Nonprofit job skills will work elsewhere

Question: I have been working for nonprofit associations for my entire 10-year career, but I think I would like to switch to a corporate position. What advice do you have for people who want to transition to the private sector?

Answer: In general, nonprofit associations succeed because of the hard work of their employees and volunteers. They rely on a dedicated work force and thrive when they maintain a singular focus on advancing the organization's mission.

Whether you work in finance, administration, maintenance or public relations, most positions have the same goal: to accomplish the organization's purpose in the community or world. Of course, each role has a distinct set of responsibilities, but when you look at the big picture, it's easy to identify the overall objective of all departments and individuals.

In many ways, corporations are similar. Employees in all departments concentrate on achieving the company's goals. For most businesses, this translates into: bottom line growth, revenue, profit, market share, brand awareness and shareholder value.

Define your goals: Before you begin your job search, evaluate your reasons for changing industries. Are you seeking new challenges? Higher compensation? A more competitive work environment? Evaluate your interests and expectations carefully. This information will guide your career decisions and ensure your happiness in your next position.

Research the market: Once you understand your intentions, research the companies that interest you. Just like nonprofits, every business has a unique way of doing things, its own set of values and an underlying corporate culture that influences daily operations. Read the newspaper and search the Internet to gain insight into company practices and reputation.

Position yourself for success: Restructure and revise your resume to make a powerful impact in the private sector. Think of your document as a personal marketing tool, and remember that corporations are especially interested in the contributions that you will bring to the business.

Take some time to review your accomplishments over the years. Determine the amount of money that you raised, time that you saved, or other tangible improvements that you provided for your employers. If you increased funds, expanded public awareness or enhanced efficiency, highlight these achievements in your resume, and use quantifiable details when possible.

Here are some sample statements: "Raised $250,000 by creating a cost-effective public relations campaign." "Increased productivity in the finance department by 20 percent. Developed a motivated team and reduced staff turnover by 10 percent."

Bridge the gap in your experience: Use your cover letter to bridge the gap between the two industries and explain your desire to change directions. Try a paragraph like this: "After 10 years of experience in nonprofit management, I am excited to increase profitability for a growth-oriented company. While my career has been extremely rewarding, I believe that my talents are ideally suited for a competitive, high-performance work place. I feel strongly that my expertise and enthusiasm will add to the success of your team."

To transition from the nonprofit to the corporate job market, you will need to shift your mindset from mission- oriented to profit-oriented. If you can demonstrate that your skills are transferable to the new industry, and you can improve the bottom line, you will be a great candidate for a growth organization.

Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.