resume examples for non profit jobs

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5 Non Profit Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

Every society needs the non-profit industry. these are companies whose aim is not to make money to enrich themselves, but rather to make money to enrich society. it is a large and diverse industry and one where professionals can find a lot of fulfillment. this guide has been created to assist those entering or progressing in the non-profit industry. we have compiled 5 resume samples, each with a description of the role indicated, and tips to help bolster your resume and secure yourself an interview..

A nonprofit organization (NGO) is a legal entity that operates for social or public benefit. Unlike other companies that work to maximize profits for their shareholders, NGOs are legally restricted from using their profits for private gain. Legally, any profits must be re-entrenched into the business and used to satisfy the organization's purpose.

There are an estimated 10 million NGOs worldwide. In the US alone, one out of every 10 employees works for an NGO. This means there is a huge amount of employment opportunities in the sector. You can be anything from an IT technician, to an HR manager, to a service provided working 1-on-1 with people in need. 

It is common practice for NGOs to poach leadership from the corporate world so having a successful corporate background might actually be a positive if you are looking to transition into the NGO sector. Being able to illustrate a conviction about the solutions the NGO offers society is also important, as is an educational background in an NGO-related field like public policy or social work.

Because of what this sector represents and contributes to society, integrity is one of the most important soft skills needed. Many NGOs function from financial donations, so donors need to trust that their money is in safe hands. There are a couple of ways to show this and all other important skills and achievements effectively in a resume. This guide will focus on building 5 resumes for 5 non-profit positions. We will include individual tips for strengthening each resume as well.

Non Profit Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

• Non Profit Volunteer
• Chief Operating Officer for Non-Profit
• Non-Profit Director
• Non-Profit Employee
• Executive Director for Non-Profit

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Non Profit Resumes

Non Profit Resume Tips

• Action Verbs to Use
• Related Other Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 5: Non Profit Volunteer Resume Example

Working as a non-profit volunteer is a smart way to enter the NGO world. It affords you an opportunity to show off your dedication to the sector and the organization’s purpose, it allows you to show off your skill set and abilities, and it allows you to network with decision-makers who are in a position to offer you a full-time job. Volunteer positions also generally have fewer barriers to entry than paying positions, so this might be a great way to get started if you do not have any relevant experience or educational background. If you do have any relevant experience in the NGO world or in anything related to a particular organization’s cause, you will want to highlight this.

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Tips to help you write your Non Profit Volunteer resume in 2024

   show a wide range of skills..

As a volunteer in an NGO, almost any skills are relevant. You never know what they may need you to do, and you may find yourself working inter-departmentally. So If you are skilled at event planning and also at data entry like this applicant, feel free to include both. If you are applying for a volunteer position that is for a specified department, try and highlight the skills relevant to that department only.

   Show off any recognition in previous volunteer roles.

When it comes to volunteers, recruiters have two main questions; ‘What can this applicant help us with?’ and ‘ Can they be trusted to do their job well?’. Showing recognition for your work as a volunteer is an endorsement that you can do both. So if you were ever awarded Volunteer of the Week or the Year like this applicant, make sure you highlight that.

Skills you can include on your Non Profit Volunteer resume

Template 2 of 5: chief operating officer for non-profit resume example.

A COO for an NGO takes the goals and vision of the CEO and the boards (where one exists) and creates strategies to operationalize and achieve those goals. They will then oversee the organization’s operations to make sure everything is moving in line with the organization’s vision and strategy. This position requires resourcefulness as well as strong communication skills and integrity. An educational background in business administration or a related field will be highly preferred, as will a strong background in leading successful teams. Take a look at this strong resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Chief Operating Officer for Non-Profit resume in 2024

   show your effect on the bottom line..

Recruiters want to know that you can run their organization efficiently and cost-effectively. Illustrate this by showing how you have accomplished that in previous positions. The key here is to include actual figures, to emphasize and highlight the effects of your contribution.

   List managerial and leadership skills.

This position requires a very specific set of skills. You need to show that you are experienced with managerial tools. Similarly, you need to show that you have skills in the main facets of your position. These can include budgeting, coaching, and strategy like this applicant has listed.

Skills you can include on your Chief Operating Officer for Non-Profit resume

Template 3 of 5: non-profit director resume example.

NGO directors are in charge of running the organization. They give employees direction and take care of different administrative tasks. This position is very involving and you may often find your working hours extending beyond the traditional 9-5 hours. While a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in business, marketing, or a similar field is beneficial, it is not essential. In fact, only 62.5% of NGO directors have a bachelor’s degree and only 15.4% have a master’s degree. In place of an educational background, recruiters will look for a strong background in the area of the organization’s purpose. So if the NGO is focused on health, having a strong background in the health field would be relevant and beneficial.

Tips to help you write your Non-Profit Director resume in 2024

   highlight your project management skills and experience..

This position will require excellent project management skills. So show recruiters that you have successfully managed a wide variety of projects. If you can include the size of the teams you managed, this will make your resume even stronger.

   Show career progression.

Career progression and promotions show recruiters that not only are you dedicated to the field but that you have a strong work ethic and valuable skills that previous recruiters have found deserving of a higher position.

Skills you can include on your Non-Profit Director resume

Template 4 of 5: non-profit employee resume example.

This position is very broad. As we mentioned, you could be an NGO employee in any department within the organization. The required skill set will depend on the department and what tasks you are assigned. Likewise, a related education background in the department’s field would be very beneficial. Some attractive general education fields include business administration, public administration, and nonprofit management. Like in most positions in the NGO sector, your integrity is one of the most important qualities. One of the most damaging things that could happen to an NGO is a scandal involving an employee’s lack of integrity. This is an example of an impressive non-profit employee resume.

Tips to help you write your Non-Profit Employee resume in 2024

   specify your experience and skills in the organization’s sector..

If the organization is in the health sector, try and limit your experience and skill set to anything related to health. This may mean you adjust your resume for each job if you are planning to apply across many sectors.

   Highlight any certification in the organization’s sector.

Put yourself above your competition by highlighting any certification you have received in the sector the organization operates in. This resume highlights competitions and certifications in health management.

Skills you can include on your Non-Profit Employee resume

Template 5 of 5: executive director for non-profit resume example.

An executive director in an NGO is similar to a CEO in a for-profit business, and their functions and status are generally the same. This is a very high-ranking position and requires excellent leadership skills to be able to manage the organization’s operations. Executive directors also work very closely with the board of directors if one exists so excellent communication skills are also essential for success. Experience as an executive director in an NGO is the most valuable experience to be able to show on your resume. Showing skills in fundraising, project management, finance, and HR functions will also be beneficial to add.

Tips to help you write your Executive Director for Non-Profit resume in 2024

   use metrics to highlight your success..

Impress recruiters by giving actual figures of how much you have fundraised, the size of teams you have led, the budgets you have handled, etc. It makes it easy for a recruiter to understand your competency and value.

   Highlight your experience handling money.

A significant part of your job is ensuring the budgets allocated are used efficiently. You will also be tasked with being at the forefront of fundraising efforts. Showing that you have done both successfully not only shows your competency but also indicates your integrity and trustworthiness when it comes to handling large sums of money.

Skills you can include on your Executive Director for Non-Profit resume

We spoke with hiring managers at top non-profits like the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and the World Wildlife Fund to gather their best tips for creating a strong resume in the non-profit sector. Here's what they recommend:

   Highlight your passion for the cause

Non-profit hiring managers want to see that you're passionate about their mission. Show this by:

• Mentioning volunteer work related to the cause in your resume summary or experience section
• Describing how your values align with the organization's mission in your resume summary
• Using industry-specific keywords that demonstrate your knowledge of the field

For example:

Passionate environmentalist with 5+ years of experience in conservation and sustainability. Seeking to apply my skills in grant writing and program management to further the mission of the Sierra Club.

   Showcase your fundraising and grant writing skills

Fundraising and grant writing are critical in the non-profit world. Highlight your successes in these areas with specific examples:

• Secured $50,000 in grants from private foundations to support after-school arts programs
• Organized annual fundraising gala, increasing donations by 20% from the previous year

Avoid vague statements that don't give a clear picture of your impact, like:

• Helped with fundraising efforts
• Wrote grant proposals

   Demonstrate your impact with metrics

Quantify your achievements whenever possible to give hiring managers a clear idea of your impact. For example:

• Managed a team of 20 volunteers, resulting in a 30% increase in meals served at a homeless shelter
• Implemented a new donor management system, increasing donor retention by 15%

Avoid listing responsibilities without showing the results of your work, such as:

• Oversaw volunteer program
• Maintained donor database

   Tailor your resume to the specific organization

Research the organization you're applying to and customize your resume accordingly. This shows the hiring manager that you've done your homework and are truly interested in their mission.

For instance, if you're applying to an animal rescue organization, you might include:

• Experience volunteering at an animal shelter or fostering pets
• Relevant coursework in animal behavior or veterinary science
• A resume summary that mentions your passion for animal welfare

Avoid sending a generic resume that could apply to any non-profit organization.

   Emphasize your soft skills

In addition to job-specific skills, non-profit employers value soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Highlight these in your resume with examples like:

• Collaborated with a cross-functional team of staff and volunteers to plan and execute a community health fair
• Demonstrated flexibility by taking on additional responsibilities during a staff shortage, ensuring programs continued to run smoothly

Avoid simply listing soft skills without providing context or examples to back them up.

   Include relevant volunteer experience

Many non-profit professionals start as volunteers, so don't hesitate to include significant volunteer experience on your resume. Treat it like you would a paid position, with specific details about your roles and accomplishments.

Volunteer Tutor, Literacy Alliance, 2018-2020 - Tutored adult learners in reading and writing, helping 10 students achieve their GED - Developed and led workshops on job readiness skills, resulting in 5 students finding employment

However, avoid listing every volunteer experience you've ever had. Focus on those that are most relevant to the position and showcase transferable skills.

Writing Your Non Profit Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. put your name front and center.

Your name should be the most prominent element in your header, making it easy for the hiring manager to identify whose resume they're reviewing. This is especially important in the nonprofit world, where a personal connection to the cause can make a difference.

• Jane Smith, 123 Main St, Anytown, USA, [email protected] , 555-123-4567

Instead, give your name its own line and use a slightly larger font size to make it stand out:

• Jane Smith 123 Main St | Anytown, USA | [email protected] | 555-123-4567

2. Include your location, but skip the full address

Nonprofit hiring managers often prefer candidates who are locally based and invested in the community they serve. Include your city and state to show that you're a local candidate, but there's no need to include your full street address.

Jane Smith Anytown, USA | [email protected] | 555-123-4567

If you're applying for a remote nonprofit role, you can clarify that by stating "Remote" in place of your location:

Jane Smith Remote | [email protected] | 555-123-4567

3. Showcase your commitment to the cause

If you have a personal connection or long-time commitment to the nonprofit's mission, consider weaving this into your header. For example:

• Jane Smith, Passionate Animal Welfare Advocate
• John Doe, Committed to Educational Equity

However, avoid using generic or cliché phrases that could apply to any candidate:

• Jane Smith, Hardworking Nonprofit Professional
• John Doe, Experienced Fundraiser

Your header should balance your commitment to the cause with your professionalism and qualifications for the specific role.

  Summary

A resume summary is an optional section that highlights your most relevant qualifications for the job you're applying for. While it's not a required section, it can be a valuable addition to your nonprofit resume if you're changing careers, have a lot of experience, or want to provide context not already in your resume.

When writing your summary, avoid using an objective statement, which is outdated and focuses on what you want rather than what you can offer. Instead, craft a concise, targeted summary that showcases your skills, experience, and achievements relevant to the nonprofit role you're seeking.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Non Profit resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Non Profit Resume Summary Examples , or Non Profit Resume Objective Examples .

1. Highlight your passion for the nonprofit's mission

Nonprofits look for candidates who are genuinely passionate about their cause. Use your summary to showcase your commitment to the organization's mission and values.

For example, instead of a generic statement like:

• Experienced professional seeking a challenging role in a nonprofit organization.

Try a mission-focused summary like:

• Dedicated advocate for animal welfare with 5+ years of experience in volunteer coordination and fundraising, seeking to contribute to ABC Animal Rescue's mission of finding forever homes for shelter animals.

2. Showcase your relevant skills and experience

Use your summary to highlight the skills and experience that make you a strong candidate for the nonprofit role. Focus on transferable skills if you're changing careers.

Example of a summary showcasing relevant skills:

Results-driven marketing professional with 7+ years of experience in digital marketing and social media management. Proven track record of increasing online engagement and driving successful fundraising campaigns for nonprofit organizations. Skilled in content creation, data analysis, and volunteer training.

