[10.18.09]

36 great comments!

On Volunteering During Job Search

Many months ago I wrote a post about consulting during job search. I got a lot of good feedback on that post and still get good traffic to it. Why? Because it is a common thing people do when in between jobs. And they want to do it right. Avoiding the pitfalls.

Volunteering and consulting have a few similar pros and cons. But I think they are different enough that it warrants a separate discussion.

The Similarities:

Well, of course, both are a great use of your time during transition. Whether you are out of work for 30 days or 30 months, keeping your mind active and being involved in a business environment is a very good thing.

Both keep you mentally engaged (thinking, planning, producing)
Both keep you busy, distracted and less likely to obsess over a single job opportunity.
Both allow you to show an active and productive lifestyle on your resume. Employers like to see activity during transition. “I was looking for a job” is not enough anymore during a six month transition period.

The Differences:

There are a few obvious and a few not so obvious differences between volunteering and consulting. And there is a hybrid you should know about called “freesulting”. OK, I just made that up, but it involves you providing consulting services for free. But, here’s how volunteering differs:

Volunteering does not pay the mortgage. But you may get a free lunch.
Volunteering is not a contract position. You can easily leave any time.
Volunteering helps others who really need it. And can’t pay for it.
Volunteering is not glamorous. Yes, even the Jerry Lewis Telethon.

So, if you ask me should I take time out of my job search to volunteer in my local community. The answer is yes.

But here are a few guidelines:

Consider first getting more deeply involved in an organization in which you already volunteer. Your local church. Your kid’s school or sports team. These are the most natural uses of your time. Very local and close to the heart. Only drawback? These will not look as “professional” on the resume if you decide to list it.
So . . . look for organizations that are well known and have well-run volunteer programs. Habitat for Humanity or Make A Wish Foundation are good examples. You get to give back and get to share your experiences in interviews. Employers see you involved and estimate that you weren’t just stuffing envelopes. Even if you were . . .
Look for a position with some responsibility (see last point above) and consider the possibility that you might stay on board after you find work. It feels good to volunteer both during and after your job search.
Make smart commitments that allow you to get a good role but do not take you away too much form the job search. While you cannot be looking for work 12 hours a day, you also cannot let another commitment limit your search to 3-4 hours a day. And you certainly don’t want conflicts when big networking events are scheduled. Or an interview is offered.
When listing the volunteer experience on your resume, treat it like a job. At least until you find one. List the volunteer organization as the company, show the dates and location. Describe your responsibilities and list your accomplishments. Just like your last job.

So now you’ve done it.

You’ve used your skills to help an organization that needed you. You’ve filled a gap in your resume’s time-line. You’ve been focused and engaged in something of value. You’ve avoided being obsessed by a single job opportunity.

Well done.

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http://profile.typepad.com/suzyubry Suzy Ubry

Hi Tim,
Thanks. This one was for me.
Good word … “freesulting.”
Fits with the meeting I have with a good friend on Thursday to discuss about how I can help with something I hope to have a consulting business in someday.
http://profile.typepad.com/suzyubry Suzy Ubry

Hi Tim,
Thanks. This one was for me.
Good word … “freesulting.”
Fits with the meeting I have with a good friend on Thursday to discuss about how I can help with something I hope to have a consulting business in someday.
Tatiana

Tim, as always, you’ve done a fantastic job combining the information in this article. I am volunteering at my church and I was not considering putting that on my Resume, but since I am helping with the marketing initiatives for a fundraising event (I am responsible for social media, print ads, radio commercials, eblasts) it might actually be worth mentioning just the way you described it. Thank you!
Tatiana

Tim, as always, you’ve done a fantastic job combining the information in this article. I am volunteering at my church and I was not considering putting that on my Resume, but since I am helping with the marketing initiatives for a fundraising event (I am responsible for social media, print ads, radio commercials, eblasts) it might actually be worth mentioning just the way you described it. Thank you!
http://toddzebert.blogspot.com/ Todd Zebert

Great post, and points.
For a Professional, as your said, look for a well-run organization, and a position with some responsibility. I’d go further to say try to find one that matches or compliments your career. For me, I’m reinforcing my DR/BCP skills by volunteering for CERT and Red Cross.
Thanks for the tip on listing dedicated volunteer experience like a job!
http://toddzebert.blogspot.com/ Todd Zebert

