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  • 1.  Would You Hire This Millennial Nonprofit Job-Seeker?

    Posted 03-06-2014 12:29 PM

    A cover letter to a potential employer reveals frustration with the nonprofit job landscape clashing with a desire to make a positive difference.  

    One topic she cited, compensation, reminds me of an earlier discussion I started regarding a recently released study by Stanford University's Graduate School of Business.  The study revealed that MBA graduates pursuing careers in nonprofits made the lowest out of all the career choices witnessing a reduction in pay from 25K to north of 75K a year (as compared to their peers). 

    As a Millennial, can you relate? As a manager does this cover letter resonate with you?

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lauraweiss/cover-letter-from-a-frust_b_4784775.html

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    Bryan Harrison
    Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA)
    Sr. Manager of Networks
    Diamond Bar CA
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  • 2.  RE:Would You Hire This Millennial Nonprofit Job-Seeker?

    Posted 03-07-2014 02:21 PM
    Maybe I'm old fashioned but I would never hire Ms. Weiss.  She may or may not have made valid points but the last place it belongs is in a cover letter.  I also want to save the world.  But I'm busy.  I work long hours and never have enough help.  If I'm looking to fill a position the candidate has about a minute to catch my attention about why he or she is the best person to fill the job.  While we each want to do fulfilling work, a candidate for a position had better make it about how they can help the organziation reach its goals and not the other way around.

    On a related note, two weeks ago I was interviewing candidates for a junior level position.  It could have been a reality show.  I wasn't asking hard questions but it seemed as if no answer was longer than 140 characters.  The art of face to face communication appears to be dying.  Luckily I found a young man who fit the bill...and he starts on Monday.

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    Valerie J. Cammiso, CAE
    International Council of Shopping Centers Foundation
    Executive Director
    New York NY
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