Frequently Asked Questions

You don’t need a degree or paid experience to get into the charity sector, if you are looking to move in from the commercial sector it can sometimes be difficult to transfer in so we would recommend some volunteering. If you come from a marketing or sales background that also helps.

There are several groups that hold regular events where you can find out more. The Institute of Fundraising is a useful resource or you can download our documents here.

Most charities will have a volunteer section on their website, but keep in mind that many charities do have a waiting list for volunteer opportunities. If you want to work directly in a fundraising team we would advise that you try to connect with a manager on LinkedIn and speak to them about what you are hoping to achieve.

Salaries in the sector are in line with national average. In regards to benefits, charities rarely offer private health care but they do offer flexible working, excellent holiday leave and often enhanced maternity packages.

Initially we will require a meeting with you so that we can better understand your experience and what you are looking for in your next role, during this meeting we will suggest a couple of charities that we think will suit you and will actively approach them on your behalf. We will brief you thoroughly on any job vacancies, feedback on your supporting statements and run through interview preparation for each role. All of this means you should have a higher success rate on any applications and interviews you secure.

We never charge people for helping find them a new role, we charge employers a percentage of the salary when we successfully place a fundraiser in their team.

You will get more insight and support throughout the process which means your chances of securing a job is increased. We will tell you what the manager is looking for, key buzzwords they like to hear and can give you insight into whether you’ll like the culture and management style. An agency should do more than email you a job description, you should feel supported and if you don’t feel that, stop working with that particular agency.

To represent you for permanent roles we need to take a copy of your passport and have you complete one of our online forms. For temporary work we will also need your national insurance number, bank account and referee contact details. This is all a legal requirement.

Unlike other agencies we work in a pro-active way, suggesting charities that will suit you and then approaching them on your behalf. We pride ourselves on establishing long-term relationships with anyone we represent and as such we are invested in your career. This means you get a really personalised service.

We are discreet when it comes to your job search, we will not reveal your name or current organisation when speaking about you to potential employers and only submit your CV with your full permission so the only way your employer will find out you are looking for a job is when you resign.

Of course we can. Throughout the process, from our initial call, to meeting, through to interview preparation prior to interviews we will ask you interview questions and feedback on your answers. You can also read our article here.

Ideally you should tweak your CV for each role but you should have a strong basis to build upon. Read our article here for more tips.

There are several fundraising mentoring schemes available, we are able to help with this and happy to facilitate an introduction for a casual mentoring partnership. However there is a more formal, established scheme through the Institute of Fundraising.

Your supporting statement is the biggest opportunity to sell yourself to a potential employer. Read our article here.