Volunteer Service For Job Search

            One of the methods to help in finding a new job is to become a volunteer, usually for a nonprofit organization. A great benefit from volunteer service is the networking that can be gained. Meeting new people from all walks of life can provide new friends and contacts for years to come that can help in getting a new job and improve your social life. But there are other benefits as well.

            An increase in confidence from achievement of an organization’s goals is a benefit often overlooked. Working with a team to accomplish specific activities successfully can instill lost self-esteem or just provide a boost. It can help in feeling useful after a loss of a job or in an employment position that is not fulfilling.

            The gaining of new skills can often be obtained in volunteer service. This can vary from improvement of interpersonal skills to development of management skills to the learning of new computer or specific software skills. In your present job you may not have the opportunity to perform certain duties that are needed in your position as a volunteer.

            Another benefit can be the broadening of perspective of the world. This can include the consideration of other careers or the simply the expanding of your view of your present job and what you can actually accomplish. Part of the gaining of perspective can mean working with people in other fields, social levels, ethnic groups or age groups. It can allow you to work alongside people you would not otherwise have the opportunity to interact with on a day-to-day basis.

            Working with people from other industries can help you get a better feel of opportunities out there. It can also help you see trends in business or government.

            The gaining of new skills and perspective can be added to your resume as part of your skill listing or summary. And of course, you can include your volunteer service as a separate heading.

            Since volunteer groups often have managers and high executives as part of the volunteers, there are often hidden benefits that can impact your career. Working side by side with these managers as coworkers can allow them to see your abilities. As a result the coworkers may be interested in hiring you or recommending you for a position at a level you have not thought possible.

            The selection of the right volunteer group is important. You should consider your comfort level with the people. Your value and motivation to help accomplish the organizations goals is necessary or you may not put forth your best effort.

            Considering the types of people that are volunteers can affect the network you develop. For instance, if you are hoping to meet executives from certain industries or management levels check the volunteer list for the people participating.

            Don’t just show up when you feel like it. If you only put forth half an effort, others will notice. You could actually hurt your reputation by what other see from your work effort. If you want to impress people, you have to work at your best level of performance.

            After being a volunteer for awhile and not getting anything from your participation, it may be time to look for another organization to work with. You want to gain from the experience.

            Remember that the right volunteer organization can provide you with significant benefits while you are helping them. Take the time to select the organization and put the time and effort into your work to get what you want for the long run.