The Nonprofit Hiring Toolkit explores important steps to the hiring process that, when done well and thoroughly, will help you find and hire the best talent for your open positions.
Hiring decisions are challenging, and engaging in a thorough process requires time and energy. In addition, every hiring decision contains an element of risk and ultimately requires a leap of faith. No matter how well you know your final candidate, it’s impossible to be 100 percent certain how he or she will perform in the new role. However, executing a disciplined, rigorous search process like the one outlined in this tool kit will help to mitigate the risks. This toolkit explores eight steps to the hiring process that, when done well, can lead your organization to making a great hiring decision.
Identifying a team of individuals in your nonprofit organization to be part of hiring process is a crucial first step to making a great hire. The team will be your support system for helping define the position, screen resumes, interview candidates and manage the new hire's transition into his or her new role and your organization. Read more >>
Creating a system for reviewing applications and resumes will help you improve your chances of including the most relevant candidates in your interview pool, including uncovering some hidden gems. This piece discusses key steps and shares an assessment tool you can use to evaluate candidate resumes. Read more >>
The interview is the first opportunity for the nonprofit organization and the candidate to get to know one another, so it is imperative to prepare well. Start preparing during the resume screening process by compiling a list of questions and/or issues you would like to probe with each interviewee. The following articles provide general guidance on the process as well as interview question advice.
Checking references is critical in making the final decision between top candidates. Reference checks can reveal information that not only can help you determine your top choice but also can help you better understand how the new employee might transition in to the new role and your nonprofit organization. Read more >>
Reaching the point of extending an offer to your first-choice candidate is exciting. This piece provides some guidance on extending offers as well as a template for writing the offer letter. Read more >>
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Building scenario plans can give nonprofit leaders a way to prepare for different potential futures, such as those that might occur after a presidential election year.
