Why you should get involved in community service
Dear Joanna
I have a huge gap in my resume as a result of trying to manage my disabilities. Finally, I am ready to begin my job search but am concerned about being out of the labour market for over five years. Some specialists have recommended that I volunteer to fill in the gaps and re-build my confidence and current experience? Should I be working without a salary when I need to start earning an income? What do you think?
Signed: For Free
Dear For Free,
Volunteer experience can provide tremendous benefits in your search for employment. If you didn’t have an internship or co-op opportunity through your college or university or lack a current professional network and related work experience, volunteering can make a difference. I am a big believer in volunteering; it’s how I got my job when I was in a career transition. I consulted with Reena’s leading volunteer coordinator Raquel Heayn who taught me some of the reasons volunteering is so valuable:
Gain related professional experience.
Look for legitimate volunteer opportunities where the causes are meaningful for you. With them you’ll gain work experience, learn and improve your skills and qualifications. Heayn sees volunteering as a way to identify a suitable career/employment goal and adds that “It helps you learn not only what you like to do, but what you don’t like to do”. Depending on your career goal, check out www.reena.org as well as www.charityvillage.com, volunteertoronto.ca/, your relevant sector council or professional association may also be places to volunteer.
Build and leverage your network.
While you are volunteering, be dedicated and apply the same effort to donating your time as you would as an employee. Always make sure your work gets done. Be as helpful as possible to others. Make an effort to have lunch with the team, and find other ways to start meeting other people at the company. Build a relationship with your supervisor because they may be able to refer you to a colleague or even hire you themselves. Volunteering also offers connections to different kinds of people which lets you practice your soft skills too.
Help others and help yourself.
Research reports that adults who volunteer may live longer and healthier lives. Volunteering increases both empathy and compassion. It’s not good to isolate yourself when you are looking for work so accepting a volunteer position will help get you out of your home and involved in something positive—giving back to the community.
Bridge the gaps in your resume.
Add your volunteer experience to your resume and social media presence. Employers value candidates who are vibrant and making a difference in the community. Your volunteering activities will helps you answer the question “what are you doing right now?” It also covers the gap in your work history and keeps you busy and alert while you are looking for paid employment. Furthermore, according to Heayn, your volunteer experiences and accomplishments will assist with your ability to respond to behavioural situations and live or online interviews.
Hope this helps.
Joanna Samuels, MEd, is an adult educator with an expertise in career/job coaching and community/business partnership building.
Image: CanStock
