I am a former CEO of a non profit organization that recently moved to the Founder position.

14 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 26,2022 at 7:01PM UTC

   You might want to look into an executive coach like Robynn Storey https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynnstorey/

   She also works with smaller recruiters to refer work.

2. Joanne RosenAugust 26,2022 at 7:31PM UTC

   She isn't a recruiter.

3. AnonymousAugust 26,2022 at 7:30PM UTC

   At the CEO level, even at a nonprofit, you are usually head-hunted and highly recruited by a search firm hired by the company. If you haven't been on the radar of a search firm you need to figure out how your professional profile (beyond LinkedIn ) csn be raised with speaking engagements, published articles and panel invitations. I would also network because going in at that level with a personal recommendations automatically sets the expectation of a certain level of expertise and business savvy. You shouldn't be interviewed by managers except for culture fit but that is rare. CEOs are generally vetted by a Board of Directors and executive staff either with a personal connection to you or high profile referral. Otherwise the assumption is you're a VP in disguise..

   Raise your profile so you are on the radar for that top seat.

4. Monique V. RileyAugust 27,2022 at 10:16PM UTC

   Wow, Thanks for the information.

5. AnonymousAugust 26,2022 at 8:40PM UTC

   I too think an executive recruiter may be a great option. Also....Have you considered establishing your own consulting business?

6. Monique V. RileyAugust 27,2022 at 10:13PM UTC

   Yes I have considered, Sometimes I worry about the cost of the venture.

7. AnonymousAugust 26,2022 at 9:02PM UTC

   What type of position are you looking for? Is it CEO or a lower level, but still execuitive? A recruiter seems a good idea depending on what you want to do. I agree that somehow raising profile would be good.

8. Monique V. RileyAugust 27,2022 at 10:12PM UTC

   Hello, I am really interested in Social Media Management, Human Resource Manager, Recruiter, Executive Director. Business Consultant.

9. AnonymousAugust 26,2022 at 9:22PM UTC

   What factual thing took place to cause you to assume that you or your former role is intimidating to potential to employers? What you have might not be the fit they are looking for or the roles you are applying for could be more competitive than you realize. Try being more humble in your thought process and approach. Hopefully that would lead you to spending more time tailoring your resume and cover letter to ensure it demonstrates specific examples of the skillset linked to the specific job duties you are applying for. What would help for context is what job and industry are you applying to and how long have you been applying. If you have been applying for 1-2 months, it is normal to not get an immediate interview. Part of the sad reality in applying for jobs now vs 20-30yrs ago is it is too easy for underqualified individuals to submit their applications online along with qualified individuals. Recruiters sometimes have to sift through hundreds of applications to find their top 10 to interview. So even if you are qualified, if your resume and coverletter does not show specific examples of how your skills can execute the responsibilities identified in the announcement, well enough with others you are competing with for the same title, it can get overlooked. Software is used now to help eliminate some applications.

   Another thing to consider is several high level leadership positions i.e. upper mgt, execs depending on the company tend to hire from within. So if you are coming from the outside wanting a position in leadership, if no one already knows you or recommended you from the start, its not impossible, but keep in mind you are competing with individuals who already have a leg up from already being within the organization you may be interested in.

   Network: Use linked in, join industry groups (if not already) to help get your foot in the door. Linkedin makes it easy to join various industry groups, which is an excellent way to network and build a good rappport with others in your industry scope.

   Overall: Put on your competitive hat and approach your job hunt strategy with the thought process that you are competing with others with a similar or stronger background and given that scenario, ask yourself, what would you do differently to give yourself more of a competitive edge. Spend more time doing that and the above advice than dwelling on how overqualified you think you are for certain positions because it does not add or help your situation in anyway. Good Luck!

10. Monique V. RileyAugust 27,2022 at 10:04PM UTC

    Thank you so much for your response and the jewels that you have shared with me.

    I will make sure to take advantage of the jewels and information you shared with me.

    I would like to take a moment to answer your initial question,

    Anonymous
    08/26/22 at 5:22PM EDT

    What factual thing took place to cause you to assume that you or your former role is intimidating to potential to employers?

    In the past I have been coached to hide my previous role or just straight up drop my titles. The issue is in this social media world employers are not just looking up resume.

    Employers and Recruiters are researching candidates via LinkedIn and on various social media outlets so for the past two job interviews during the middle of the interview I was asked about my role at the organization that I built and headed even when I didn’t place the job on my resume again instructions from a job readiness coach. I would go through the process of expressing what I have learned and what I have been able to accomplish. Then I would get the question well what makes you want to leave the job you created. To be very honest I stumble on this question it often times feels like I am aborting something that I am very attached to. I go through the process of explaining my decision then we move on to other questions.

    The reoccurring issue is that all the questions are geared towards learning whether or not I could be lead by another person or if I would initiate and try to take the lead.

    The last two interviews both rejected me because the position that I held. A interviewer said you would be taking a major step backwards from where you are now.

    The interviewer before that flat out said I googled you and you are the owner of a nonprofit why would you want to work for my organization in a lower position.

    Lastly, I am a very humble person that appreciates life, learning, and growth I come from nothing and I have fought for everything to exist and just be.

    I am a student that is attending Capella University for my Masters in Business Administration. I am a honor student ( which I fought like hell for lol) I started my organization because I am passionate about helping victims and survivors of human trafficking. I had to learn how to play every role in the non profit sector because I didn’t have the help. I learned a lot I became intrigued about the ins and outs of business and what keeps it a float. So I decided to go back to school to learn more.

    I learned so much Non profit is hard it’s not easy. I decided to bring in help and move into the role of a Founder and help steer the organization from the board perspective. I see my position and my organization as ministry not a job. We are saving and rescuing lives.

    I am seeking a career that will gift me the Opportunity to learn and practice the skills I learned within my MBA program and earn a decent wage.

11. AnonymousAugust 27,2022 at 10:53PM UTC

    Thanks for taking the time to respond. Now that certainly explains the why. What has worked for me in the past is practicing effective pivoting to negative questions. When someone asks you a question about why you want to take a step down from being an owner, you can have prepared at least 5 positive spin answers that pivots the conversation right back to focus of the skillset and expertise that you can bring to them. You can focus on how your leadership skills will help to solve a known problem or issue and give plenty of example scenarios how your experience as an owner has given you the breadth of knowledge and awareness to help support their leadership in strategically solving problem x,y,z. I think if you jot down 10 anticipated negative questions and practice pivot point to shift the focus on adding to the value of the companies needs, would help shift things in a positive direction for you, thank you for sharing your impressive background and I wish you the best of luck.

12. Monique V. RileyAugust 28,2022 at 6:05PM UTC

    Thank you so very much I am so grateful for your response and I will be sure to put what you informed me of into practice.

13. AnonymousAugust 27,2022 at 1:25AM UTC

    Remember a CEO at a nonprofit usually doesn't translate to a CEO level in the for-profit world.

    I would network in your industry and consider sticking with the nonprofit sector. The money is not as good but the title is there.

14. AnonymousAugust 29,2022 at 7:04PM UTC

    As someone who has recently been CEO of a for -profit, most of these roles are going to come through a recruiter. Average time to land a CEO/ President role is 7-12 months. Its a long hike. But if this is really what you want, stick to it and look for President/ CEO roles and network with recruiters in the industries you want to work. Good luck!