by Karen Alphonse | Jun 25, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Question: I was hired to take charge of diversity and inclusivity initiatives at a higher education institution. Because of politics, I resigned a few months ago and am now having difficulty securing another role. What do you suggest? Answer: There seem to be at...
by Karen Alphonse | Jun 18, 2013 | Advice, Featured
Question: What is the difference between a nonprofit (NP) and a not-for-profit (NFP)? Does it matter? Answer: I tend to use both terms as synonyms. However, there are some distinctions. I reviewed IRS definitions and learned that NFPs are typically focused on a...
by Karen Alphonse | Jun 11, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Management
Question: We are running an Executive Director search for a small ($2M budget) non-profit in the tri-state New York area. We are not in a position to run a full-blown executive search at this time. What kinds of skills should we emphasize in our position...
by Karen Alphonse | Jun 4, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Question: I am feeling a strong sense of rejection. I keep submitting applications, and then I hear nothing. It has been difficult keeping an upbeat spirit when I translate no news as bad news. What do you suggest? Answer: Rejection has a number of faces. ...
by Karen Alphonse | May 28, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Question: I am sick and tired of working on my resume. It is full of gaps, and I am feeling very frustrated with it. Do you have any ideas about how I can get a handle on this process? Answer: The more I do this work, the more I realize that your resume is truly a...
by Karen Alphonse | May 21, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Question: I am a college student, and I have not yet held any full-time jobs. On my current resume, I describe my internships as “unpaid.” Is this correct? Answer: That is technically correct. However, it may not be the most compelling way to describe your...
by Karen Alphonse | May 14, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Question: I have been preparing myself for leadership for quite some time and am constantly looking for great opportunities. I have identified an Executive Director position that looks like a “dream job” for me. Is the fact that I have been a Chief...
by Karen Alphonse | May 7, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Question: At my prior job, I held two interim roles. One was that of Interim Executive Director for which I eventually interviewed as a permanent position, but I was not offered the job. When I showed my resume to another recruiter, he began to question me about...
by Karen Alphonse | Apr 30, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Question: I am preparing a reference list for my job search. So far, I list five male supervisors. What should I be considering when comprising my list? Answer: As a recruiter, I check for 360-degree completeness on a reference list. That is, I want to see on that...
by Karen Alphonse | Apr 23, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers, Management
Question: In your opinion, what do non-profit leaders need most today? Answer: No-nonsense economies require no-nonsense leaders. Based on what we are hearing from other recruiters, search committees and those actively leading philanthropic organizations, three...
by Karen Alphonse | Apr 16, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Question: I submitted my application to several organizations where I thought my credentials and background for senior leadership would be welcome. The response has been disappointing. What am I doing wrong? Answer: The reasons underlying lack of response frequently...
by Karen Alphonse | Mar 26, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
I have read many of your blogs. I use networking as a tool for professional advancement as you repeatedly suggest, but, frankly, it is not working. When I meet people and give them my card, they seem eager to help. When I contact them, few respond and those that do...
by Karen Alphonse | Mar 19, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I am interviewing at a distance for a leadership role with an organization based in Abu Dhabi. What should I consider prior to the interview? What should I consider regarding cultural differences? A: Overseas organizations are probably not going to fly you to a...
by Karen Alphonse | Mar 12, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: This is my first time working with an executive recruiter. Do you have any tips ? I am young and relatively inexperienced at this whole job search thing, and I am anxious to find a great job. A: Your recruiter is your best ally in the search process. It only...
by Karen Alphonse | Mar 5, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
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...
by Karen Alphonse | Feb 26, 2013 | Advice, Featured
Q: Recently, I have been conducting numerous Skype interviews. This coming week, I will have one based on a case study. Do you have any tips on how to conduct this meeting? There is a lot hanging in the balance, and I need to get this right. A: This is a case...
by Karen Alphonse | Feb 19, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I am in a search process, and I think I have alienated my recruiter. After she contacted me and made suggestions about how to improve my materials, I sent my resume on independently. Now, her client is balking at giving her credit for finding me. I wish I could...
by Karen Alphonse | Feb 12, 2013 | Advice, Featured
Q: What do you think distinguishes the not-for-profit sector from the for-profit sector? Is there really a difference? A: The easy answer is that mission distinguishes the sectors. Not-for-profits frequently have a social mission that is clearly articulated in...
by Karen Alphonse | Feb 5, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I have lost the energy to pursue leads and continue my career search. I feel defective, dejected and downtrodden. Every time someone suggests a new lead or approach, I feel inadequate and stupid. Can you help? A: Search burnout — that feeling where...
by Karen Alphonse | Jan 29, 2013 | Advice, Featured, Job Seekers
Q: I keep submitting cover letters for positions suiting my background and experience, but, I keep getting rejections. Do you think something is wrong with the way I draft my letters? I try to list every bit of experience that might be of interest to a prospective...