3. Include measurable achievements

Strengthen your summary by including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics to show how you contributed to an organization's success.

• Spearheaded a social media campaign that increased online donations by 30% and grew the organization's follower base by 10,000+ in 6 months.
• Coordinated a team of 50+ volunteers, resulting in the successful execution of 15 community outreach events per year.

Avoid using subjective or vague statements like:

• Excellent communicator and team player.
• Proven track record of success in fundraising.

  Experience

The work experience section is the most important part of your non profit resume. It's where you highlight your relevant experience and accomplishments to show hiring managers you have the skills and expertise to succeed in the role.

In this section, we'll cover the key steps to write an effective work experience section for non profit jobs, with plenty of examples of what to do (and what to avoid).

1. Focus on non profit achievements and impact

Non profit hiring managers want to see the impact you've made in previous roles. Instead of just listing responsibilities, focus on your top achievements and the positive outcomes you contributed to.

• Secured $500K in grant funding to expand adult literacy program to 3 new locations, serving 500+ additional clients annually
• Led volunteer recruitment initiative resulting in 25% increase in regular volunteers year-over-year
• Managed 15-person team to successfully deliver workforce training program 10% under budget

Quantify your accomplishments with metrics and numbers wherever possible. This makes your contributions more tangible and impressive.

Not sure if your bullet points are accomplishment-oriented enough? Paste your resume into our free Score My Resume tool to get instant feedback on your bullet points and where you can improve.

2. Tailor your experience to the job description

Hiring managers want to see how your experience aligns with the specific role you're applying for. Review the job description carefully and emphasize the parts of your experience that are most relevant.

For example, if a non profit program manager job emphasizes grant writing and donor relations, highlight accomplishments like:

• Wrote and submitted 25+ grant proposals annually, securing over $2M in funding
• Cultivated relationships with major donors, driving a 30% increase in average gift size

Leave off or minimize bullet points that don't relate as directly to the key priorities outlined in the job description.

To ensure your resume is tailored, try running it through our Targeted Resume tool. It analyzes your resume against a job description and identifies missing key skills and keywords to include.

3. Showcase relevant non profit skills and tools

Many non profit roles require specialized skills and knowledge of certain tools and methodologies. Showcase your expertise by weaving relevant skills and tools into your work experience bullet points.

• Utilized Raiser's Edge CRM to track donor data and communications, improving data hygiene and reporting capabilities
• Leveraged Salesforce NPSP to efficiently manage volunteer pipeline and streamline onboarding process
• Employed design thinking methodology to develop new community engagement programs, resulting in 30% increase in program participation

Avoid just listing skills and tools without context. Instead, show how you've applied them to achieve results.

When describing your skills in action, use strong, active verbs like utilized, leveraged, employed, etc. This makes your experience sound more dynamic and impactful.

4. Highlight promotions and increasing responsibility

Showing growth and increasing responsibility over time demonstrates your value and potential to employers. If you've been promoted or taken on expanded roles, make that clear in your work experience section.

Habitat for Humanity Senior Program Manager , June 2019 - Present Program Manager , August 2016 - June 2019

Here, the successive job titles and dates make the candidate's promotion within the organization obvious to hiring managers.

You can also show increasing responsibility within a single role:

• Managed volunteer program supporting 5 sites, up from 2 sites in previous year
• Scaled tutoring program to support 200 students annually, a 150% increase in 2 years

Recruiters often scan job titles first, so make your titles and promotions stand out visually. Try bolding job titles or separating promotions on different lines to catch their attention.

  Education

The education section of your nonprofit resume should be concise and relevant to the job you're applying for. It's important to highlight your academic achievements and any relevant coursework or certifications that demonstrate your qualifications for the role.

1. Put education at the top if you're a recent graduate

If you've recently graduated from college or university, it's best to place your education section at the top of your resume, above your work experience. This is because your education is likely to be your strongest qualification at this stage in your career.

When listing your education, include:

• Name of the institution
• Degree earned
• Graduation date (month and year)
• Relevant coursework or honors (optional)

Bachelor of Arts in Nonprofit Management University of California, Los Angeles Graduated: May 2022 Relevant Coursework: Fundraising Strategies, Grant Writing, Volunteer Management

2. Keep education brief if you have extensive work experience

If you have several years of relevant work experience in the nonprofit sector, your education section should be brief and placed below your work history. In this case, focus on the degree earned and the institution attended, without including graduation dates or coursework.

Example of what to avoid:

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration University of Texas at Austin Graduated: May 2005 Relevant Coursework: Marketing, Accounting, Organizational Behavior

Instead, keep it concise:

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University of Texas at Austin

3. Include relevant certifications and professional development

In addition to your formal education, include any relevant certifications or professional development courses you've completed that relate to the nonprofit sector. This can help demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning and your expertise in specific areas.

Examples of relevant certifications and courses for nonprofit professionals:

• Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP)
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)
• Grant Writing Certificate
• Nonprofit Leadership and Management Certificate

Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP), Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, 2021 Grant Writing Certificate, The Grantsmanship Center, 2020

Action Verbs For Non Profit Resumes

An NGO professional’s position is first and foremost a solutions-based position. The organization exists to solve a societal problem, and you play your part in realizing that solution.. Using action verbs that emphasize your solution-based approach is a direct way to indicate your capabilities in this field. This list of action verbs is focused on this as well as the communication tasks that you can expect from an NGO professional. Using the right action verbs is an easy way to spotlight yourself and help showcase your most relevant skills in a few words.

• Spearheaded
• Implemented
• Transformed
• Collaborated
• Established

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for Non Profit Resumes

Skills for non profit resumes.

When looking at the skills section of an NGO professional’s resume, recruiters will need to see competency in the organization’s area of focus, strong communication skills, and leadership skills. It is a multifaceted position, and the skills list should extensively reflect the numerous tasks that one could be expected to complete.

Here is a list of recruiter-approved skills you would expect to see in an NGO professional’s resume.

• Fundraising
• Philanthropy
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Stewardship
• Annual Giving
• Volunteer Management
• Grant Writing
• Community Outreach
• Event Management
• Program Development
• Community Development
• Event Planning
• Public Relations
• Nonprofit Management
• Program Evaluation
• Program Management
• Strategic Communications

How To Write Your Skills Section On a Non Profit Resumes

You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:

Skills Word Cloud For Non Profit Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Non Profit job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

How to use these skills?

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Nonprofit Resume Example

Love helping others? Is nonprofit work not a job, but a calling? Let us help you create a professional nonprofit resume to showcase the work you have done.

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Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

You may be acquainted with putting your volunteer work on your resume, but have you ever created a resume just for all the volunteer and nonprofit work you do? Or maybe you're looking to start working in a nonprofit industry. Whatever the case may be, we're here to help. A nonprofit resume is a resume that helps to highlight your volunteer and nonprofit work as well as your skills and your education. It's a way of showing employers the experiences you've gained in the nonprofit sector. Unlike regular resumes, your nonprofit resume does not necessarily consist of your paying work experience, but of your experience volunteering and doing nonprofit work. Moreover, within the nonprofit sector, there are a variety of professions, including:

• Social services
• Community outreaches
• Religious organizations
• Youth organizations

Now, there are some details that your nonprofit resume does have that should be any kind of resume:

• Contact information
• Resume summary

Tip: In addition, it is very important to include your volunteer experience on your nonprofit resume.

If you've never created a nonprofit resume before, you've come to the right place. In this article, we're going to guide you through creating a nonprofit resume with only 6 steps :

• Formatting your nonprofit resume
• Writing a resume summary and objective
• Describing your nonprofit experience
• Listing your key skills
• Describing your volunteer experience
• Including your education

1. Format your resume like a professional

Even though you're not writing a typical resume, it is still crucial to correctly format your resume . Formatting your resume with professionalism is sure to impress employers and show them that you can be the perfect candidate for the position.

Now, as we previously mentioned, there are elements you should include in a nonprofit resume that you would in any other resume, like the following:

However, it is also important to include your volunteering experience and be sure that the work experience you are describing relates to the position you are applying for.

Tip: If you have done a lot of nonprofit work, just put that information in your work experience section and title the section " Experience ."

Now, when it comes to choosing the format of your resume, we recommend to use the reverse-chronological format . In other words, your resume will emphasize your previous experience in reverse-chronological order from your latest relevant experience to your earliest relevant experience.

Tip: You should use reverse-chronological format throughout your entire resume, including your volunteer experience and your education.

If you're wanting to learn more information about formatting your resume, we have a  guide that can help.

2. Write an impressive resume summary and objective

Not everyone writes a resume summary and/or objective, but it is extremely helpful and may even increase your chances of getting the job. Like for any kind of resume, your resume summary and/or objective is a 1-2 sentence blurb that highlights what you have done in your career and what your goals are. Resume summaries and objectives oftentimes include the following:

• Years of experience
• Type of experience
• Personal characteristics

Tip: Feel free to include any relevant achievements or certifications in your resume summary and/or objective.

Here's an example of a resume summary and objective you would use in a nonprofit resume: Friendly and innovative lawyer with 10+ years of experience drafting and reviewing policies for companies with a love for helping the community. Seeking to leverage skills and love for nonprofit missions to raise the quality of financial processes at various organizations.

Tip: Sometimes, it's easier to write your resume summary after you have already written your resume. That way, you can pick and choose what you want to include.

If you're looking for more help, our guide on writing resume summaries has tons of examples.

3. Describe your nonprofit experience

Unlike in other resumes, in nonprofit resumes, you're more likely to be describing the nonprofit experience you've done, or work that can relate to the nonprofit profession you are applying for. These experiences will look very different depending on the individual and the work they have done. Regardless of the specifics, it's always a good idea to include the following detail in a nonprofit resume:

• Name of company/organization
• Dates worked
• 2-5 job description bullet points
• Key achievements

Tip: As aforementioned be sure to title this section of your resume " Experience ."

Here's an example of what your experience section can look like for your nonprofit resume: Assistant Nonprofit Attorney, Americans for Immigrant Justice New York, NY • January 2019 — May 2021

• Responsible for all aspects of the investigation and litigation of assigned cases, including investigative memoranda, pleadings, discovery, court appearances, witness interviews, depositions, mediations, and settlements.
• Worked with complex litigation and trial work, including familiarity with False Claims statutes.

Key Achievements:

• Reunited 25 immigrant parents in one year with their children.
• Helped 1,000 immigrants obtain U.S. Citizenship.

Litigation/Legal Practice Assistant, Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund New York, NY • March 2017 — November 2018

Litigation Support

• Provided litigation support to multiple attorneys in document preparation, service, and filing of court documents, including electronic filings and service to opposing counsel.
• Assisted attorneys with hearing preparation including preparing and reviewing discovery documents, creating exhibits, and conducting research.
• Ensured all court filing rules are being met, the accuracy of service list and timely filing and service of court documents.
• Participated in conference calls and meetings and communicate with courts, opposing and allied counsel, clients, experts, and government officials, as needed and approved by attorneys.

Want more tips and tricks on how to write your experience description? Check out our guide on describing your work experience .

4. List your key skills

Like in any other resume, it's important to list your key skills . This will help employers to determine if you've got what they need for the job.

Tip: Listing impressive and relevant skills gives employers more reasons to hire you because, based on your resume, they know you have the qualities they may be looking for.

Here are some examples of key interpersonal skills you can include in your resume:

• Communication
• Time Management
• Organization
• Adaptability
• Problem Solving
• Accountability

Moreover, be sure to include skills you learned on jobs that are relevant to the nonprofit work you are applying for.

Tip: If you haven't got the additional space, include the languages and specific certifications, like first aid and CPR as key skills in your resume.

Having trouble identifying your skills? We have a guide with 100+ key skills you can include in your resume.

5. Describe your volunteer experience

The volunteer experience section of your resume is like a continuation of your nonprofit work experience section. Having a volunteer section on your resume shows employers that you are passionate about the work you do. When it comes to describing your volunteer experience, it's important to include the following :

• Company/organization name
• Description of what you did

Tip: You can also include dates and locations if you only did this volunteer work for a short amount of time and in one place.

Here's an example of what your volunteer experience section of your resume can look like: Lawyers for Children America Volunteer twice a week to help provide justice for children in the foster care system.

CABA Pro Bono Weekend volunteer providing justice and assistance to minorities and underpaid workers working in high-volume companies. Need more help writing the perfect resume ? We have a guide that can help you do just that.

