Struggling to find a job in your industry? Don’t discount the benefit of volunteering. If you volunteer your time in the field of work you are interested in, you still have the option to work a part-time position and make money outside of that industry if needed. This really helps fill gaps in your resume and allows you to network.
Two key benefits of volunteering:
Networking – While you are volunteering you are able to network and make connections within the industry. Knowing people at your ideal place of work can increase your chances of landing an interview down the road. Not only are you meeting people at the company, they get the chance to see how you are taking the initiative to get your foot in the door.
Work Experience – Volunteering is a great way to get experience in your ideal field of work. This will really help build up your resume and help you decide what you like and don’t like about the industry.
Companies like to see people who are proactive in their job search while being unemployed, not just someone who sits on the couch checking job boards. Get out there and do something.
Yes, definitely yes. Volunteering is a great step to improving your connections and meeting people in the industry. Plus you may find that once you get some experience in the field, in may not be the ideal position for you and can continue to narrow down your job search in another related field.
Thanks for the input Dr. Cris Green!