Volunteering; a boost to your career and job hunt

Volunteer experience has become an essential factor that many employers increasingly value, with 87% stating they consider it as important as paid work experience. As we celebrate International Day of Charity, it's the perfect time to explore how volunteering can be a game-changer for your career.

Volunteering not only contributes to meaningful causes but can also provide significant advantages in your professional life. In this post, we'll look into how giving your time and skills to charity can enhance your career prospects and job hunt.

Volunteering offers a unique platform to acquire and hone skills that might be outside your regular job scope. For instance, managing a charity event can improve your project management abilities, while coordinating with diverse groups can enhance your communication skills. 

These experiences can be showcased on your CV to demonstrate your versatility and proactive approach to learning

Soft skills are highly sought after by employers, and volunteering provides a practical setting to showcase these traits. Leading a volunteer team or solving issues during a charity event can illustrate your leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving capabilities. 

These are critical attributes that employers look for, and real-life examples of these skills can make your job application stand out.

Learn more about soft skills here. 

Including your volunteer work on your CV or LinkedIn profile not only fills gaps in employment but also highlights your commitment to social responsibility. Be sure to detail your roles and accomplishments, and quantify your impact where possible. 

For instance, “Organised a fundraiser that raised £5,000 for local families” provides concrete evidence of your contributions and organisational skills.

Volunteering can significantly boost your personal brand by showcasing your dedication to making a difference. Being known as someone who contributes to meaningful causes can positively influence how you are perceived by potential employers and colleagues. 

It demonstrates that you are well-rounded and socially conscious, traits that are increasingly valued in today’s workplace.

Having practical experience that you can refer to in an interview is invaluable. Some of the most commonly used interview questions relate to being asked for an example of a challenge you overcame and what you learned from the experience. Having volunteering work to refer to in this instance can be a great benefit and gives you the opportunity to talk more about your strengths and applied skills. 

From developing new skills and gaining practical experience to enhancing your professional reputation, volunteering can be a powerful asset in your job search. By offering your time and skills, you not only contribute to causes you care about but also gain valuable experience that can make your CV stand out. 

The connections you make and the challenges you tackle while volunteering often translate into real-world job skills that employers recognise and value. Whether you’re looking to change careers, build new skills, or simply enhance your profile, volunteering opens doors and provides opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. It's a meaningful way to grow both personally and professionally, and it might just be the edge you need in your job hunt.

For more practical advice and support, contact your local Berry Recruitment branch.