6. Include your education

Just because it's at the bottom of our list doesn't mean it is not important. Including your education on your resume shows employers that you have the technical and educational background to complete certain nonprofit professions. For example , if you're applying to do pro bono work as a lawyer, it's necessary to have a degree in law so employers know they can trust you to do good work. When including your education, be sure to mention the following when listing your education:

• School name and location
• Years in school
• Degree, if applicable

Tip: If you've attended multiple schools, be sure to put them in reverse-chronological order .

Here's what adding your education can look like: Yeshiva University | Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

New York City, NY

2005 — 2009

Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.)

Hamilton College

Clinton, NY

2004 — 2008

B.A. Political Science and Government Need more helping listing your education? We have a guide that will help you list your education in 2021 with examples and tips .

Key Takeaways

Before we summarize everything we've covered, we want to let you know that we're proud of you for helping your community and finding this work to not even be a job, but instead, a passion. With our guide, your nonprofit resume is sure to help you get into helping any kind of nonprofit industry. Here's a summary of what we've discussed:

• Format your nonprofit resume like a professional
• Write a resume summary and objective
• Describe your nonprofit experience
• List your key skills
• Describe your volunteer experience
• Include your education

Best of luck out there helping others!

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• • Managed a caseload of 120+ participants with various barriers, tailoring development plans to enhance employability resulting in a 35% increase in successful job placements.
• • Successfully recruited and onboarded 20 new nonprofit community service sites within the fiscal year, expanding program reach by 25%.
• • Conducted 400+ hours of intensive on-site training for supervisors, fostering a collaborative environment and enhancing program compliance.
• • Identified and implemented a scalable job-matching system that improved participant placement efficiency by 40%.
• • Led community outreach efforts that secured $150,000 in grants for program funding and resource expansion.
• • Facilitated conflict resolution and mediation within the non-profit sites improving participant retention rates by 30%.
• • Provided vocational counseling to over 200 individuals, with a 90% satisfaction rate, enhancing client confidence and readiness for employment.
• • Developed and maintained partnerships with 15+ local employers for job placement opportunities.
• • Created and implemented vocational training workshops attended by 150+ individuals seeking employment skills.
• • Utilized data-driven strategies to refine job-matching processes, resulting in 30% quicker placements.
• • Managed grant compliance documentation ensuring 100% accuracy and adherence to funding requirements.
• • Executed community engagement programs that reached 5,000+ residents, promoting employment opportunities and resources.
• • Collaborated with 10+ community organizations to develop joint initiatives targeting underprivileged demographics.
• • Spearheaded a mentorship program for at-risk youth, resulting in a 50% increase in program engagement.
• • Facilitated the allocation of $50,000 in community development funds towards education and job training.

5 Nonprofit Program Manager Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your nonprofit program manager resume should immediately highlight your experience with program development and fundraising. Demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and oversee program execution. Showcase your communication skills and your knack for building strong relationships with stakeholders. Detail your experience in strategic planning and your success in achieving program goals.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

Resume Format Tips

Resume Experience

Skills on Resume

Education & Certifications

Resume Summary Tips

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

As a nonprofit program manager, articulating your diverse skillset and impact on multi-faceted projects can be a challenging aspect of resume writing. Our guide offers targeted advice and examples to showcase your accomplishments effectively, ensuring that your unique contributions stand out.

• Get inspired from our nonprofit program manager resume samples with industry-leading skills, certifications, and more.
• Show how you can impact the organization with your resume summary and experience.
• Introducing your unique nonprofit program manager expertise with a focus on tangible results and achievements.

If the nonprofit program manager resume isn't the right one for you, take a look at other related guides we have:

• Digital Product Manager Resume Example
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• Education Program Manager Resume Example
• Associate Project Manager Resume Example
• Healthcare Project Manager Resume Example
• B2B Product Manager Resume Example
• Pmo Director Resume Example
• Project Controls Manager Resume Example
• Api Product Manager Resume Example
• Salesforce Project Manager Resume Example

How to style your nonprofit program manager resume: layout and format

• Reverse-chronological resume format to highlight your experience;
• Functional skill-based resume format if you have less experience and want to focus on skills;
• Hybrid resume format to guide recruiters through both your experience and skills.
• Make sure your headline is simple and includes the job you're applying for or your current role, an abbreviation of a certificate you have, or even your professional area of interest;
• Always tailor your nonprofit program manager resume to the role you're applying for by matching job requirements to your experience via different resume sections;
• Once you've created your resume, download it in PDF (unless otherwise specified). This is to ensure readability and that the layout remains fixed.

Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

List all your relevant higher education degrees within your resume in reverse chronological order (starting with the latest). There are cases when your PhD in a particular field could help you stand apart from other candidates.

The key to your nonprofit program manager job-winning resume - present your expertise with these sections:

• A header to make your resume more scannable
• Snapshot of who you are as a professional with your resume soft skills, achievements, and summary or objective
• Job advert keywords in the skills section of your resume
• Resume experience quantifying your past job successes with metrics
• A relevant education, certification, and technical sills section to provide background to your technological/software capabilities

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and managing programs aligned with the nonprofit's mission and goals.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising, grant writing, and resource development.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to recruit, train, and motivate volunteers and staff.
• Financial acumen, with experience managing budgets and ensuring the cost-effectiveness of programs.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills to effectively work with donors, community leaders, and stakeholders.

Creating your nonprofit program manager resume experience to catch recruiters' attention

Remember that for the nonprofit program manager role, hiring managers are looking to see how your expertise aligns with their requirements. Here's where your resume experience section can help out. Make sure you:

• Include mainly roles that are relevant to the nonprofit program manager job you're applying for;
• Don't go too far back in your experience - recruiters will only care what you did a decade ago if it's really important for the nonprofit program manager role;
• Each bullet you include should say what you did, followed by the skills you used and the actual end result of your efforts;
• Quantify each of your achievements with numbers and possibly the overall effect it had on the organization;
• Highlight transferrable skills - or personal skills you've attained thanks to past jobs - that could be applicable within your potential workplace. This would showcase your unique value as a professional.

Formatting the experience section of your resume doesn't have to be an over-the-top deep dive into your whole career. Follow the nonprofit program manager resume examples below to see how industry-leading professionals are presenting their experience:

• Spearheaded the Youth Engagement Program at 'Helping Hands', boosting participation by 45% over three years through targeted community outreach and partnership development.
• Oversaw a budget of $1.2 million, optimizing allocation towards key programs which resulted in a 30% increase in services rendered to underprivileged families.
• Implemented a data-driven approach to track program efficacy, improving reporting accuracy by 25% and leveraging these insights to secure an additional 20% in grant funding.
• Managed strategic planning and execution of 'Save The Rivers' campaign, which increased public awareness leading to a 40% uptick in community involvement and voluntary river cleanups.
• Coordinated with five international NGOs to develop a comprehensive water conservation program, impacting over 10,000 households.
• Facilitated professional development workshops for a team of 35 employees, enhancing team productivity by 20% and employee retention by 15%.
• Led the 'Homeless to Homeowner' initiative at 'Sheltering Arms', assisting over 500 homeless individuals in securing stable housing within four years through collaborations with local banks and housing agencies.
• Increased funding by securing grants totaling over $5 million, which expanded affordable housing options by 25%.
• Developed an evaluation framework that improved program accountability and performance measures, leading to a 35% increase in successful long-term placements.
• Coordinated the 'Literacy Lifts' project, which enhanced literacy rates by 30% among participating local schools through the distribution of 50,000 books and interactive learning tools.
• Leveraged social media and digital marketing to drive a 50% increase in volunteer recruitment for literacy programs year-over-year.
• Formulated and executed an operational improvement plan that maximized resource utilization, reducing program overhead by 22%.
• Orchestrated the merger of 'Health for All's' various program operations, which consolidated resources and resulted in a unified approach to community health improvements reaching 20,000 people annually.
• Cultivated a culture of continuous improvement that led to the program receiving a prestigious national excellence award for service delivery.
• Launched a statewide mental health awareness campaign, increasing accessible support services by 50% and decreasing emergency room visits for mental health crises by 18%.
• Executed 'Tech for Tomorrow' initiative, equipping over 25,000 students with digital skills resulting in a partnership with a major tech firm to provide internships and job placements to graduates.
• Cultivated relationships with 200+ donors, increasing annual fundraising by 150% to support expanded programming.
• Devised and championed an award-winning community service program which engaged over 5,000 volunteers and was recognized as 'Best Initiative' by a local Chamber of Commerce.
• Launched the 'Green Spaces' urban renewal program, transforming 15 blighted city blocks into community gardens and social hubs, directly benefiting 10,000+ residents.
• Negotiated four city-wide partnerships which provided support services to the 'Green Spaces' program, enhancing the scope and sustainability of community impact projects.
• Guided the development and promotion of volunteer training programs, resulting in a 60% increase in skilled volunteer engagement within environmental projects.
• Overhauled 'Art in Schools' program curriculum, integrating multicultural arts, which doubled student participation and showcased over 200 student works in local exhibitions.
• Developed and oversaw an affiliate program that partnered with 30+ local artists and art institutions to provide workshops and mentorship, enriching the program's community ties and cultural relevance.
• Secured ongoing sponsorships totaling $250,000 which allowed for the inclusion of performing arts modules, extending the program's reach to an additional 15 schools.

Quantifying impact on your resume

• Highlight the number of volunteers recruited and managed to demonstrate organizational and leadership skills.
• Quantify the amount of funds raised through your initiatives to showcase your fundraising ability.
• Mention the percentage increase in program reach or impact to illustrate growth and scalability achieved.
• Detail the number of programs successfully launched and sustained to reflect your project management proficiency.
• Document the budget size you have overseen to highlight your financial acumen and trustworthiness.
• Include the number of partnerships or collaborations formed, emphasizing your networking and relationship-building talents.
• Specify the measurable outcomes of projects, such as lives improved, to showcase result-oriented performance.
• Feature any awards or recognitions received, quantifying the rank or prevalence if applicable, to establish credibility and excellence.

Action verbs for your nonprofit program manager resume

Writing your nonprofit program manager experience section without any real-world experience

Professionals, lacking experience, here's how to kick-start your nonprofit program manager career:

• Substitute experience with relevant knowledge and skills, vital for the nonprofit program manager role
• Highlight any relevant certifications and education - to showcase that you have the relevant technical training for the job
• Definitely include a professional portfolio of your work so far that could include university projects or ones you've done in your free time
• Have a big focus on your transferable skills to answer what further value you'd bring about as a candidate for the nonprofit program manager job
• Include an objective to highlight how you see your professional growth, as part of the company

Recommended reads:

• How to List Continuing Education on Your Resume
• How to List Expected Graduation Date on Your Resume

Popular nonprofit program manager hard skills and soft skills for your resume

Apart from assessing your professional expertise, recruiters are on the lookout for whether your skills align with the job.

Your profile would thus be assessed in regard to your:

• Hard or technical skills - your ability to perform on the job using particular technologies or software
• Soft skills - how you adapt, communicate, and thrive in different environments.

Both types of skills - hard and soft skills - are important for your resume, so make sure to create a dedicated skills section that:

• Lists up to five or six skills that align with the job advert.
• Integrates vital keywords for the industry, but also reflects on your personal strengths.
• Builds up further your skills with an achievements section within which you explain what you've achieved thanks to using the particular skill.
• Aims to always quantify in some way how you've used the skill, as it's not enough to just list it.

What are the most sought out hard and soft skills for nonprofit program manager roles?

Check out the industry's top choices with our two dedicated lists below:

Top skills for your nonprofit program manager resume:

Program development and management

Budgeting and financial management

Grant writing and fundraising

Project management

Data analysis and evaluation

Policy development and implementation

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Marketing and communication strategies

Regulatory compliance and reporting

Leadership and team management

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Adaptability and flexibility

Critical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Cultural competency

Empathy and compassion

If you failed to obtain one of the certificates, as listed in the requirements, but decide to include it on your resume, make sure to include a note somewhere that you have the "relevant training, but are planning to re-take the exams". Support this statement with the actual date you're planning to be re-examined. Always be honest on your resume.

Qualifying your relevant certifications and education on your nonprofit program manager resume

In recent times, employers have started to favor more and more candidates who have the "right" skill alignment, instead of the "right" education.

But this doesn't mean that recruiters don't care about your certifications .

Dedicate some space on your resume to list degrees and certificates by:

• Including start and end dates to show your time dedication to the industry
• Adding credibility with the institutions' names
• Prioritizing your latest certificates towards the top, hinting at the fact that you're always staying on top of innovations
• If you decide on providing further information, focus on the actual outcomes of your education: the skills you've obtained

If you happen to have a degree or certificate that is irrelevant to the job, you may leave it out.

