Job searching is tough. You apply for work to gain experience, but you're expected to have experience to get the job. It's a catch-22.
An article published by the New York Daily News in April 2013 reported more than 40% of college graduates are unemployed, with 16% of grads holding only part-time gigs. With such sobering statistics, grads and even seasoned professionals can rise to the top of the candidate pool by building their skills and professional network as volunteers. Blogger Kip Patrick points to a recent LinkedIn report that says nearly half of hiring managers interviewed in a recent poll considered volunteer work equivalent to full-time work experience. The key is to go above and beyond the traditional "envelope stuffing" role of volunteers and instead embrace the idea of skilled volunteering.
Nonprofit organizations who design well-structured service opportunities and provide effective supervision stand a lot to gain from this trend. Spell out the benefits your organization offers in its position descriptions, including opportunities to request letters of recommendation and to network with other members of the community. A clear description of tasks, a plan of work, consistent follow-up, and great communication are needed to appeal to today's professional volunteer. The time spent planning for your professional volunteers, however, will be well spent!
I've really enjoyed working with professional volunteers over the years, and one of the "highs" I get from my work is seeing how a person can grow through their volunteer service. One of my volunteers was able to snag an entry-level development assistant job after compiling grant research for me at my current organization. This was a win-win, and nothing made me happier than helping her to (a) build her resume and (b) connecting her with the opportunity to work in her dream field. Have you snagged a job through volunteering? Or have you gained a great employee through engaging volunteers?
An article published by the New York Daily News in April 2013 reported more than 40% of college graduates are unemployed, with 16% of grads holding only part-time gigs. With such sobering statistics, grads and even seasoned professionals can rise to the top of the candidate pool by building their skills and professional network as volunteers. Blogger Kip Patrick points to a recent LinkedIn report that says nearly half of hiring managers interviewed in a recent poll considered volunteer work equivalent to full-time work experience. The key is to go above and beyond the traditional "envelope stuffing" role of volunteers and instead embrace the idea of skilled volunteering.
Nonprofit organizations who design well-structured service opportunities and provide effective supervision stand a lot to gain from this trend. Spell out the benefits your organization offers in its position descriptions, including opportunities to request letters of recommendation and to network with other members of the community. A clear description of tasks, a plan of work, consistent follow-up, and great communication are needed to appeal to today's professional volunteer. The time spent planning for your professional volunteers, however, will be well spent!
I've really enjoyed working with professional volunteers over the years, and one of the "highs" I get from my work is seeing how a person can grow through their volunteer service. One of my volunteers was able to snag an entry-level development assistant job after compiling grant research for me at my current organization. This was a win-win, and nothing made me happier than helping her to (a) build her resume and (b) connecting her with the opportunity to work in her dream field. Have you snagged a job through volunteering? Or have you gained a great employee through engaging volunteers?