Non-profit cover letters should show employers your knowledge of their cause and how you share their mission.
A cover letter is a chance to introduce yourself to a potential employer. While your resume is a quick summation of your skills and experience, a cover letter lets you write about yourself, providing details about your qualifications and why you think you'd be the perfect fit for the job. A non-profit cover letter has a lot of similarities with other cover letters, but focuses more on things related to the non-profit sector.
Instructions
1. Write your address and other contact information in the top left corner of the letter. This includes your full name, street address, city, state, ZIP code, phone number and email address. Format it as though you were addressing an envelope to someone. Press the "Enter" key twice.
2. Write the contact information of the cover letter's recipient. Write her name and the organization's name and address. Press the "Enter" key twice.
3. Write a greeting to the cover letter's recipient. For example, if the letter is being sent to a man with the last name Fitzgerald, write, "Dear Mr. Fitzgerald." If it is a woman, write, "Dear Ms. Fitzgerald." If you know she is married, write, "Dear Mrs. Fitzgerald." If the person goes by "doctor," write, "Dear Dr. Fitzgerald." Press the "Enter" key twice.
4. Write the opening paragraph. Keep it short, about two to three sentences. Here is where you mention what position you're applying for and how you heard of the opening, if this information is noteworthy (finding the job posted on the CareerBuilder website is not noteworthy). Also, mention a brief statement about why you're right for the position. If you're applying for a food bank position, you could say something such as, "I've worked with hunger causes for more than 10 years in the Greater Detroit area." Press the "Enter" key twice.
5. Write the second paragraph. This is the longest paragraph of your cover letter. Consider breaking it into two paragraphs if necessary. In this paragraph, share detailed reasons why you're the perfect fit for the job you're applying for. Mention specific examples, and don't simply copy what you have on your resume. Think about the mission and goals of the organizations whose jobs you're applying for, and mention how you fit in with them.
Non-profit organizations want candidates that share their passion and drive, so write how you share these ideals. Be specific and relate these traits to the organization. If you show that you know much about the organization, and that your career goals are in line with its goals, you'll increase the chances of your cover letter getting noticed and remembered. Press the "Enter" key twice.
6. Write the final paragraph. Keep it around two to four sentences long. Mention that you'd like to meet with a person at the organization to learn more about the position. Thank him for his time. Finally, say that you'll follow up with him in, for instance, two weeks time. Press the "Enter" key twice.
7. Write "Sincerely," and then sign your name if the letter is being mailed or hand-delivered. Type your name below that. If you're emailing the cover letter, you can simply type your name and not sign it.
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