Some of the most popular certificates for your resume include:

The top 5 certifications for your nonprofit program manager resume:

• Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) - Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
• Nonprofit Management Certificate - Georgetown University
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) - CFRE International
• Project Management Professional (PMP) - Project Management Institute
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) - Project Management Institute

If the certificate you've obtained is especially vital for the industry or company, include it as part of your name within the resume headline.

• How to List GPA on Your Resume
• How To Include Your Relevant Coursework On A Resume

Choosing between a nonprofit program manager resume summary or objective

Many may argue that, in recent times, the nonprofit program manager resume summary or objective has become completely obsolete.

But the reality is different as both of these resume sections provide you with an opportunity to :

• integrate nonprofit program manager-vital keywords
• showcase your accomplishments
• answer why you're applying for this particular role.

The difference (between the summary and the objective) is that the:

• Resume objective puts your career goals in a more prominent position.
• Resume summary focuses more on career milestones.

We recommend you select the summary if you happen to have plenty of experience you'd like to spotlight from the very start of your nonprofit program manager resume.

Meanwhile, the objective is ideal for those candidates who'd like to further prove their suitability for the role with their goals and soft skills.

We've featured some industry professional nonprofit program manager resume samples to the best resume summary and objective structures:

Resume summaries for a nonprofit program manager job

• Seasoned Nonprofit Program Manager with over 12 years of experience spearheading community-based initiatives, adept in building strategic partnerships and securing funding. Proudly led a team to expand a literacy program that served over 5000 individuals, increasing program engagement by 40%.
• Accomplished professional with a proven track record in strategic planning and project management across various sectors, including 10 years in corporate settings, seeking to leverage extensive leadership skills in transitioning to a nonprofit environment to contribute to impactful community development projects.
• Dynamic former healthcare administrator with a passion for social work, eager to apply 8 years of operational management and patient advocacy experience to foster program success within a values-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public health outcomes.
• Energetic and passionate about creating positive change, with a strong background in volunteer coordination and 5 years orchestrating successful fundraising events. Improved event attendance by 200% through innovative marketing strategies and community engagement.
• Driven individual with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and extensive volunteer experience, aspiring to build a career in nonprofit management. Eager to apply grassroots organizing talents and keen understanding of social issues to amplify the impact of community-focused programs.
• Recent graduate with a Master's in Public Administration, committed to making a measurable difference through nonprofit work. Looking to leverage exceptional analytical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and a fresh perspective to enhance program effectiveness and deliver on strategic objectives.

More sections to ensure your nonprofit program manager resume stands out

If you're looking for additional ways to ensure your nonprofit program manager application gets noticed, then invest in supplementing your resume with extra sections, like:

• Publications;

These supplementary resume sections show your technical aptitude (with particular technologies and software) and your people skills (gained even outside of work).

Key takeaways

• Pay special attention to the tiny details that make up your nonprofit program manager resume formatting: the more tailored your application to the role is, the better your chances at success would be;
• Select the sections you include (summary or objective, etc.) and formatting (reverse-chronological, hybrid, etc.) based on your experience level;
• Select experience items and, consequently, achievements that showcase you in the best light and are relevant to the job;
• Your profile will be assessed both based on your technical capabilities and personality skills - curate those through your resume;
• Certifications and education showcase your dedication to the particular industry.

Looking to build your own Nonprofit Program Manager resume?

• Resume Examples

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How to create a first year elementary school teacher resume, top reasons to take a personal day off and recharge your batteries, how to send an introduction email to a recruiter (sample included), how to make resume margins the right size, resume styles: the best choice for your needs [20+ tips and examples].

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2024 Guide to Nonprofit Jobs & Careers [Complete Guide]

Want to find a job that makes a difference?

Then a career in the nonprofit sector just might be for you.

Working at a nonprofit organization gives you the opportunity to use your skills and talents towards a good cause.

Usually, they have a direct impact on the world and it can give you a real sense of accomplishment. 

So, if you’re wondering how you can start working at a nonprofit - you’ve come to the right place.

Nonprofits 101 - Everything You Need to Know

• 5 Most Common Nonprofit Jobs 
• 5 Biggest Nonprofit Employers 
• How to Find a Nonprofit Job - 4+ Job-Boards 

Working in a Nonprofit - Complete FAQ

So, ready to start your nonprofit career?

Let’s get started!

To begin with, let’s get one thing straight: working at a nonprofit is NOT the same as volunteering.

When people think nonprofit, their mind often goes to volunteering at places like animal shelters and soup kitchens.

That is, however, not necessarily the case.

Sure, you CAN temporarily volunteer in a nonprofit organization, but you can also work there full-time (WITH a paycheck). 

After all, a nonprofit is the same as any normal business, but with one key difference.

A nonprofit organization is, essentially, a company without ownership. 

Businesses and companies have shareholders, and the goal of the business is to generate profits through whatever product or service they provide.

Nonprofits, on the other hand, operate based on a goal. i.e. prevent and alleviate human suffering, promote healthy development for the youth, and so on, depending on the organization. 

All revenue generated by the organization is used to reach this goal.

As such, the company never actually makes a profit.

Now that we’ve explained what’s a nonprofit, we’ll teach you how to start your career.

Landing a Nonprofit Job

As with any other position, to get a nonprofit job, you need to go through the whole standard application process. I.e. make a resume, match it with a cover letter, etc.

Here are some of the best resources on how to do that

• Novoresume.com Resume Builder

Using a resume builder is the biggest favor you can do to your career. With Novoresume’s 16+ job-winning templates, you can edit, adjust, and customize your resume for the ideal nonprofit job and have it ready in under 10 minutes.

• How to Write a Resume | 2024 Beginner's Guide

This guide covers everything you need to know about crafting a job-winning resume and what to include within. Tips, tricks, and examples included! 

• How to Pick the Best Resume Format in 2024 [+Examples]

You should pick your resume format depending on your work experience and where you are in your career right now. This guide covers the 3 main formats and when to use each.

• 40+ Real-Life Resume Objective Examples [+How-to Guide]

A resume objective is optional, but you might want to include it if you’re looking for your first job or you’re making a career change into nonprofit. The guide covers real-life examples for different industries and how to structure a resume objective for your job.

• 40+ Resume Summary Examples [+ How-to Guide]

A good resume tells the hiring manager that your resume is worth reading by highlighting some of your biggest achievements to date. Learn how to write one and see examples within.

• How to Write a Cover Letter & Get the Job [5+ Real-Life Examples]

A cover letter is a 1-page document that goes alongside your resume. Check out this guide to learn how to write one!

• Cover Letter Examples for 2024 [+Writing Tips]

Need some inspiration? Check out some of these cover letter examples. 

• 35+ Common Interview Questions and Answers [Complete List]

You’re bound to hear these questions at just about any interview. Check out the guide for the full list of questions and sample answers.

• Questions to Ask an Interviewer [+15 Examples]

At the end of the interview, it’s your turn to ask some questions. Here are 15+ common questions you can ask to learn as much as possible about the company you’re applying to.

Pro Tip: Most nonprofits organize volunteering programs. So, if you’re wondering how to get your foot in the door - you can start by volunteering and THEN apply for a job.

So, ready to dive into the deep world of nonprofit jobs?

Here’s what you can expect:

5+ Most Common Nonprofit Jobs

Because nonprofits work just like normal companies, they tend to hire all sorts of roles.

All the usual job ads you’re used to seeing in a standard organization? All of them apply to nonprofits as well.

There are, however, some jobs that are exclusive to the nonprofit sector.

This includes roles dedicated to nonprofit activities like raising funds , outreach , volunteering , and more.

Some of the most common nonprofit jobs include:

Executive Director

The responsibilities of a nonprofit executive director are similar to that of a for-profit one.

An executive director sits on top of a nonprofit organization and is responsible for providing leadership, and reporting to the board of directors and its committees.

They oversee the heads of each department in a nonprofit and make sure everything is going on track. 

The smaller a nonprofit, the more involved an executive director might be. 

So, a lot is going to depend on the specific organization and how they do things.

Average salary : $65,732

Major Gifts Officer

The major gifts officer handles the strategy behind who a nonprofit accepts donations from.

Major gifts , in this case, are the largest “gifts” an NGO can receive.

For larger organizations, gits over $100,000 are considered major.

While for others, $2,000 can be a major contribution.

So, the role is partly tied to the size of the organization.

For larger nonprofits, the major gifts officer is likely to be part of a team of officers.

Whereas for smaller organizations, an existing staff member might be more directly involved in the gifts process

Average salary : $68,662

Grant Writer

Most nonprofits collect their grants from proposals sent to foundations or governments .

And who writes those proposals?

That’s right!

The grant writer .

The writer’s primary tasks include securing funds for organizations by writing grant proposals , and/or other supporting material .

These writers may be working on several projects at the same time on a tight deadline.

So, to develop great proposals, grant writers need to be familiar with the organization’s programs, goals, and any financial needs.

While writing and researching skills are essential here, they will also be working closely with campaign managers or even the executive board.

Though challenging, the role can also be professionally and personally rewarding.

Average salary : $49,118

Outreach Coordinator

An outreach coordinator typically works with a nonprofit, medical or an educational organization and is directly involved with public relations or fundraising work.

They’re primarily responsible for establishing connections with people or institutions in the broader community. 

This can include creating sponsorship agreements and developing relationships with businesses, or other relevant organizations.

From setting budgets to managing volunteer committees and finding sponsors, you’d be relying on a lot of interpersonal and leadership skills to help the organization grow.

You would also be speaking on behalf of the NGO and be the voice of the organization by advocating for your projects in public campaigns.

Average salary : $41,320 

Volunteer Manager

The main role of a volunteer manager is to efficiently coordinate all the volunteers working at the nonprofit.

This can include everything from the screening process and interviews to managing volunteer paperwork and identifying where to put their skills to use.

Most volunteer managers will end up wearing many hats, depending on what’s needed for the project at hand.

But for the most part, they will be responsible for maintaining and managing a team of volunteers working under them.

They will be helping the volunteers grow by recording their progress , challenges , and results as the organization grows.

Average salary : $38,973

For the most part, when working at a nonprofit, you should expect the salary to be lower than in a corporate setting.

But on the bright side - you get to work for a worthy goal !

And for some, that’s more rewarding than a high salary.

Here are some more jobs you can expect at a nonprofit:

120+ Other Nonprofit Jobs

You can expect to see plenty of jobs with the same titles as their for-profit equivalent in an NGO.

Here’s a list of few other jobs you can find at a nonprofit:

47 Nonprofit Management Jobs

• Administrator for Nonprofit Organizations.
• Campaign Manager.
• Business Office Supervisor.
• Community Health Director.
• Community Relations Director.
• Development Director.
• Project Manager.
• Development Manager.
• Directory of Family Shelter.
• Director of Specialist Initiatives.
• Director of Support Services.
• Executive Director of Nonprofits.
• Advocacy Director.
• Chief Association Executive.
• Compliance Director.
• Critical Care Director.
• Housing Program Manager.
• Program Director.
• Senior Program Manager.
• Volunteer Director.
• Volunteer Manager.
• Volunteer Services Director.
• Volunteer Program Manager.
• Teen Service Director.
• Program Services Manager.
• Nonprofit Administrator
• Nonprofit Executive
• Planning Manager Director.
• Team Leader.
• Housing Coordinator.
• Public Relations Manager.
• School Director.
• Corporate Giving Manager.
• Foundation Program Officer.
• Creative Manager.
• Community Service Project Coordinator.
• Membership Manager.
• Member Certification Manager.
• Member Services Director.
• Donor Relations Manager.
• Human Resources Manager.
• Information Technology Manager.
• Grant Proposal Manager.
• Social Work Manager.
• Special Events Director.

26 Nonprofit Fundraising Jobs

• Director of Development.
• Vice President.
• Fundraising Manager.
• Contracts Specialist.
• Planned Giving Coordinator.
• Grant Administrator.
• Grant Coordinator.
• Grant Writer.
• Community Fundraising Manager.
• Development Coordinator.
• Development Associate.
• Financial Aid Representative.
• Outreach Associate.
• Program Coordinator.
• Program Officer for Foundation.
• Trust Fundraiser.
• Head of Supporter Services and Fundraising Compliance.
• Major Gifts Officer.
• Fundraising Research Consultant.
• Fundraising Community Manager.
• Foundation Director.
• Special Events Coordinator.

