Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers for First-time Job Seekers
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.
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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