Switching to the charity sector later in your career you face the double whammy of ageism, (illegal I know but very hard to prove) and not having previous charity experience. Here are some tips, from my own experience and from the many conversations I have had with people who have made the switch.
Don’t assume that your track record speaks for itself
When I decided to make the move to the charity sector, I thought it would be reasonably straightforward. I had valuable experience, I had worked at a senior level for years in impressive companies, I had led teams of various sizes, I got results, I was prepared to take a pay cut. I’d be snapped up – right? I found the opposite was true. My network was in the corporate sector. To charity sector hiring managers I had no reputation, I was not on their radar. And ironically I had ignored the foundation of marketing to understand your audience and tell a compelling story that would change behaviour.
Put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes
Would a hiring manager care that I had launched TV channels and smartphones? That I had led a team of 130 in marketing and sales to rebrand an entire satellite TV platform ahead of a successful flotation? If anything, it probably put them off. My CV explained what I had done, but that held little meaning for them. I was starting in the wrong place. What I should have done was thought about what the hiring manager needed, and how to demonstrate through my experience I had the qualities and skills they were searching for.
Leave no doubt as to how your skills are transferable
My advice is not to list in any great detail what you have done on your CV. Focus on your skills and how you will use them in the advertised role. A quick search of what all employers are looking for throws up Communication skills, Teamwork, Adaptability, Problem-Solving, Leadership, Time Management, Creativity. What examples can you give of how you have used these skills?
Demonstrate your empathy for the cause
If you search for what charity employers are looking for there are additional things mentioned – Enthusiasm and dedication for your chosen charitable cause, Commercial/business awareness, Pro-activity and flexibility. Research the charity. Explain why you have an affinity with what they do and give examples of how your personal values align with the cause.
Volunteering can be a way in
If you believe in the idea of civil society then think of volunteering, regardless of whether you want to work in the charity sector or not. When it comes to helping you switch, based on conversations I have had with people who were successful using this route, volunteer a cause you’d like to work for. You can grow your contacts, experience the culture, learn about the work and importantly hear about upcoming vacancies.
Over-qualified or well-qualified?
Are you applying for a role more junior to the level you have worked at and earning less? There may be an assumption that you’ll get bored so don’t tiptoe around a perceived mismatch and explain outright why the role is attractive. Interviewers are interested in uncovering if you view a lower-level position as a temporary situation, or if you are looking to work at this level long-term. Remember that many charities have a heavy workload. The burnout rate is high and retention is poor. If you are faced with several candidates, and one has no previous charity experience, the manager will need to spend more of their already stretched time helping the newcomer understand the culture. Who would you pick? Think about what you can include in your application that will address this. Can you give examples of where you have learnt quickly?
Think about the language you use
Some in the charity world believe that wanting to ‘give back’ implies you have been taking, whereas ‘make a difference’ doesn’t. It really is semantics but think of how someone steeped in the sector might be interpreting what you are saying.
Your commercial experience can give you an advantage
I spoke with an HR lead from a large charity and they said they actively recruit from outside the sector, because those with a commercial background are more comfortable around metrics and measuring impact. Charities are dependent on funding and as the market shifts they need to diversify their income streams. Give examples of how your commercial experience will benefit the charity. What experience do you have of using data to show impact? You may have experience of things that a corporate has been able to invest in that a charity wouldn’t. Your commercial perspective is an asset, but it’s up to you to explain why.
Think about the organisation’s culture and show how you can adapt
Another reservation I have heard from within charities is that people coming in for the first-time rush around suggesting how to improve things. “Many charities, especially smaller ones, are cautious, risk averse and don’t want people who are potentially going to rock the boat or be too impatient.” The culture will be different to what you are used to. Give examples of where you have been flexible and adapted to a different culture. Once in a job remember the maxim to listen twice as much as you speak.
Your years’ of experience is an asset
If you are switching later in life, put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes. What might they think about managing someone older, with more experience? Be pro-active in addressing this issue if you are at interview stage. Research shows that co-generational teams are more productive and creative. Teams can solve more complex problems with a mixed age workforce, because different age groups think differently. Your age is an asset if you make it one. I’ve never lied about my age, but in the past I would keep quiet about it. Now, having been on the receiving end of ageism in the job market, I talk openly about the fact that I am in my 60s. It’s been liberating. Being ignored has fired me up to fight against it. Personally, I wouldn’t want to work for an organisation that doesn’t value all its staff, regardless of age.
Get a foot in the door
Do you know anyone who works in a charity who can offer advice or introduce you to anyone who works in the discipline you are interested in? Many people are generous with their time and will make time for a chat. That’s how my eventual move to the sector started – with a coffee and me asking for advice. Look at job boards for project work and interim contracts, anything that will give you some charity experience that you can then add to your CV.
Believe in yourself
I had days when I never thought I’d make the switch and almost gave up. On those days I would look at my CV and reminded myself what I was capable of. Believe in yourself. You know who you are. You know your value. That’s the story you need to tell.