Are you applying for any other jobs?
The number of job seekers wanting to work at nonprofits has never been higher and is increasing all the time. People want to engage in work they consider meaningful or personally fulfilling. As such, nonprofit work has become quite competitive. It always puts a little bit of fire under the hiring manager if they are aware that you are actively looking for a new position, but be sure to balance details about your job search with a reminder of why you want to work at Human Rights Watch specifically.
"I am actively seeking work since I was laid off from my previous position due to budget cuts related to the pandemic. I want to stay in the nonprofit field because it is fulfilling work that gives me the motivation to work hard every day. My passion is conducting field research that contributes to the betterment of the lives of the most vulnerable in my community. Those are the kinds of roles I am pursuing, but I am most excited about the possibility of working with Human Rights Watch. It combines my love of research with my desire to hold those who take advantage of vulnerable populations accountable."
"Although I am currently employed full-time and satisfied with my position, I am always seeking new challenges and ways to develop professionally. After being a research assistant for so long, I started to realize it is time for me to take the next step in my career. I will be forever grateful to my current employer for the early-career training I have received, but I know Human Rights Watch is the logical next step in using my research skills to become a field researcher exposing human rights abuses. I have applied for other positions, but Human Rights Watch is the organization about which I am most excited."
Make sure to emphasize your desire to work with Human Rights Watch, and do not simply lump it in with a wider net of nonprofits you have applied for. Explain why you think Human Rights Watch is unique instead of giving a long list.
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