How It Works

Growing nonprofits retain the team at Commongood Careers to help recruit and screen candidates for their open positions. The following provides some basic instructions and an overview of the application process from a candidate’s perspective.

STEP 1: THE APPLICATION

The first step for every candidate is to apply for an open position. You can find a complete list of our open positions in the Job Listings section of our web site. You can also choose to receive the latest job opportunities delivered to your email inbox by subscribing to our free monthly newsletter.

Each job description has a section at the bottom called “To Apply.” Application instructions currently vary depending on the position as follows:

  • In some cases, you will be asked to click on a link that will take you to an online application form, through which you will enter basic contact information and upload your cover letter and resume.

  • In some cases, you will be asked to submit your cover letter and a resume to the email address will be listed in the “To Apply” section of the job description.

If you are interested in applying for more than one position, you must submit a separate application for each position. We strongly recommend customizing a separate cover letter for each position to demonstrate your interest and fit with each particular role.

If you experience any problems submitting your application or receiving communications from us, please email .

STEP 2: THE RESUME SCREEN

We carefully review every application we receive. Each candidate’s background, experience, and competencies are measured against the specific requirements of the position. If we determine that your application is among the best fitting in the candidate pool, we will invite you to advance to the next stage and participate in a phone screen. Otherwise, we will keep your application on file in our talent database so we can invite you to apply to other opportunities in the future.

STEP 3: THE PHONE SCREEN

Phone screens provide an opportunity for us to gain a better understanding of your candidacy and for you to learn more about the specific role and hiring organization. The phone screen generally lasts about 30 minutes, during which time your background, experience, and core competencies will be explored. Following the phone screen, if we determine that your candidacy is among the strongest in the pool, we will pass your application to the hiring organization, along with comprehensive notes from our conversations with you to date.

After reviewing your candidacy, you will be notified if the hiring organization requests an in-person meeting with you. If not, you will be notified with regrets and we will keep your application materials on file for consideration in other searches. Please note that this determination may take several weeks and feel free to check back with us around the status of your candidacy.

STEP 4: THE ORGANIZATION INTERVIEW

In-person interviews vary from organization to organization. Our Service Managers are there to support you in preparing for an interview with a particular organization. See our Interview Tips for some great advice on what to expect and how to prepare. The steps after the interview also vary from organization to organization. Some may invite you back for second or third round interviews; some may request writing samples; others may ask you to attend a staff meeting or other office event. During this period, we will also keep in touch with you about next steps.

STEP 5: REFERENCE CHECKS

Once the interviews and any follow-up activities are complete, the hiring organization will generally take responsibility for speaking with your professional references. Be sure to contact your references to give them notice that a potential employer may be contacting them.

STEP 6: THE EMPLOYMENT OFFER

Finally, the hiring organization will either extend an employment offer directly to you or communicate their regrets. The hiring organization will generally provide information about salary, vacation, and benefits in the offer. Typically, the hiring organization will expect to hear your decision within 1-2 days, unless you request more time from the organization. We are here to support you during this stage to help you make an informed decision that’s right for you.

Ready to get started? Visit Job Listings to explore our complete list of open positions.

The hiring process is exciting, but can also be daunting. Read up on topics related to the hiring process in our Knowledge Center.