57
02/18/21 at 11:27PM UTC
© 2021 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
Nonprofit and functional resumes
I have spent my career so far in the same financial institution when I lost my job not long before the pandemic.
I have been applying to a variety of jobs in different fields, but really want to find something in nonprofit or government.
I have a lot of volunteer/community/volunteer management experience through my fire dept and a MPA and other skills I think would allow me to be successful in a nonprofit role. It was suggested to me that I tailor my resume specifically to the nonprofit industry. After some Googling, I decided to to create a functional resume. Does anyone have experience writing or reviewing these? My volunteer experience is what is highlighted, I have my other resume for comparison. Any help or direction would be appreciated.
Sara MyersMidwest Professor and Research Administrator
138
03/02/21 at 5:51PM UTC
All Federal jobs are on usajobs.gov. You need to make sure the "required qualifications" are met or HR will not pass you on to the actual person hiring for the position.
Also - I would encourage you to try and find someone within the organization you are looking to get hired. That can help you judge whether its really a place you want to work, and give you someone to connect with during the interview process.
Good luck!
User edited comment on 03/02/21 at 5:52PM UTC
Brigette WildsCompliance Director in North Carolina
155
03/02/21 at 12:10PM UTC
I would have a statement that highlights your transferable skills and then try to make your past experience fit the type of outcomes the job wants and the skills you have to deliver on that. If they want someone to do fundraising, for example, discuss how you drove people to do something or how you coordinated events. I think a lot of recruiters think a functional resume is trying to hide something and they disregard it. I have no evidence but it is my sense.
Roz BoltonGuiding you to unleash your inner YOU
147
03/02/21 at 6:13AM UTC
Right down your ideal job. How do you want this job to make you feel. What does your office look like in your ideal job? who are your coworkers? Visualise your ideal job that allows you to use all your gifts, talents and abilities. If there is no job out there then create one (start your own business)
What is your dream job? You need to be clear on the job/career you are seeking. If you are not clear then you will end up in a job that you don't like.
grab a pen and paper and write down all your gifts, talents and abilities. Now use these to help you find your job.
You got this.
VanessaAccount Underwriter
171
03/01/21 at 10:05PM UTC
Hello! Based on the current marketplace I would design a resume that addresses key words for specific job descriptions. Ultimately, you will figure out what works best and adjust accordingly. I wish you well as you proceed!
Rosa Goes
282
03/01/21 at 9:17PM UTC
I hired a resume writer to create a functional resume when I wanted to change to a different industry. There was zero interest received using that resume. All I got were "thank you" emails and no interview requests. Only after I changed back to a chronological resume did I get interviews, but I also decided not to change industries. Not sure if that had anything to do with it, but having gone through it, a chronological resume is easier to see & read. Best of luck to you!
Jamie KlingmanSerial Business Starter and Seller
47
03/01/21 at 8:46PM UTC
Hi :) I personally love functional resumes, particularly when there is a cross-sector correlation to be made. Nonprofits need many of the skills you likely have, so help them see that. Good luck!
Kirsten SchmittResume & Social Media Profile Expert
118
03/01/21 at 7:33PM UTC
Functional resumes can often get rejected by automated resume scanners. Perhaps you could create one chronological document for online submissions and a separate one for in person interviews?
Victoria MikulanWriter
57
03/03/21 at 7:18PM UTC
That is really good to know. Those resume scanners are very tricky!!
Anonymous
03/01/21 at 7:20PM UTC
Hi there,
I would definitely include your voluntary experience if it relates but I would also include your work experience. In a cover letter you can also emphasize your volunteer experience that relates.
Good luck!
Kim CallinanPresident & CEO of Nonprofit
555
02/21/21 at 3:11AM UTC
you are welcome to send me both, along with a note about the kind of jobs you are targeting, and I would be happy to look at it. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-callinan-303b293/
Victoria MikulanWriter
57
02/22/21 at 4:47PM UTC
Thank you so much!
Victoria MikulanWriter
57
02/22/21 at 5:22PM UTC
Kim, I sent you a document on LinkedIn but I sent the wrong one and it won't let me reply to the conversation to send the correct one.
Anonymous
03/01/21 at 7:31PM UTC
Suggest you connect with her 1st. Then send her a message with your resume.
Anonymous
02/20/21 at 2:34AM UTC
Hi Victoria! A functional resume seems like a great route to take if you think the roles you're applying for are too different from your finance roles. If not, I'd try to fit highlights of both experiences on one doc.
© 2021 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.