forms readily available, there's no excuse for not knowing what an organization does or how much it costs to do it.
Likewise, because so many organizations accept volunteer assistance at nearly any skill level, applying for a nonprofit job without previous nonprofit experience is nothing short of lame. More understandable is a miscalculation of which volunteer or paid experiences will best translate into the positions you desire. To avoid that, it helps to understand more about nonprofit jobs in general.
Similarities, differences
Some jobs are essentially the same in either arena. People involved in the physical upkeep of a building, professionals such as nurses or accountants, and clerical staff will find that their job skills translate well between the two sectors.
Nevertheless, the atmosphere or some other intangible factor may significantly differ in a nonprofit. Even a tighter rein on finances can translate into a changed work style for staff who once paid consultants or purchased resources to solve problems. Another difference may be in the expertise required for the work. Accountants still will be working with balance sheets, but instead of calculating the cost of goods sold, they may need to understand more fully the rules governing charitable donations.
Some jobs in nonprofits have no direct counterpart in the for-profit world. Volunteer manager and fund-raiser (also called a development professional) are two obvious examples. Despite the argument that general supervisory experience or sales success in the for-profit world can prepare you for these jobs, the truth is, they aren't that similar.
That's not to say you should discount your sales experience if you want to be a fund-raiser. Just don't expect it to impress a nonprofit employer.
Focus on skills, experience
Even in the nonprofit world, job titles can be unreliable. A fund-raiser in one agency will spend most of the day writing grant proposals while another agency's fund-raiser will travel the country making presentations.
Instead of relying on job titles, focus on presenting your skills and related expertise to a nonprofit employer. Start by learning which skills your target employer needs so you know which of your skills to highlight.
Once you know more about how your goal job is conducted in your target organizations, survey your own skills. What are you missing? How will you get it? Consider taking classes, volunteering, structuring an internship, or working at a lower level or in a smaller organization. If you currently are working, you may be able to strengthen presentation, writing or other skills while on the job.
Another way to build skills and some essential knowledge is to serve as a nonprofit board member. Choose an organization whose mission you fully support, as you will be asked to help set policy, raise funds and staff community events, all for no pay. In exchange, you will learn firsthand how a nonprofit handles its financial challenges and how it lives out its mission.
Avoid conflict of interest
As a word of caution, be wary of serving as a board member for an organization you especially want as an employer. Conflict-of-interest issues could harm your later candidacy. Serve instead on the board of a "competing" agency and your experience will have more value to your goal employer.
To get started, simply contact the agency directly, or submit your name to an association that links board members to appropriate agencies.
XAmy Lindgren, the owner of a career-consulting firm in St. Paul, Minn., can be reached at alindgrenpioneerpress.com.