Volunteering Can Help Open Doors

Whether you're looking for a new job, want to advance to the next level, give back, or simply add some spice to your life, volunteering can help! Volunteering allows you the opportunity to expand your network, learn valuable skills, and much more.

Several years ago I was in a job that wasn't satisfying any longer. As an outlet from my ho-hum job, I searched out volunteer opportunities and found a Twin Cities based non-profit that was seeking volunteer resume consultants. I was trained for the position and once a month I met with women who were in a job search, providing them constructive feedback on how to make themselves more marketable through their resume. I loved it! Six months later this non-profit had a job opening as an assessment/placement specialist working with women who were interested in the organization's six-week pre-apprenticeship program. I was hired! The volunteer experience allowed some of the staff to get to know me and "put in a good word" to the hiring manager. Don't underestimate the value of volunteering. It can help you gain visibility to leading influencers and develop new skills.

Branding and your job search

A job search can be tough! If you and your competition have the same table stakes to get into the game, what can tip the scales in your favor? It's your personal brand. Let's say you've got an interview coming up. What do you think you might have in common with the other candidates? Is it the same number of years of experience? Could it be having experience in the same industry? What about your brand can help you be seen as the ideal candidate? Not sure, it's time to figure that out!

Review the job posting and compare the employer's requirements against your qualifications. Let's say they're looking for someone that is computer savvy. Perhaps one of the things you could capitalize on is the fact that you've developed several websites. If it's relevant to the job for which you are applying, you'll want to mention this in your cover letter and/or resume. What other skills or personal attributes can you leverage to position yourself as the ideal candidate?

Time for a Career Check-Up?

We're nearing the end of the year! What career goals did you set for yourself this year? Are you on track? It's important to take time at the beginning of each year to set some goals- and put them to paper! Just the act of writing down your goals increases your chance of achieving them. Then each month review your goals to see if you're on track and make any necessary adjustments.

One of my career goals for the year was to land a new contract with an outplacement agency, i.e., one that helps laid-off workers. And, I'm happy to report I achieved that goal just last month! How about you? What goals did you achieve? For the ones you didn't reach, what adjustments can you make to the goal or what action steps can you take to achieve those goals?

To help assess where you're at in your career, take this career check-up. This exercise can help identify any gaps that may get in the way of your career success. You can then determine what action steps you can take to close those gaps.

What I learned about myself in Tahiti

Last week I returned from my honeymoon in Tahiti staying on two islands- Bora Bora and Moorea. What a absolutely beautiful and magical place!

Many of the people that live and work on the islands are either native Tahitians or natives of France. Since Tahiti is French Polynesia, it's easy for the French to work on any of the islands of Tahiti. The manager of the hotel we stayed at in Bora Bora, a native of France, has lived on that island for 15 years. Since she was a child, she always dreamed of living there. I asked what she does when not working and she said she does what visitors do, kayaks and snorkels. There are no shopping malls. If she wants to purchase any clothing other than a swimsuit or pareo (sarong), she shops "back home" in France when she visits family there once a year. Although, she said, "I wear my uniform at work and on my off-time I'm usually in my swimsuit." What a nice lifestyle!

What did I learn about myself during this experience? It's good to totally unplug occasionally. I didn't check my email at all while in Tahiti. It felt so freeing- and I was able to be totally present! I usually go 100 miles an hour and I learned it's good to slow down once in awhile. While on the island of Moorea, at least twice a day. I just reclined on a patio chair and watched the birds.