How to Give Back and Get Back During Your Job Search

Volunteering may be the last thing you want or feel like doing while you are looking for a job. You might be too busy and in full job search mode to commit the time to volunteer. Perhaps you don’t know of any local organization that needs what you can offer. And, if you are collecting unemployment insurance you may fear volunteering will affect your benefit eligibility. 

Volunteering is a mutually beneficial way to add value to your job search. Let’s breakdown common concerns and key benefits to giving back as a job seeker.

Too busy to volunteer. 

Volunteering should compliment not replace your job search activities. Commit to an activity 2-4 hours a week with one nonprofit organization in addition to participating in one-day events. Events like galas and yearly fundraisers are a great place to meet board members and other leaders in the community. Ideally choose an assignment that requires multiple volunteers allowing you the opportunity to connect you with other people in the community. When scheduled properly volunteering can easily integrate into your active job searching.

How do I know my skills are needed?

You may feel that the skills you possess are not in need. According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS), there are more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations registered in the U.S. The majority of these organizations operate on lean budgets and their staff wear multiple hats. They typically welcome anything you can offer to help them keep their doors open.

Won’t it affect my unemployment insurance?

If you have been laid off and are collecting unemployment insurance, you might be under the impression you need to be looking for work 24/7. While it may be different in every state, in Idaho the unemployment rules state that in order to remain eligible for unemployment insurance you must be actively seeking full-time work, available for work and available to accept work if offered. The key is to communicate with the nonprofit that if you were offered full-time work you would need to leave your volunteer position. 

So now that you are breathing a little bit easier about carving out a few hours of your job searching activities, here are 5 ways volunteering can benefit your job search:

#1: Build your Network

If you had a choice, would you rather meet new people at a Chamber luncheon or while building a home for a family in need? Most people would choose the latter because of the relaxed setting and similar interests that brought them together in the first place. Working side by side together for a common good creates more meaningful conversations and thus more meaningful connections. Volunteering may give you access to other volunteers, staff, board members, civic leaders, and retirees, who held significant positions in the business community.

#2: Apply or Boost Skills while Closing the Employment Gap

Employers love to know you’re staying active and engaged in work that keeps your skills current and serving as a productive member of the community. Close that employment gap by working on a project that keeps your skills current or enhances them. Although not paid, volunteer work gives you “real-world” experience and can be strategically placed on your resume under a header labeled “Relevant Experience”. Just make sure that if you do combine it with paid work, you make note that it was a volunteer position. 

#3: Boost Self Esteem

Being without a job and actively searching for a new one is one of the most mentally challenging endeavors we will ever experience. Being unemployed may threaten the values we hold most dear: financial security, family, self-identity, personal fulfillment, and serving as a productive member of society. Team that with the isolation that typically occurs when looking for work and no wonder our self-esteem takes a hit.  

Overcome the feeling of isolation and the inevitable cut to your self-confidence by taking time every week to volunteer. Giving back to those in need while connecting with your peers contributes to an overall sense of accomplishment and well-being. In addition, it gives you a new perspective on your situation as you may be helping people who are in even more dire straits than yourself. Finally, it gives you something to say when someone asks you what you’ve been doing since you left your job. For other ways to boost self-esteem while looking for work check out this article on staying confident during your job search by focusing on the process, not the outcome.

#4: Facilitates Good References

For those of you  who may not be in a  position to use your previous employer as a reference or your references are getting a little old, you now have a more recent reference that can speak to your current performance. 

#5: May Lead to Paid Work

Individuals who show proficiency, timeliness and dedication for the work they are performing may be first in mind when a paid position of a similar nature becomes available. For more information on how volunteering can land you your next job check out this article. 

When seeking volunteer opportunities do your research on local nonprofits that fit your interests and passions, as well as organizations who are in need of your skills. Identify nonprofits that will put you in touch with your target audience or industry. If you feel a kinship to a specific organization contact them directly and ask if they need support in the help you can offer. If you are not sure where you should volunteer here are a few helpful websites to get you started.https://www.justserve.org/ - Give volunteer service where you live today. https://www.volunteermatch.org/ - matches inspired people with inspiring causes. https://www.nationalservice.gov/serve/search - a catalyst for community solutions and a champion for the idea that every American can make a positive impact. 

Wherever you do decide to volunteer, leverage the opportunity to connect with others, do your best work and take a moment to say thanks for the  positive things that still remain in your life.    

Want to learn more? Stackrock Talent is ready to help you find creative and strategic ways to build your network. Email us at cammas@stackrocktalent.com.