Looking for non-profit work can sometimes be daunting. There are usually so many jobs on the regular job boards that someone with a specialized degree in urban planning or non-profit administration will typically be hard-pressed to find a job in their particular field. Whether you have a degree inside of the realm of non-profit or you want to start giving back to the community, Idealist.org is a great resource to use.
Conceptualized in 1985 and brought to fruition in 1995, Idealist.org is different because of its mission to make employment beneficial to the entire world. This includes organizations that empower the poor, help education, improve the environment and protect animals. While it’s not necessary for your company to be filed as a non-profit, the vast majority of businesses advertising jobs on the site do identify as such. With an $80 job posting fee along with a vetting process, you can be sure that the jobs listed on the site are not only legitimate, but are also likely to be with an organization that is legitimate. In a realm of scams and ripoffs, Idealist is a refreshing, no BS job source.
For Job Seekers:
The face of the website looks like any typical job-search engine. When you arrive on the main page you are given options for what you are looking for, whether it be an internship, volunteering, action opportunity, or regular employment. You also have an option to specify your geographic region if relocation is not your thing.
Once you input the details for the job you’re looking for, you’re taken to the next page of results. On the left-hand side you also get advanced options to specify your search. As a hiring manager, I can say that you should be looking for a job that’s applicable to your skills and education level. The two fields that are important to specify here are your professional level and employment type. If you are a seasoned veteran in social-service work, you should set your professional level high. If you are a person who has never worked in nonprofit or in the industry you’re looking for, then there are many entry-level jobs that can suit your needs.
Because there are no ad opportunities to boost an employer’s post, you can rest assured that the jobs you are looking for are legitimate ones that organizations actually need. Finally, once you find a job that interests you, clicking on it will bring you to directions on how to apply. Idealist is also different in the sense that it is not trying to store your personal information or resumes, and often the employers on Idealist are old fashioned. The ability to call some of the job listings makes the hiring process more personal, and if you’re personable, can be used to your benefit.
For Employers:
The initial posting cost of Idealist may seem like a lot for a non-profit that is strapped for cash, but if you want good personnel, it’s worth using. The $80 dollar fee only covers paid, long-term employment. This is the best option to use if you are looking to field a managerial position or long-term employment like social work. The high cost is offset by the quality of candidate you are getting each time. Unlike many other sites, there is no auto apply, so each candidate needs to go through the process of getting their resume, writing a cover letter, and submitting it themselves through e-mail. Additionally if you are looking to hire interns, the cost is reduced to $30 per listing.
It’s important that when you post you are posting the details and requirements as meticulously as possible so that way you are given the best candidates for the job. On top of getting new employees, Idealist is great for recruiting volunteers for your organization. Posting for volunteers is free. If you are holding a rally, protest, or event, Idealist is also a great resource to get people to commit to one-time asks. This comes in handy for special events like election time, when an organization may need to hire many people for a very short period of time.
Idealist.org is a great tool to use for any company looking for someone to match the core values of its company. If your organization is dedicated to improving the world, check out Idealist and get the best candidates, instead of trudging through thousands of bad resumes.
