We hosted a webinar aimed at offering practical support to those currently job hunting in the charity sector. With over 200 people signed up, we couldn’t get through everyone’s questions live, so we’ve pulled together the rest of them here in this bitesize blog series.
It’s undoubtedly a trying time for job seekers, and we know there are some brilliant people finding it incredibly tough to secure a new role right now. We hope the questions and answers shared here help you overcome some of the hurdles and stay motivated.
This is the first in a 4-part series covering the topics that came up most, from sector transitions and CVs to interviews, motivation and more.
Sector Moves and Career Pivots
We heard from so many people wondering whether to stay in the charity sector, shift into it, or step away completely. It’s a big decision, especially right now, and one we know many of you are navigating.
Are people leaving the sector?
Yes, and for all sorts of reasons. According to Endsleigh, 56% of people leaving charity jobs for the commercial sector say it’s for higher pay. That’s a big number, and it reflects the wider pressures people are feeling.
That said, we also speak to lots of people who are actively trying to move into the sector. Often they’re motivated by values or lived experience and want to work somewhere that feels more meaningful.
If you’re thinking of moving – in, out or across – here are a few things to think about:
- How will you explain why you want to move?
- What skills do you have that could transfer to a new area?
- Are there organisations that would really value your experience?
- Tailor your CV to match the language in the job description, and try to avoid sector-specific jargon or acronyms.
What about moving from charity into CSR or corporate roles?
We do see this happening. Although we tend to focus more on people moving into the sector, we know of people who’ve made this switch. Try reaching out to someone already working in CSR and see if they’re happy to share their experience – even a short conversation can be really helpful.
And if you’re just starting out?
Start by thinking about which causes you care about and why. Learn about the types of roles that exist, and try to get some experience by volunteering, temping, or applying for internships. The more you can learn about how the sector is governed and some of the language that is typically used, the better. We’ve got a series of videos on our website and YouTube on how to get into charity work that might be helpful too. And we’d encourage everyone to consider a Trusteeship too.
What if you want to shift specialism within the sector?
This can be tricky, but not impossible. Say you’ve worked in statutory tendering and want to move into corporate partnerships. Focus on transferable skills like relationship building, influencing and communication, and back them up with real examples from your experience. It’s all about showing how what you’ve done before still applies.
Looking to move into grant-making from trusts fundraising?
You might find you’re up against people with direct experience, but your skills still count. Try matching the language from the person spec in your cover letter and consider using bold to make key phrases pop. Be specific about how your skills align with what they’re looking for.
And if you’re applying for a more junior role than your last one?
That’s very common right now. Just be clear in your supporting statement about why this role works for you at this stage of your career and show what you could bring to it. Being upfront helps avoid any assumptions.
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