Whats The Best Thing You Can Do to Complement Your Job Search Volunteer!

Whats The Best Thing You Can Do to Complement Your Job Search VolunteerWhats The Best Thing You Can Do to Complement Your Job Search Volunteer4Many job seekers know that looking for a new position is a job in and of itself. There are lots of things that need to be done to find that perfect role- improving your resume, weeding through listings, filling out applications, and networking. However, a less common task that job seekers add to their routine is being a volunteer. Volunteering is a fantastic way to complement your job search and perhaps even aid in shortening the job hunt.Here are a few ways volunteering offers a host of advantages to job seekers, along with how to use a flexible job to increase your volunteering.How Being a Volunteer Can Complement Your Job Search1. Builds Skills or Keeps Them CurrentVolunteering can build your skills, keep them current, and even give you new skills to add to your repertoire. Job searches can be time consuming, and it can take weeks or months before you arrive at day one of your new job. Volunteering can be a great way to fill in this time frame and keep you sharp. Whether youre looking for a job in your current career industry, or looking to go in a new direction, a volunteer gig can either enhance the skills you already have, or give you some solid experience in a new area.2. Enhances Your ResumeBe sure to add your volunteer activities to your resume. Depending on how long your resume currently is, and how long youve been job searching, this information can be added just like any other job by listing the employer and your duties performed. You could alternatively list volunteer work and skills gained in a separate section from your jobs.Some job seekers tend to think that volunteer work isnt real work. But hiring managers will most likely be more impressed to see volunteer work than a large resume gap. To prove the point, a survey from Deloitte that questioned over 2,500 professionals who take part in or influence hir ing decisions found that82% of respondents said they are more likely to choose a candidate with volunteering experience.85% are willing to overlook other resume flaws when a candidate includes volunteer work on a resume.80% of survey respondents agree that active volunteers move into leadership roles more easily.3. Fosters New ConnectionsVolunteering can foster new connections, likely both professional and personal. Professional relationships can be forged that could lead to job openings, mentorship, informational interviews, or simply someone in your industry to grab lunch with. Be open to making friends as well- like-minded people working on the same project or for the same company can have a lot in common. Your volunteer gig could be a way to expand your social circle.4. Provides a Foot in the Door to a Possible EmployerA huge benefit to volunteering is the potential to get your foot in the door at a company and/or get a job offer. Case in point is Greg, who was featured in a su ccess story. His volunteering with a nonprofit eventually led him to a part-time position with the company.Acting professionally and doing your best work in a volunteer role can help get you on the radar of a hiring manager. Showing interest in the employers mission, and even explicitly stating that youd be interested in any future job openings can be a great way to a potential job.5. Keeps You InvolvedThe temptation to stay on the couch all day or surf the web can be strong when youre not working. In fact, a New York Times article that profiled the daily activities of unemployed men and women, found that the main activity for many was watching television and movies.While a job search should be your main focus, volunteering is a better way to fill in the remaining hours of your day or week. Staying involved in something outside of yourself can be key to increasing your happiness during a time that may be stressful.6. It Feels GoodVolunteering is a feel-good activity that can make yo u happier- and healthier too. A Harvard article notes that there are both mental and physical benefits to volunteering. Mental benefits include decreased depression and loneliness due to feeling socially connected, and physical benefits can be lowered blood pressure and an increased lifespan. Those who volunteer often find themselves moving and being more active during volunteer activities. Eating healthier can also be a result of increased movement. Helping others and giving freely of your time and energy can be just the thing you need to feel good mentally and physically.Using Flexible Work to Increase VolunteeringAt were passionate about flexible work, not only for all of the benefits flexible work provides individuals, but because it can help you volunteer more easily. Heres a few ways howUsing a flexible scheduleA flexible schedule is the perfect way to take a few hours off during the workday to volunteer.With this type of schedule, you can cut out an hour of your time here an d there to dedicate time during normal business hours when nonprofits, schools, or organizations are operating and need assistance.Remote volunteeringYes,remote volunteer opportunitiesdo exist Youll be able to squeeze in some volunteer time without having to leave your house. This is also a great option when you live in a rural location.Company volunteeringCompanies that volunteer together can build team camaraderie, also build a positive image of the company in the community. employees have used their flexible schedules to volunteer and give back to their communitiesVolunteering at kids schoolTherapy dog trainingAssisting at an animal shelterPromoting a local nonprofitProviding Christmas gifts for children in needLeading a Girl Scout troopConsider using your job search to find a remote and flexible job. You may just find that your volunteering will extend past your job search, and into your new flexible workday.