The recruitment process for not-for-profit (NFP) organisations is never a one-size-fits-all approach. As every NFP is different, organisational fit, as well as needs and budgets, must be considered.
Typically, NFPs deal with tasks such as creating awareness for community events or causes, marketing and fundraising , to name a few. Also, there needs to be a mindset of sensitivity and purpose when it comes to performing these tasks.
Therefore, a candidate’s ideal skill set must have both a professional and a community-focused perspective. There certainly needs to be passion, commitment, and drive to succeed.
If you are an NFP looking to attract top talent, rest assured that gaining great talent is possible, provided you position your best offering to potential candidates.
Here is a simple recruitment guide for NFPs to help you get started
1. Know what core skills you are recruiting for
One of the most important aspects of hiring for an NFP is knowing what skills you need to achieve your organisation’s goals. Unlike for-profit companies that may focus on specific technical skills, NFPs often require a diverse range of skills, such as fundraising, community outreach, and advocacy.
Knowing the skills required for a specific role helps NFPs to attract the right candidates and to build a team that can effectively deliver on the organisation’s mission. This is particularly important given the limited resources available to NFPs, who often rely on passionate and motivated employees who are committed to the cause.
Additionally, knowing what skills you need for a particular role can help NFPs to identify areas where they may need to provide additional training or support for their employees. This can help ensure that the team is equipped with the necessary skills to fulfill their roles effectively.
Overall, NFPs must be deliberate and strategic in their hiring practices. By identifying the skills needed for specific roles, they can attract the right talent, build a cohesive team, and achieve their mission more effectively.
2. Be clear about your expectations in your job listings
As part of your recruitment process, you need to clearly outline the duties, responsibilities, and requirements for a vacant role. This is an essential tool in the recruitment process, as it helps potential applicants understand what you require of them should their applications and interviews be successful. Also, with a good position description, finding candidates with the right skills and qualifications will be easier.
3. Highlight unique benefits
Every NFP is unique, with different causes, goals and milestones to achieve. Each organisation offers various benefits and unique selling points that could attract candidates.
Some benefits of working at an NFP could include the following:
- The chance to enhance one’s skill set with NFP activities such as fundraising, social media marketing or event management.
- Working in an environment with a chance for growth, achievement and personal satisfaction.
- Being actively involved in community matters.
If your organisation has any unique benefits to offer potential candidates, highlight these as well. For example, some organisations provide volunteers stipends, free training or other perks.
4. Use social media
Social media is a powerful marketing tool for reaching out to potential candidates. Use platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to promote your organisation and available opportunities. You can also use social media to connect with individuals directly – for example, by sending them a personal message or connecting with them on a professional networking site. Do take care to keep your communication professional and to the point.
5. Market your organisation and opportunities effectively
While many people are passionate about the causes that NFP organisations support, they may not know about the opportunities to get involved. By promoting the organisation and its opportunities, not-for-profit organisations can raise awareness and attract new supporters.
Marketing the organisation can take many forms, including social media campaigns, email newsletters, flyers, and targeted advertising. The goal is to communicate the organisation’s mission, values, and impact, as well as the benefits of getting involved. This can include the chance to make a difference in the community, build new skills, network with like-minded individuals, and contribute to a meaningful cause.
6. Work with expert recruiters who know the NFP landscape
Recruiters who know the NFP landscape can make a significant difference. Not only do they understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the sector, but they also have access to a network of talented professionals who are motivated to make a difference.
Working with an expert recruiter can help NFPs to:
- Find the right fit: NFPs have a distinct culture and work environment, which may not be suitable for everyone. Expert recruiters who specialise in the sector can help organisations to find candidates who align with their values, have the right skills and experience, and are committed to the cause.
- Save time and money: Recruitment can be a time-consuming and costly process. By outsourcing the task to an expert recruiter, NFPs can save time and resources that can be better utilised towards their mission.
- Increase diversity and inclusion: NFPs are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in their workforce. Expert recruiters who understand the importance of these values can help organisations to attract and retain a diverse range of candidates, ensuring that they have a workforce that is reflective of the communities they serve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, recruiting the right people is crucial for the success of any organisation, including not-for-profit ones. A well-planned and executed recruitment strategy can help your not-for-profit attract and retain top talent, who are passionate about your mission and will help drive your organisation towards achieving its goals.
To effectively recruit the right people, you need to start by defining your recruitment goals, understanding your organisation’s culture, creating job descriptions that accurately reflect the roles and responsibilities, and leveraging various recruitment channels. It’s also important to implement a thorough and objective selection process to ensure that you hire candidates who not only have the necessary skills and qualifications but also align with your organisation’s values and mission.
While recruitment can be a challenging and time-consuming process, it’s worth investing in the right people as they are the backbone of your organisation. By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this recruitment guide, you can streamline your recruitment process, attract the best talent, and build a team that is committed to achieving your not-for-profit’s mission.
OnTalent is a talent advisory firm in Brisbane that helps businesses and organisations connect with the best candidates for their open positions. We work with companies of all sizes across various industries, and our team of experienced recruiters is dedicated to finding the right fit for every client. Contact us today to get started! Let us help you find the perfect candidate for your open position.
