There are several benefits that come from working in the nonprofit sector. Not only are you giving back to your community and making a positive contribution to society, but you are also expanding your social circle, learning new skills and possibly gaining experience in a field that you’ve dealt with very little in the past.

While there are many similarities in the application process for NFPs and for-profit businesses, the following strategies will help you put your best foot forward when applying for positions with nonprofits.

Highlight Prior NFP Experience

Have you ever held a volunteer position, or worked at a charity or other nonprofit in the past? You will certainly want to call attention to this experience on your resume!

Focus on Accomplishments Rather than Job Titles

Many nonprofits struggle with scarce resources, and often require staff and others connected with their organisation to don “many hats” when it comes to their roles and responsibilities. To help the decision maker be able to envision you in the position, highlight your accomplishments at both work and school, rather than focusing so much attention on a specific job title. NFPs want people that they can trust to “get it done” so always include specific examples of how you’ve improved things wherever you worked, regardless of your job title.

Use Keywords to Increase Matching

While many nonprofits accept staff and volunteers with only basic life experience, others are looking for qualified candidates with specific licenses, credentials and backgrounds. Don’t forget to use keywords in your titles and descriptions to increase the chances that your resume will be selected by the NFP’s candidate screening software.

Include Other Experience Connecting with and Supporting Nonprofits

If you’ve shown support for nonprofits in other ways, such as advocating for a cause, signing petitions, and even donating or participating in a challenge to help an NFP raise funds, be sure to include this information on your resume. When discussing past NFP support, it’s also a good idea to talk a little bit about why you chose to connect with a specific cause, as well as discuss how engaging with it has changed you and made an impact in your own life.

Polish Your Social Media Profiles Before You Apply

Hiring decisions are typically made by the executive director, the board of directors, or, some combination of the two. As part of the screening process they will likely search for, and investigate, your social media profiles, so take some time to go through your social media presence and check to see if it makes a good impression. You may want to delete any posts that might be misconstrued or that give the wrong impression.

Also, ensure that your posts match the persona that you are trying to portray in your application. While you do want your profile to reflect who you are as an individual, if you make a claim to be passionate about a specific cause, make sure that it is one that you genuinely support, and that at least some of your posts support your claims to improve your chances of being selected.