Hiring decisions are challenging, and engaging in a thorough process requires time and energy. In addition, every hiring decision contains an element of risk and ultimately requires a leap of faith. No matter how well you know your final candidate, it’s impossible to be 100 percent certain how he or she will perform in the new role. However, executing a disciplined, rigorous search process like the one outlined in this tool kit will help to mitigate the risks. This toolkit explores eight steps to the hiring process that, when done well, can lead your organization to making a great hiring decision.
Building the Recruiting Team
Identifying a team of individuals in your nonprofit organization to be part of hiring process is a crucial first step to making a great hire. The team will be your support system for helping define the position, screen resumes, interview candidates and manage the new hire's transition into his or her new role and your organization. Read more >>Writing the Job Description
A clear and comprehensive job description is key to attracting candidates who fit well with the role you’re working to fill. The following articles and sample job descriptions can help you develop descriptions that will attract candidates. Below we offer links to an overview of the writing process and a job description toolkit.-
Writing the Job Description (Overview)
This article offers advice on how to approach writing a job description and describes the key elements to include. Before embarking on this process, you will need to have developed a clear sense of the role, responsibilities, and qualifications for the position you wish to fill. Once your team has clarified these dimensions, you can begin to craft the job description. Here we offer a few tips for doing so. Read more >>
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Sample Job Descriptions
The Nonprofit Job Description toolkit shares sample of job descriptions categorized by roles. Learn more in the toolkit >>
Sourcing Candidates
Skilled candidates aren't always easy to find, especially in a competitive market. These two articles discuss approaches to sourcing candidates and tools you can use. your organization takes time, relationship building, and the tools you can use.-
Four Steps to Finding the Job Candidates You Want
How to go about finding skilled candidates for the jobs you need to fill today, and tomorrow. Read more >> -
Using Social Media in Nonprofit Talent Acquisition
You don't need a big budget to put social media tools to good use in your nonprofit's recruiting efforts. Here are three ways you can leverage them to find the talent you need. Read more >>
Processing Applications and Screening Resumes
Creating a system for reviewing applications and resumes will help you improve your chances of including the most relevant candidates in your interview pool, including uncovering some hidden gems. This piece discusses key steps and shares an assessment tool you can use to evaluate candidate resumes. Read more >>Conducting Interviews
The interview is the first opportunity for the nonprofit organization and the candidate to get to know one another, so it is imperative to prepare well. Start preparing during the resume screening process by compiling a list of questions and/or issues you would like to probe with each interviewee. The following articles provide general guidance on the process as well as interview question advice.
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Conducting the Interview
This article provides an overview of the process and guides readers through how to create on that will help you choose the best talent. Read more >> -
Sample Interview Questions
Here are a number of sample questions you can consider using when interviewing candidates for your organization. Read more >> -
Legal and Illegal Interview Questions
The following Fair Inquiry Guidelines, established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, were established in order to provide specific protection from discrimination in hiring certain protected classes, be sure to follow them when interviewing candidates for your organization. Read more >>
Checking References
Checking references is critical in making the final decision between top candidates. Reference checks can reveal information that not only can help you determine your top choice but also can help you better understand how the new employee might transition in to the new role and your nonprofit organization. Read more >>Extending an Offer
Reaching the point of extending an offer to your first-choice candidate is exciting. This piece provides some guidance on extending offers as well as a template for writing the offer letter. Read more >>Managing a New Employee's Transition
Making a successful hire doesn't stop at the offer letter. Here are a few articles that can help you develop an onboarding plan and set expectations with our new hire.-
Managing a New Employee's Transition (Overview)
This article outlines how to establish a transition process that continues through the candidate's first 30 to 90 days to ensure a smooth transition into the hire's new role, and ultimately, the nonprofit organization as a whole. Read more >> -
Set Your New Nonprofit CEO Up for Success: Start With an Employment Agreement
Before beginning a new CEOs onboarding process, do not overlook the value of an employment agreement. A well-drafted agreement will set expectations for the board and its new CEO, ensuring that both are on the same page with respect to the role as well as the terms and conditions of employment. And hammering out the details of the relationship at the outset can help set the new CEO up for success and build a shared vision for the future of the organization. Read more >> -
Nonprofit CEO Transitions Resource Center
The articles in Bridgespan’s CEO Transitions Resource Center can help your organization successfully survive—and even thrive during—a leadership transition. Visit the resource center >>
