Job Seekers FAQ

Tips and frequently asked questions for job seekers. In addition to the notes below, you may also want to check out the general usage rules and terms of service for this site.

Tips for Applying for Jobs

• Compose your cover letter in a plain text file, such as Notepad or TextEdit, and save it to your computer. You can then copy and paste relevant parts of this letter into the "application" section of jobs that you apply for. (It also ensures that you will not lose your document!)
• Keep track of jobs you applied for so you don't accidentally apply multiple times for one job.
• Make sure the application letter for each job you apply for is personalized and addresses the job requirements of that position.
• Write a brief customized cover letter for each application you send – why you like the job and mission and why you are qualified and should be considered. Present yourself as a solution to the job requirements. Make sure to check your spelling!!
• Upload your resume to your account. When you apply online, the employer will be able to upload your resume and view it.
• Carefully read the “Required” job skills on the job post. Please understand that required items are required. 
• Pay attention to how the employer wants you to apply for the job. Apply online unless the hiring agency tells you otherwise.
  
• Save your work! Make sure you save your Candidate Details frequently. This serves as your online resume, and you don't want to lose any of the text while you are completing this section!

Can I post my resume to the site?

Yes. After you have set up your Job Seeker account, you can add your profile (in the "Resume" tab, click on "View Resume" and fill out your Candidate Details). You can add the entire text of your resume here if you prefer. You can also upload your resume and a photo from your computer. Go to "Edit Resume" from the "Resume" tab and upload it from there.

If you don't want to set up a Job Seeker account, you can still apply for jobs, as long as there is contact information listed on the job ad.

I found a totally bogus job! Now what?

Lumity requires job posts on npo.net to be for a real position, although the position may not start for some time after the posting or be contingent on a grant award or some other external factor. However, from time to time there might be a posting that is not connected to a real job opportunity in the social service / nonprofit sector. Please report these jobs to npoHelp@lumity.org. If the job is found to be bogus, Lumity staff will remove the job post from the site.

Can my current employer see that I’m looking for a job?

You can choose to keep your name and identifying information private. When you complete your profile, look for a check box near the top of the form to hide your identity from all employers / agencies. Employers can ask to contact you and you will receive an email. Your identity is not provided until you say it’s OK.   

Can I apply online for a position?

Yes. Most employers prefer to manage their applications through NPO.net, and can require applicants to apply only online. However, some employers require job seekers to apply by email, fax, regular mail, or on their own website. If there is no "Apply online" button on the job ad, make sure you read the ad to find out how the employer wants to receive applications.

Why can’t I apply for a position?

Many employers require applicants to apply through npo.net. You will need to create a Job Seeker account to do that. Accounts for job seekers are free and can be created in under five minutes.

I've tried to apply online but when I send my application I get an error message. Why?

Make sure you fill in the blank box that asks you to respond to the job qualifications of the job you are applying for. If you would prefer not to write a letter in this field, you must add something to that field, even if it just says "Please see attached cover letter and materials."

How do I find a job?

After you have selected the region you wish to search, you will see that all jobs within that region are listed by category. This allows you to visually scan what types of jobs are available and where they are located. You can also type in a keyword or conduct an “Advanced Search.”  Look for the link under “Find Jobs” on the top left of the window.

Where are your nonprofit employers located?

NPO.net helps job seekers to find non-profit jobs in Illinois, NW Indiana, SE Wisconsin, Texas, and many other states. We recently added a special section for Texas nonprofit job openings.

What happened to the job I was looking at?

All job postings are active for 30 days, but can be "expired" or pulled at any time by employers. You can save jobs to your user account or email copies of the job to yourself for future reference. However, if an employer removes a job before its expiration date, that job will disappear from your saved jobs section. Most hiring agencies maintain an online profile with contact information so you can always call or email the hiring agency regarding the job opportunity. 

Help!

We’re here to help. Please email us at npoHelp@lumity.org