13 Nonprofit Communication Jobs

• Communication Director.
• Communication Coordinator.
• Community Outreach Specialist.
• Grassroots Organizer.
• Program Manager.
• Marketing Associate.
• Social Media Coordinator.
• Graphic Designer.
• Online Activist.
• Development Communications Specialist.

12 Nonprofit Technical Jobs

• Chief Technology Officer.
• IT Manager.
• IT Specialist.
• IT Systems Manager.
• Programmer.
• Data and Technology Associate.
• Enterprise Cloud Architect.
• Policy Analyst.
• Web Developer.
• Software Engineer.
• Technology Consultant.
• Multimedia Engineer.

8 Nonprofit Education Jobs

• Teacher Assistant.
• Education Coordinator.
• Youth Life Educator.
• Education Policy Specialist.
• Child Care Assistant.
• Curriculum Developer

7 Nonprofit Human Resources Jobs

• Head of Human Resources.
• Event Team Recruiter.
• Job Developer.
• Volunteer Coordinator.
• Labor Union Organizer.

7 Nonprofit Health Care Jobs

• Medical Assistant.
• Nursing Assistant.
• Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Pharmacy Technician

5 Biggest Nonprofit Employers

Already figured out what kind of job you want to do?

Now, here are some of the biggest nonprofit employers you can start applying to:

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is the largest American nonprofit organization center that focuses primarily on medical research .

For more than 100 years now, the foundation’s principle has been to provide patients with the best care based on research , training , and best clinical practices .

All income from the fund is used to u pgrade services , train medical doctors , and support treatments for patients.

And in total, they employ up to 63,000+ people, including physicians, scientists, and administrative and allied health staff.

Feeding America

Feeding America is a nonprofit organization that focuses on ending hunger in America, through a number of member food banks spread across each state.

The nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization works to connect people with food and end hunger.

The organization has an estimated number of 700+ employees that work together with individuals, charities, businesses, and governments to end hunger.

The Red Cross organization is one of the most well-known organizations and networks all over the globe.

In short, the organization serves people who suffer from disasters around the world.

In order to help ease their suffering, Red Cross calls for support of volunteers , sponsors , and partners on a wide network - which includes 19,000 paid employees and up to 300,000 volunteers .

From donating blood to protecting universal human rights, the organization is devoted to providing assistance to victims of conflict and violence everywhere.

United Way is a nonprofit organization with a worldwide reach, and a goal to provide people with the tools, education, and health to explore their own potential.

On a more practical level, the organization is a fundraiser and a social service provider.

Each United Way is locally managed across 1,8000 communities in over 40 countries and territories worldwide, with an estimated number of 111 employees in total.

They raise money primarily by workplace campaigning and then distribute the money raised to local nonprofits or their own social service programs.

Through this, they’re fighting for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community.

Charity: Water

Charity: Water is a nonprofit organization founded in 2006 that is set on ending the water crisis in our lifetime.

Their goal is simple. They’re dedicated to bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries all over the world.

And the way they go about doing this is what’s noteworthy.

They track every project and dollar they raise and make sure that 100% of the donations go to funding water projects.

Meanwhile, private donors cover their operating costs and keep their finances an open book.

In total, the organization has up to 80 employees and has helped fund up to 25,000 water-related projects in 24 countries.

Now, there are thousands of other great nonprofits out there and this is by no means a comprehensive list.

If you’re looking for other potential organizations, we put together this long list of 150+ other nonprofit employers by the sector.

There’s a lot to cover here, so let's get started!

150+ Other Nonprofit Employers

18 health care based nonprofits.

• Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition(GAIN)
• Health Leads
• Medic Mobile
• Basic Needs
• HealthWell Foundation
• African Medical and Research Foundation(AMREF)
• D-Tree International
• Global Viral
• Marie Stopes International
• Mercy Ships
• Mount Sinai Health Systems
• Vision Spring
• International Medical Corps
• Mothers 2 Mothers
• Boma Project
• Village Reach
• Partners in Health
• The Task Force for Global Health

22 Global Hunger Based Nonprofits

• A Growing Culture
• Agricultural Biodiversity Community (ABC)
• Bioversity International
• Community Alliance with Family Farmers
• IFOAM Organics International
• The Carbon Underground
• Food for the Poor
• Houston Food Bank
• The Green Shoots Foundation (GSF)
• Kiss the Ground
• Millennium Institute (MI)
• The Land Institute
• Groundswell International
• Heifer International
• Food and Water Watch 
• INGA Foundation
• The Small Planet Institute
• Grameen Foundation
• The Hunger Project
• Center for Food Safety

30 Education Based Nonprofits

• Corazones Para Peru
• PIE (Policy Innovators in Education) Network
• 4th World Love
• Teach For America
• Child Empowerment International
• AERA, American Education Research Association
• The Annie E. Casey Foundation
• CTQ, Center for Teaching Quality
• Citizen Schools
• Khan Academy
• BellWeather Education Partners
• The Posse Foundation
• New Futures Organization
• Room to Read
• Uncommon Schools
• Peer Forward
• The Broad Foundations
• The School Fund
• Shared Interest
• Blue Engine
• What Took You So Long?
• WhizKids Workshop
• New Teacher Center
• New Leaders
• The Education Trust

88 Other Nonprofit Based Employers

• Salvation Army
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
• Habitat for Humanity International
• Americares Foundation
• Goodwill Industries International
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America
• Direct Relief  
• Catholic Charities USA
• Nature Conservancy
• Lutheran Services in America
• American Cancer Society
• World Vision
• United States Fund for UNICEF
• Step Up for Students
• MAP International
• American Heart Association
• Samaritan's Purse
• Planned Parenthood Federation of America
• Patient Access Network Foundation
• Save the Children Federation
• Catholic Relief Services 
• Cross International
• Entertainment Industry Foundation
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
• Doctors Without Borders USA
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Make-A-Wish Foundation of America
• Educational Media Foundation
• Delivering Good
• Shriners Hospitals for Children
• American Civil Liberties Union and Foundation
• Matthew 25: Ministries
• St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance
• Ronald McDonald House Charities
• Carter Center
• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
• Helen Keller International
• Teach for America
• Alzheimer's Association
• Barack Obama Foundation
• Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Feed the Children
• City of Hope
• Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
• Scholarship America
• United Service Organizations
• Smile Train
• International Rescue Committee
• Junior Achievement USA
• UJA/Federation of New York
• Population Services International
• Easter Seals
• Humane Society of the United States
• JDRF International
• Mercy Corps
• ChildFund International
• Special Olympics
• Midwest Food Bank
• Boston Children's Hospital
• Susan G. Komen
• Smithsonian Institution
• Heart to Heart International
• Wounded Warrior Project
• Environmental Defense Fund
• Convoy of Hope
• Combined Jewish Philanthropies
• Wycliffe Bible Translators
• New York-Presbyterian Hospital
• Metropolitan Opera Association
• American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
• American Kidney Fund
• WGBH Educational Foundation
• Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
• Disabled American Veterans
• American SPCA
• Covenant House
• Rotary Foundation of Rotary International
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• World Wildlife Fund
• Paralyzed Veterans of America

How to Find a Nonprofit Job - 4+ Job-Boards

Most nonprofits use the same job boards to source talent as other companies.

But there are also job-boards dedicated solely to nonprofits.

Here are 4 of the most popular nonprofit job boards you can start using to find the right job.

4 Nonprofit Job Boards

Most websites are going to have alert settings or allow you to filter your searches based on the job type, position, location, and more.

So, once you have an idea of what you want to do, you can start with the following job-boards:

Idealist is a nonprofit board that features up to 10,000 jobs at social enterprises, government agencies, and other organizations around the world.

The site has job listings, internships , actions , and volunteering opportunities .

Keep in mind that sometimes volunteering can lead to a paid nonprofit position, so, don’t be afraid to get involved directly!

Encore is a job board for individuals over the age of 50 who want to work in the nonprofit sector.

Its job listing page also offers an Encore Career Finder service that looks for more than 5 million encore-friendly job listings by field and location .

Work for Good

Work for Good is a simple nonprofit job board that lists up to 300 different nonprofit careers.

With more than 100,000 monthly visitors, the site is the go-to place for people looking to start a new career, transition to a new one, or simply move up the ladder in a mission-oriented organization.

The site has it all - local, foreign, as well as remote jobs in just about any career field.

You can filter by position type , salary , experience , and willingness to travel .

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

The Chronicle of Philanthropy is a particularly useful job board if you’re interested in fundraising .

But the site also has a ton of other different types of jobs - from starter positions to executive directors.

To access the job listings though, you may have to subscribe to the Chronicle.

But if you’re planning to pursue a long-term nonprofit career, it might be best if you do so as there’s a lot of valuable content you might find there.

Have some more questions?

Discover answers below in our nonprofit FAQ!

1. Do I need a degree to work in a nonprofit?

Depends on the role.

A bachelor’s degree can be the minimum education requirement for most entry-level jobs in nonprofit, just as they would in a for-profit organization.

Though, depending on the organization or the job role, sometimes just the experience and wanting to help is all it takes to get started.

If you don’t have a degree but think you’re still qualified to help, you should apply anyway!

2. Do I get paid to work at a nonprofit?

Yes! Most of the time.

As we mentioned before, working at a nonprofit is different from volunteering.

In most cases, nonprofit employees do earn a salary.

That said, it’s often lower compared to for-profit salaries.

3. How do nonprofits afford salaries for their employees?

Oftentimes, the profit comes from donations , donations , or other fundraising events .

How organizations go about generating that financial support is going to depend on the specific nonprofit itself.

Because every organization needs to pay for daily operations (office space, equipment, salaries, etc.), there’s going to be a certain sum of money set aside to keep the nonprofit going.

4. Do I need to volunteer in a nonprofit BEFORE I get hired as an employee?

Not necessarily.

If you’re not having any luck landing a job in a nonprofit though, you can start by volunteering or doing an internship. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door.

5. What kind of people do nonprofits hire?

Of course, this depends on the organization.

But for the most part, all nonprofits want people who are passionate about the cause.

A potential new hire may not have a ton of experience in the nonprofit role, but what they lack in experience, they can make up for it in passion and hard work.

Many nonprofit professionals are driven by their desire to make a difference in the world.

So, in some cases, being able to grow and learn with the organization is all it takes.

6. Is a nonprofit career right for me?

Typically, nonprofits attract people who are willing to work hard to support a cause they believe in.

Though you’ll still have a salary within the organization - it might not be a lot. 

So if it’s the financial gain that motivates you, a nonprofit career might NOT be for you.

But for some people, working for the cause can be its own reward .

Additionally, the nonprofit job might also involve getting outside of your comfort zone.

For professionals who enjoy solving problems and looking for personal growth - this might be a good thing.

The organization can also help you discover what you’re truly passionate about.

So, at the end of the day, it’s a personal decision whether or not you should pursue a career at a nonprofit organization.

Think about your priorities and what motivates you, and go from there.

Key Takeaways

To recap, the journey to a nonprofit career is exciting.

The key is to put effort into finding the right sector and role, depending on what you’re passionate about.

If there’s a cause you’re passionate about and want to start your career at a nonprofit, consider these main key tips to help you out:

• Working at a nonprofit is NOT the same as volunteering - you still get paid, as with a regular job. Keep in mind though that It’s just going to be lower than in a for-profit organization.
• A lot of the job-search process steps are the same. Be sure to check out our other guides in the table of resources if you need help with using a resume builder, writing a cover letter, and acing the job interview.
• When thinking of what you want to work in a nonprofit organization, you’re bound to see some unique jobs that are only in the nonprofit sector. But there are also other job roles you see just about anywhere else.
• Getting hired at a nonprofit works the same way as in any other for-profit company.
• Once you have an idea of what you’d like to do, you can then look at the list of nonprofit employers and job boards to kickstart your nonprofit career.
• Finally, if you decide that working at a nonprofit is the right decision for you, be sure to think about what motivates you and start making a difference in the world!

Ready to start the job-hunt now?

Be sure to follow our career blog to stay up to date with industry-leading advice and more actionable tips on for your career.

Suggested reading:

• How to Write a CV Personal Statement [+4 Real-life Examples]
• How to Write a Career Change Resume in 2024 [9+ Examples]
• How to Make a Resume with No-Experience [21+ Examples]

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• Non Profit Program Manager Resume Example

Resume Examples

• Common Tasks & Responsibilities
• Top Hard & Soft Skills
• Action Verbs & Keywords
• Resume FAQs
• Similar Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Non Profit Program Manager Resumes:

• Develop and implement program goals, objectives, policies, and procedures
• Create and manage program budgets
• Develop and manage program timelines
• Oversee program staff and volunteers
• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders
• Monitor and evaluate program performance
• Prepare and submit program reports
• Develop and implement strategies to increase program visibility
• Develop and implement strategies to increase program funding
• Develop and implement strategies to increase program participation
• Research and analyze program data
• Develop and implement strategies to improve program effectiveness

Speed up your resume creation process with the AI-Powered Resume Builder . Generate tailored achievements in seconds for every role you apply to.

