We asked several nonprofit employers to share their feedback after reviewing applications from MBAs. Here's what they said:
"These are pretty basic, but essential:
- Read the posting carefully.
- Check out the organization - make sure you understand what it does and that it matches your interest.A minimum is to read the website thoroughly before applying.
- NEVER send a generic letter if you're serious about the job."
-A venture philanthropy employer who posted a CFO position
"Do more research about the field/organization/issue [you] are applying to work in. Nonprofits vary a great deal, and few of the candidates we interviewed seemed to have figured out the landscape of the industry they were joining. It was difficult for them to ask the right questions about how we are going to achieve our goals."
-Director of a policy-based initiative economic development initiative
"Customize your cover letter for the organization & position you're applying to and learn as much as possible about the organization before the interview In our case I was amazed by folks who had not looked at our website & that's our product!"
-An internet-based youth-empowerment organization that posted a business development position
"Especially for individuals just graduating from business school, I would recommend tailoring their resume for the position. It was obvious that many applicants were sending their resume to as many people as possible just to get it out there."
-A foundation that sponsors innovative educational opportunities, hiring for an operations position
"Talk to an MBA who's worked in the field. What worked for them? These are real answers that you can use. Please don't default to the chronological MBA resume. It will help everyone if you tell a story!"
-A policy institute which posted an associate director position
"When you are applying to a nonprofit, you should watch your vocabulary and try not to use too much business jargon Speaking in terms of competitors in the market or market share can turn non-profits off. Instead, show why you are committed to the cause of the organization."
-An environmental health organization, hiring a development director
"Almost all the MBAs that we hired after 9/11 that were originally in the private sector have left us to return to the private sector…so when I get a resume that has nothing but banking or the private sector and they want a job with us…..it raises a red flag. We do get [applications from] MBAs that have a mixture of private/public sector experience…and those are the resumes we are after."
-An HR director hiring a senior associate for a community development organization