How does recruiting practices look like in the Global Development and Social Impact fields?
We had the pleasure of speaking with Dan Perez, Director of North America @ SRI Executive, a globally distributed organization that specializes in leadership hiring, retention, and development in international development and social impact sectors.
Dan shared valuable insights on the importance of finding the right talent to meet organizational needs and the various ways executive search firms add value to the process.
Here are some key takeaways from the episode:
1. The Search Process: Organizations partner with executive search firms to find the right talent for their growing needs. These firms offer expertise in talent search, best practices, diversity, process management, and risk reduction. They help organizations navigate the search process effectively, ensuring a successful outcome.
2. Finding the Right Opportunities: Candidates looking for social change careers should be specific about their skills and goals to find the right opportunities. There are numerous organizations and platforms that offer job opportunities in the social impact sector, such as Save the Children, UNDP, social enterprises, foundations, venture philanthropy, and consulting firms. It's important to explore options and determine personal boundaries, deciding which types of companies align with your values and aspirations.
3. Building Authentic Relationships: Networking plays a crucial role in any career, and LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for connecting with professionals worldwide. However, it's important to build authentic relationships based on curiosity and shared interests, rather than purely transactional connections. Seek advice and ask about options when networking, and be proactive in providing value to others.
4. Remote Job Opportunities: Finding remote job opportunities in a struggling market can be challenging. Dan encourages exploring remote job opportunities outside of one's own country, particularly for individuals with good communication skills or project management experience.
5. Crafting Strong Resumes: Tailoring your resume for each role you apply for is crucial. Be specific and include relevant details and data, such as the impact of projects and the number of people managed. Highlighting your relevant experience and selling yourself effectively is essential in standing out amidst the competition.
6. Graduate Degrees: Pursuing a graduate degree depends on various factors, such as your career goals, international expansion plans, and the acquisition of specific skills. Financial considerations and individual circumstances also play a role in the decision-making process. There are now more learning options available online that can be explored as a step before committing to a full-time graduate program.
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Check out previous Seasons & Episodes of our Award-Winning Social Change Career Podcast.
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