Sunday, October 27, 2013

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.

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