Articulating a Desire to “Work for Purpose” Can Be a Sound Strategy When Seeking Nonprofit Employment
I was recently asked by a for-profit colleague the meaning of the term “work for purpose.” I was initially startled by his question as the answer seemed so obvious but I quickly recognized that my years as a nonprofit executive were tainting my reaction. So, what does “work for purpose” mean? The answers are as diverse as they are personal. Some people desire to work for purpose in the nonprofit sector in order to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate or as a way to give back to their communities. Perhaps a family crisis served as the catalyst for an individual who now desires to advocate for a particular cause or work in development and raise funds for the cause. While the responses vary, the question itself is worth closer examination considering the following:
- In two previous U.S. recessions (1990-1991 and 2001-2002) nonprofit employment nationally increased by
an average 2.4 percent while for-profit employment declined by 2.2 percent (John Hopkins Institute)
- The U.S. nonprofit sector must identify at least 330,000 senior executives by 2016 to fill the leadership gap created by directors’ retirement and growth in the number of nonprofit organizations (Bridgespan Group).
- 73 percent of nonprofit survey respondents indicated that they value for-profit experience in a candidate (Bridgespan Group).
While all sectors continue to experience the effects of the economic downturn and will for quite some time, it is clear that sustainable nonprofits will be seeking new talent to fill the growing gap in senior leadership positions. As a nonprofit executive who has hired nonprofit staff at all levels, I believe there is a key question that an interviewee must be prepared to answer.
Why do you want the job?
Let’s now examine how a carefully crafted and authentic answer to this question can increase a jobseeker’s chances for employment.
According to a MedLife Foundation/Civic Venture Encore Career Survey, “more than one half of our nation’s baby boomers are desiring to use their talents to improve society.” Once again, a desire to “work for purpose.” Nonprofit jobseekers will be well advised to spend time reflecting on this question and preparing a thoughtful and genuine response. While an individual’s answer should demonstrate a commitment to nonprofit ideals as a whole – meeting community needs and filling gaps that the government and for-profit sectors can’t meet - the jobseeker must also clearly articulate why he desires to work for the organization he is interviewing with. For example, if your life was positively impacted by a mentoring program which provided you with a “big brother” who helped guide you through the rough years of adolescence, use the interview as an opportunity to connect your story to the organization’s story. Tell me in your own words why you want the job and why you’ve chosen to work for purpose as opposed to work for profit. Nonprofits are about passion and I want to understand and hear your passion as if you were making a case for support to a prospective donor or sharing with a friend how your work makes a difference. And if you struggle answering the question “why do you want the job?”, then I implore you to delve deeper and closely examine your reasons for wanting to work in the nonprofit sector. While the purpose of this self-reflection isn’t to discover the “right or wrong” answer, it is intended to help you think through your motivations so you can clearly and confidently use the interview to convey why you’re the best person for the job. And if you communicate your answer passionately and genuinely and have the requisite skill sets, your chances of being hired have increased immeasurably.
About the Author
“Ellen McCarty brings twenty years of executive experience in the government and nonprofit sectors. She has served as the Executive Director of two Atlanta based nonprofits and the President/CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation© of Georgia and Alabama. She has received local, state, and national recognition for her design and creation of programs in the juvenile justice system; residential facilities and programs for children and youth in foster care; and programs to establish permanent housing for homeless men, women, and children infected and/or affected with HIV/AIDS. Ms. McCarty is passionate about the work of the nonprofit sector and uses her real-life experiences and expertise to help organizations and individuals through her company, McCarty & Co. Additionally, she serves as a guest instructor for Emory University Center for Lifelong Learning; the Foundation Center – Atlanta; the Georgia Center for Nonprofits; and United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta.”
