2014 Planned Giving Days:

Increasing Your Leadership Skills Quotient, Writing a Winning Resume,

and Scoring Points During an Interview

Carla Andrews-O’HaraAssociate Director, Corporate & Foundation

RelationsJohns Hopkins University

A little about me.

U

On average, Americans, ages 18-44

between 1978 and 2008 held 11 jobs.

Mindflash.com

The Chronicle of PhilanthropyApril 2, 2012 by Raymund Flandez

  The Cost of High Turnover in Fundraising Jobs

The high turnover rate of fundraisers is costing charities money. Lots of money.

The average amount of time a fundraiser stays at his or her job: 16 months. The direct and indirect costs of finding a replacement: $127,650.

(Those figures come from new research by Penelope Burk,  president of Cygnus Applied Research. In her presentation at the Association of Fundraising Professionals conference in Vancouver, she said findings from a survey she has conducted of 1,700 fundraisers and 8,000 nonprofit chief executives, suggest that it would cost just $46,650 to keep a good fundraiser happy by providing better salaries and other benefits, such as additional vacation time.)

Increasing Your Leadership Skills

• Start with a self-assessment (SWOT)• Get to know yourself – really• What motivates you

• Title• $$• Travel• More personal time• Ability to call-the-shots

(empowerment)• All of the above, etc.

What do YOU want out of your career?

Increasing Your Leadership Skills

Preparation and More Homework

• What organizations (companies, institutions, agencies) engage in work that aligns with your goals?

• Who are your targets and why them specifically?• What is the culture and “personality” of the target

organization?• What makes you uniquely qualified to work in those particular

organizations and position?• Are there any additional skills or education you will need to get

the position? To advance in the position?• What is your own, special, personal brand and what materials

will you need to support and validate your brand/message?

Writing a Winning Resume

The #1 Objective of A Resume is to WIN AN INTERVIEW. It’s an advertisement—a chance to present your brand.

A resume is not a history of your past or some sort of self expression.

Writing a Winning Resume

Tips for Success

• Format and feel matter in a “mail-in” resume. Use open space, 12 point + font, and make it easy to read.

• Good spelling and grammar are critical!• Contact information should be clear and easy to

ascertain.• Customize your message/content for each job/employer.• Include highlights and qualifications along with key

achievements.• Be sure to note your education attainment.• Include information on awards, recognitions,

publications, and other information that may be pertinent to the job.

Writing a Winning Resume

Tips for Success

• Use ACTION words.• Be proactive in your language.• Match as many words as possible with the job

description.

Remember… The day of the one-page resume is over! Many companies now use word scanners to weed-out candidates LONG before your resume every makes it to a “live” person.

Writing a Winning Resume

Tips for Success

Proofread, proofread, proofread!

Get a fresh perspective from someone else. Have a trusted friend, family member, or expert review your resume and provide feedback, before you ever send anything out for consideration.

Writing a Winning Resume

Tips for Success

• Take advantage social media sites like LinkedIn.• Look for online professional groups you can join.• Follow Twitter announcements from target organizations.• Sign up for email updates/newsletters from target

organizations.• Register through the online portal of your target

organization to receive regular job bulletins.

Writing a Winning Resume

Things to Avoid at All Costs

• Using clichés to convey your value and distinction.• Copying what others are doing instead of what YOU

can do.• Projecting what OTHERS think you should be doing.• Sending confusing messages about what you want

and what you are offering.

Resume Sample

Resume Sample

Writing a Winning Resume

The Importance of a Good Cover Letter

• Capture attention!• Make an abbreviated statement about your skills

and interest in the position.• Provides a chance to differentiate yourself from the

crowd.• Provides a great opportunity to showcase your

talents in a succinct manner.• Gives your application a personal, targeted touch.

Writing a Winning Resume

The Basic Structure of a Good Cover Letter

• The salutation (Hello). Get a name…any name.• Paragraph one: Introduce yourself and include a

targeted, specific message to grab attention. • Paragraph two: Provide some specific examples of your

work to hook your audience.• Paragraph three: Show your knowledge of the

organization and address why you are applying for this position.

