Handily for those who\u2019ve already signed up to volunteer, organising and taking part in voluntary events is essential for getting your first charity job. \u201cYou need to stand out from the crowd. This means finding time to volunteer with a charity or community-based organisation,\u201d says Ola Fajobi,<\/em>\u00a0global head of human resources at\u00a0Christian Aid<\/a>.<\/p>\n Likewise, Henrietta Blyth, people director for\u00a0Tearfund<\/a>, says volunteering can even outweigh postgraduate qualifications. \u201cHaving relevant experience and skills is more valuable than lots of qualifications. Pick a few charities you fancy working for and write to the relevant member of staff to ask them if you can shadow them for a few days. If they say yes, you have an ideal way of building relationships in the sector.\u201d<\/p>\n While it can sometimes seem like all charity jobs in the UK are based in London, there are plenty of opportunities to be found in the rest of the country. \u201cAlthough there are less charities outside of London, there are also less candidates, so don\u2019t see this as too much of a barrier,\u201d says Joe Marsh, fundraising consultant for\u00a0Prospectus<\/a>.<\/p>\n Though, due to vast size of London, and its direct flight links abroad where charities may have field programmes, there are undoubtedly more opportunities in the capital. \u201cYou have to ask yourself whether you would be prepared to move to give yourself more options,\u201d adds Marsh.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to be flexible when looking for your first job. You\u2019re unlikely to land your perfect role immediately, and demonstrating flexible skills will help you stand out from the crowd. \u201cThere is a lot to be said for candidates who are multi-skilled or have a number of specialities. You can sell yourself as dynamic, adaptable and an asset to any number of departments,\u201d says Glen Manners, charity business manager for\u00a0TPP recruitment<\/a>.<\/p>\n The voluntary sector is competitive so part of breaking into an organisation is simply to keep going, says Andrew Hyland, recruitment manager for\u00a0Macmillan Cancer Support<\/a>.<\/p>\n Part of what makes candidates successful is showing your passion to recruiters. \u201cThe key is to flesh out why you want to work for a charity with examples of why you share an affinity with them. Quote an article, statistic or something from their website \u2013 anything to show that you\u2019ve gone above and beyond can help you stand out,\u201d says Manners.<\/p>\n To land your first charity job or get promoted, one option is to create your own role, says Carla Miller, managing director of\u00a0Charity People<\/a>. Look at the gaps that exist within your charity, which are relevant to your skills and offer to fill them. \u201cI have created my own new job that way at a few different charities,\u201d adds Miller. And if you\u2019re looking for promotion, \u201csit down with your manager and discuss how you need to develop in order to operate at a higher level \u2013 then work towards that\u201d.<\/p>\n How you write your cover letter can make all the difference when applying for jobs in the third sector. \u201cYou need to make sure you absolutely address in your letter the main areas that a charity is looking for, and that you do so in a succinct and well-written way,\u201d says Pasca Lane, head of public relations at\u00a0Scope<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hyland agrees: \u201cWhen you apply, ensure your cover letter includes all the skills and personal abilities highlighted in the job description.\u201d<\/p>\n Likewise, it\u2019s important to make sure your CV is concise so it\u2019s easy for recruiters to see your skills. \u201cCVs should be laid out clearly with skills and achievements at the beginning of the document,\u201d says Sandra Smith, senior consultant at\u00a0Charisma Charity Recruitment<\/a>. \u201cVoluntary work is important and should be included on CVs as another skillset. This will help prove you have passion and an interest in the charity\u2019s work.\u201d<\/p>\n Charlotte SeagerYou don\u2019t need to be in London to work for a charity<\/h2>\n
When looking for charity jobs, be adaptable<\/h2>\n
Persevere to get your first charity role<\/h2>\n
Create your own third-sector job<\/h2>\n
Make your job applications clear, tailored and concise<\/h2>\n
\n<\/a>*this article was published in the Guardian<\/p>\n