getting my second wind

So, recently (and thankfully), I placed a post for a new Development and Special Events Specialist.  It’s basically a special events person with some regular development assistant stuff thrown in.  It’s a great opportunity for both the person whom we will hire and for me.  It’s been a long process to get to the hiring stage – and a long time was spent weeding through resumes and interviewing.

Over the last two weeks, I’ve received 3 resumes. The issue is that the application deadline was July 30th. Almost a month later, and I’m still getting resumes? Really?  Come on folks.  So, if you’re reading this and wanting to work for a nonprofit – I have a few tips for you:

1. Pay attention to the deadline.  This is so critical in nonprofit work – especially in nonprofit fundraising.  The date is there for a reason.
2. Spell my name correctly. This is especially true since my name is spelled correctly in the ad.
3. Use my name.  I don’t know which is worse – spelling my name wrong or putting “To Whom It May Concern” (um, that would be me – the person who’s listed as the contact person) or “Dear Human Resources Manager” (who the f*** is that?)
4. Use the correct position name – and certainly don’t say “the position you advertised”. We currently have 3 ads posted and referring to the correct position is a good thing.
5. Read the directions.  Please give me what I’m asking for.  I know everyone says this, but in fundraising, it’s especially true.  You need to meet the needs of a donor.  If you can’t meet my needs, why would I believe that you could meet the needs of donors?  As stated in the ad, incomplete applications will not be considered. ‘nuf said.
6. No phone calls actually means no phone calls.
7. Research the company the you’re trying to work for – my company has a website, Facebook page, LinkedIn profile, Guidestar, etc. Research me – I’m pretty easy to find as well. Find out what makes us tick and you’ll be better prepared to answer questions. And may I point out how important Guidestar is for figuring out what to put as a salary? If I only make $x and I’ll be your boss, the likelihood that you will make more than I is slim to none.  If you need that high of a salary, please save my time and yours and don’t apply.
8. Use my name.  Oh, wait, did I already say that?  Well, it deserves repeating.  Use my name!!!

And, yes, the person whom we hired did all of this.

Thank goodness.