Tailor Your Resume for a New Industry: Ashlan Glazier-Anderson’s Job Search Success Story

Ashlan Glazier-Anderson made the leap from the for-profit sector to nonprofit work. She started by researching the nonprofit field and identifying similar job descriptions to her current role. Then, she focused on the details and tailored her resume to highlight the relevant skills, and customized her cover letter to include specific industry keywords. Ashlan recommends continuing to grow your network and volunteering with local organizations to grow new skills. Read Ashlan’s job search story to see how she was able to find a new job within six months through her network.

What do you do for a career? Who do you work for?

I am the Digital Marketing Manager for  Friends of the Children’s National Office. I manage the national website, email marketing, and social media for the National Office.  Friends of the Children selects the most vulnerable children ages 4-6 from high-poverty schools and the foster care system, and pairs them with a salaried, professional mentor (a Friend) who stays with them from kindergarten through graduation – 12 ½ years, no matter what.

How long did it take you to find this job?

I had been casually looking at job postings for the past six months to keep track of what opportunities were available in the Portland job market. I happened upon this position because someone in my network emailed me the job directly.

How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most?

I was fortunate enough to work directly with Friends of the Children as part of a capstone project through University of Oregon, Portland’s Master’s in Strategic Communications program. After the project ended in December, I kept in touch with my point of contact at Friends, who had emailed me the job description, requesting that I share it with my network.

What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge?

I was concerned about making the transition from the for-profit to the nonprofit sector. I did my research on the nonprofit sector, including reading similar job descriptions and tailored my resume and cover letter around keywords in the industry. I also spent time translating the skills I gained through volunteering for a local nonprofit called Betties360 and the work I did at a digital marketing agency to match the needs of the position I was applying for.

What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers?

Keep in touch with your network. You never know where your next opportunity will come from, or who you may be able to help. And also make time to attend networking events to grow your network. Mac’s List,  Partners in Diversity,  AMA PDX,  SEM PDX  are organizations I recommend for great networking and professional development events.  

Why do you love your job?

I love my job because I know it’s having a big impact in the communities Friends of the Children serves. I’m excited to be part of an organization that is growing and expanding, with a goal of serving youth in 25 cities by 2025.