How To Find a Role in the Third Sector

How to find a role in Wales in the third sector in 2019

Third sector organisations (TSOs) such as social enterprises, charities and voluntary and community groups play a pivotal role in sustaining Welsh society. There are few other sectors out there with the same level of job satisfaction as this one.

However, third sector organisations are constantly under pressure to secure funding. Because of this, they often face a shortage of skills - which means it’s more important than ever for individuals with different skillsets to join their ranks. Plus, with over 30,000 registered charities operating in Wales, there’s plenty of ways for you to get involved in 2019.

This guide aims to outline everything you need to know about working in the third sector in Wales and how you can find the perfect role.

Ask yourself the important questions

Why have you chosen this sector? Although working for organisations that are not-for-profit can be incredibly fulfilling, you’ll need to decide what your focus is in order to get the right role for you. Remember, the third sector is not primarily motivated by money like a lot of others.

Weigh up your options – even though charities might offer a salary below market rate, they’re often more flexible in their working policies.

What organisation interests me the most?

Now that you’ve decided the third sector is right for you, you can begin to narrow down your options. Third sector organisations are generally driven by values and the desire to achieve social goals. This could be improving public welfare, the environment or economic well-being.

Like with any other sector, you should find a job that you love. The only difference is, any profit that your organisation makes is usually given to others. You’ll be working toward social goals and living by the values of your organisation.

Working in this sector is, by nature, a collaborative effort. This can mean putting in long hours to achieve tough objectives. If you show that you’re willing to get stuck in, your efforts will be rewarded. You’ll be able to pitch in ideas, as there’s a lot of scope for creativity in driving forward innovative solutions. Whatever organisation you choose to apply for, come to your interview ready with enthusiasm and plenty of ideas.

Be flexible

It’s natural to be drawn to charities with which you feel a personal connection, but as with any job, this isn’t always an option. The third sector is vast, so think about what you’d be willing to experiment with to gain some experience.

Working in a certain sector may even open your eyes to unexpected opportunities. In order to improve your chances of securing a role, do some research into which charities are currently receiving increased government funding.

For example, the Welsh government currently considers homelessness to be a pressing issue for the country. Wales’ people and homes charity, Shelter Cymru, is putting an immense amount of work into tackling homelessness. In fact it’s building homeless policies on the ‘Housing First’ principle, following Helsinki’s success with the ground-breaking scheme.

Even if the organisation isn’t the perfect fit for you, at least you’ll have gained some valuable experience in a competitive market.

Network

As the old saying goes, it’s all about who you know. Reach out to the people you already know in the third sector to see if they can help. Of course, they may not be able to get you a job straight away, but even a volunteering opportunity is a great way to build relationships within the sector.

If you make a good impression on professionals with years of experience in the sector, you’ll already have a foot in the door. When reaching out to ask for favours, however, don’t just dive in at the deep end. State your case clearly:

• Be specific about your intentions and why you’re contacting them
• Explain why you admire their organisation and why you would be a good fit
• Ask for their advice on what relevant skills and experience they would expect from a candidate
• It’s also okay to ask them for tips about how they began their career – remember that everybody had to start somewhere!

If you don’t have any connections in third sector organisations, get creative. Social media is a great tool for expanding your outreach, so why not try networking via LinkedIn or other platforms. Following organisations that interest you is a sure-fire way to stay updated on their news. Or, how about tagging along to charity networking events like gofod3? The options are endless.

Make the most out of any connections you establish and don’t be afraid to be shameless!

Welcome to your new career!

Once you’ve found the ideal role for you, roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. Beyond the feeling of wanting to ‘do something worthwhile’, you really need to show your commitment to the cause. If you can do this, your career in the third sector will surely be a success.