Q:  I have submitted my materials to various international agencies and organizations for consideration at the senior level.  I have applied both in the United States and overseas, yet, I do not hear from the places that seem like perfect destinations for me.  What do you suggest I do?

A:  I took a look at your sample materials, and I have two distinct thoughts with regard to your lack of desired response. The first thought concerns the materials themselves while the second focus is on your connectedness to people within the organizations you pursue.

As far as your actual materials are concerned, they are very interesting but for the fact that the formatting and style are a bit different from what one might expect in the United States.  Update the resume and cover letter template and make sure they conform to domestic operating standards.  For example, you used a format both listing and describing your experiences in full sentences, but the standard business format here uses shortened sentences and non-text format.  Also, the U.S. format uses headings to set apart education, professional experiences and community activities, however, your format combines all of the activities you have done within a particular time frame.

Beyond the formatting, there is a whole other issue surrounding your connectedness that may be holding you up. That is, you are coming into these organizations “cold” without any live connection to the leadership. The substance of what you present in your materials demonstrates you are an accomplished professional with strong credentials giving me no reason to believe you should not get placed at a high level within your chosen field.  Therefore, I infer that you somehow lack some critical connections and are being screened out before those with hiring authority have the chance to evaluate your candidacy.

Establishing connections might be just what you need to move your materials to the right set of eyes. Have you joined any international organizations that interface with where you want to join?  Do you have personal contacts in those networks?  Rather than focusing on specific job opportunities, work on developing more robust networks in your desired sector. Then, as you establish connections, ask questions about organizations that may be hiring, and pursue those opportunities quickly and efficiently. These activities on your end are sure to generate interesting and useful connections.

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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