HOW DOES VOLUNTEER WORK SET YOU UP FOR EMPLOYMENT?
You might not have worked before or perhaps you’ve been out of the workforce for a while. Or maybe you’re looking to change direction in your career. If you’re in any of these situations, you’d do well to consider volunteer work.
Volunteer opportunities can vary widely from putting your hand up for a school committee, to helping to organise a charity event, or regular stints with your local fire service.
How does volunteer work set you up for employment?
There are many benefits. Here are some of the main ones.
Honing your soft skills
Chances are you’ll be working in a team of other people in your volunteer role. Cue the opportunity to develop your teamwork skills, communication, coordination or even leadership potential.
Developing your hard skills
Love to create designs on Canva? Or perhaps a neat spreadsheet is right up your street? You might well end up using these skills in a volunteer capacity. Especially if you tell people what you can do. And that’s an excellent way to showcase your skills and gain valuable experience.
Gaining exposure to a different role or industry sector
Sometimes, you can get stuck in a rut on your career journey. You might long to break out of your role or industry sector. Volunteering might just prove to be the answer! Look for opportunities in areas you’re interested in. If finance and accounting are your thing, why not volunteer for a treasurer role at a local sports club or charity? If you’re thinking about a career in healthcare, how about volunteering at a children’s hospital?
Building a network
Sometimes, it’s who you know. The more people you know and work with, the greater your reach. Especially if you’ve developed good working relationships with them and shown what you’re capable of. A good network can help open doors to job opportunities, whether that’s now or in the future.
Showing who you are
Every employer wants employees who show initiative, curiosity, reliability and motivation. Regular volunteering shows that you have all of these. And more! You’re also showing what’s important to you, whether that’s supporting a local event or caring for animals in a shelter.
Looking good on your resume
Regular volunteering over a period of time can be a valuable addition to your resume, especially if you’re light on recent professional experience. Draw attention to your responsibilities and achievements in your volunteer work, just like you would with a paid job.
Providing you with real-life examples
Volunteer work can also provide you with real-life examples you can use in job applications and at interview. So when you’re hit with the question ‘Can you tell me about a challenging situation you’ve faced at work?’ or ‘How do your skills fit the requirements of the role?’ you have something relevant and interesting to respond with.
Volunteer work is about much more than giving your time for a cause, club or event. It’s also a useful – and often overlooked – stepping stone on your professional career journey.
If you’re ready to step into paid employment, contact the professional Optimal Recruitment team today on info@optimalrecruitment.com.au or 02 8416 4181.