Great post, and points.
For a Professional, as your said, look for a well-run organization, and a position with some responsibility. I’d go further to say try to find one that matches or compliments your career. For me, I’m reinforcing my DR/BCP skills by volunteering for CERT and Red Cross.
Thanks for the tip on listing dedicated volunteer experience like a job!
http://www.rorycullen.com/blog Rory

Nice post, I think you have captured some important points. I like the point about choosing established organizations. I think one of the most important things is not overcommitting. I had a post earlier this month with some warnings for those thinking of volunteering during the job search, including not spreading yourself too thin, and setting expectations, and what “start-up” non-profits are really like:
http://www.rorycullen.com/blog/2009/10/volunteerism-and-the-job-search-getting-the-most-out-of-it/
http://www.rorycullen.com/blog Rory

Nice post, I think you have captured some important points. I like the point about choosing established organizations. I think one of the most important things is not overcommitting. I had a post earlier this month with some warnings for those thinking of volunteering during the job search, including not spreading yourself too thin, and setting expectations, and what “start-up” non-profits are really like:
http://www.rorycullen.com/blog/2009/10/volunteerism-and-the-job-search-getting-the-most-out-of-it/
Linda

Hi Tim!
I’ve volunteered on & off at local non-profits during my current job search. In fact, the contact people that I volunteered at, became LinkedIn connections & gave me great LinkedIn recommendations when I asked for them.
Over the past weekend, I happened to have done 2 volunteer events. One non-profit, I had volunteered with several months ago at another event that they had.
I hesitate to volunteer too many hours each week, as it does take away from the job search. I’ve tried to balance it out so that I don’t feel overwhelmed helping out or being away from the job search.
Thanks for another great article, Tim!
Linda

Hi Tim!
I’ve volunteered on & off at local non-profits during my current job search. In fact, the contact people that I volunteered at, became LinkedIn connections & gave me great LinkedIn recommendations when I asked for them.
Over the past weekend, I happened to have done 2 volunteer events. One non-profit, I had volunteered with several months ago at another event that they had.
I hesitate to volunteer too many hours each week, as it does take away from the job search. I’ve tried to balance it out so that I don’t feel overwhelmed helping out or being away from the job search.
Thanks for another great article, Tim!
http://www.helpmyresume.org Deepak Gupta

If you are looking for
virtual volunteer
positions that are
in a field you are
interested go to
http://www.volunteermatch.org
http://www.helpmyresume.org Deepak Gupta

If you are looking for
virtual volunteer
positions that are
in a field you are
interested go to
http://www.volunteermatch.org
Daniel Cunningham

I lost my library job at my college, Sage College of Albany in January. I graduated in May, and have been out of work until just 2 weeks ago. I’ve been volunteering for 2 organizations for the same weeks, since summer. For the last point, I’ve already listed my experience on both those organizations as a volunteer, on many job applications and resumes. I already learned ‘that’ 2 and a half years ago at my first college orientation where the career specialist said that being on school clubs and volunteering for organizations and companies are good aspects to list on resumes as much as paid job experiences. I’m doing well in both organizations and I got my first paying job since December as a part-time freelance writer. I can also put the latter on my resume and be proud of it as I am of the former!
Daniel Cunningham

I lost my library job at my college, Sage College of Albany in January. I graduated in May, and have been out of work until just 2 weeks ago. I’ve been volunteering for 2 organizations for the same weeks, since summer. For the last point, I’ve already listed my experience on both those organizations as a volunteer, on many job applications and resumes. I already learned ‘that’ 2 and a half years ago at my first college orientation where the career specialist said that being on school clubs and volunteering for organizations and companies are good aspects to list on resumes as much as paid job experiences. I’m doing well in both organizations and I got my first paying job since December as a part-time freelance writer. I can also put the latter on my resume and be proud of it as I am of the former!
http://www.linkedin.com/in/richardfrankcpp Rich Frank

Great work everyone! I have been working with a not for profit org. in Ohio that helps professionals with job search training and support. I have been the president and am currently running the programs committee. We often quote info from “Spin” in our newsletters. It all comes together! PS, I am in job transition as well!
http://www.fortyplusoh.org
http://www.linkedin.com/in/richardfrankcpp Rich Frank

Great work everyone! I have been working with a not for profit org. in Ohio that helps professionals with job search training and support. I have been the president and am currently running the programs committee. We often quote info from “Spin” in our newsletters. It all comes together! PS, I am in job transition as well!
http://www.fortyplusoh.org
http://profile.typepad.com/1220292248s14607 Tim Tyrell-Smith

