Killing It At Work
Volunteer Your Way Into The Job Market
By Tammy Sofranic
Are you struggling to break into the job market? Whether you're a recent graduate or looking to make a career change, volunteering can be a powerful tool to help you land your dream job.
This week marks National Volunteer Week 2024 and the theme is 'Something for Everyone'. The week recognises the diverse passions and talents everyone brings to volunteering. Whether you're drawn to environmental causes, community outreach, education or beyond, there's a place where your unique skills and interests can flourish. *
This week is a great reminder to consider volunteering and the competitive edge it can give you, as well as helping you enter the Aussie job market with confidence.
Here are a few ways volunteering can help you get that job.
Gain Relevant Experience
One of the biggest challenges for young job seekers is the catch-22 situation of needing experience to get a job but not being able to gain experience without a job. Volunteering solves this dilemma by providing opportunities to gain relevant experience in your chosen field even if you don't have prior work experience.
Build Your Resume
A strong resume is essential for catching the eye of potential employers. Volunteering allows you to fill gaps in your resume, demonstrate your skills and showcase your commitment to personal and professional development. Whether volunteering as a fundraiser, event organiser or mentor, every experience adds value to your resume and sets you apart from the competition.
Explore Different Career Paths
Volunteering offers a low-risk way to explore different industries, roles and organisations without making a long-term commitment.
You can volunteer in various settings and gain insights into different career paths. You will also get a chance to discover your passions and interests and make informed decisions about your future career direction.
Network with Industry Professionals
They say it's not just what you know but who you know. Volunteering offers ample opportunities to network with industry professionals, build relationships and uncover hidden job opportunities. Whether you're volunteering at a networking event, industry conference or community organisation, every connection could lead to your next job opportunity or at least a referral.
Demonstrate Your Value to Employers
In today's competitive job market employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate their value and make a positive impact from day one. Volunteering allows you to showcase your skills, work ethic, and passion for your chosen field, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
Volunteering is not just a way to give back to your community—it's also a powerful strategy for entering the Aussie job market and launching your career. By gaining relevant experience, building your resume, exploring different career paths, networking with industry professionals and demonstrating your value to employers, you'll increase your chances of landing your dream job and building a successful career. What are you waiting for? Give it a go!
Still finding it hard to land a job? We can help!
Start by taking the Skillsroad Job Fit test to assess your work readiness.
Then, get your Resume and Cover Letter ready with our resume templates.
After that, head to the Skillsroad Jobs Board and start applying!
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