5 Ways to Find Jobs at Companies Focused on Social Good

Join relevant conversations online

There are plenty of opportunities to be a part of the social good conversation online.

There are plenty of opportunities to be a part of the social good conversation online. Follow relevant Twitter chats and hashtags like #socialgood or #givingback. You can also like and contribute to Facebook pages that are focused on specific causes, such as eco-friendliness or curing cancer, or uncover events that raise awareness about helping those in need. (The recent explosion in popularity over the ice-bucket challenge is just one example of how powerful — and effective — the social conversation can be.)

Image: Flickr, Kyle Nishioka

As you get more involved with these groups and conversations, companies will surface either through their own contributions to the conversation or in other members' mentions. For example, a group member may mention something that a company did for the cause, or a company may donate to the cause and post about their efforts on social media.
It’s also helpful to keep an eye out for specific people who are contributing to the conversations, and to check out where they work. The people who actively contribute to causes they care about generally work for employers that allow them to support these efforts.

Read up on companies doing good

Encouragingly, isn't difficult to learn about a particular company doing good for the community. For example, this recent article highlights Panda Sunglasses, a company founded on the premise of social good.
These stories are all over the Internet, and even within your own social networks. Keep an eye out for them and use the information you glean as a basis for targeting companies you really want to align with. Set up Google Alerts with the term "social good jobs" or "giving back," and even add a few of the companies on your radar so that you know when news comes up about their positive efforts.
You can also utilize local chamber of commerce sites in order to find volunteer-oriented events and initiatives going on your area. Pittsburgh Cares or Volunteer, Michigan are great examples of resources for local residents in those areas.

Take part in and share personal contributions

When you take part in philanthropic endeavors on a personal level, don’t be afraid to share your efforts through photos and posts on your social networks.

When you take part in philanthropic endeavors on a personal level, don’t be afraid to share your efforts through photos and posts on your social networks. This is a great way to let people — and the companies they work for — know what you are doing. Companies and professionals who believe in the same ideals will be more likely to reach out to you because of a cultural fit. Additionally, keep an eye out for national conferences and summits like the Social Good Summit or local events in your area. Attending these is a great way to network with the companies that attend and sponsor, and following and contributing to the conversations is also effective for forging connections and putting yourself on the "social good" radar. Keep an eye out for the companies that stand out and truly seem to be driving these conversations.
You can also consider reaching out to local organizations to discover which companies actively support their cause. This is a great way to see a list of organizations participating in social good for something you personally care about.

Keep an eye out for photos and campaigns

Many times, a company that is active with nonprofits will post their efforts on social networks. This is a great way to learn more about what they’re doing and what they stand behind. It’s also a great way to identify specific employees with whom you may be able to network, and find out more about how they get involved in initiatives.
Keep an eye out for posted photos that support a cause you are passionate about, and then comment on the photo to ask more about the event or initiative. This will allow you to show your appreciation for the cause, and potentially begin the subtle process of networking.

Get involved with the companies doing good

Depending on the industry and type of work, companies of all sizes can contribute to social good in different ways. Here's how some companies are playing their part.

• The Salesforce.com Foundation gives back to its employees’ communities and offers discounted products and services to nonprofits and higher education.
• Campaign Monitor sponsors events and projects to other companies and individuals that need web design help.
• HVAC.com has been sending its team members to locations across the world to help orphaned children for more than a decade.

Want to learn more about companies focused on social good? Check out postings on these social good job boards.
It is certainly commendable to consciously seek out companies that are playing an active role in making our world a better place in which to work and live. Working with a company that believes in the same things you do means actively searching for and then pursuing the companies that fit the requirements you desire. All you have to do is put yourself out there — and find the company that is going to support you while you do it.