Hi everyone – thanks for sharing your stories here! Appreciate the links and support for this discussion. Would love to hear of more volunteer organizations that make it easy for job seekers to contribute their talents . . .
http://profile.typepad.com/1220292248s14607 Tim Tyrell-Smith

Hi everyone – thanks for sharing your stories here! Appreciate the links and support for this discussion. Would love to hear of more volunteer organizations that make it easy for job seekers to contribute their talents . . .
Julie Paradiso

Julie Paradiso, I’m a recruiter and always loved recruiting 4 years ago my brother was diagnosed with non-hodkins lynphoma, this story is about using my on the job skills and invorporate them to save lifes. Today I work with National Marrow Society to do online fund drives to find a match. Sometimes you can connect your skills to your volunteer work.
Julie Paradiso

Julie Paradiso, I’m a recruiter and always loved recruiting 4 years ago my brother was diagnosed with non-hodkins lynphoma, this story is about using my on the job skills and invorporate them to save lifes. Today I work with National Marrow Society to do online fund drives to find a match. Sometimes you can connect your skills to your volunteer work.
http://www.linkedin.com/in/helendegroff Helen DeGroff

Hi Tim,
Your article addresses some good points to assist the job seeker. I currently volunteer as a marketing consultant and website committe chair person for my local Chamber of Commerce. I have listed this volunteer work as a job listing to avoid having gaps on my Resume and it works very well for me.
I recently acquired my MBA in Marketing and I am able to use my work experience and the knowledge I have gained from my MBA studies to assist the Chamber in marketing the Westport brand and recommending upgrades to market their website. In addition to this volunteer work I am able to devote at least 8 hours to my job search. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Helen DeGroff
http://www.linkedin.com/in/helendegroff Helen DeGroff

Hi Tim,
Your article addresses some good points to assist the job seeker. I currently volunteer as a marketing consultant and website committe chair person for my local Chamber of Commerce. I have listed this volunteer work as a job listing to avoid having gaps on my Resume and it works very well for me.
I recently acquired my MBA in Marketing and I am able to use my work experience and the knowledge I have gained from my MBA studies to assist the Chamber in marketing the Westport brand and recommending upgrades to market their website. In addition to this volunteer work I am able to devote at least 8 hours to my job search. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Helen DeGroff
http://profile.typepad.com/suzyubry Suzy Ubry

Just came across this article posted on Twitter by @danschawbel. Thought it might be a good read if you’re considering volunteering:
JOB SEARCH: 5 Ways Volunteering Can Save Your Job Search http://tinyurl.com/yku65yp
http://profile.typepad.com/suzyubry Suzy Ubry

Just came across this article posted on Twitter by @danschawbel. Thought it might be a good read if you’re considering volunteering:
JOB SEARCH: 5 Ways Volunteering Can Save Your Job Search http://tinyurl.com/yku65yp
http://jamiefavreau.wordpress.com Jamie Favreau

I have evolved into a conference volunteer. I work part time for a local sports team and I have been going to more Tweetups then anything. But through a few different people, a chain reaction happened, and I have evolved into the registration person. Which isn’t bad since they are entreprenuareal and TedxDetroit… So people are thinkers, doers, and innovators with a Social Media Twist.
Mitch Joel taught me at Brand Camp U in Detroit. It isn’t who you know… but who knows you. I think if you demonstrate a positive work ethic, volunteer in the chosen field, that you will eventually connect with the correct people.
I hope this is true with a bunch of hard work since HOPE is not a strategy.
http://jamiefavreau.wordpress.com Jamie Favreau

I have evolved into a conference volunteer. I work part time for a local sports team and I have been going to more Tweetups then anything. But through a few different people, a chain reaction happened, and I have evolved into the registration person. Which isn’t bad since they are entreprenuareal and TedxDetroit… So people are thinkers, doers, and innovators with a Social Media Twist.
Mitch Joel taught me at Brand Camp U in Detroit. It isn’t who you know… but who knows you. I think if you demonstrate a positive work ethic, volunteer in the chosen field, that you will eventually connect with the correct people.
I hope this is true with a bunch of hard work since HOPE is not a strategy.
http://profile.typepad.com/1220292248s14607 Tim Tyrell-Smith

Thanks for all the new comments. Great to see people taking advantage of this time in life – and perhaps building it in to a new passion. Thanks for the link Suzy!
http://profile.typepad.com/1220292248s14607 Tim Tyrell-Smith

Thanks for all the new comments. Great to see people taking advantage of this time in life – and perhaps building it in to a new passion. Thanks for the link Suzy!
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