The key to success for any non-profit organization is the people supporting it.  From the Board of Directors to the everyday volunteers, everyone needs to share the ideals of the group, as well as a passion for the cause at hand.  Recruiting the right people is essential to the growth, positive presentation and, ultimately, the success of any organization.

The first, and most important, aspect to look at is the commitment to your ideals and cause.  Has this candidate worked, either on a paid or volunteer basis, for any similar organizations in the past?  Do they have a history of supporting your issue or similar issues?  Advocacy often isn’t discovered overnight and good, solid candidates will have displayed their intentions in the past.  Finding candidates who genuinely care will help with employee retention and almost guarantee an enthusiasm for their job.  This is definitely a consideration, as many for-profit employees are now looking for work in the non-profit sector.  As funding is often a challenge for many non-profits, having someone who’s passion and zeal will make up for a lower salary and less benefits is something to strongly consider.

Another factor to consider is how they present themselves, during a face to face interview.  Can they present themselves in a professional manner?  Are they bubbling with enthusiasm for the issues your organization is dealing with?  Do they possess at least basic knowledge about the cause you’re working with?  Do they inspire confidence and action, in their language and mannerisms?  Aside from their personality and how it meshes with your non-profit’s needs, are they bringing an appropriate skill set to work for you?  While skills can be developed in non traditional ways, ensuring that a candidate has an appropriate skill set or relevant experience will make for a more comfortable and productive transition.

Turnover in employees for non-profits can often be high, due to lower wages and benefits.  It can also be attributed to the fact that many non-profit positions attract those looking for more short term employment, especially in fundraising positions.  Choosing employees with a strong track record of long term employment and loyalty to their jobs is absolutely vital in reducing labor and training expenses.  

Hiring the right people to represent your non-profit is an absolutely crucial aspect of managing any organization.  Putting together a winning team of go-getters, with enthusiasm, is a sure fire way to get your organization on the right track.