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.

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.

• Not a first time job seeker? Check out our book for Sector Switchers (and people at mid-career).

• Service corps participant or alum? Our Service Corps to Social Impact Career guide is for you!

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

• BACK to the Idealist Career Center main page.