Non Profit Program Manager Resume Example:

• Developed and implemented a new program strategy that increased program participation by 25% and secured $500,000 in additional funding from donors and grants.
• Oversaw a team of 10 program staff and volunteers, providing mentorship and support that resulted in a 15% increase in team productivity and a 10% improvement in program outcomes.
• Conducted program evaluations and data analysis, identifying areas for improvement and implementing new strategies that improved program effectiveness by 20%.
• Collaborated with stakeholders to develop and manage program budgets, resulting in a 10% reduction in program costs and a 5% increase in program impact.
• Developed and maintained relationships with stakeholders, including community partners and donors, resulting in a 15% increase in program visibility and a 10% increase in program funding.
• Prepared and submitted program reports to funders and stakeholders, showcasing program impact and securing ongoing support for program initiatives.
• Developed and implemented program goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, resulting in a 20% increase in program impact and a 10% increase in program participation.
• Researched and analyzed program data, identifying areas for improvement and implementing new strategies that improved program outcomes by 15%.
• Developed and implemented strategies to increase program visibility and funding, securing $250,000 in new funding and increasing program visibility by 10%.
• Program Development and Implementation
• Strategic Planning
• Fundraising and Grant Writing
• Team Leadership and Mentoring
• Stakeholder Relationship Management
• Budget Management
• Program Evaluation and Data Analysis
• Impact Assessment
• Policy and Procedure Development
• Nonprofit Operations Management
• Community Outreach
• Strategic Communications
• Reporting and Documentation
• Process Improvement
• Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
• Resource Allocation
• Volunteer Management
• Decision Making
• Conflict Resolution
• Project Management

Top Skills & Keywords for Non Profit Program Manager Resumes:

Hard skills.

• Grant Writing and Management
• Program Evaluation and Assessment
• Budgeting and Financial Management
• Fundraising and Donor Relations
• Community Outreach and Engagement
• Event Planning and Coordination
• Strategic Planning and Implementation
• Data Analysis and Reporting
• Marketing and Communications
• Nonprofit Law and Compliance

Soft Skills

• Leadership and Team Management
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Collaboration and Cross-Functional Coordination
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Time Management and Prioritization
• Empathy and Stakeholder-Centric Mindset
• Decision Making and Strategic Planning
• Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
• Creativity and Innovation
• Active Listening and Feedback Incorporation
• Emotional Intelligence and Relationship Building

Resume Action Verbs for Non Profit Program Managers:

• Implemented
• Collaborated
• Facilitated
• Strategized
• Orchestrated
• Streamlined
• Coordinated

Generate Your Resume Summary

Resume FAQs for Non Profit Program Managers:

How long should i make my non profit program manager resume, what is the best way to format a non profit program manager resume, which keywords are important to highlight in a non profit program manager resume, how should i write my resume if i have no experience as a non profit program manager, compare your non profit program manager resume to a job description:.

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Non Profit Program Manager job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.

Related Resumes for Non Profit Program Managers:

Program coordinator, program manager, project coordinator, assistant project manager, associate project manager, junior project manager, event manager, event planner.

Top 16 Non-Profit Resume Objective Examples

Updated July 12, 2023 13 min read

A resume objective is a brief statement that outlines your career goals and how you plan to use your skills and experience to meet those goals. When writing a resume objective for a non-profit position, it’s important to emphasize your passion for the mission of the organization, as well as your interest in making a difference. Make sure to include specific examples of how you have contributed to similar organizations in the past and what unique skills you bring to this role. For example, “Motivated individual seeking to make an impact through a non-profit role by leveraging my previous experience in fundraising, volunteer management, and community outreach.” This example demonstrates a commitment to the organization’s mission while also highlighting relevant skills. Additionally, be sure to keep it concise; two or three sentences should suffice.

or download as PDF

Top 16 Non-Profit Resume Objective Samples

• To leverage my experience in non-profit management to contribute to the success of a respected organization.
• To secure a position in non-profit management that will allow me to utilize my communication and organizational skills.
• To obtain a challenging role in non-profit management that will allow me to grow professionally and personally.
• To gain employment with an established non-profit organization where I can apply my knowledge and experience to make a positive impact.
• Seeking a position as a Non-Profit Manager to help further the mission of an organization dedicated to making a difference in the community.
• To join an organization as a Non-Profit Manager and use my skills, knowledge, and expertise to develop effective strategies for achieving goals.
• To bring my passion for helping others and strong organizational skills to fill the role of Non-Profit Manager at an established organization.
• To join an innovative team as a Non-Profit Manager and utilize my expertise in fundraising, program development, and grant writing.
• Seeking a challenging role as a Non-Profit Manager with an opportunity for growth within the company.
• Looking for an opportunity as a Non-Profit Manager where I can use my creativity and problem solving skills to help achieve organizational goals.
• Aiming for a position as a Non-Profit Manager where I can apply my leadership abilities and interpersonal skills in order to make meaningful contributions.
• Desiring an opportunity as a Non-Profit Manager where I can use my strategic planning abilities, project management experience, and financial acumen to drive results.
• Seeking employment with an established non-profit organization that allows me to utilize my knowledge of fundraising, event planning, budgeting, and public relations initiatives.
• Looking for an opportunity as a Non-Profit Manager where I can use my understanding of nonprofit operations, grant writing experience, and passion for social justice causes.
• Aiming for a rewarding role as Non-Profit Manager that allows me to combine my commitment towards helping others with excellent communication skills.
• Seeking employment with an established non-profit organization where I can apply my knowledge of program development, marketing strategies, research methods, data analysis techniques

How to Write a Non-Profit Resume Objective

Writing a resume objective for a non-profit organization is an important step in the job search process. Even if you have years of experience and many accomplishments, it is important to craft an effective resume objective that outlines your unique qualifications and speaks to the needs of the non-profit.

The first step in writing a resume objective for a non-profit organization is to research the company and its mission. This will give you insight into what type of person they are looking for and what qualifications they value most. Once you understand the company’s goals, take time to think about how your background makes you uniquely qualified for this position. Consider any experiences or skills that could be useful in helping the organization reach its objectives.

Once you have identified your qualifications, create a concise yet powerful statement about why you are ideal for this job. Focus on demonstrating how your skills can benefit the organization rather than listing out all of your achievements from previous positions. Your objective should also be tailored to each specific application so that it reflects your understanding of the role and how you can help fulfill it.

Finally, make sure that your resume objective includes keywords related to the position and industry. Doing so will help ensure that recruiters easily recognize relevant skills when scanning through applications and resumes.

By following these steps, you can create an effective resume objective for a non-profit organization that demonstrates your enthusiasm for working with them as well as highlighting why you are uniquely qualified for this role. With a strong resume objective, you can increase your chances of getting called in for an interview and ultimately landing the job!

Related : What does a Non-Profit do?

Key Skills to Highlight in Your Non-Profit Resume Objective

In the non-profit sector, certain skills are highly valued and can significantly increase your chances of landing a job. Your resume objective is an ideal place to showcase these key skills, as it's one of the first things potential employers will read. This section will delve into the specific abilities you should highlight in your resume objective when applying for a role in a non-profit organization. From communication to project management, these skills can help set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your suitability for the role.

1. Fundraising

Fundraising is a crucial skill for a non-profit job as it involves gathering voluntary contributions of money or other resources, by requesting donations from individuals, businesses, charitable foundations, or governmental agencies. This skill is essential to ensure the financial sustainability of the organization and to support its projects and initiatives. A strong ability in fundraising demonstrates that the candidate has good communication skills, can build and maintain relationships with donors, and has a strategic mindset to plan and execute successful fundraising campaigns.

2. Grantwriting

Grantwriting is a crucial skill for a non-profit job as it involves securing funds necessary for the organization to operate and achieve its goals. This skill demonstrates the ability to research and identify grant opportunities, write and submit effective proposals, and manage grants received. It shows potential employers that the candidate can contribute significantly towards the financial stability of the non-profit organization. A strong background in grant writing could be a deciding factor in hiring decisions, particularly for roles related to fundraising or development.

3. Social Media Management

In a non-profit job role, Social Media Management is an essential skill as it helps in promoting the organization's cause, events, and campaigns to a larger audience. It is crucial for increasing visibility, driving engagement and fostering community support. This skill also involves creating compelling content, responding to inquiries and comments promptly which demonstrates excellent communication skills. Additionally, it shows the ability to analyze social media metrics to gauge the success of campaigns and strategize future initiatives. Therefore, including this skill in a resume objective can highlight one's proficiency in digital communication and marketing strategies which are valuable for a non-profit organization.

4. Volunteer Coordination

A resume objective for a job in the non-profit sector often requires the skill of volunteer coordination. This is because non-profit organizations heavily rely on volunteers to carry out their mission and operations. The ability to effectively coordinate, manage, and motivate volunteers can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a non-profit organization. It demonstrates leadership, organizational skills, and an understanding of how to engage and inspire individuals for a common cause. This skill also showcases the ability to work with diverse groups of people and manage resources effectively.

5. Community Outreach

A non-profit job often involves working directly with communities, advocating for their needs, and implementing programs or services to support them. Community outreach is a crucial skill as it demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate and connect with diverse groups of people, understand their needs, and build strong relationships. This skill is essential for a resume objective because it showcases the candidate's commitment to serving the community and their capability to mobilize resources and people towards a common goal.

6. Program Development

Program Development is a crucial skill for a Non-Profit job title because it involves planning, coordinating, and implementing projects or programs that meet the organization's goals. This skill demonstrates the ability to create and manage initiatives that can help the non-profit fulfill its mission. It also shows potential employers that you are strategic, organized, and capable of leading teams towards achieving specific outcomes.

7. Event Planning

Event planning is a crucial skill for a non-profit job as it involves organizing and managing various fundraising events, community outreach programs, and awareness campaigns. These events play a significant role in generating funds, attracting volunteers, and promoting the organization's cause. Having this skill indicates that the candidate can effectively plan and execute successful events, which can help the organization achieve its objectives.

8. Budgeting

Budgeting is a crucial skill for a non-profit job role as it involves managing limited resources effectively to achieve the organization's goals. It demonstrates the ability to plan, prioritize, and allocate financial resources appropriately. This skill is essential in maintaining the financial health of the organization, ensuring sustainability and maximizing impact. Including this on a resume objective shows potential employers that you can strategically manage funds, make cost-effective decisions, and lead the organization towards its mission while staying financially responsible.

9. Public Relations

Public Relations skills are essential for a non-profit job as they involve creating and maintaining a favorable public image for the organization. This skill is crucial in attracting donors, volunteers, and support for the cause. It also includes effective communication strategies, event planning, and media interactions which are vital in spreading awareness about the organization's mission and projects. Including this skill in a resume objective shows potential employers that you can help promote their organization and build strong relationships with key stakeholders.

10. Donor Stewardship

Donor Stewardship is a crucial skill for a non-profit job as it involves managing relationships with donors to ensure long-term engagement and support. This skill demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively, show appreciation, and maintain strong relationships with those who financially support the organization. A resume objective that includes this skill will convey an applicant's capability in nurturing donor relationships, securing funds, and contributing to the sustainability of the non-profit organization.

In conclusion, it is crucial to emphasize your key skills in your non-profit resume objective. This not only showcases your abilities and experiences but also communicates your value proposition to potential employers. The objective should be tailored to highlight the skills that are most relevant to the job you're applying for, demonstrating how you can contribute to the organization's mission and goals. Remember, a well-crafted resume objective can help set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Related : Non-Profit Skills: Definition and Examples

Common Mistakes When Writing a Non-Profit Resume Objective

A resume objective is an important part of any non-profit job application, as it serves to summarize the candidate’s qualifications and goals, while providing a snapshot of the individual’s experience and abilities. However, many applicants make mistakes when writing their resume objective that can hurt their chances of getting the job. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when writing a non-profit resume objective.

The first mistake to avoid is being too vague. When crafting your resume objective, you should be specific about what you hope to achieve in the position and how your skills and experience will help you accomplish those goals. Generic statements such as “seeking a challenging role in a non-profit organization” may not provide enough information for employers to determine if you are a good fit for the job.

