What Federal Employees Need to Know About the Nonprofit Job Market
With all of the changes happening in the federal workplace, many employees on the Hill are facing new career choices. Some are due to layoffs while others are due to restructuring or voluntary resignations. Because of this, many federal employees are finding themselves looking at the nonprofit job market. Here are some things to know when looking to make this transition.
You can translate your experience in government to the nonprofit world. While your public sector work experience is valuable, you’ll need to sell how this experience applies to the nonprofit world. They’ll like to see you’ve worked in project management, policy analysis, and regulatory compliance. They’ll also like to see that you have transferable skills like problem-solving and leadership. When corresponding or writing your resume, stay away from government jargon. Instead, focus on outcomes and the impact you’ve had on your sector.
Networking will be important. In the nonprofit world, many open positions are part of the “hidden job market,” which means that you’ll never find them in a job posting. If you want to get going in the nonprofit world, look for events in your industry to attend, become a part of professional organizations, and stay in touch with your peers who’ve made a similar transition into nonprofit. Also, ask people for informational interviews. Tap into those who have transferred from the public to private sector and it may lead to a job.
There are differences in hiring. You probably remember that being hired for your federal job meant following specific guidelines, adhering to a structured application, and dealing with long timelines. You’ll probably find a job in the private sector is filled much faster. Interviewing will vary too and emphasize your ability to tell a story about your experiences. They’ll also likely be more conversational and one-on-one where you’ll be asked to discuss topics that help determine your cultural fit.
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