Writing a strong CV is always a crucial part of getting hired — but different kinds of jobs require different kinds of CVs. Someone looking to work in the nonprofit sector should approach their application differently to a candidate targeting a commercial role. Charities, not-for-profits, and NGOs assess potential employees in ways that for-profit businesses simply don't.
Understanding those differences — and reflecting them clearly in your CV — is the key to standing out as a third sector candidate.
Volunteer Experience Carries Real Weight
One of the most significant differences between applying to a charity and a conventional business is the importance placed on voluntary work. Not-for-profits place far more weight on what prospective employees have done in the way of volunteering — especially if the candidate has never worked for a nonprofit before. Charities want their staff to be guided by a genuine spirit of care and concern for others, not just professional competence.
How to Present Volunteer Experience
A CV prepared for a charity should include a substantial, dedicated section on voluntary work — and that work should be described with the same detail and seriousness as a paid role. Explain what you did, the scope of your involvement, and — most importantly — the impact of your contribution.
The more your volunteering experience can be tied to the specific mission of the charity you are applying to, the more compelling your application will be. Include every relevant example: nonprofits want candidates who demonstrate a genuine and sustained commitment to doing good, not a single tokenistic entry.
Transferable Skills — Without the Corporate Jargon
Many people looking for third sector roles have no direct experience of charity work. If that applies to you, the key is demonstrating that the skills you have built in your career are transferable to the nonprofit world — while stripping out the language that won't land.
Leave the Corporate Speak at the Door
Avoid industry jargon, technical terms, and over-complicated buzzwords. Most charity managers won't understand — or care about — corporate language, and it signals that you haven't thought carefully about who you're writing for. Your competencies and abilities should be explained in plain, accessible language that any reader can immediately grasp.
Research the Organisation Thoroughly
Nonprofits are most interested in candidates who genuinely understand their charity's ethos and mission. While many commercial roles are broadly generic, each charity is different — with its own specific goals, projects, and community it serves. Candidates who cannot demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the organisation's work and vision are unlikely to be considered.
The Softer Elements Matter More Here
In third sector recruitment, the softer parts of your CV carry more weight than they would in a commercial application. Zeal, commitment, and the right attitude can be more important than a specific professional background. Your personal profile in particular should make your enthusiasm and genuine desire to contribute to the cause unmistakably clear — not through empty claims, but through the evidence you choose to highlight.
Working at a charity or not-for-profit can be a uniquely rewarding experience — in ways that careers with commercial companies rarely are. It is well worth investing serious effort in tailoring your CV for the sector. The main things to get right: lead with volunteer experience, demonstrate a genuine passion for the organisation's mission, and keep the language human.
Need help tailoring your CV for the third sector?
Our expert writers know how to position your experience — whether commercial or voluntary — in a way that resonates with charity and NGO recruiters.