• Paragraph four: Summarize your offer and position, suggest a meeting, and note that you will follow up in a few days.

Writing a Winning Resume

Links to Resume Writing Resources:

• http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumetips/a/tenresumetips.htm

• http://rockportinstitute.com/resumes/

• http://www.careerbuilder.com/article/cb-1060-cover-letters-resumes-how-to-write-a-winning-r%C3%A9sum%C3%A9/

• https://www.wm.edu/offices/career/alumni/resumes/winningresumetips/index.php

• https://www.careerperfect.com/tips/resume-writing/how-to-write-resume/

The Interview

BEFORE you Go

• Do your homework.• Understand the organizational goals, culture, position

requirements, etc.• Find out who you will be meeting and learn something

about them BEFORE the interview. You might find you have some things in common that can work to your benefit.

• Determine how long it will take you to get there and find out where you will park. (Don’t let traffic problems become a problem.)

The Interview

BEFORE you Go

• Prepare any presentation materials, portfolio, etc.• Be ready to share information on references, just in case.• Take extra copies of your resume.• Prepare your questions.• Make notes on things you want to draw particular attention to

during the interview. That way you don’t forget something important.

Practice your interview in front of a mirror, with a friend or family member, or anyone you feel can give you the input/feedback you need to fine-tune your story.

The Interview

Be Prepared for a Non-Traditional Interview

• Telephone• Skype• Multiple, different interviews (be flexible)• WebEx or other online medium

“You’ve taken the casual interview a bit far.”

The Interview

Dress to Impress

• Dress appropriately for the work culture and the position.• Good hygiene – smell clean and fresh – NOT

overwhelming.• Be well groomed – down to your fingernails. • Avoid flashy accessories – leave the teddy bear at home.• Avoid flashy makeup and cloths.• Turn off the cell phone.

The Interview

Body Language Matters

Do’s Don’ts

• Carry one item only (too much stuff makes you look disorganized).

• Make eye contact.• Think BEFORE you speak.• Be poised to convey

confidence. • Practice before the

interview.• Be on time.

• Smile nervously or too much.

• Purse your lips.• Cross your arms.• Touch your face.• Be a “close” talker.• Ramble.• Act too familiar.• Be late.

The Interview

Every Little Thing Counts

• Be courteous and thank everyone for inviting you to interview.

• Be genuine and show real interest.• Show your knowledge of the organization and position.• Interject context to your answers by including real

examples of your experience.• Ask questions. This is also your chance to see if the

organization is a good fit for “you” too.

The Interview

Every Little Thing Counts

• Be respectful of any time limitations and don’t dawdle.• Ask about next steps at the end of the interview.• Be willing to share additional information if needed.• Be ready to address any gaps in employment.• Thank everyone for meeting with you.• Close with any final remarks to help reinforce your case

as THE candidate for the job.

The Interview -- by Committee

Relax and apply your “Do’s and Don'ts,” just remember to make eye contact and include each person in the discussion.

The Interview

Keep the Door Open

• Follow up with a thank you note. It is increasingly common to send an email vs sending a formal, printed note.

• Follow up within a few days to inquire on any progress and to see if you can provide any additional information.

• Even if you are NOT the selected candidate, send another note thanking the employer for considering you.

• Keep contact information.

It’s a small world and you never know when you might meet again.

The Interview

Links to Interviewing Resources:

• http://www.bridgespan.org/Publications-and-Tools/Hiring-Nonprofit-Leaders/HiringTools/Sample-Interview-Questions.aspx?gclid=CKGk_ZCszL4CFVJnOgod1nsAYw#.U4SlOyhp6iU

• http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/jobinterviewtip.htm

• http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviews/tp/jobinterviewtips.htm

• http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-preparation/job-interview-pointers-fogarty/article.aspx

• http://www.employmentguide.com/careeradvice/Interview_Tips.html

Sample Job Description

Group Work

• What steps would you undertake to learn about the organization. Define the organization (type, culture, location, etc.).

• Identify key words within the job description and explain the steps you would take to create a winning resume.

• What steps would you take to prepare for the actual interview?

• How would you convince the organization that you are the right candidate?

• What questions do you anticipate coming up during the interview? How can you be prepared?