Not-for-Profit Job Search Timeline

In many ways conducting a job search for a position with a not-for-profit (NFP) organization is very much like looking for a position with a for-profit organization. There are, however, some important differences.

The hiring cycle for positions offered by for-profit companies that recruit on campus is very predictable. For-profit companies that do not recruit vary considerably in their hiring cycles. Most not-for-profits cannot anticipate their staffing needs until the spring, thus, their hiring cycles are typically later than those of companies that recruit on campus.

To capitalize on these hiring patterns, Wellesley’s NFP Career Fair is held in the spring. Unlike many for-profit companies that interview and make offers as early as February, many not-for-profit organizations do not begin interviewing until late spring. Students interested in not-for-profit work are advised to conduct research, complete and refine resumes and cover letters, do internships, and network with potential employers to learn about job openings during the fall and winter.

A Timeline

Below is a timeline for exploring not-for-profit careers and conducting a job search in this sector:

First, Sophomore and Junior Years:

Explore your interests though internships, community and public service projects, lectures and programs. Since most not-for-profit organizations deal with a specific issue, this is the time to educate yourself about the special concerns, challenges, and controversies in your field, and identify the leaders within it. For example, if you are interested in children’s advocacy, an internship with the Children’s Defense Fund, The Children’s Trust Fund, or another organization serving children, plus course work in related areas will strengthen your candidacy in a job search.

Senior Year

September

Participate in a CWS self-assessment workshop to explore and solidify your career interests and goals.
Attend CWS workshops to review your cover letter and resume.
Some not-for-profit and public service organizations—the U.S. Peace Corps, Teach for America, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to name a few—participate in the CWS recruiting program. Check the list of recruiting companies by clicking here. If you would like to interview with any of these firms, attend one of the recruiting meetings in the fall.

October-November

Research potential employers and conduct informational interviews.
Use the Wellesley Network.
Participate in the Shadow Program.

December

Finalize your resume.
Compose at least two cover letters, either for practice or actual use.

January/Wintersession

This is a key time for networking.

Research potential employers and conduct informational interviews.
Use the Wellesley Network.
Meet with agencies in preparation for the spring NYC, Philadelphia, and Wellesley College Not-for-Profit career fairs.
Participate in the Shadow Program or create an independent Shadow experience.
Spend time in the city or geographic location in which you might want to live.

February-March

Research organizations participating in the NFP Career Fairs.
Plan to attend one or all of the CWS sponsored not-for-profit career fairs, held at Wellesley College, at Bryn Mawr/Haverford (Philadelphia), and at Columbia (New York City).
Check monsterTRAK for current job listings in the not-for-profit sector targeted for Wellesley students and idealist among other sites.
Send out resumes and cover letters as well as letters of inquiry to potential employers.
Schedule interviews with potential employers during Spring Break.

March-April

Check monsterTRAK and idealist to find current listings of jobs in the not-for-profit sector.
Continue to use the Wellesley Network. Conduct informational and job interviews during Spring Break.

May

Continue to conduct information and job interviews until you land the job you want.
Check monsterTRAK and idealist to find current listings of jobs in the not-for-profit sector.
If you do not find a job, consider accepting an internship as a way to gain more experience and to establish contacts within an organization.

June-July-August

Many new alumnae begin job searches after graduation. The Center for Work and Service is open in June and August (closed in July). Counselors are available to meet with alumnae by appointment. For-profit, not-for-profit and public service job listings on monsterTRAK, idealist, and other sites are kept current throughout the year.