Q: Is Talent Market a job board?
A: Negative, Ghost Rider. If all we did was post jobs I reckon we’d all have much more free time on our hands. Talent Market manages searches for free-market nonprofits. Any search we’re working on is one in which we’re partnering closely with the client and spending countless hours and days on (recruiting, vetting, organizing, communicating, driving the process forward, etc.).
Q: Is the role I see on your openings list still open?
A: Yes! That’s why we call it an “openings list”. Get it? 🙂 In all seriousness, any job listed on our site is still open. We remove jobs as soon as they are filled.
Q: If I apply for a job, how long will it be before I know if the organization wants to pursue my candidacy?
A: That’s the $64,000 question, and the truth is, we have no idea! Some clients are very responsive and they provide updates about candidates within a few days. Other clients take weeks. And, if you really want the cold, hard truth, some clients take months.
While we can’t tell you exactly how long it will take, we can assure you that we will let you know when we have news from the client about your candidacy — whether that means two days or two months. We are not the kind of fly-by-night organization that leaves our candidates hanging.
Q: What is the timeline for the organization to make a hiring decision and what is the projected start date?
A: While some clients provide us with a target start date before the search begins, all of this depends on how the search takes shape. We do not work with detailed timelines since every search is unique.
Q: Does Talent Market share all applicants with the hiring organization or does it filter out some of them?
A: Talent Market shares 100% of the candidates who apply for a job with the hiring organization. Our clients make all of the decisions regarding which candidates to pursue. So, if you don’t get the job, please don’t create a voodoo doll of one of us and stab it with needles.
Q: Do I have to submit a specific application for each job I want to apply for?
A: Is that a trick question? YES! Every search we manage requires at least a cover letter and resume. The applications that get the most traction in the free-market world are tailored and demonstrate a candidate’s passion for the role/organization.
Q: How much is Talent Market getting paid if I get placed?
A: Talent Market is a nonprofit organization and we don’t charge for our services. We’re doing what we do not because we get a big placement fee, but because we love liberty.
Q: What kinds of openings do you fill?
A: We focus on finding talented individuals for openings of all kinds. The types of roles available include senior management, fundraising, communications, policy, operations, project management, legal, marketing, external relations, outreach, finance, and technology.
Q: What is your biggest talent need.
A: Fundraising! Hands down, fundraising is our biggest talent need (roughly a third of our openings!). If you are considering a career in development, check out this article.
Q: To whom should I address my cover letter?
A: It’s up to you. The hiring manager is always a good call.
Q: How do I combine my resume and cover letter into one PDF?
A: The Google Machine can help not only with this, but with myriad answers to some of life’s most pressing questions.
Q: I see the job I applied for and was rejected from is still on your site. Should I reapply?
A: Unless the job description has changed substantially since you originally applied, we wouldn’t suggest applying again.
Q: I’m not looking for a full-time job yet. Where can I apply for internships?
A: Talent Market doesn’t work to fill internships. We only work on full-time, permanent positions in the free-market nonprofit sector. But we do have a list of internships and other programs that might be helpful for students and recent graduates! And, just because you aren’t looking for a full-time permanent position right now doesn’t mean you can’t send us your resume! It is never too early to get connected with us!
Q: Should I send you letters of recommendation?
A: All required application materials are included in the job description. Additional materials may be requested throughout the process, but we don’t suggest sending unrequested information unless there is a compelling reason (e.g. the Wall Street Journal just ran your opinion piece on a topic directly related to the job).
Q: Is the position really virtual? Surely they must be joking.
A: I’m not joking and don’t call me Shirley. If the role indicates it can be done virtually, that means the client has told us they are indeed willing to consider virtual candidates.
Q: The description says the role must be in-office. Can I work virtually?
A: Is this another trick question?
Q: Can you review my resume and cover letter before I submit my application?
A: Maybe…if we can work out some kind of bartering for services, like, if you’re willing to come over and give my dog a bath in exchange for me reviewing your application? On second thought, we’d better not. That might give you a leg up in the process and we want all candidates to be on a level playing field. Plus, my dog hates baths.
Q: What’s the culture of the organization?
A: That is a fantastic question and one that is probably best asked during the interview process with the organization itself.
Q: Can Talent Market help me get a job in politics, government, or the private sector?
A: Talent Market works only with other nonprofit organizations that promote the principles of a free society. We work exclusively with free-market think tanks, policy organizations, research centers, and capacity-building institutions dedicated to advancing the principles of limited government and free enterprise. We do not work in politics, government, or the private sector.
Q: I’m interested in a job but I’m not sure I’m the perfect fit. Should I apply?
A: If your experience closely aligns with the job but isn’t a perfect fit, we would still encourage you to apply. Organizations are often flexible about the traits they desire in a candidate and they understand they may not find a perfect match.
Q: Does Talent Market work on behalf of organizations or candidates?
A: Our work is driven by our clients’ hiring needs. So, in that way, we work for the organizations to help them find the talent they need. We also work tirelessly to keep our candidates informed about the relevant opportunities we’re working on. In that way, we also work for candidates!
