Your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile are your storytelling tools—they help convey not only what you’ve done but who you are and how your experience aligns with the mission, values, and competencies of the roles you’re pursuing in the social sector.
Resume and Cover Letter Tips:
- Tailor for each role. Use keywords from the job description and reflect the organization’s mission in your language.
- Lead with impact. Start bullet points with strong action verbs and quantify results where possible (e.g., “Increased donor engagement by 35%”).
- Keep it clean and concise. Limit your resume to 2 pages, and format for easy scanning. A good rule of thumb: recruiters spend 30 seconds on a first pass.
- For cover letters, focus on connection. Avoid repeating your resume. Instead, use the space to explain why you’re drawn to the role and how your values and leadership style make you a great fit.
- Include context for transitions. If you’re moving into the social sector, briefly explain the “why” behind your shift to help hiring managers connect the dots.
LinkedIn Profile Tips:
- Make your headline count. Don’t just use your job title—highlight your mission and value proposition. (e.g., “Nonprofit leader advancing racial equity | Strategic partnerships | Systems thinker”)
- Write a compelling summary. Use the About section to share your story, not just your resume. What drives you? What’s your north star? Who do you love working with?
- Optimize for keywords. Think about what recruiters and hiring managers are searching for and sprinkle those terms throughout your profile (especially in your headline, summary, and job descriptions).
- Be active. Re-share articles, follow orgs you’re interested in, and comment on relevant sector trends. This boosts your visibility and shows you’re engaged.
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