Volunteering Works: Different Methods to Improve Your Job Search

Volunteering is good for your career and just good business.

That's right - providing a service for free can actually improve your career.

Sure, giving your time to a charity will help those in need. And yes, it will make you feel good. And yes, your tax adviser may even tell you to write off certain volunteer-related expenses on your taxes. Those are all valid reasons. But there are career-related reasons to volunteer, too.

Test the waters. Some volunteer as a way to ascertain whether a particular field is for them or not. Now matter your interest, there's an unpaid position at some non-profit that you can try. Think of it like swimming; before jumping in the deep end head first, stick your toes in the water by volunteering.

Gain experience. The typical "Catch-22" for those starting out in a particular field is this: You can't get a job without experience, but you can't get experience without a job." Volunteering provides opportunities to gain experience and hone your skills.

Networking opportunities. While providing your services free of charge, it's a wise idea to get to know other volunteers, as well as those on the non-profit's payroll. Pick their brains and be sure to provide helpful information to them, too. The volunteers, staff and donors all have their own networks you may be able to tap.

Volunteering makes you attractive. When you list your volunteer experience on your resume or discuss it in an interview or while networking, you increase your stock. Employers admire those with a social conscience who make it a priority to take action. It shows leadership, time management and altruism.

Bring others. Most volunteers enjoy giving of themselves. Bringing others in, therefore, will help your associates enjoy themselves and feel good about themselves. There are also two added bonuses: 1) the non-profit gets more volunteers; 2) others will benefit their careers. It's not often that everybody wins!

SO WHERE DO YOU START? Well, you could open the phone book and start making calls, or you could Google individual non-profits. Both methods, however, are labor intensive. There are, however, organizations that steer eager volunteers to the right non-profits:

United Way is the granddaddy of them all...or at least the most visible. They are a national system of volunteers and local charities. They're a good place to start. Check out their website or give their local office a call.

National and Community Service is awesome. They have tons of programs to choose from, reasons to get involved, and lots of other resources. Definitely a "must hit" for anyone interested in giving of themselves.

VolunteerMatch.org allows you to search for volunteer opportunities in your geography and even receive emails with fresh volunteer listings. They offer both short and long term opportunities.

IN A NUTSHELL: Volunteering allows you to help others while experimenting with your interests, gaining experience, making valuable contacts, boost your resume and help others join in. It's a great way to add value.