Three Critical Mindsets Nonprofit Job Seekers Can Learn From Sales

Have you worked in retail at one point in your life - as a teenager, a college student, or even now as an adult? Well...I have. A few years ago I decided to get a part-time job at a retail store in Chicago to get a better understanding of sales. While I saw some positives to working in sales, such as my employee discount, there were also downsides that I experienced working in this field. For instance, my schedule was unpredictable, I dealt with angry customers, and it was frustrating recovering store items only to see them back on the floor as soon as I walked away from my section. Aside from this, I realize, from sales, you can develop mindsets that future nonprofit employers seek in a candidate:

1. Customer-Driven Mindset - in sales, customers drive business. Therefore, it’s important to develop a customer-driven mindset when working in this field. Stores make an effort to create a great experience for shoppers. Think about it. They offer promotions, reward programs, or other incentives to keep customers coming back. Sales rep have to engage customers throughout the day with a friendly smile, ask if they need help, and be available to answer any questions they have during their shopping experience. So, how does this skill translate to a nonprofit job search? Easy. Interpersonal communication skills are not only about developing good verbal skills but also written communication (hint: your cover letter), body language, and your ability to connect with people. Oftentimes, as simple as this skill may seem, many still struggle to approach their job search with a customer-driven mindset.

2. Collegiality-Driven Mindset - every employer values a candidate that can work independently and as part of a team to meet project goals. There is no better way to develop a collegiality-driven mindset than in sales. As mentioned before, your work hours vary in sales and sometimes you have to work until the store closes. What does this mean? Everyone plays an important role within his or her department to ensure the store closes on time. You may think, “What happens if people don't do their part?” You’ll just stay later until team members get their job done. It’s the way it works. With that said, an individual with a collegiality-driven mindset will fulfill their part of a task and ask their teammates if they need help with their department.

3. Discerning-Driven Mindset- problems arise every day and they are definitely present in sales. For instance, customers come with complaints, returns without receipts, and some may even try to switch a tag from merchandise to lower an item price. Whatever the situation is, it’s important to understand what is occurring, so you analyze it to develop the best solution. In the nonprofit world, the staff has many responsibilities. They may not always be accessible or available to walk you through everything. That is why employers value a discerning-driven mindset. It’s the ability to have insight and knowledge to manage the unexpected.

At one point in your life, you may have experienced sales. Either way, if you are seeking a nonprofit job, remember that employers are seeking customer-focused candidates, can work on a team, and can think on their feet. Best of luck!