What is a Nonprofit Cover Letter
A nonprofit cover letter is a crucial document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job or volunteer position within a nonprofit organization. It serves as your introduction, allowing you to showcase your skills, experience, and passion for the organization’s mission. Unlike a generic cover letter, a nonprofit cover letter allows you to specifically address how your skills and values align with the values and goals of the specific nonprofit, demonstrating your genuine interest and commitment to their cause. By tailoring your letter to each organization, you increase your chances of standing out from the competition and securing an interview.
Why You Need a Nonprofit Cover Letter
In the competitive world of nonprofit employment, a well-crafted cover letter is not just a formality, it’s a necessity. It provides you with the opportunity to go beyond the information listed on your resume and explain why you are the perfect fit for the role and the organization. Many nonprofits value candidates who demonstrate a deep understanding of their mission and a genuine desire to contribute. A cover letter allows you to articulate this understanding and express your enthusiasm in a way that a resume simply cannot. It also provides a space to address any gaps in your experience, explain career transitions, and highlight any unique skills or experiences that make you a strong candidate.
Key Components of a Nonprofit Cover Letter
A compelling nonprofit cover letter includes several key components that work together to present a cohesive and persuasive argument for your candidacy. Each section plays a vital role in showcasing your qualifications and conveying your passion for the organization’s mission. By carefully crafting each of these elements, you can create a cover letter that captures the attention of hiring managers and increases your chances of landing an interview.
Header Information
Your header should include your full name, contact information (phone number and email address), and the date. Make sure your contact details are accurate and professional. This information ensures that the hiring manager can easily reach you if they are interested in scheduling an interview.
Recipient’s Details
Always address your cover letter to a specific person whenever possible. Research the organization to find the hiring manager’s name or the name of the person in charge of hiring for the specific role. This shows initiative and attention to detail. If you can’t find a specific name, use a professional title, such as “Hiring Manager.”
Salutation
Use a professional salutation, such as “Dear Mr/Ms. [Last Name]” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid informal greetings. Ensure you spell the recipient’s name correctly; this small detail shows you care and shows respect.
Body Paragraphs
The body of your cover letter is where you make your case. This section typically comprises three or four paragraphs, each serving a specific purpose in demonstrating your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. The body is your primary opportunity to convince the hiring manager that you are a good match for the position.
First Paragraph Introduction
Start with a compelling opening that grabs the reader’s attention. State the position you’re applying for and how you learned about the opportunity. Briefly mention why you’re interested in the organization and what sparked your interest in the role or the mission. This paragraph sets the tone for your entire letter, so make it engaging and concise.
Highlight Your Passion
The second paragraph is the space to express your passion for the organization’s mission and the cause it supports. Share your personal connection to the organization’s work and explain why you are drawn to their mission. This shows the hiring manager that you are genuinely interested in the organization’s work and not just looking for a job.
Showcase Relevant Skills
In the next paragraph, highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. Provide specific examples from your previous roles or volunteer experiences where you demonstrated those skills. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to make your claims more impactful.
Quantify Your Achievements
Instead of simply stating your responsibilities, quantify your achievements with data. For example, instead of saying “Managed social media,” write “Increased social media engagement by 30% in six months.” This helps you show the impact you made in previous roles. Use numbers, percentages, and other metrics to demonstrate the value you brought to previous organizations. This makes it easier for the hiring manager to understand the benefits of hiring you.
Address the Organization’s Needs
In the next paragraph, explain how your skills and experiences can benefit the organization. Show how you can address the challenges the organization faces and contribute to its goals. Clearly connect your skills and experiences to the specific requirements of the job, demonstrating your understanding of the role and the organization’s needs.
Closing Paragraph and Call to Action
In your closing paragraph, reiterate your interest in the position and the organization. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. Include a clear call to action, such as inviting them to contact you for an interview or indicating your availability for an interview. This gives the hiring manager a clear next step and encourages them to take action.
Formatting and Design Tips
The formatting of your cover letter is just as important as the content. A well-formatted cover letter is easy to read and visually appealing. It demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail, and makes it easier for the hiring manager to absorb the information.
Font and Style
Use a professional and easy-to-read font, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Keep the font size between 10 and 12 points. Use consistent formatting throughout your letter. Avoid using excessive colors, bolding, or italics, as this can make your letter look cluttered and unprofessional.
Length of the Letter
Keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Aim for one page. If you have extensive experience, you may be able to stretch it slightly, but avoid exceeding one page. A shorter, well-written cover letter is more effective than a long, rambling one.
Proofreading and Editing
Proofread your cover letter carefully for any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or typos. Ask a friend or colleague to proofread it as well. Errors can undermine your credibility. Double-check all the details, including the organization’s name and the hiring manager’s name, and make sure they are correct.
Example of a Nonprofit Cover Letter
Here is an example of how to structure your cover letter
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name (if known), or “Hiring Committee”] [Nonprofit Name] [Nonprofit Address]
Dear [Mr/Ms/Mx Last Name or Hiring Committee],
[Paragraph 1 Your introduction, the position you are applying for and where you saw the job description.]
[Paragraph 2 Showcase your passion and connection to the organization.]
[Paragraph 3 Highlight relevant skills and experience.]
[Paragraph 4 Quantify your achievements using data.]
[Paragraph 5 Closing paragraph. Reiterate your interest, thank the hiring manager and call to action.]
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can significantly weaken your cover letter. Be sure to avoid these common pitfalls to make sure your cover letter is successful. Avoid using a generic cover letter. Tailor each cover letter to the specific organization and role you’re applying for, showcasing why you’re the best fit for that role and organization. Avoid using overly formal or informal language. Maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter. Proofread your letter carefully for grammatical errors and typos before submitting it.
Sending Your Cover Letter
When submitting your cover letter, follow the application instructions carefully. Always send your cover letter and resume together in a professional format, such as PDF, unless otherwise specified. Make sure to clearly label the files with your name and the position you’re applying for. Double-check the email address of the recipient, and be sure to send your cover letter and resume from a professional email address. Avoid sending your cover letter and resume in the body of the email. Attach your documents as separate files.
Follow-up After Submission
After submitting your application, consider sending a brief follow-up email to the hiring manager within a week. This shows your continued interest in the position. Reiterate your interest, thank the hiring manager for their time, and briefly mention your qualifications. Avoid being overly persistent, and respect the hiring manager’s time. Be patient and continue your job search while waiting to hear back from the organization.