Why Every New Grad and Job-seeker Should Volunteer Posted on March 4th, 2013 by

By E.W.  3/4/13

With loans up to your eyeballs after graduation, the thought of taking a job without pay is inconceivable. But that’s what volunteering is, and according to the Minnesota Private College Career Consortium, there are six very good reasons why every new grad and jobseeker should be volunteering.

1. It puts experience on a resume. Employers like to see experience. You also might learn something that will impress employers.

2. Volunteering is a great way to find references. If you are able to volunteer in a field that is similar to your desired career path, then you will be able to list relevant people who are knowledgeable about certain careers. They will be able to give great recommendations if an employer has a question or two for them about you.

3. You can build a larger network. Talk to the people you are working with, and ask them to keep their eyes and ears open for anything that might fit your interests and skills. After all, it isn’t what you know, it’s who you know.

4. It shows you have a real passion for your job. If you are willing to work without pay, then you clearly love what you’re doing. Employers want to see that passion from all of their employees, and will be excited if they see it in an applicant.

5. It keeps you busy and your spirit high. Job searching can get to be a real drag after a while, and it is easy to get discouraged. However, if you have something to do every day that gets you out in the world doing good things for people, you will feel more motivated and ready for the challenges job hunting can bring.

6. You might just land a job. If you are volunteering at a place that does offer paid positions, what are the chances that when a position does open up that they will choose a complete stranger over the knowledgeable, hard-working volunteer they already know? Especially if the volunteer fits the requirements of the job. Exactly. Who knows, they might even create a job for you.

 

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