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Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers for First-time Job Seekers

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Welcome to the Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers for First-time Job Seekers. This book is a free resource for emerging professionals pursuing their first position in the nonprofit sector. Whether you're a current student, a recent graduate, or someone entering the workforce for the first time, this book is meant for you. Written by the staff of Idealist.org and other experts, the book's sections are available as PDFs. Navigate the book using the table of contents below.

You can also download a single PDF of the entire book (free!) or scroll through the book online (free!). Comments or questions? Click here.

We're pleased to announce that you can now buy the printed book in shops—new from Hundreds of Heads Books. Learn more. It's new!

Want to link to this book? Use this simple web address: idealist.org/beginacareer.


Table of Contents
  • Introduction
    Opening thoughts: Why do you want to work in the nonprofit sector anyway?
  • Chapter One
    What exactly is a nonprofit? (The answer will surprise you)
  • Chapter Two
    Balancing act: The psychology of the job search
  • Chapter Three
    Self and career assessment: The foundation of a successful job search and career
  • Chapter Four
    Networking: Is it really all about who you know? Yes.
  • Chapter Five
    Become a stronger candidate: Nine ways to get out and involved
  • Chapter Six
    Tools for the job search: Researching all the opportunities in your chosen location
  • Chapter Seven
    Does your work work for you? Evaluating organizational culture
  • Chapter Eight
    Presenting yourself on paper: Resumes and cover letters
  • Chapter Nine
    Presenting yourself in person: Interviewing and first impressions
  • Chapter Ten
    Closing the deal: Understanding benefits and the art of negotiation
  • Chapter Eleven
    Staying ready: A career search doesn't end when you get a job
  • Chapter Twelve
    Nonprofit hiring practices: The challenges of the job market
  • Chapter Thirteen
    It's not what you think: Dispelling some misconceptions about the nonprofit world
  • Chapter Fourteen
    Starting your own nonprofit: Five tips, one warning, and eleven first steps
  • Conclusion
    Closing thoughts: Know yourself, the sector, and the points of synergy
  • Appendix One
    Nonprofitspeak 101: A primer on the nonprofit sector's vocabulary
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