NPOs face a unique challenge of their own

Singapore - In smaller non-profit organisations (NPOs) where resources are scarce, sticking to traditional recruitment methods may not prove to be effective for some companies.

Julie Englefield, general manager of The Substation, says the biggest recruitment challenge facing NPOs is finding professionally-competent people who are willing to accept lower compensation. However, there is a trade-off as most candidates are motivated into working in welfare organisations for their own personal fulfillment and desire to contribute to social issues.

But Englefield warns employees who have had a professional career might face a shock when they make the transition into non-profit organisations, where work processes may not be as organised as private organisations.

"So I can envisage where there is a transition period where people from the professional world will try it out and say, 'This is way too unprofessional for me, I'm going back to the professional world'," she says. But there are some who are willing to ride out the transition period and stay to work within the charity sector.

Hence, Englefield says The Substation relies heavily on word-of-mouth recruitment to secure new hires in the small and close-knit arts and welfare communities The Substation operates in.

While The Substation currently employs 12 full-time members and relies on volunteer help during larger events, Englefield says the organisation has previously advertised job openings through online recruitment websites. She says this was an "unmitigated disaster", as the organisation received applications from "Indian IT professionals based in India" who were a far fit from the job they advertised.

In its recent search for a new film projects manager, The Substation sussed out potential candidates by assigning a project for which candidates had to provide an outline. This helps the organisation gauge how organised the person is and whether "they have their mind in the right place when it comes to their vocation".

Englefield says the company values people who understand "the essence" of the organisation which prides itself on having an independent spirit, strong social values and pushing the boundaries of art.

The ability to take responsibility is a key factor in The Substation, Englefield says, "Because in a small environment where there are limited resources, we don't have a hierachy where the boss is checking up on people. So what we have to do is to trust that people can do the job".