Another common mistake is including irrelevant information or going off on tangents in your resume objective. Focusing on details that have nothing to do with the job or mission of the non-profit organization shows that you have not done your research or taken time to think about how you can contribute to their cause. As such, it’s important to keep your resume objective concise and relevant by highlighting only those experiences and qualifications that relate directly to the position at hand.

Finally, it’s important not to use overly ambitious language when writing your resume objective. Even though it’s important to express enthusiasm for the role, avoid language such as “I am confident I can revolutionize this organization” as this comes across as arrogant or unrealistic. Instead, focus on showing employers why they should hire you by emphasizing your past accomplishments and describing what makes you uniquely qualified for the position.

By avoiding these common mistakes when writing a non-profit resume objective, applicants increase their chances of creating an effective statement that conveys their qualifications and enthusiasm for the role in an appropriate manner.

Related : Non-Profit Resume Examples

A right resume objective for a non-profit position would focus on the applicant's ability to help the organization achieve its mission, while a wrong resume objective would focus on the applicant's desire to gain knowledge and experience from the organization.

Editorial staff

Brenna Goyette

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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4 Resume Mistakes to Avoid When You Don’t Have Much Experience

• Irina Cozma

A good resume can set you apart and help you land that interview.

Understanding the common mistakes job candidates make on resumes, and how to overcome them, can set you apart from your competitors. The first mistake is including irrelevant work experience. Instead, only add roles that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. The second is customizing your resume. While it’s in your benefit to adjust your resume to better match the job description, over-tuning your resume for every application can be a waste of time — and end up slowing down your search. This is especially true if you’re focused on securing a particular position that has a standard job title like “marketing coordinator” or “sales associate.” The third is overdesigning your resume. Recruiters only spend a few seconds scanning it, so keep the format simple and straightforward. The fourth is coming off as a novice. For example, don’t use an ancient email address — update it to something that sounds more professional, and give your resume a specific name so it’s easier to identify.

Resumes. Love them or hate them, you will probably need one when you apply for a job. The resume has a specific tactical role to play in your search — to get you the interview. You need to make sure it checks a few boxes to do that work because, even if you take advantage of your network, sooner or later, you will need to share your resume with the hiring manager.

• Irina Cozma , Ph.D., is a career and executive coach who supports professionals to have better career adventures. She coached hundreds of Fortune 500 executives from global organizations like Salesforce, Hitachi, and Abbott. Irina also coaches startups and the Physicians MBA at the University of Tennessee. Download her free career guide to help you prepare for your next career adventure.

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20 College Student Resumes That Landed Jobs in 2024

• College Student Resumes
• College Student Resumes by Role
• College Student Resumes for Academics

Writing Your College Student Resume

Companies sometimes require that entry-level candidates have experience, but how do you get experience when even entry-level jobs make it difficult to apply?

Getting that first job or internship can be the most challenging part of your career. Fortunately, as a college student, you’re in a great position to get that first break you need. Once you get your degree, you’ll have the experience employers are seeking, but until then, how can you build an effective resume or write a cover letter as a college student?

After reviewing countless  resume samples , we’ve determined what types employers want to see from college students. Furthermore, we used that knowledge to create  20 college student resume examples to help inspire your resume in 2024 .

College Student Resume Example

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• This lets employers know when you can work full-time. Whatever you do, be honest. Stretching the truth won’t get you any points with employers. It’s better to be upfront and willing to learn a skill rather than try to succeed by the skin of your teeth.
• The golden rule on your college student resume is to lead with your strengths. If you’ve got a relevant internship, add it. If you’ve done any related class projects, list them. No matter what you include, make sure to highlight transferable skills.

Undergraduate Student Resume

• To impress the recruiter, demonstrate the dedication you have had in your previous posts despite minimal experience.

University Student Resume

• In that case, your university student resume can capitalize on your analytical skills, which helped identify cost-saving opportunities and cut overall expenses by six percent.

College Student No Experience Resume

• Luckily, there are a host of  resume templates  you can use to format your experience well, so long as you adjust based on your qualifications.
• For example, you can add or remove sections based on the amount of work history you have (or don’t have).
• For example, being on the club basketball team may feel irrelevant to business analysis. But by focusing on how you’ve organized practices and led a local volunteer effort, your  college student no experience resume  can point to qualities that might appeal to a thoughtful employer.

Current College Student Resume

• A reverse-chronological format is still the most accepted, but if you want to highlight your skills, try using a functional format instead.
• Adding relevant metrics shows that you know what matters to your employer and you’ve positively impacted your previous workplace.

College Student for Internship Resume

• That’s okay—you can weave in other things, like projects and part-time jobs. Of course, if you do have internship or job experience, put that at the top.
• It’s as easy as checking the  job description . Then just list your relevant abilities according to what matches the keywords listed by the employer.

College Student Assistant Medical Laboratory Technician Resume Example

• Do you have a unique interest related to science? Are you involved in a sport? Do you volunteer? All of these hobbies are great additions to your resume.
• If you’ve just graduated, you can bulk up your education section.
• Feel free to add any college awards you won and your GPA (if it’s higher than 3.5).

College Student HR Executive Assistant Resume

• As a rule of thumb, we recommend including one if you’re light on experience or are going through a substantial career change. Otherwise, leave it out in favor of work experience. 
• Good skills to include on an HR executive assistant resume are “talent acquisition,” “conflict resolution,” “legal compliance,” and “compensation/benefits.”
• An even more effective way to breathe life into your skills is to weave them into your work history or project bullet points.

College Student Case Assistant Resume

• Show off your personality using contrasting colors, classic fonts, and well-organized layouts. Our ready-to-build  resume templates  or handy  Google Docs interactive resumes  can help you keep your resume both tasteful and personable.
• If you don’t have certification, then now’s the best time to get it. Better late than never!

College Student Resident Assistant Resume

• Though an objective isn’t required, it can help employers see your skills and experience straight away.
• Just make sure to tailor it for every job you apply for by including the name of the employer, the position you’re seeking, and some matching keyword skills (that are true about you) gleaned from the  job description . 
• You also shouldn’t feel limited by your work experience. If you’ve done any relevant projects or have volunteered, include them! Employers love to see transferrable skills like collaboration, a good work ethic, and organization.

College Student Warehouse Worker Resume

• If you’re struggling to get going, consider using a  resume outline  to help you structure your experience—just don’t forget to fill out all the sections thoroughly!
• While it’s not impossible to land an excellent job without internships or experience, having some kind of work history, even in the form of projects, will allow you to be more picky and skim from the top of warehouse positions.

College Student Teacher Assistant Resume

• Adjusting formatting details, like the layout and header colors, can make your resume pop and reveal a bit about yourself. (Red and pink are bold, daring colors, while blue and green are calming.)
• Adding a  hobbies and interests section to your resume  can also help catch the eye of employers, provided you list hobbies that are relevant to the desired job, such as creative pursuits, volunteering, or research.
• Even if you’ve never had experience as a teacher assistant, you can instill confidence by demonstrating the impact of your communication skills. Did you effectively resolve an issue using negotiation? Write something that added helpful clarity? Show how you used communication to affect others positively!

College Student Biology Lab Technician Resume

• Don’t get too carried away here; after all, it’s still a resume and not a flier for a Wednesday Night Disco. But, one to two colors can be appropriate for all but the most conservative working environments. 
• Numbers can be frustrating to calculate and add to your resume, but trust us when we tell you that they make a world of difference. Hiring managers are consistently more willing to interview people with metrics on their resumes, as they convey job competence and confidence.

College Student English Tutor Resume

• Breaking up each work experience into bullet points can make your resume both easier to read (with fewer blocks of dense text) and easier to write.
• Instead of writing one big chunk of cohesive text, you can focus on pulling out as many highlights about your work history at each job as possible. 
• A project can be anything. Seriously, your final group project from that writing seminar counts, or you could highlight a blog you’ve been working on in your free time.
• Hint: Projects also make great stories to discuss on your college student cover letter .

College Application Resume

• Suppose you’re applying for a Bachelor of Arts in education. Express your passion for teaching and eagerness to advance your knowledge of education theories and practices. Even better, emphasize your long-term ambition to shape future generations through innovative education methods.

College Admission Resume

• Take a leaf from how Brian narrates his stints as a restaurant server, project presenter, and volunteer. Well-described, such experiences paint a picture of a well-rounded character who can take on varied challenges of an engineering program, enhancing their appeal in the eyes of the college admissions committee.

College Freshman Resume

• Use past projects to advantage here even if they’re only a year long. Clearly state how you used skills such as Canva and Microsoft Teams to make specific impacts during this time. Another great addition to your college freshman resume is any work experience under your belt.

College Student Academic Highlights Resume

• Say you have some work experience, but it’s not relevant to the job. That’s okay—instead of trying in vain to match the  job description , focus on transferable skills like customer service, organization, event planning, public speaking, and computer literacy.
• If you lack much work history, adding projects, coursework, or volunteer experience is the next best way to showcase your potential. You can also list your involvement in clubs, organizations, or peer mentorship.
• Write them like you’d write work experience by using active verbs and incorporating metrics (numbers).

First Year College Student Resume

• Your time contributing to a project is tangible evidence of your skills and experiences. Depending on what you include, it could showcase your communication and organizational skills or more technical abilities, like your proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Freshman College Student Resume

• Do you love gardening or nature photography? Awesome, it shows you’re inherently passionate about biology. Do you spend your time baking as well? It’s a sign that you know how to follow instructions and observe changes over time—skills that will come in handy as a lab assistant.

Related resume guides

• College Graduate
• Grad School
• Entry level

Before we dive into the difference between a  resume objective  vs. a  resume summary , let’s get some definitions out of the way:

• Resume objective : A statement of your qualifications, interests, and skills that make you a good fit for the role to which you’re applying.
• Resume summary : A summary of your past experience detailing your high-level accomplishments and projects.

When you’re applying for a job or internship as a college student, you likely won’t have extensive work experience. So, we’d recommend including a resume objective instead of a resume summary.

The goal of your resume objective is to set the stage for your resume. It should highlight your skills applicable to the job at hand, and it should be specific for each job to which you’re applying.

Most resume objectives are boring and generic. By taking the time to craft a customized and effective resume objective, you give yourself an edge over other applicants and increase your chances of getting an interview.

Before we dive into the rules for creating a strong resume objective, let’s look at some examples.

Sample college student resume objectives

• “Recent college graduate with a degree in marketing looking for a full-time role where I can utilize my experience in social media and paid advertising to help an up-and-coming brand like Club Z! Inc. spread awareness and acquire more users.”
• “Diligent college student at the University of Pittsburgh who is equally committed to academic excellence (3.8 GPA) and service (student leader at the local food shelter) looking for an opportunity at Unidos as a part-time employee to utilize these talents to improve customer satisfaction.”
• “Recent graduate with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) seeking an opportunity within an established management organization to utilize my organizational and quantitative abilities. Epic seems to have a culture of empowering employees to have ownership over their problems, and that culture fits my work style perfectly.”

You can see that all of these resume objectives specifically mention the company that the student is applying to. Tailoring is the golden rule of resume objectives.

Here are some other rules to make your objective the best it can be:

• Again, take the time to  customize your resume objective for each company to which you’re applying .
• Don’t be afraid to inject your personality. Making an impression will help you stand out among the hundreds of other applicants.
• Keep it to two to three sentences.
• Mention any relevant skills or certifications you have for the role to which you’re applying.

College Student Resume Formats

One of the hardest parts of  building your resume  as a college student is the blank page. The “getting started” part is overwhelming—you’re unsure what your resume should look like, let alone what should be in it!

When it comes to formatting your resume, the best advice is to keep it  simple . You need to convincingly make the case that you deserve an interview for the role to which you’re applying.

In short, your resume should likely contain the following sections:

• Header: This is your name and job title. Have your job title match the job title to which you’re applying.
• Resume objective: We talked about this above, a quick summary of your skills and what you’re seeking.
• Education: As a college student, this should include your anticipated graduation date, the field of study, and relevant classes.
• Skills: List six to ten technical skills relevant to your career.
• Work experience: If you have any relevant internships or part-time jobs, mention them here.
• Projects: Did you do any side projects that demonstrate your competency? Include them!

Not all of these sections need to be included in your resume.  Your resume should focus on your strengths.

If you don’t have much relevant work experience, you can omit that section in favor of discussing your projects or classwork.

However, no matter what format you choose, there are a few writing guidelines you should adhere to throughout your resume.

