This lively discussion is packed with insights and practical tips for job seekers looking to make a powerful impact with their resumes in today's digital landscape. Host Julia Patrick welcomes Katie Warnock, the visionary founder and CEO of Staffing Boutique, to explore the cutting-edge strategies for crafting resumes in the nonprofit sector.
Watch on video!

Katie dives right into the seismic shift from traditional paper resumes to digital formats, shedding light on how this evolution is revolutionizing the job application process. "Digital resumes are huge," Katie declares, describing that while digital formats offer the flexibility to include more information, it’s crucial to keep resumes concise and focused. She advocates for limiting resumes to one or two pages, even in the digital realm, to maintain clarity and relevance.

Attention to detail is the theme as Katie shares her experiences with resume templates and the common pitfalls candidates encounter, such as inconsistent fonts and misaligned bullet points. "If you don't pay attention to detail on that, and then you have someone looking at your resume who is meticulous about detail, they are going to disregard your resume even if the fonts are different," she explains.

The conversation heats up as they tackle the controversial topic of headshots on resumes. While more common internationally, Katie advises against this practice in the U.S. nonprofit sector, citing potential discrimination and the unnecessary complexity it adds to applicant tracking systems. "There really shouldn't be a headshot," Katie says, championing rather a clean, straightforward format that prioritizes content over aesthetics.

The use of keywords and their pivotal role in the digital hiring process take center stage next. Katie explains how applicant tracking systems heavily rely on keywords to filter and sort resumes. She advises candidates to include specific terminology related to their field and relevant software skills to boost their visibility. "It's so important that the font and format come over correctly," she emphasizes, pointing to the need for resumes to be easily parsed by these digital scanning systems.

Katie also details the importance of having a physical copy of your resume for in-person interviews, even in this digital age. This preparedness not only demonstrates professionalism but also ensures that all interviewers can get a copy of the resume, especially in multi-person, and face-to-face, interview scenarios.

Keeping resumes current is another critical point Katie drives home. She urges job seekers to update their resumes regularly, listing new promotions, new skills, and volunteer experiences, which makes the resume a more dynamic document that reflects ongoing career progression.

For those grappling with resume creation, Katie suggests considering professional resume writing services. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who find it challenging to effectively articulate their experiences.

Katie insights during this engaging session offer a great guide for job seekers in the nonprofit sector, and highlights the nuances of modern resume strategies and the importance of aligning digital and physical presentations.

Follow us on the Twitter: @Nonprofit_Show
Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com
Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

A conversation exploring pressing financial trends and emerging challenges impacting the nonprofit sector, with Tanya Pal, Regional Director for Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), the nation's largest nonprofit accounting services firm.

Watch on video!

Host Julia Patrick begins by briefly reflecting on her early experiences on a nonprofit board and the importance of understanding financial trend lines. This sets up the stage for a deep dive into the key trends facing nonprofits today.

One of the significant trends they discuss is the increasing importance of “trust in philanthropy”. Tanya cites a recent survey by the Independent Sector and Edelman Data & Intelligence, revealing that public trust in nonprofits has increased post-pandemic. The study emphasizes that "public trust is the currency of the nonprofit sector.", which points directly to the need for nonprofits to maintain transparency, adhere to ethical principles, and demonstrate the impact of donations. Tanya notes, "If you want to keep that trust and maintain that increase, nonprofits need to see continued greater financial transparency and adhere to best practices."

This fast-paced discussion then shifts to the evolving labor laws affecting nonprofits, specifically the recent changes to overtime rules. Tanya explains that new regulations from the U.S. Department of Labor are extending overtime protections, potentially impacting millions of workers. Nonprofits must adapt to these changes, ensuring compliance and preparing for potential financial implications.

Julia and Tanya also touch on updated IRS uniform guidance rules, highlighting adjustments that could significantly impact nonprofit financial management. These updates, aimed at improving transparency and reducing administrative burdens, reflect the changing nonprofit ecosystem post-COVID.

A particularly interesting topic is the rise of cryptocurrency donations. Tanya describes this as the "modern Wild West," noting that while crypto donations offer new opportunities, they also pose challenges related to donor anonymity and regulatory uncertainties. She shares, "The first recorded crypto donation in 2017 opened the door, and the space has grown significantly, with forecasts predicting it could reach $10 billion in the next decade."

Finally, the discussion addresses the sobering reality of nonprofits closing due to the end of COVID funding. Recent news highlights an organization, even one that received substantial funding, shuttering due to strategic missteps. Tanya emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and financial stewardship, stating, "Money is not the solution to everything; how you steward that money is just as important."

The session concludes with a call for nonprofits to stay informed about trends and prepare for future challenges. Tanya's insights provide valuable guidance for nonprofit leaders navigating the complex financial landscape. Learn more about YPTC.com. . . . . They support small to medium-sized nonprofits by managing their accounting and financial reporting needs, ensuring financial transparency and sound financial management.

Follow us on the Twitter: @Nonprofit_Show
Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com
Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

A comprehensive overview of how nonprofits can innovate effectively by combining creativity with disciplined processes. By understanding and addressing core needs, fostering consensus, and maintaining a structured approach to innovation, nonprofits can overcome the challenges posed by a scarcity mindset and achieve sustainable growth and impact. Stewart Severino, the Head of Innovation at The Navigators, discusses the concept of "disciplined innovation" in the nonprofit sector.
Watch on video!

Co-host Julia Patrick opens the conversation by expressing her enthusiasm about discussing disciplined innovation, emphasizing how important it is for nonprofits to balance creativity with structured processes. Stewart shares his background from the for-profit sector to the nonprofit world and highlights the similarities in challenges both sectors face. He notes, “The nonprofit sector is currently grappling with inefficiencies and a scarcity mindset that limits their potential impact.”

One of the key points Stewart makes is the prevalence of a scarcity mindset among nonprofits, which often leads to a reluctance to take risks. This mindset, he argues, hampers innovation. Co-host Tony Beall echoes this sentiment, stating, “Nonprofits are not risk takers, and when you think of innovation, you think of the need to be able to take risks in order to test innovation.”, which is a problem for many nonprofits: the fear of failure and the perceived lack of resources to experiment and innovate.

Stewart also emphasizes the value of understanding the core needs of the target audience. He explains that many nonprofit initiatives fail because they do not accurately identify or agree on the core needs they aim to address. This lack of consensus can lead to wasted resources and ineffective solutions. He puts it this way, saying, “We cannot afford to sustain throwing things against the wall and seeing what sticks. It’s just not a good financial stewardship move.”

This lively conversation then shifts to practical strategies for fostering disciplined innovation. Stewart suggests a structured approach beginning with some research to identify the core needs, followed by ideation and brainstorming, and finally, testing and refining the developed solutions. This disciplined process ensures that innovations are not only creative but also practical and sustainable.

This session amplifies on the need for a clear, concise understanding of the organization's mission and the specific needs it aims to meet. Stewart gives us a valuable framework for achieving this consensus, using what he terms a "job statement," which clearly defines the verb, object, and clarifying statement of the organization's mission. This framework helps ensure that all team members are aligned and working towards the same goals. Watch and learn more!

Follow us on the Twitter: @Nonprofit_Show
Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com
Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show