Lately I’ve been talking to a lot of nonprofit organizations who are hiring for new staff this summer. Some of them have advertised their openings on online job boards…but many of them have not. That’s why it’s so important for jobseekers to keep tabs on the specific organizations they might want to work for!

If you’re looking to change nonprofit jobs or even switch from the corporate world into the nonprofit field, you may already have a particular organization in mind that would be your “dream job.” You might have a desire to work for the Girl Scouts, for instance, but your only problem is that they’re not hiring right now…or at least they don’t seem to be.  But just because X nonprofit organization doesn’t have any openings listed, doesn’t mean you can’t begin to build a relationship with them now that could benefit you in the future. You also have to remember that most job vacancies aren’t listed online – many nonprofits still rely on word-of-mouth to find candidates. If you want to get your foot in the door of a nonprofit you really want to work for, it wouldn’t hurt to start now so that when a job does come available, your name will rise to the top. Here are some ways to build connections with a nonprofit you really want to work for, even if they don’t seem to be hiring right now.

Sign up for their newsletter

If there’s a particular nonprofit you’re interested in, it helps to know what the organization is up to. Go onto their website and check out the “news” or “about us” page where there may be a signup form where you can add your email address to receive their e-newsletter, if they have one. Reading a nonprofit’s newsletter can help you learn about the staff, board members, and funders who are involved in the organization. The newsletter will also provide you with updates on their programs, volunteer opportunities, upcoming events and, of course, job openings!

Join their Facebook page or follow their Twitter feed

If you’re on Facebook or Twitter, you have a plethora of opportunities to keep up with your favorite nonprofit online. Thousands of nonprofits have accounts on Facebook and Twitter. Just search for the name of the nonprofit to see if they have a page on either site. The great thing about nonprofits who are engaged in social media is that there is already a system set up to automatically update you when they post any new information.

Attend their events

This strategy is so overlooked! Many nonprofits host frequent fundraising events or “open house” gatherings where you can come to learn more about the organization’s work. Their website, newsletter, Facebook or Twitter may provide information about upcoming events. When you attend their events, though try not to give off the impression that you’re a desperate jobseeker. Instead, introduce yourself as someone who is passionate about the cause and build rapport with some of the staff and board members. Later, you can follow up with the people you met to request an informational interview to talk about the field in general.

Don’t give up on your dream nonprofit job just because they aren’t hiring at the moment. People still quit their positions, get fired, go on maternity leave, go back to school, etc. A job that’s filled today could be open tomorrow, and you want to be in the running because the organization already knows and likes you. You never know when you could end up hearing about a job opening as a result of your ongoing communication with them. It’s better to build your relationships now, so they’re strong by the time you need them!

For more nonprofit job-searching tips, check out Allison Jones’ new advice series for recent college grads (or even sector switchers) interested in nonprofit work.

I receive a lot of emails asking me to review resumes for nonprofit jobseekers. I hesitate to do it because 1) there is already a ton of free information out there to help you craft a winning resume (use it!) and 2) because your resume is only part of the equation. Usually, when someone complains about their resume not “working” for them in their job search, what they usually mean is one of two things: 1) no one is calling them for interviews at all or 2) no one is calling them back for second interviews. Take this email I received from one anxious jobseeker:

I’ve been reading your articles and they are very informative. A lot of your information I have applied to my job search. Unfortunately, it has not worked in my favor. I am a recent graduate. A lot of my experience has been volunteer management, event planning, and community relations, and I am looking for a position that will combine all interest. However, I have not been successful. Do you have any advice? If it possible that I can email you my resume and get your feedback? Any information would be most valued.

The first thing I thought after getting this message in my inbox was: maybe it’s not your resume, it’s you. Now I don’t know the person who wrote me this email from Adam. But I felt it was important to point out that in many cases, your resume may not be your only barrier in finding a job.

Are you applying for the right jobs?

You’re more likely to get called for an interview if your previous experience or education matches the job you’re applying for. Most of job searching is about perception. Your task is to help your potential employer perceive you as someone who is perfect for the job, which is difficult if you have no skills or experience whatsoever that are relevant to the job opening. There are, however, some ways to make yourself look as if you’ve been “in the field” if you want to branch out into a new direction. I suggest you join the most respected nonprofit professional association in your area. Also think about volunteering for some of your local nonprofit organizations that deal with the causes you want to work on.

Is your reputation holding you back?

Were you fired from a previous nonprofit job? Did your former boss complain about you showing up late for work, taking long lunch breaks and arguing with your co-workers? If there has been any controversy surrounding your nonprofit career, word gets around. If the organization you’re applying for happens to know the folks at your previous job, they WILL call them to get the skinny on you – even if your former employer is not on your reference list. In the search firm world, this is called “going off list” and is a totally legit way for your potential employers to obtain information about you. I have received stellar resumes in the past for open positions, but when I checked their references, their whole persona fell apart. Seemingly competent people ended up being perceived as troublemakers in their former positions. Be vigilant in monitoring your personal brand in the nonprofit field. Never leave your job on bad terms and never burn your bridges. You will definitely need them in the future!

Did you bomb your first interview?

Although your resume can get your foot in the door, the rest of the process is about how well you perform in the interview and how you are perceived. If you land an interview, don’t take it for granted that you’ve got a good chance at getting the job. Make sure you practice your responses to every possible interview question so you’re not caught off guard. Your mouth could blow it for you if you complain about your previous employer or roll up in there smacking your gum. And please don’t ask about salary or benefits during a first interview. That’s like talking about marriage on the first date. The hiring manager’s thinking, “Whoa, not so fast. Let’s see if we even want to hire you first, then we can start talking compensation.”