Formatting guidelines for your resume

• Keep your resume to one page! Your resume should only extend to a second page when you have 10+ years of experience.
• Avoid any spelling or grammar errors by double-checking your text and having a friend review your resume. Don’t let typos be the reason why you don’t get an interview.
• Break up your work experience into small, consumable bullet points. Nothing is harder to read than a big wall of text.
• Use reverse-chronological order to keep your most recent experience/projects at the top.
• Don’t include fancy images or graphics. It’s highly likely a computer will read your resume before a human ever does, and images are hard for computers to scan.
• Don’t list more than ten skills on your resume. (We’ll expand on this below.)

Skills to pay the bills

When building your skills section, it can be tempting to list any and every skill you know. You’ll have to resist this temptation.

Before a human reviews your resume, an automated system called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) will score your resume based on whether or not it includes the “right” keywords. These filters are largely screening for specific skills.

Doesn’t this mean that you should include as many skills as possible to beat the ATS? Unfortunately, you need to make your resume appealing to both the ATS and a human, and nothing is a bigger red flag to a hiring manager than a candidate with a laundry list of skills!

You’re much better off focusing on  six to ten skills you’re an expert in  than including more that you kind of know. Generally, if you wouldn’t be comfortable being interviewed on a given skill, don’t include it on your resume. 

Work Experience and Projects

In any resume, no matter the career stage, your work experience and projects should take up at least 70 percent of the overall space. These will decide whether you get an interview or not.

Once you have a few years of experience, then the size of your projects section will decrease as the size of your work experience section expands.

If you have an internship relevant to the job you’re applying for, this should be listed in your “work experience” section. As a college student, your work experience can also contain any part-time jobs you had while in school, even if they don’t seem relevant to the position to which you’re applying.

It’s not easy to balance work and school, so having a part-time job demonstrates responsibility and drive.

When talking about your work experience, there are a few key tips you should follow:

• Mention the skills you demonstrated on the job.
• Quantify the impact of your work whenever possible.
• Talk specifically about your role; avoid being too general.
• Use action verbs like “owned” or “led” to highlight your leadership abilities.

Numbers truly speak louder than words, especially on your resume. By providing numerical context around your work, you show your ability to contribute meaningfully to your workplace.

Compare these two descriptions of an internship. Which do you think would be more compelling to a hiring manager?

WRONG – general work experience descriptions

Marketing Science Associates April 2020 – Current, New York NY Digital Marketing Intern

• Created testing plan for Facebook ad copy
• Built key reports for the executive team around KPIs
• Oversaw the creation of the blog for SEO purposes
• Worked closely with clients to understand their product positioning to incorporate into ad copy

RIGHT – specific, quantified descriptions

• Created A/B testing plan for Facebook ad copy, improving ROI by 15%
• Built key reports for the executive team around KPIs such as marketing spend, new leads, revenue generated, and ROI
• Oversaw the creation of the blog for SEO purposes which grew from 1,000 to 5,000 monthly organic visitors
• Worked closely with clients to understand their product positioning to incorporate into ad copy, leading to client satisfaction of 99%

Projects can be anything

If you don’t have much (or any) relevant work experience for your resume, don’t fret. You can still  create a highly effective resume  by showcasing your projects.

As a college student, you’ve likely done a lot of class projects that are relevant to the job or internship you’re looking to get. This is the perfect place to talk about those projects. You can even mention projects you completed outside of class. Talk about your goals, the methods/skills you used, and the project’s outcome.

The key is to include anything that will convince the hiring manager you have the drive, skills, and ability to translate your academic knowledge to the real world and contribute to the roles for which you’re applying.

Here are some potential projects you can work on for different majors:

Project ideas for college students

• Are you a business student? Detail a case study that you analyzed and presented in a class.
• If you’re a marketing student, you can write a short blog post about how you’d improve the paid marketing strategy for a company you admire.
• As a graphic designer, this is a great opportunity to talk about some of the projects in your portfolio.
• If you’re looking for a data analyst role, talk about how you analyzed stock data to determine areas of opportunity.
• As a human resources major, you’ve likely created processes for companies as part of a class, so talk about that.
• Software engineering students complete meaningful coding assignments all the time. Discuss one of those or talk about your side project.
• If you’re looking to break into product management, discuss a hackathon you were part of or create a case study for a feature your favorite product is missing.

Basically, the projects you include on your resume can be just about anything. They simply have to demonstrate you know what is required of the kind of role you’re applying to, and that you can meet those requirements.

Your Education Section

As a college student, it should go without saying that you need to include an education section on your resume.

Here’s what you need to include in your education section no matter what:

• The school you’re currently attending (or recently graduated from). You do not need to include your high school.
• Your graduation date (or expected graduation date). You can give just the month and year.
• The kind of degree you’re working toward (bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, master’s, etc.).
• Your field of study.

Once you include all that, there’s more flexibility. If you have a strong GPA (greater than 3.5), you should include it, too.

If you don’t have much experience yet, then you can add relevant courses or awards to your education section, provided they’re relevant to the job for which you’re applying.

For example, if you’re applying for a role as a data scientist, then it makes sense to include any math, economics, or programming classes you completed.

Here’s an example of an effective education section for a college student looking for a marketing role:

If you received any awards or honors during your time in college, list them here. These can include getting on the Dean’s List, any department-specific awards relevant to your major, or formal recognition for your work or volunteer efforts.

Resume Builder for College Students

There you have it—we’ve discussed the building blocks to help you land a job or internship as a college student!

In summary, here are the keys to making an effective resume as a college student:

• Inject your personality into your resume objective and customize it for each company to which you apply.
• Your resume format should include a header, resume objective, skills section, education, and work/ project experience.
• Include any relevant internships or part-time jobs you’ve had during college and quantify the impact of your work.
• If you don’t have much working experience, include relevant projects you’ve completed either in the classroom or on your own time.
• Your education section is your chance to highlight classes you’ve completed that will convince the hiring manager you have the right tools for the job.

Finding a job or internship as a college student can be incredibly stressful.  Building your resume  is a huge first step, so pat yourself on the back. After you’re done with the writing, you can  check your resume  against our AI-powered tips to see how your resume matches up.

Just remember, it does get easier after you get some experience first. We can’t wait to see where you’ll go!

• We’ll show you how, step-by-step • Real, practical tips and tools • 100% free

8 Graphic Design Resume Examples to Land Your Next Job

Published: May 15, 2024

If you're a graphic designer, I have to give you praise because, without your creativity and your keen eye for design, it would be a struggle for marketing to create campaigns that catch their audience's attention.

And what better way to show my appreciation to graphic designers than to write a post with helpful graphic design resume examples and tips that can help you land your next job?

You've come to the right place if you're a graphic designer looking for your next gig or want to refine your resume. Let's dive in!

Graphic Design Resume Best Practices

Graphic design resume examples, graphic design student resume examples.

Before I discuss the graphic design resume examples below, I'll outline some best practices for putting your resume together.

Use a clean layout.

Graphic design is a field that naturally attracts creative people like yourself, so you might be tempted to create a colorful, unique layout that shows off your eye for design.

However, your resume should have a clean layout that is easy to read and won't confuse any applicant tracking systems (ATS) your potential employers use.

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In her YouTube video, "The Resume That Got Me Hired As A Designer," graphic designer Victoria Gillerlain says a clean layout is the way to go.

"If your resume is hard to read, hard to look at, overly contrasted, or just makes people [wince] when they look at it because it's so overwhelming — that's not good," she explains. "[Recruiters] are probably not going to even bother to look into the content itself, and you want them to look at it!"

Gillerlain uses her own resume as an example of what to do, and she notes the absence of color in her document.

Image Source

"The reason behind that is that your resume is a professional document, and although you're in a creative field, using this as a creative document—not everyone who is looking at your resume is going to necessarily be in a creative field," she says. "Lots of times, there are going to be HR managers or recruiters who are looking at your resume and have nothing to do with the creative field."

Gillerlain says those people may look at an overly colorful resume and think, "Why does it have so many colors and graphics?"

"On top of that, if you're going to be in an on-site role at all, a lot of times people will print out your resume … there's a chance that none of that is going to actually print, and they might just print it in black and white — so it might now look as you intended it," she says.

Include links to your portfolio.

Even the most well-put-together resume in the world can't replace a glowing portfolio.

So, make sure your resume includes links to your work. Graphic design is a creative and visual industry, and including links to your portfolio will allow recruiters to see your experience and qualifications in action.

Tailor your resume for every application.

This is golden advice for any industry. You should always tweak and tailor your resume for each job you're applying for. This means incorporating keywords from the job posting and highlighting relevant experiences and skills.

One graphic design job opportunity may require a skill that isn't as relevant in other opportunities in the industry, and you don't want your resume to leave out that key detail.

So, read the job description closely and tailor your resume so that it applies and sets you up for success.

Mention your education.

"If you have a degree, even if it's unrelated, list it," Gillerlain says. "Having a degree shows that you're credible and committed, and a lot of places like to see that you have one nowadays."

Gillerlain suggests listing your degree, your minor ("If you want," she says), where you got it, and when.

To learn more general resume best practices, regardless of industry, check you my colleague Martina Bretous's post about resume tips that will help you get hired.

1. Victoria Gillerlain's Graphic Design Resume

I mentioned this resume earlier, but I want to dig a little deeper. Notice how the resume is simple, easy to follow, and to the point.

It's not very colorful but still includes small, unique design elements (like the large V logo in the corner) that help it stand out without being distracting.

Gilerlain also includes a link to her website portfolio, so recruiters can find her work without having to do any additional digging.

Pro-Tip: It's okay to add unique elements to your resume to show your creativity, but keep those elements simple, like in the example above.

Cool-toned colors for headlines and a simple logo can be just enough to separate you from other applicants without overshading the contents of the document.

2. Anna Chen's Graphic Design Resume

The above resume features a minimalist design that keeps the recruiter's focus squarely on the applicant's experience, qualifications, skills, and work history.

Pro Tip: While I like this resume for its simple design, I notice it doesn't include a space for Chen's education history, such as if she has a degree or is actively working toward one.

A simple design is excellent for resumes, but you should still include space for your education credentials.

Also, notice the most recent work experience is not bulleted. Applicants should include bullet points to make their resume more readable.

3. Charles Bloomberg's Graphic Design Resume

This resume is excellent because it's clean and includes all relevant information. I especially love how the applicant made sure to include his education and relevant certifications.

Pro Tip: Notice the small icons at the top symbolizing his location, email, phone number, and LinkedIn.

This information is a must-have, but icons and symbols can confuse applicant tracking systems and can harm the chances of your resume getting the attention of a recruiter.

So, avoid symbols and icons in your resume whenever possible.

4. Clara Thompson's Entry-Level Graphic Design Resume

This resume includes a pop of color that catches the eye without distracting from its contents. Thompson's contact information is listed neatly in the upper right corner of the page, leaving plenty of room for her work experience.

What I Love: The resume is an excellent example for individuals just starting their careers. I love how it highlights relevant projects the applicant completed before freelance work.

5. Samantha Angel's Senior Graphic Designer Resume Example

I'm biased because purple is my favorite color, but this is one of my favorite examples. Samantha's resume includes her work experience and a bulleted list of responsibilities. It also features her activities outside work and degree, adding more legitimacy to her application.

Pro Tip: Like Samantha, consider adding activities and certifications you've completed outside of your career to beef up your resume and show you're a well-rounded candidate.

If you're a student trying to break into the graphic design industry, here are some examples to get you going in the right direction.

1. Minimalist

The sample resume is an excellent example for graphic design students looking for entry-level opportunities. If you're new to the field but have internship or volunteer experience that applies to the role, include them as your work experience.

What I Love: The resume is simple and clean, with nearly all relevant information listed.

2. Black and White

Like the previous example, this resume lacks color—that's okay! As I mentioned earlier, it's not essential to have color. A pop of color can show you creativity, but there's no guarantee a recruiter or hiring manager will see it or care.

What I Love: I can't emphasize enough the importance of having a clean, easy-to-read resume. This format will pass ATS without issues and neatly display your qualifications.

3. Traditional with a Pop of Color

If you want a pop of color in your resume, this example is an excellent template to emulate. It showcases the applicant's creative flair while highlighting all the essential information.

However, be mindful of adding odd symbols and icons. Again, they can pose a problem for ATS.

Pro Tip: If using color, use it sparingly and pick a color that isn't too jarring. Like the one in the example, a calming blue is a great choice.

Graphic design, like most creative fields, can be a harsh industry to break into. However, you have the best chance if you have a portfolio, skills, experience, and a clean resume to vouch for you. Good luck!

Don't forget to share this post!

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