If you are applying for a job in the non-profit sector, there may be a few things that differ significantly from applications in the private sector. These include not only your attitude and desire to do something meaningful. The qualifications and skills required will also sometimes differ from those in demand in a private company.
Of course, it depends on the role you are applying for and the NPO or NGO you are applying to. However, there are also general rules that you should follow when writing a CV for a position at a non-profit organization. You can find out what you should pay attention to when creating your CV for the non-profit sector in this article.
First impressions count - in terms of content and appearance
Although there are differences, all applications, whether in the non-profit sector, in the private sector or even in an academic environment, have one thing in common: they should be professional, error-free and to the point, because first impressions count and a poor appearance is difficult to revise.
You should bear in mind that empathy and a certain social attitude are not enough to "land" a job in the non-profit sector. It therefore makes little sense to write an application if you cannot demonstrate any of the qualifications or skills required in the job advertisement apart from your desire to do something good. The CV should therefore consist of more than just social skills. For example, if you are applying to work in the controlling department of an organization, you should have the relevant experience and be able to prove it.
If you're not sure where to put which training, professional experience and additional qualifications, you can use a CV template from the internet. You can adapt it to suit the position you are applying for and, thanks to the predefined structure, you can focus entirely on the content. You also have the choice between different designs and layouts, so you can be sure that the first impression is a good one, at least visually.
Skills and qualifications in demand in the non-profit sector
Now you know the best way to approach your CV. We also want to go into more detail about what you should pay attention to in terms of content, i.e. which qualifications and skills are particularly in demand in the non-profit sector.
Social and emotional skills
First and foremost, you should be able to identify with the ideals and goals of the NPO or NGO you are applying to. In addition, social skills and empathy are required - regardless of which organization you are applying to. This includes above-average communication skills as well as empathy and the ability to work in a team, as lone wolves will quickly find themselves at a loss in the non-profit sector. Incidentally, this doesn't just apply to social organizations such as Amnesty International, Caritas or the Red Cross, whose mission is to "improve the lives of people in need and the socially disadvantaged through the power of humanity".
Social commitment and treating people well are also highly valued by movements that are committed to protecting the environment and our planet, such as Greenpeace or the Bund für Environment und Naturschutz in Germany.
Communicative and linguistic skills
Communication skills include not only the ability to communicate well and confidently at different levels and with different groups. This point also includes foreign language skills, which are increasingly in demand in internationally active organizations. Here, it is not only important to cooperate across countries and languages, but also to organize, coordinate or supervise assignments abroad. English is therefore a prerequisite for many roles in project management and coordination, although other languages that you can include on your CV are of course an advantage.
English is often the common working language, especially in large, globally operating NPOs and organizations. You should therefore be prepared for the fact that the interview will sometimes be conducted in English. The application documents may even be required in English.
Professional qualifications
The professional qualifications that are important for your application in the non-profit sector depend not only on the respective organization, but also on which role or field of activity you are aiming for.
NGOs and NPOs are often looking for employees in marketing, fundraising and controlling - all areas that are centrally located. In addition, project managers with leadership qualities and, depending on the project, with specific specialist knowledge are sought, while well-qualified specialists are sought for projects on site - i.e. often abroad. This can range from medical personnel to engineers, IT specialists or translators, who are expected to roll up their sleeves and proactively help out on site.
The field of NPOs and NGOs is broad and constantly growing. With its variety of opportunities, it offers jobs for socially committed people regardless of their education or previous professional experience. No matter which area you end up applying for - or are qualified in - you can look forward not only to a new challenge, but also to meaningful work.
