5 Ways Volunteering Can Save Your Job Search

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I've just been speaking with my Job Centre Plus advisor ( in the UK ) about a possible volunteer position within an estate agency to enable me to "feel the ground" of working there. I have simply been told that by volunteering, I would need to sign off, and the company is breaking employment law by not paying me. I can however volunteer at a charity.
This really doesn't solve many problems does it. In this very difficult time for employment you simply cannot better yourself.

Gary 9:43AM October 29, 2009

I don't think that it is illegal to volunteer for a "for-profit" business like some of the other bloggers mentioned and in today's economy, I am not even sure that you could call it exploitation. Personally, I've always volunteered when I was unemployed and I have never been unemployed very long (although each stint has felt like an eternity) This is a good article - with good advice for anyone whose out of work and looking for a job. Thanks for writing.

Lee of FL 8:12PM October 24, 2009

Volunteering is a benevolent thing, but PLEASE be more scientific with 'research' claims.
Just because the vast majority of people that volunteer are healthier, less depressed, etc. DOES NOT automatically imply that you will become so from volunteering. It could very well be that healthy and happy people are more predisposed to volunteer than those in need.
I am sure the feelgood sensations from helping out are good for people, but don't stake down the claim that will solve their life's problems. Nothing is worse than duping the depressed with claims to happiness.

David of MO 2:34PM October 22, 2009

I think you make some great points about how volunteering can help your career, but job seekers should know that volunteering for a for-profit company is illegal. And volunteering for jobs that could be paying jobs doesn't help the job seeker, the job holders or the economy at large. I just blogged about this issue here (http://www.evetahmincioglu.com/web/blog/2009/10/16/maybe-we-need-a-workplace-moses/) and I included a link to another blog post with a run down on the legal issues.

CareerDiva of DE 1:44PM October 22, 2009

Couldn't agree more. I posted on this topic on my blog a while ago:
http://rodneysjobquest.wordpress.com/2009/08/20/the-value-of-volunteering/
Great to see that others also believe in the importance of volunteering! Nonprofits have been hit hard in this economy and appreciate the help.

Melissa of WI 9:37PM October 21, 2009

Karen,
As the CIO for JobAngels, a nationwide non-profit organization of over 24,000 job search mentors, I see how volunteering is helping individual job seekers and their families every day. Our organization consists solely of volunteers who want nothing more than to help others land new jobs, by mentoring job seekers in improving their resume writing and interviewing skills, as well as mentoring them in how the recruiting process works in today's Web 2.0 world.
Further, many if not most of our volunteers are job seekers themselves. Thus, just as you noted in your article, these volunteers are stepping beyond their own needs to help others, which connects them to larger networks and greater opportunities, as well.
Thank you for your wonderful article!
If your readers are interested in learning more, I recommend:
JobAngels
* LinkedIn (http://www.LinkedIn.com/groups?gid=1789016),
* Twitter (http://www.Twitter.com/JobAngels), and of course, at
* www.JobAngels.org
Job Search Strategies
* CIO Magazine (http://advice.cio.com/blogs/cio_job_search_a_real_life_chronicle)
* Twitter (http://www.Twitter.com/in/MarkCummuta)
Mark Cummuta

Mark Cummuta - CIO, JobAngels of IL 5:09PM October 21, 2009