Q and A WITH 2 JOBSEEKERS




By: Dalya F. Massachi

This month, I would like to share some thoughts from my recent work with jobseekers. The first situation involves a mid-career nonprofit professional who was laid off; the second concerns a retiree who wants to enter the nonprofit world.

Q: Since I was laid off from my nonprofit program director position, my jobhunting has not been going so well. It has been several months and I can no longer be sure if I’m well-qualified for a job or just listening to my wishful thinking! Do you have any thoughts on where to draw the line?

A: It’s so easy to lose your perspective, isn’t it? I recommend checking in periodically with a knowledgeable friend or job coach to keep you on track. Together, you can compare the job description in question with your resume—even though you know probably know your resume by heart. Try to ascertain the three to five main things the employer is looking for. If you can honestly say that your resume shows the needed background in those key areas—but maybe not as much in other areas—I would say: apply! The employer may have listed everything he/she prefers in a new hire, but may have some flexibility on lower-priority items. And if you don’t win an interview, you will know why.

If, however, you see that the job description mentions key areas of skill or experience that you lack, check for more than once instance of them. Go to the website of the organization and see if those items seem fundamental to the organization’s work. If so, think twice about spending your time applying. Chances are good that you will be up against stronger candidates.

For example, if the organization is big on cutting-edge technology, and the job description calls for experience with digital/new media (and does so two or three times), you are safe to assume that if you are a modern-day luddite or technophobe you would be better off applying elsewhere.

Q: I am over 55 and decided to retire from my corporate job (long story). I am full of energy and experience, and I want to give back by finding a new career in nonprofits. I currently sit on a board of directors and would like to get my resume in shape Do you have any advice for me?

A: That’s great news! The nonprofit sector welcomes people like you and looks forward to putting your talents to good use. First, I am very glad to hear that you are already contributing your expertise to a board of directors. Not only will others in the field get to know you, but you will also start to see how your background can best serve your community.

As a board member, you are no doubt demonstrating many skills that a nonprofit leader needs. You definitely want to highlight that skillset and experience, and any results you can show from it. Particularly, any fundraising, budgeting, and organizational management expertise should stand out. Now, when it comes to writing about your previous corporate experience, I suggest starting off with a summary of qualifications that captures the length and breadth of your entire career (e.g., “Over 30 years of corporate management and training experience in XYZ field…”). I would then recommend creating a resume that categorizes and highlights the skills, responsibilities, and outcomes of previous positions, in lieu of a strict chronological list. For instance, a resume of this sort that I recently worked on used the categories of: 1) Business/Office Administration; 2) Written Communication; and 3) Verbal Communication.

Generally, you don’t want to mention positions or accomplishments from more than 15 years ago – unless they were outstanding, very relevant, or especially impressive. You don’t always need to name the specific years in your work history, either (e.g., you can write “5 years” instead of “1988-1992” and your year of college graduation is unimportant).


About the Author
Dalya F. Massachi specializes in helping nonprofit professionals advance their missions through outstanding fundraising and marketing materials – online and offline. A lifelong writer, Dalya’s first Letter to the Editor was published in her hometown newspaper before she was even a teenager. For nearly 20 years, Dalya has worked professionally with community-oriented organizations as a sought-after trainer, writing coach, grantwriter, journalist, and organizer. She has crafted countless successful marketing pieces, grant proposals, and news articles. Dalya’s award-winning book, entitled “Writing to Make a Difference: 25 Powerful Techniques to Boost Your Community Impact,” is available at a special discount for OK readers (http://bit.ly/kna7RA). Her website and free tip sheets and e-newsletter are at: www.dfmassachi.net.

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