What is the value of volunteering to the job seeker? It’s more than just a chance to help others. Here’s why you should look for opportunities to volunteer when looking for a new career.
Another Piece Of The Puzzle: The Value Of Volunteering
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Frank_J_Giudice]Frank J Giudice
It seems that every employment ad today is looking for experience in that particular line of employment. But the problem is, how does a person get experience if no one will hire you for that opportunity?
The best way to gain that career knowledge is to volunteer. This is a great way to grow and expand a network. People you meet in this way will respect what you do. They will respect your dedication, passion, and commitment to a cause. They will see you as a hard worker and a contributor.
Here are a few more values beyond a paycheck that volunteering will do for you.
Gain Knowledge and Experience
Textbooks, classrooms and the internet are great places to learn the theories, the why’s of a job. But the how’s come from actually doing. This is where theory meets reality. Here is where you can hone your skills and make a difference while learning. You will have the opportunity to see what your chosen field is like on a day in, day out basis and talk to people as they are doing what they are doing. You’ll be able to pick up the jargon (the language) of the industry so you know what people are saying. The major benefit is when you sit down to interview, by speaking “their language” correctly, you stand out.
Cover Gaps
One way to fill in a resume is with education. This is a great way to show that one has the willingness and ability to learn. But here again, learning is theory; If everything is perfect, this is what should, could, and will happen. As we know, life isn’t perfect and that’s where volunteering comes in.
Not only does it take abstract learning and make it real, it provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. It covers gaps and can be listed in chronological order in the resume under experience. Volunteering shows drive and desire to work or help benefit others. It shows hard work, it shows that you aren’t a lazy couch potato waiting for your shows to come on.
You can volunteer at your child’s school as class parent (organizing, purchasing, communication, record keeping), at a hospital (caring, concern for others), shelter, soup kitchen, library, museum, first aid squad, fire house, police station, your place of worship, the recreation department.
This shows a person who uses time wisely and it gives you the opportunity to learn the job from the inside.
Sense of Self-Worth
Sometimes when we’re unemployed (or under employed, a growing phenomenon in the US), we feel like we’re a failure. Volunteering, helping others, is a great way to counteract those feelings of inadequacy. By giving back, we can share our most precious resources: time and talents, with people in need.
An increased sense of self, knowledge, practical work experience, giving back to others, these are just a few benefits to sharing our time with others.
Are you looking for a new career opportunity and want to learn how to present your skills more effectively? If so, I recommend my book “Pieces Of The Puzzle – A Job Hunters Guide for the 21st Century.” which is currently available at https://www.createspace.com/3710544
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Another-Piece-Of-The-Puzzle:-The-Value-Of-Volunteering&id=6919614] Another Piece Of The Puzzle: The Value Of Volunteering
