Top Strategies to Overcome Charity Recruitment Challenges

10th October 2024

Working for a charity can be fulfilling for individuals who are passionate about the nonprofit's mission. However, this type of work isn't right for everyone, which makes it challenging to fill open positions. According to North One, filling a new position takes around 42 days and sometimes takes longer in the charity sector. 

Charity recruiting teams need to work harder to attract and find strong candidates for their organisations. Charity recruitment professionals encounter different challenges that other companies typically don't. Thankfully, there are ways to navigate these hurdles and find high-quality talent. 

This blog will discuss how to overcome common charity recruiting challenges. We'll also cover some of our charity hiring tips so you can learn about attracting talent in nonprofits. 

Develop a Welcoming Culture 

Companies of all shapes and sizes can benefit from creating an inclusive culture. This is even more important when working in the charity sector. 

Developing a healthy work culture is about more than making quotas and meeting benchmarks. It's about nurturing an environment that celebrates differences and inspires creativity. 

One of our recruitment solutions is to eliminate bias in your charity recruiting process. You'll attract candidates from diverse backgrounds when you remove unnecessary and unfair barriers. Some of the ways you can achieve this when hiring include:

●        Using language in advertisements that encourages everyone to apply

●        Incorporating gender-neutral language 

●        Showcasing that you're an equal-opportunity employer

●        Highlighting how your organisation promotes inclusion and diversity 

Managing Your Charity Recruitment Costs

It's important to keep a tight rein on your recruiting budget when you're working with limited funding. 

A few tips for ensuring your hiring budget stays manageable include:

●        Hiring the right candidate the first time

●        Leveraging recruitment technology 

Hiring the right individuals for your charity doesn't just improve your retention rate. It also reduces your need to retrain and recruit long-term. 

Another tip to keep in mind is to set a recruiting budget for each of your open positions. This includes determining how much the salary range should be at the beginning of the recruiting process. Nonprofits aren't able to offer more money if they find an amazing candidate - they have to stay within budget. 

Be Organised in Your Recruiting Process

It can get overwhelming if you're dealing with multiple applications from various locations. The last thing you want to do is miss out on a candidate because you overlooked their application. 

Working with a charity recruiting firm is a great way to ensure the process goes smoothly. The firm will evaluate each candidate on your behalf, presenting you with the best ones possible. This saves you time and money. 

Create a "Must-Have" List for Your New Hire

As we mentioned earlier, your goal should be to hire the right candidate the first time. You can save your charity time and money by developing a list of "must-have" qualities and skills you want this individual to possess. 

A few tips to keep in mind when compiling this list include:

●        Determining the necessary capabilities or experiences

●        Agreeing with your hiring team that they're non-negotiable 

These must-haves don't have to be items that are over the top or difficult for most people to achieve. They can include basic things like:

●        Specific degrees

●        Desired salary ranges 

●        Previous work experience 

No matter what you put on your list, they need to be thoughtfully chosen. You'll better serve your organisation by focusing on meeting with individuals who meet these certain qualifications. 

You can also create a second list that's focused on "nice-to-have" items. You can use these factors to sort candidates into a secondary pile. Doing so allows you to look at potential hires you may not have otherwise because they didn't meet your initial criteria. 

Highlight the Advantages of Working for Your Charity

Showcasing that you can offer potential new hires a high salary isn't always something charities can offer. However, you can boost your job postings by highlighting the intangible and tangible benefits you provide. Think about the things you can offer your employees that don't cost your charity a lot of money. 

Some of the elements that may appeal to potential candidates include:

●        Remote work options

●        Flexible schedules

●        Extended annual leave    

●        Pension contribution    

●        Development and professional growth opportunities

●        Giving back to the community 

●        Positive work culture 

For those seeking to work at a nonprofit, these advantages may appeal more to them than a higher salary would. They might be looking to work for an organisation that aligns with their values instead of one that can offer them a large wage. 

Write Detailed and Focused Job Descriptions

Your job listings should include everything potential candidates need to know about working for your charity. By letting them know what their duties and responsibilities would be if they got the position, you're giving more insight that'll attract more suitable candidates. 

We recommend including as many details as you can in your job advertisements. Do things like:

●        Outline the salary that is on offer.

●        Feature the job title and location

●        Note if remote work or flexible schedules are available 

●        Write a brief job description

●        Share info about the charity's culture 

●        Provide details about your organisation's mission 

Your charity's brand and what you stand for are something you can use to your advantage when hiring candidates. Your workplace culture should be apparent to all candidates, from your job advertisements to your social media channels. 

Partner With an Experienced Recruiting Firm for Your Next New Hire 

While there are additional hurdles you may encounter in the charity recruitment process, they are challenges that you can easily overcome. Hiring for charities can be a fulfilling process as you get to meet individuals from varying backgrounds who share your mission. Working with a professional recruitment agency will ensure the process goes smoothly and efficiently. 

The AAW Group is a consultancy firm that helps nonprofits find exceptional talent. Whether you're looking for nonprofit recruitment ideas or recruitment solutions, our staff is here to assist. Reach out to our office to schedule a consultation.