Should I do volunteer work?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 12/08/2007 - 21:42
Forums

I don't have a real good work history, will volunteer work help me find a better job?

Guest,
volunteer work is a great way to build a resume if your work history is not so great. If you get to know the people that you volunteer with they may become your references for a job also. While you are volunteering you can be networking for a job. Most people getting employment while doing something useful like volunteering or working.

Good luck and hang in there something good will come along, when it happens stay there and build a good work history for your future employment. You have to start somewhere, make it your next job.

Sat, 12/08/2007 - 22:43 Permalink

Absolutely!!! Like good said, if you don't have a strong work history that will show potential employers that you're willing to give to your community without monetary or tangible rewards but the fact that you're willing to volunteer your time can go a long way. In fact, not too long ago i interviewed with a law firm who's CEO happens to put a great emphasis on volunteer work whether you have a strong employment history or not. that's just the way he is and he urges his human resources personnel across the country to look for that in potential candidates. so if you have an opp to volunteer please do so, it's a great thing to do in so many ways.

Sun, 12/09/2007 - 01:44 Permalink

glad you agree debt stinker, I think this is especially true for younger people who are just starting out and don't have a long work history. I think this for a variety of reasons.

1. References, when a company is looking at you to hire, they want to know if what you put on paper is true, they will check your references to validate the information. References also give them some type of idea on how you work, references can answer a variety of questions that an employer is not allowed to these days.

2. It shows that you do have a good work ethic, you chose to go out and do some volunteer work rather than sit at home and do nothing all day. This will be a great contribution to your resume.

3. It is the right thing to do if you have free time on your hands, you need to be productive and there are lots of these opportunities out there that you can volunteer to do. If you live in a rural area, shovel some snow or something for an elderly person in your community.

4. You will feel better about yourself.

Sun, 12/09/2007 - 13:04 Permalink

yes it will create a mutual relationship and little do you know how you impact people. a smile today can affect someone's whole week. you just never know how much powerful your actions will be. I find when we do good gestures we are also examples to others to follow. where would our homeless shelters be, for example, without our volunteers. I remember when we had our baby i was scared as a first time mother and we were met with many older volunteers with smiles and compassion. made that time a whole lot better. there are numerous opportunities to volunteer. I even heard of someone who mows the grass between graves in a local cemetary and ensures that the flower arrangements are fresh and untouched. great things to do if you have the time, your efforts will be appreciated, probably more than you know!

Mon, 12/10/2007 - 02:40 Permalink

gosh, debtstinker, I think we are alone, seems like everyone else deserted us.

In our human service directory we have a whole list of volunteer activities, they range from manual laborer to clerical work, everybody needs help these days.

Mon, 12/10/2007 - 03:18 Permalink

Hi guest,

Volunteering is always fun. What more do you want if you can participate in such a program and then earn references to jobs. This is a great way to know people. There are many industrialists who are into charity and do join volunteering programs. Who might bump into some and get a good opportunity of knowing them and that might lead to a job as well.

Always believe in yourself and socialize as much as possible. That leaves a deep impact on the people you meet.

Mon, 12/10/2007 - 04:57 Permalink

Guest I have a lot of faith in volunteering. I dont do it or the sake of it but like Good said helping the elderly is something that comes from within. I alway enjoy mingling with them and try to connect.

You will love doing it. What kind of volunteering are you thinking about?

Mon, 12/10/2007 - 05:05 Permalink

Great point Richard, good connections can be made through volunteering. It may very well lead to a great job opportunity.

Laura, you are right when it comes to the elderly, I will always be helpful to some one in need, especially if they are elderly, it is just the right thing to do.

Mon, 12/10/2007 - 18:54 Permalink

absolutely, me too. Our elderly have put in their time and contributions. I actually work with the elderly population here in our county and i am saddened when i see that they are suffering from illnesses or lost family members and are all alone. I just couldn't imagine so I think we have a moral duty whether we volunteer or not to be kind to people who are older than us, because you just never know what kind of life they are living. I find that many are just beautiful people with kind hearts and that one smile can brighten their day!

Tue, 12/11/2007 - 02:18 Permalink

I drive an elderly lady to her doctors appointments and grocery shopping, she does not have any family around here. She is really good to me and treats me like her daughter. I am glad that I met her and am able to do these things for her. Hopefully some one will help me out like this when I am old and gray, I have four kids, may be they will. Or I hope I have a neighbor like me.

Tue, 12/11/2007 - 02:45 Permalink

I just hope that nobody but your children has to help you like this cracker. Living without family is not welcome. We need people, we need our family around.

Volunteering is a great option to take a chance on a job. You earn a lot of respect and it reflects when you apply elsewhere for a job.

Tue, 12/11/2007 - 09:16 Permalink

Being a volenteer is always a good thing it will let people see you and get to know you by name, and work you can do. I firmly believe it will help you get a job maybe even better than you thought, but if you dont find a job the rewards from volenteering will be pay enough. as the old saying goes what goes around comes around, so dig in and go for it. you will do fine i:m sure.

Fri, 12/14/2007 - 01:01 Permalink

I completely agree to what dadummy said. The reward will be the satisfaction of what you have been doing. Keep trying and grow your contacts :)

Fri, 12/14/2007 - 03:57 Permalink