Q: I have been researching positions in the nonprofit field dealing with the growing economic and social concerns related to poverty, unemployment and hunger in the United States. Because these are particularly challenging times, it seems the focus of my application and candidacy should be on my leadership and organization skills as top priorities, and then I should develop other key areas of my background to create an effective search campaign in several industries.

Let me know if you share the same view points, or do I need to develop these ideas in a more simple and focused point of view?

A: Your commitment to social justice is clear and one that many of our clients share.  We do live in difficult times, and your urge to be of service is commendable.

Develop a two-pronged approach to fine-tuning your job search.  First, I know you have served as the CEO of two start-up entrepreneurial ventures which showcases your leadership skills. I also know you have been a successful professor at an accredited university.  Given this combination of experiences, start by tapping opportunities and/or organizations in the social entrepreneurship and academic sectors.  Develop two versions of your resume each targeted to meet the leadership criteria in each sector which allows you to create initial boundaries around your exploration. From there, start by, perhaps, setting up information interviews within these two industries.

From the response you get to the first round of inquiry, tailor your next set of applications.  At this point, send out a round of applications and/or set up meetings in the sector that, at first, seem most responsive to your skills.  Over time, selectively move beyond this initial range of exploration each time noting responses, documenting contacts made and expanding your personal and professional networks.  By using this approach, you can get a “read” on your target areas and adjust your strategy as you move forward. At the same time, you avoid “flooding” the markets of choice without getting any feedback.

Within 6 weeks to 2 months, you should have enough data to plot your next set of applications and to leverage new contacts to find opportunities that might be waiting just under the radar. Good luck with your pursuit.

Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit ExecSearches.com for more information about our career coaching services.

ExecSearches.com is a job board for nonprofit job seekers interested in fundraising, management and executive nonprofit jobs.

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Last updated on September 19th, 2012 at 12:30 pm