I am counting down 50 PROVEN STRATEGIES FOR JOB SEEKERS to get noticed and hired rapidly.
#21 - Seek volunteer opportunities in your community to build your skill set and network.
One of the most important steps you can take in your job search is to get involved with volunteering. It is one of the most reliable and cost-effective strategies you can use to jump-start your job hunt.
Volunteering allows you to expand your professional network for free; if done right, connecting with individuals with similar interests could generate many beneficial connections and references for future job opportunities.
Statistics have shown that around 60% of employed people started their current job after volunteering, and a whopping 79% of people who volunteer are more likely to be hired in the future due to their experience with volunteer work.
From the company hiring side, a survey shows that 72% of companies are more likely to hire applicants with volunteer experience. Moreover, volunteering allows you to develop new skills in various areas, which may assist you in landing that dream job you always wanted.
All things considered, volunteering is an invaluable asset that equips those seeking employment with multiple helpful benefits and should never be overlooked when planning your search.
Let’s examine why volunteering is important during a job search and how it can help you rapidly land your dream job.
Learning New Skills
Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills or strengthen existing ones. You can gain experience in communication, problem-solving, and team building. You may be exposed to new fields offering exciting career paths you never considered. By stretching your skillset, volunteering allows you to explore different avenues of employment and open up your options for potential employers.
Building Your Resume
Volunteering looks great on a resume and showcases that you are an engaged and involved member of society. When employers look at resumes they often want to see that an applicant has done something more than just sat around waiting for a job. Volunteering shows initiative and a strong work ethic, resulting in a better probability of getting hired than those who have not participated in any volunteer work. It's a key way of showing employers you're willing to give back and contribute to your community.
Networking & Connections
Networking is an important part of any job search and volunteering can help you make valuable connections with people in the field you are interested in pursuing. You can use these connections to your advantage when looking for jobs, as they may be able to refer you or provide advice and insight into the job market. Many organizations hold events such as conferences, fundraisers, or panel discussions that you may attend to meet experienced professionals who could provide insight into their fields or offer references for future vacancies. In addition, by volunteering with a particular organization or company, your name and enthusiasm will become familiar, giving employers the reassurance they seek when hiring new talent.
Creating a Plan
When considering volunteer work it’s important to create a plan that balances your job search activities with your volunteer responsibilities. You already have limited time while searching for a job; if you decide to volunteer, it’s essential to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with your search. You may want to consider the number of hours you are willing to commit and how long you plan to stay with the organization or company. These points should be thoughtfully considered before engaging in any volunteer work.
These are just some ways volunteering can help maximize your chances of success when looking for a job. Volunteering is an activity that provides multiple advantages ideal for those searching for employment and should always remain at the top of your list when planning your job hunt.
How To Get Started In Volunteering To Assist In Your Job Search
1. Research Opportunities
The best way to get started in volunteering is by researching opportunities that are available to you. You can look for volunteering positions on sites such as VolunteerMatch and Idealist, which list various volunteer opportunities in your area. Once you find something that interests you, contact the organization directly to learn more about their requirements.
2. Create a Profile
Create an online profile that highlights your skills and experience to help you stand out from the crowd. This will make it easier for organizations to find you and better understand what kind of volunteer work you’re looking for.
3. Reach Out
Start contacting local organizations or companies that may be looking for volunteers. You can do this by searching online, asking your family and friends, or attending events such as career fairs where you can get information about available positions in your area.
4. Set Goals
It’s essential to set goals when volunteering so that you know what to expect from the experience. Make sure these goals are realistic and achievable within a certain amount of time while also challenging yourself if possible.
5. Follow Up
Once you’ve completed the volunteer work, follow up with the organization and thank them for their time and effort. This will show your appreciation for the opportunity and give you an edge if a job opening becomes available.
If you’re currently searching for a job or considering making a career change soon, don’t forget about the power of getting involved with volunteer work! It just might be what helps you land your dream position in no time!
If you are still baffled by the job search process and are convinced that it is broken, or you are going on interviews and not getting offers, grab time on my calendar to learn more about the strategic roadmap for job seekers I have created that shares the inside secrets from the view of the Recruiter, so you do not have to waste time figuring out how to find a job or to waste time by making mistakes. My clients are getting hired in 3-8 weeks in their dream jobs after searching on their own for 9-12 months!
Grab time on my calendar to discuss your job search and how we can get you hired rapidly!
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Connect with me on LinkedIn so you can follow my job searching advice to help you land your dream job rapidly:
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🔴 Ilene Rein is an Executive Recruiter and Job Search Strategist. She teaches job seekers exactly how to market themselves with laser precision to employers using inside secrets from the view of the Recruiter exponentially increasing their chances of getting noticed and hired rapidly!
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If you are serious about your job search and want to learn how to land your dream job in record time, schedule a complimentary consultation to speak directly with Ilene:
🔴 SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION: http://gethired.careers/
My clients are getting hired in 3-8 weeks in their dream jobs after searching on their own for 9-12 months!
Check out the DETAILED STATISTICS of the Pounding Pavement 101 Foolproof, Job-Getting, Career-Building System: https://www.poundingpavement101.com/
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