How to land a job in the charity sector in 2024

The benefits of working with a charity are vast. Best of all, there is a direct link between work and the impact you make. But getting through the employment barriers can be a challenge. If you are tired of sending off applications into the ether, check out our list of pro-tips to step into the charity sector.

 

 

Do your homework

 

To get into the sector, research different types of charities and the work that they do. Understand how the industry operates, especially when it comes to donations and how they help their beneficiaries. To really show off your motivation, discover which charities and impact you’re passionate about.

 

 

Know what you have to contribute to the job

 

Once you’ve prepared your CV, take a moment to summarise your skills. Be comfortable talking about what you have to offer and how those skills translate into the role.

 

The London School of Economics gives good advice to their graduates – but these tips apply to all job seekers. They say: “If you have an interest or a desire to work in a more charity specific role in Fundraising, Supporter Services, Policy, Strategy, Research or Advocacy roles, you will need to think about how your current skills and experiences match those required by these roles.”

 

 

Deliver an impactful statement

 

Switching industries is particularly hard since you’ll have to explain why you’re making the move. For most job seekers, the best place to do this is the covering letter.

 

Indeed, the recruitment platform, recommends researching the charity and relevant projects. Show that you’ve looked at the website and make connections between your own experiences and the charity mission.

 

Indeed also says to be specific. If you are able to pinpoint a project or piece of research that piques your interest, that should come across in your statement.

 

 

Get appropriate work experience

 

Showing prospective employers you want to step into the charity sector counts. Here you can be creative. Whether it’s digital or in-person volunteering, mentorship, or fundraising, consistency is key.

 

The Guardian Newspaper emphasises that point: “Show, don’t tell goes a long way when it comes to charities. Demonstrating commitment and passion for charity work is invaluable. Showing a history of volunteering for a charity or community project can even outweigh qualifications.”

 

 

Broaden your network

 

Knowing how to market yourself is another key factor in landing a job in the charity sector. Networking is key. Charity Job recommends not only touching base with those on social media, but making connections in person.

 

Attending conferences with the aim of meeting specific guests can help you make the right impression. Membership networking groups or forums also exist. Often, these groups link up digitally, and hold events in-person.

 

 

Use LinkedIn

 

When you’re getting ready for the job hunt, remember to revisit your social media profile. Leverage LinkedIn by tailoring your tagline and experiences to match the job profile you’re looking for. Third Sector recommends crafting a strong CV and making your profile public so that recruiters can easily get the information they need.

 

Follow the charities you’re looking to join, so you can be among the first to be aware of openings. You may also want to set up key word alerts, so that you’re plugged into the sector and developments.

 

 

Edit your social media profiles

 

Most recruiters will research your presence online. Your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media profiles may turn up in their browsers. Be sure to put your best foot forward by curating your image. Or, turn on your privacy settings so your personal photos stay private.

 

 

Check out recruitment platforms

 

Charity recruiters often use bespoke platforms to attract candidates.

 

To actively search for roles, check out:

 

Charity Job

Third Sector Jobs

The Guardian Newspaper Charity Work & Jobs

UK Charity Jobs

Escape the City

 

Keep your finger on the pulse and browse your favourite charity’s career pages and set up notifications where possible.

 

 

Be realistic

 

Understand that changing industries may be challenging. It’s important to be realistic about your background and aspirations. While you may have ambitions to progress to a large, well-known charity, it’s okay to start small.

 

Charity Job says that: “Smaller charities allow you to refine and hone your skills, build your confidence and get stuck in as you navigate your new career.” Ultimately, as you see successes in your new role, opportunities at larger, organisations open up.