By Paula Fitzsimmons
Searching for a solid way to reach out to potential employers? Consider sending a letter of introduction. As a freelance writer, I use LOIs to reach out to editors and clients, and ultimately land paying gigs. They’re an essential part of the professional freelancer’s arsenal, but they can also be used to land a job in just about any field, including animal welfare and care.
By Paula Fitzsimmons
I know, we’re in this fight to save animals – not to look great. You’re a passionate, skilled worker who can make a real difference. The thing is this . . . potential employers may not be able to see how dazzling you are if you show up for your interview in unprofessional attire.
Even if it’s on a subconscious level, hiring managers are watching how you present yourself. So not paying attention to this seemingly small – but crucial – detail could cost you a job.
By Paula Fitzsimmons
If you’ve ever considered starting your own animal welfare nonprofit organization, you’re not alone. According to an article by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, the number of animal welfare and environmental charities have grown by 82.5 percent in recent years.
If you’d like to join these ranks, I’m here to cheer you on . . . but also to offer a cautionary tale: Starting and running a nonprofit is tough work and is something you need to research thoroughly – and then some – before diving in.
By Paula Fitzsimmons
When you envision working for an animal nonprofit, what comes to mind? A utopian environment where colleagues incessantly exchange niceties? Kumbaya. A workplace where you don’t have to bring on your very best game? Or perhaps you think it’s a place to hang out until “real” work comes along.
If you answered yes to any of these, you’d be mistaken.
By Paula Fitzsimmons
It’s the middle of winter. Which makes it the perfect time to start shaping up your summer plans. Whether you’re a student, career changer, or are already working in the field, summertime is the ideal time to pick up a new skill or credential.
Look at the following for ideas on making the most of your summer – both personally and professionally.
By Paula Fitzsimmons
Aspiring animal-loving entrepreneurs have more options than ever. Starting a business – any business – used to be more complicated and expensive. The growth of technology, service providers, and funding options have opened doors.
Yet there are some things innovation can’t replace. Business owners still need to possess a strong work ethic, patience, and tenacity. That never changes. Success is often gradual, and despite what the adverts say, doesn’t happen effortlessly or without a learning curve. I speak from experience.
By Paula Fitzsimmons with Karen Windsor
Do you think you have what it takes to snag that dream job at an animal shelter or welfare organization? A lot of people want to work with animals, but it takes a special person – one with the right skills, level of commitment, passion, and attitude – to land the job.
To help you gain insights into what these organizations look for in applicants, I’m conducting a series of interviews with managers from an assortment of animal advocacy groups.
By Paula Fitzsimmons
Volunteering with an animal welfare organization or rescue may not yield a paycheck, but it can offer a host of other benefits. From meeting people who can very well introduce you to your next employer (or be your next employer) to learning valuable skills, giving your time to a nonprofit charity can help build your career – and enhance your personal life.
By Paula Fitzsimmons
We can all benefit from learning new skills and exploring new ideas, regardless of where we’re at in our careers. The opportunities below aren’t a replacement for formal education and training, but they can certainly enhance it in different ways.
They can help give you an edge when applying for a job or seeking a promotion . . . showing potential and current employers that you take the initiative to learn on your own.
By Paula Fitzsimmons
It wasn’t too long ago that the term Work from Home was synonymous with scam. Back in the 1970s, and even into the 1990s, those of us hoping to take advantage of flexible schedules were met with the same level of gimmicky advertising seen today. Perhaps not as sophisticated or widely circulated as modern ads, but still on the same level as too-good-to-be-true.