Small Businesses, Non-profits & Government Agencies

Think Small

Sometimes smaller companies—even start-ups—are doing well when the big corporations are experiencing layoffs. America's 25 million small businesses employ more than 50 percent of the private work force and are the principal source of new jobs in the U.S. The trend of corporate outsourcing has created tons of jobs in small- to mid-sized businesses. The trick is finding the opportunities; small businesses often don't advertise their openings but prefer to hire through referrals and personal connections. Network and call the local Chamber of Commerce and local SBA office for information about small businesses in your community. Look to local association websites where many small business members will list their job opportunities. You might even look to large companies that interest you and find out who their vendors, consultants, and advisers are—all of these smaller companies are great prospects. Find this information on the company's website or through an informational interview with someone in their purchasing or supplier diversity departments.

Non-Profits

The non-profit sector offers opportunities for job candidates with endless interests. There are organizations serving almost every "good works" cause from children to AIDS to music to sports to economic development to education to mental illness to the elderly, the environment, and the arts. There are a variety of national non-profits such as the American Red Cross or the United Way that are as large and bureaucratic as corporations. Then there are thousands of smaller, community-based organizations that offer a more intimate work environment. If you are passionate about a certain issue, research organizations small and large that serve your cause.

No matter what the size, non-profits need marketers, accountants, fundraisers, publicists, secretaries, researchers, event planners, and human resource specialists just like any other industry. Of course the challenge of non-profits is that they raise their operating budgets through donations, foundations, membership charges, and program or service fees. While you can help society at a non-profit, it's no secret that you will often sacrifice a higher salary.

Many industry and trade associations are also non-profits. If you're having trouble breaking into a particular industry, why not apply for a job at that industry's trade association? For example, many associations employ administrative assistants, event planners, accountants, marketing managers, and grant writers. On that note, don't overlook the organizations that fund non-profits. Private foundations are another industry sector off most people's radar screen.

Uncle Sam Really Does Need You

A whopping 20 million people work for the local, state, or national government in the United States. Full-time and part-time jobs exist at all levels. Just like non-profits, the government employs specialists in all job functions at every stage of experience. Think national parks, the CIA, the IRS, tourism offices, embassies, public schools, post offices, offices of elected officials and judges. Though some of these jobs change with each political cycle, many government positions are incredibly secure and offer the best benefits imaginable.

Government job listings can be found on several websites including www.govtjobs.com and www.usajobs.opm.gov . Government agencies are regularly represented at career fairs. You can also network for government positions at the government's own events. If you are thinking of a career in the public sector, start attending meetings of your local town or city council and make yourself known. And when you are not out schmoozing, keep your TV tuned in to CSPAN or cable news so you're up to date on changes in legislation that might create more openings.

In the federal government, your application and résumé play a far more significant role than when applying for private sector positions. Because government agencies are accountable to the public, job descriptions for these positions are very specific in terms of requiring a certain amount of experience or specific skills, leaving little room for leeway. Be sure to match your résumé precisely to these requirements. Applications are also standardized so be prepared to list all of your previous positions, contact information, and skills. There's no cutting corners when applying for a public sector position.

Some positions require interested candidates to apply through automated procedures. Follow all the instructions because an incomplete application or resume often knocks you out of the running. The majority of federal jobs are filled under a merit system. You're competing with similarly qualified applicants and must be found among the best qualified in order to be referred for further consideration. Depending on the position, testing may be required as well. It's a time-consuming process, but usually worth the wait for the right spot.