How can you follow up with a non-profit organization after submitting your cover letter?

If it's been a week to ten days since you submitted your materials, reach out to a contact who may know someone at the org. If that's not possible, look over your LinkedIn profile to see if someone from the org checked your profile. If no one has, it's a good bet they've moved on. Don't take it personally, move forward.

Send a Polite Email: Within a week of submitting your cover letter, send a courteous email expressing continued interest and gratitude for the opportunity to apply. Reiterate Your Enthusiasm: Reiterate your passion for the organization's mission and your eagerness to contribute. Inquire About the Timeline: Politely inquire about the expected timeline for the hiring process, demonstrating your understanding and patience. Express Availability: Mention your availability for an interview or any additional materials they might need, showcasing your proactive approach and commitment.

Respect any guidelines laid out in the application. So many unexpected situations pop up in organizations, and an overly eager candidate nudging timelines can hinder, and not help chances. One exception is if you did not receive any kind of confirmation, a brief note a few business days requesting a confirmation of application is appropriate.

Thank you notes can be a nonprofit's love language. We love using them to express gratitude to donors. Taking the time to send a thank you note is noted and well received, and a great way to display your skills and enthusiasm for the role.

Good advice in this post already. Having conducted many CEO searches for nonprofits, another nugget to consider. Craft your cover letter and resume to the executive vacancy announcement deliverables the Board is looking for. Highlight key achievements in those areas. This will help your candidacy standout among recruiters and those screening applicant’s resumes.

Do your research. Knowing not only an organization's mission and vision, but the impact and results of those things can show you've invested adequate time into learning and understanding not only the what, but the why. If I see that in someone I'm interviewing, they're at the top of my list.

With multiple follow ups, you are establishing a long-term relationship and the habits and assumptions that will (hopefully) follow you throughout your time with the organization. Thoughtful content that shows you continue to think about the organization helps the decision-maker see you in that role. From the outside, hiring is a "black box" and from the inside, the hiring manager is working through the hiring process while also doing their regular work.

Smaller non profits can be incredibly short staffed. Responding to every applicant may be so overwhelming for a small shop...don't take it personally!

The majority of my nonprofit jobs have come through mutual connections. These connections did not come from networking events, rather taking the time to get to know the person's passions, and why they love the work that they do. Don't be afraid to ask - nonprofit professionals love this question, I certainly do! It reminds me of why I love the work, and started in the field in the first place.