We are often asked this question and I firmly believe the right answer is it depends. You have to look at the one’s situation (both financial and professional) as well as the volunteer position considered. Volunteer work can often help your job search but in some cases may get in the way. There are several things to consider whether to work for free when unemployed. Here are some things to consider:
May Turn into a Paying Job
A temporary volunteer position may turn into a full time paid position, depending on the position itself as well as the organization’s need and your track record. If this is something you have in mind, it may be a good idea to cheek whether this is even possible for the position you are considering. Sometimes such opportunities may open up down the road, when the organization you would be volunteering for gets additional funding.
Great Addition to a Resume
Many professional recruiters would tell you that a relevant volunteer position on your resume looks a lot better than having an extensive gap in your employment. In fact, pro bono work is often respected and having this experience on your resume may actually help you get a job. You don’t even have to mention that it was an unpaid job and if you had a volunteer position with duties and responsibilities and you have shown real achievements – make a note of that on your resume!
Choose the right Jobs
When looking at volunteer opportunities, try two stay in your field of expertise / occupation in order to have relevant experience in your resume. For example, if you are an accountant, try finding non-profit organizations where you can donate your accounting expertise.
Keep Your Skills Fresh and Sharp
If you haven’t been employed for a while, volunteering your service may be a good way to keep your skills fresh, as well as acquire new skills and relevant work experience that is in demand and can later help you in getting a paid job. There are some volunteer jobs where they would even train you in exchange for your services.
Networking Opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to network with other professionals in your field, many of whom may actually be working for paid positions in other companies. This is a great opportunity for you to showcase you skills and experience, network and earn recommendations that can all help you find a job. In order to get noticed try to take on big important jobs, be active and utilize your skills to deliver results. Approach it the same way as if you were trying to get promoted in a regular company.
Can You Afford It?
While volunteering may be a good strategy to find a suitable paying job, always make sure that you can actually afford not working for an extensive period of time. Don’t let it distract you from your real goals and consider your financial situation. If you urgently need money to put food on the table, volunteering all of your time may be not the right choice for you. Keep in mind that even a minimum wage job will get you some money in your pocket as opposed to a prestigious but an unpaid volunteer position.
Don’t forget about Tax Deductions for Expenses
Unfortunately, under current U.S. Tax laws, you are prohibited from taking a charitable contribution deduction for the value of the services you provide. However, the tax code does allow taking charitable contribution deductions for expenses your incur in connection with their volunteer services, for example: cost of materials, supplies, uniforms, etc. You cannot, however, deduct your personal expenses such as meals or transportation costs.
Hey all i am currently volunteering cause i dont have a job i c it as good sometimes, sometimes i have highs and lows other times and such, i volunteer at 3 places, in the aged care industry, just started at one recently , i do like it but sometimes i wish i could just get a job from it but i should just keep going along , i recently freaked out, cause a lady beside me got a job, just by being there are sort time, i totally lost, it i only been in there for 3 days, as she will be my new boss, i dont know how to deal with it, its the second time its happened to me and the other boss my boss asked if she could help me with me tafe stuff. omg anyway what do u guys think
Volunteering is an excellent way to network with new people. It is also an incredibly rewarding experience. I have been maintaining a members database and hosting networking breakfasts for a local job club. I continue to learn about other industries, technologies and resources. I have added this to my normal volunteer activities with my church. I would recommend that if you can, volunteer.
Marcia Hale
As a former professional volunteer program administrator I highly recommend volunteering while unemployed. I also recommend that you enter into any volunteer position with commitment to the non profit mission, and a full understanding that what you are doing is NOT a budget supported position. Having been a volunteer program manager during two economic downturns I saw many recently down sized and laid off professionals. It was great to be able to provide some structure and esteem boosting activities to people who really needed a "win". With that said, be certain as you volunteer while in your job search, that you fully appreciate that there most likely won't be a job at the end of the volunteer rainbow. If it were a position that had a spot in the budget, it would be a paid position. In over 15 years in non profit program administration I can think of only one volunteer who actually turned her volunteer position into a paid position. Come to the non profit with an interest in the mission of the organization, offer what you can truly commit too, be upfront and honest about your job search and what it will mean to the non profit when you get a job. Will you just up and quit your volunteer position? Think of your volunteer position as you would any other job, be there, be present in the moment, be dependable, be helpful, be open to learning, be patient, be understanding of your role, be willing to attend and then practice the training you will receive...and most of all BE of service to the mission. That's why you are there, if a job comes out of it BONUS....then either continue to BE a volunteer or BE a donor if your time will no longer permit a regular volunteer schedule. If you believed enough in the mission of the non profit, believe enough to offer your support as you can.
