Hiring Folks: What Would You Think (Cover Letter Edition)?

[Anonymous]

Someone who is also a working mother who took time off will eventually read your cover letter and try to help you. It wouldn't be me, but someone will.

[Anonymous]

This kind of cover letter would be warmly welcomed at my last nonprofit — female-dominated and led, very far left, prides itself on work-life balance. It would be immediately trashed at my nonprofit job before that — male-dominated and led, pretty conservative, and much less interested in the personal lives of its employees unless they could use you as a spokesperson. Since your field is the former, I’d try it out and see what happens. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP back to report that I've gotten two requests for interviews just since yesterday when I made this post, so the strategy seems to be working so far... fingers crossed!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, you need to apply to lower jobs and work your way back up. Sorry no short cuts in life unless you start your own business. How long is this break, how old are you?

How is it a short cut to expect to return to the level/position you left? she put in the time to get there, she took a detour, and you think it is a short cut to return?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP back to report that I've gotten two requests for interviews just since yesterday when I made this post, so the strategy seems to be working so far... fingers crossed!

Let us know if they lowball you. I've seen that happen when people are trying to move back in/up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, you need to apply to lower jobs and work your way back up. Sorry no short cuts in life unless you start your own business. How long is this break, how old are you?

How is it a short cut to expect to return to the level/position you left? she put in the time to get there, she took a detour, and you think it is a short cut to return?

Being part-time for 6+ years and then wanting to come back to FT as a CEO is a pretty big leap. I would bet OP needs to come in at a functional leader role for 2 years FT before they will have a chance at a CEO/ED role. Or go to a much smaller org than they've been at.

[Anonymous]

Ceo of home lol

[Anonymous]

I would use this if there's a recruiter, but not with a board-directed search.

I also disagree that you need to step back. Maybe look at smaller orgs to get your foot back in the door but there is no reason not to try for ED jobs.

-fellow nonprofit exec

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP back. For context, this is a female-heavy, child- and human-servivces-related field.

I think you can be circumspect and honest without being overly blunt. You can say you are ready to increase your work responsibilities and reestablish yourself in the field, and everyone will know what you are talking about - especially in your field. Highlight that you have still been working and are relevant but are looking for more challenges. I think that's a big step up from those who may have left completely for 12 years.

Good luck, OP! I personally like the honesty route because the people who bite are the type of people you want to work with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would use this if there's a recruiter, but not with a board-directed search.

I also disagree that you need to step back. Maybe look at smaller orgs to get your foot back in the door but there is no reason not to try for ED jobs.

-fellow nonprofit exec

I agree with you, but as someone in a similar position who just went through several rounds of interviews, you would not believe the things people said to me. It's like the first 15 years of experience on my resume weren't there. They only look at the previous couple and assume your brain reset when you had kids, you get no credit for what you did 10 years ago. It's very depressing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would use this if there's a recruiter, but not with a board-directed search.

I also disagree that you need to step back. Maybe look at smaller orgs to get your foot back in the door but there is no reason not to try for ED jobs.

-fellow nonprofit exec

I agree with you, but as someone in a similar position who just went through several rounds of interviews, you would not believe the things people said to me. It's like the first 15 years of experience on my resume weren't there. They only look at the previous couple and assume your brain reset when you had kids, you get no credit for what you did 10 years ago. It's very depressing.

Right? Leading an NPO in 2022 is not significantly different than leading an NPO in 2017, especially if you're keeping yourself in the network, keeping your skills fresh, serving on NPO Boards, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, you need to apply to lower jobs and work your way back up. Sorry no short cuts in life unless you start your own business. How long is this break, how old are you?

How is it a short cut to expect to return to the level/position you left? she put in the time to get there, she took a detour, and you think it is a short cut to return?

I think people who grind away just get pissed at the idea that someone who scaled back might get the job instead of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, you need to apply to lower jobs and work your way back up. Sorry no short cuts in life unless you start your own business. How long is this break, how old are you?

How is it a short cut to expect to return to the level/position you left? she put in the time to get there, she took a detour, and you think it is a short cut to return?

Being part-time for 6+ years and then wanting to come back to FT as a CEO is a pretty big leap. I would bet OP needs to come in at a functional leader role for 2 years FT before they will have a chance at a CEO/ED role. Or go to a much smaller org than they've been at.

I don’t disagree but “big leap” is not a “short cut” that’s all I”m saying. I agree, it is a big leap.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, you need to apply to lower jobs and work your way back up. Sorry no short cuts in life unless you start your own business. How long is this break, how old are you?

How is it a short cut to expect to return to the level/position you left? she put in the time to get there, she took a detour, and you think it is a short cut to return?

I think people who grind away just get pissed at the idea that someone who scaled back might get the job instead of them.

BINGO! Especially if the time away working on other skills and perspective is viewed as a positive. I don’t think the workers need worry, though.

[Anonymous]

I agree with others who say you need to work your way back up, applying to senior and/or VP positions. Also, don't get personal in your cover letter. Good luck!