Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers for Sector Switchers

Guide for Sector Switchers » Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight
Presenting yourself on paper: Resumes and cover letters

In Chapter Eight you will:

• Learn the importance of answering the three fundamental questions that any person making a hiring decision expects your resume and cover letter to answer: Can you do the job? Will you do the job? Will you fit in?
• Learn how to market your distinct skills to the nonprofit sector. Tailoring the language and relevance of your skills to the specifics of the nonprofit position you're pursuing will make employers take notice.
• Explore the various elements needed to craft a perfect, focused resume for the specific job for which you are applying.
• Understand that your cover letter is a persuasive piece of writing that nonprofit employers will use to measure your writing ability and your fit for the particular position.

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See additional resources for Chapter Eight, including sample resumes.

• BACK to the table of contents.
• BACK to Chapter 7: "Does your work work for you? Evaluating organizational culture."
• ONTO Chapter 9: "Presenting yourself in person: Interviewing and first impressions."