I have heard from many people that they cannot afford to volunteer. I understand the tendency to spend time job hunting, interviewing, networking, and more. It is easy to think of volunteering as wasting time and not making money. However, you should look at volunteering as an opportunity for training, experience, and networking.
Most volunteer organizations train you for the position that you will be assisting in. You should contact volunteer organizations, tell them what skills you need to learn or practice, and see what they have available.
It is possible to find a volunteer assignment that fits your busy schedule. There are opportunities that are only one day a month or three hours a week. If you want to do more, then you certainly will be welcomed.
You can find volunteer work in administration, medicine, or any other industry. You just have to know where to look. At your local hospital, you may volunteer to do housekeeping, customer service, transportation, administrative work, and more. You can even volunteer at the hospital, salvation army, or goodwill if you want to learn skills in retail and sales. As you are volunteering, you will have a chance to see if the field you are trying to enter is really where you want to be.
Once you have your assignment, you should include your all of your experience on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Even if the volunteer assignment is not exactly the same as the paid positions that you are interested in, you should list the skills that you acquired “on the job” that are relevant.
Volunteering is also a way to show potential employers what causes you are passionate about and what interests you. Employers like to see that you are compassionate and not concerned solely with money. You should choose a volunteer assignment that aligns with your passion and interests. Make sure your volunteer assignment is something that you will enjoy.
Network while you have the opportunity. As a volunteer, you can meet people, get to know the staff that you might be working with, ask for reference and recommendations, and make new friends!
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