Writing a fundraising CV
Fundraising roles require skills that uniquely cross the divide between the private and not-for-profit sectors. In one sense, fundraising jobs are highly commercial. They demand relationship building and a target driven and sales focused approach. Yet, you can get to do this for a worthwhile cause you truly believe in and through your direct efforts make a measurable difference.
What type of fundraising roles are you applying for?
There are distinct types of fundraising roles. From entry level event/marketing and fundraising assistant roles through to major donor and legacy fundraising management roles. It is important to focus your fundraising CV to the level and role that you are targeting. You can create a tag line in the CV next to your name to immediately connect with the reader but a the very least try to mirror the job title of the role you are applying for in the first line of the professional profile. This will ensure the reader sees the relevance of your CV and read on with enthusiasm.
What if I have no fundraising experience?
If applying for entry level roles, then you may need to demonstrate transferable skills. A skills or competency-based CV structure will allow you to demonstrate under 4 or 5 aligned sub-headings how, where and when you have demonstrated the necessary skills. You can choose experiences from work, education or anything outside of this. Of course, any volunteering work should be included.
If you do have experience, it’s all about results….
The most important thing your fundraising CV need to do is show the success you will bring through evidence of past achievements. Be clear, specific and use facts and figures to illustrate. Do not simply reproduce a job description and list of responsibilities. You need to show the difference you have made. This could be targets exceeded and new clients won. Where possible always include the outcomes through percentage figures or actual amounts.
Keep your fundraising CV concise, clear and clutter free
You have just seconds for your CV to convince the reader to call you to interview. Even with a lengthy career behind you, keep the CV to no more than two pages. Make sure the headings are clearly marked. Write using as few words as possible to make your points. Use bullet points to break up information and avoid large blocks of copy. There is nothing a time pressed recruiter dislikes to be faced with more than a sea of black ink.
Always read the job description of the role you are applying for and tailor your CV accordingly. The more closely you can align your fundraising CV to the specifics of a particular role the more likely your CV will perform well. Take more time over fewer applications.
This article is written by Neville Rose, Director of CV Writers. Please do connect with me via LinkedIn.
Check out our CV writing service with details of our packages that include LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. You can get things started with a Free CV review. I am also a qualified career counsellor and provide Career Counselling services for people looking to change career paths.