Concur with all previous posts. Barbara Sher (author of many careers-related books) even recommends it to those who are depressed and can't get moving. Especially regarding their job search.
I always suggest volunteering to my clients. For all the reasons listed above and in the article.
Great to bring this to people's attention!
DANIEL EBAI
I think volunteering is not a bad idea. Most volunteering positions end up leading to positions.
I am looking for a volunteering position in Houston Texas so as to acquire SAP experience. Please let me know if you know of a company looking for volunteers.
Bill Shields
I have been a volunteer most of my working life and the opportunities that have come out of that and the feeling of self worth have been amazing. I started with Special Olympics,then was heavily involved in my own professional institute ending up as President and I have now taken two years out and I am working as a Volunteer in Cambodia,home is New Zealand.So far in my 6 months in Cambodia at Svay Rieng University I have learnt more abourt myself and the amazing people in this country, when you consider what they have been through, than any programmes or education would have taught me.So yes I am a great fan of volunteering for professional development and for a good sense of self worth..
My wife lost her Administrative job over a year ago. Soon after that, at the suggestion of a friend, she began volunteering at a local hospital. She loves it...and has since taken several course in Medical Terminology and Medical Billing.
She is now up for 2 paid positions at the hospital and has several irons in the fire at other medical centers. AND...she is contemplating a nursing career.
This may not be for everyone, but she finally has a fulfilling career path.
Joseph T. Voicheck
There are many charitable, non-profit organizations feeling the economic pinch of cutbacks in governmental funding. The need is still there, but the ability to attract qualified paid help is lacking. If you have the ability to help and the time to do so, why not? When the job market gets somewhat better and you get employed, you may have to curtail some support to meet your job demands, but you can still help and it will be deeply appreciated. It will also help your sense of self-worth when you are feeling down and out.
Through volunteering, you can fulfill "tikkun olam" - which, roughly translated from the Hebrew means "correcting the world" or "promoting social justice". Simultaneously, you can enhance your resume and improve your own marketability.
As a volunteer, you can: 1. learn or try out a new skill; 2. create work product for your portfolio; 3. provide structure to otherwise unstructured days of unemployment; 4. feel better about yourself; 5. be productive 6..expand your network; 7. overcome isolation and/or depression; 8. secure a current work reference; 9. add to your resume; 10.. meet new people;
With some diligence, effort, and care in matching yourself with a volunteer opportunity, you can make a difference, help people, support a cause you believe in, and advance yourself in the job search. 1
Yes! Additional benefits: it's comforting to feel needed, especially when you're feeling low. And who couldn't use a little help? Volunteering helps create structure in your life. It's definitely been good for networking. My volunteer work has helped me try out different non-profits and explore a possible career change on my own terms. Having been laid off for the past 11 months (yikes), my volunteering has truly been a source of comfort. By the way, if you know of any project management opportunities, I am available.
Karin
There are many volunteer positions that can be done on a part time basis, in the evening, on weekends etc. In fact a large percentage of the volunteer positions on the Go Volunteer website are part-time. My personal perspective is that we should volunteer some of our time regardless of whether we have a job or not-it is simply contributing to your community/world. Sure, it might be a good thing for a job search career to show such experience on your resume, to meet (network) with new people, but there is a more important reason that goes beyond the surface. We are part of our community and have a responsibility to contribute.
We are often asked this question and I firmly believe the right answer is it depends. You have to look at the one’s situation (both financial and professional) as well as the volunteer position considered. Volunteer work can often help your job search but in some cases may get in the way. There are several things to consider whether to work for free when unemployed. Here are some things to consider:
