5 Ways Volunteering Can Boost Your Career

The 1^st – 12^th June marks Volunteers Week which celebrates the contribution made by millions of people across the UK.

Aside from the obvious feel-good factor which volunteering brings; it does have a number of key benefits for your career which make it well worth considering.

Take a look at our handy guide on how a voluntary position can help to boost your prospects in the workplace…

It Will Expand Your Professional Network
By connecting with people who are already working in your chosen field can help to open up possible job openings and further opportunities. And if you are able to make a lasting impression; you could be the first one to be notified about a possible paid position in your desired sector.  

You Will Learn New Transferable Skills
Volunteering can expose you to a number of key skills which employers look for including; communication, team work and the ability to use your own initiative.  Don’t forget the best way to gain a new job is by having the right level of experience and voluntary work is a rewarding way to gain this. Be clear with your chosen organisation from the start about your intentions to gain new skills as they will be able to further assist you in reaching your goals.

It Can Help Boost Your Confidence
If you are unemployed or have been in your current role for quite some time, you maybe feeling anxious about stepping into a new position. By regularly interacting with others in a professional environment through volunteering your confidence can be expected to receive a much needed boost.  You may also find yourself completing tasks which are outside your comfort zone which can help to give you the spark needed to kickstart your career.

It Can Fill In Any Gaps
If you are currently unemployed, volunteering is a great way to fill in a blank space in your CV. It will also help you answer that vital question of ‘what have you been doing during this period?’ and can demonstrate to any recruiter that you are a willing and enthusiastic candidate.

You Can Try Out A New Career
If you have an interest in particular sector but are unsure if it will be right for you; volunteering is a great way to ‘test run’ a new career before fully committing to it. If you decide it’s not quite right, you don’t have to worry about the prospect of ‘job hopping’ which can sometimes damage your employment history.