Whether your work experience is rich or minimal, there
are many advantages, and some disadvantages, of volunteering if you are searching
for a new job. This article explores both sides.
PROS
Learn a new skill
Volunteering is a great way to learn or develop a
new skill that otherwise may be difficult to obtain. Keep in mind that it’s
never too late to enhance your skill set.
Meet new contacts
Networking at any time is usually advantageous and
making new contacts can lead to exciting career opportunities.
Contribute to your community
Volunteering in an organization in your community
such as a not-for-profit yields inherent personal and career benefits both for
you and the organization you are assisting.
Help an organization
In this current labour environment, some
organizations may not have the financial resources to hire, and yet the work is
there. Contributing your time may help an organization in these circumstances to
get through challenging times. Perhaps they can provide you with other
non-financial benefits (e.g., reference letter, contacts) that might offset the
lack of compensation.
Enhance your resume
It’s always beneficial to include volunteer
experience and related keywords on your resume to help recruiters find you for
relevant positions.
Provide career opportunities
More than ever before, organizations are less
likely to hire someone without experience in their industry. Getting practical experience, even if unpaid,
can lead to opportunities within an industry if that’s your desired career
direction.
Unpaid to paid
Many volunteer opportunities can lead to a part-time
or full-time position. Stay positive, be patient, and do anything you can to
help the organization reach its goals.
Motivation is key
Volunteering may help you stay motivated. Contributing
to the organization can provide a sense of accomplishment and keep you feeling
engaged. Your actions may also inspire others!
CONS
·
The lack of compensation and benefits
may be demotivating if it doesn’t lead to a paid position. It’s also
demotivating to be working for free while someone else in the organization
doing a similar job is getting paid.
·
Volunteering could reduce your
negotiating power on compensation if a prospective employer believes you’re
willing to work for free or for less than what you are worth.
·
Volunteering takes time away from
searching for a paid position.
·
Ultimately, there might not be a
benefit to you in your job search.
·
It may be disadvantageous for an
organization who trains you only to see you leave shortly thereafter for
another position.
CONCLUSION
There are a variety of ways to volunteer to enhance
your career and it’s important that the volunteer work you sign up for is the right
fit for you. Working in the industry that is relevant to your career will help
you stay motivated.
Balance the amount of time you are willing to
volunteer with the time required for your job search. Overcommitting your
volunteer time may lead to an inability to fulfill your other obligations, leading
to frustration. In the end it doesn’t make you look good nor does it help the
organization.
Note: Recently, in
Ontario, there has been discussion as to whether unpaid Internships are legal
and whether they fall under the Employment Standards Act, including minimum
wage criteria. For more information, visit http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pubs/internships.php.
***********************************************************
Marc Belaiche is a CPA, CA and is
President of TorontoJobs.ca, an Internet recruitment business and recruiting
firm located in the Greater Toronto Area. Marc is also the author of the book
“Tales from the Recruiter”. Marc has been in the recruitment industry
since 1995. TorontoJobs.ca allows companies to post their positions online,
search a resume database to find candidates, provides full temporary and
permanent recruitment and outplacement services. TorontoJobs.ca also allows
candidates to search and apply to positions directly online and get career,
interviewing and resume tips all at no charge. Marc is also President of
TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca, an organization geared towards business owners (seewww.TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca) and has the annual Toronto Entrepreneurs Conference (see www.TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca/conference). You can reach Marc at marc.belaiche@torontojobs.ca and check out TorontoJobs.ca at www.TorontoJobs.ca.
1 comment:
Eff those who work as volunteers.....these effers are ruining the employee's market
Post a Comment