Volunteer Work: break into a new market

If you are currently considering ways of re skilling or moving into a new sector, volunteer work is a great way to get that initial experience. Think of it as a way of investing in your long term career.

Why invest in volunteer work?

Over 3million Australian’s are currently involved in volunteer work. Of course, various reasons for why people choose to volunteer exist. One of those reasons is because it gives you the ability to gain experience in a particular skill or industry.

The recruitment market is currently what we describe as being “employer driven” which means, you will be hired according to your ability to do the job. In more buoyant market conditions, employers hire for more cultural reasons, based on your potential ability and on your perceived ability to “learn” the job.

It is always going to be tough to apply for a job where you do not have the essential experience. There will always be another applicant with the experience and for them; it is easier to prove the value and knowledge they can bring along! This applicant will be deemed the “safer option”. Where you lack the experience, employers start to question whether in fact you understand what will be required of you and whether will you enjoy the role? Training requirements and accreditations may also be involved and come at a cost to the business. For these reasons, it is far easier to hire someone who understands the job, industry and what is required to perform well.

Does this sound familiar? To compete, you should be able to highlight “transferrable” skills that you have gained through previous employment and ideally you will have undertaken research and undertaken some volunteer work.

Some of the benefits:

• You will gain new business experience and new networks which you can leverage off both now and throughout your career.
• You will have a stronger resume; you can now add additional competencies
• It shows a great sense of initiative and self development
• This will overcome many employer objections such as a lack of industry or localized experience
• It will strengthen your communication and self confidence
• You will potential be gain a great reference
• You may gain some additional training
• You will have a better understanding of what is actually required in the role

How can you gain this type of work?

1. Local community centre’s: often through your local newspaper or community board you will find this type of work advertised.
2. Charity organisations and non for profit businesses: These businesses are always in need of skilled professionals. You will see these advertised in the media but can also find them by searching directly on charity internet sites.
3. Fundraisers: Many community fundraisers offer the opportunity to take part or even to sponsor. Taking part in a fundraiser provides you the opportunity to increase your personal profile and network.
4. Corporate businesses: Generally new ventures and sometimes corporate businesses undertaking large short term projects require additional labor intermittently and will be happy to utilize volunteers. Large corporate’s also commonly offer what is commonly referred to as “work experience” or during peak seasons internship positions. Online you can search for such opportunities through the likes of ‘volunteer match’ or ‘go volunteer’. You may also find it beneficial to look directly on company websites. Internships can also be found through external companies such as Navitas, Pathways Australia, Australian Internships.
5. Government bodies and agencies: Many state and federal level initiatives offer a range of roles for volunteers. There are several government websites which can direct you to such opportunities including ‘volunteer search’or Seek Volunteering websites.
6. Skilled Volunteer recruitment agencies – such agencies are specifically designed to match volunteers with voluntary employment opportunities. For example Fido or The Smith Family
7. Industry Associations – such as Australian Internship Industry Association
8. School of Volunteer Management offer training & support to charity organisations and can be a good source of information on how to get started in your industry specialisation

You may find that volunteering is something you can do part time whilst you continue to undertake paid work in the area you are currently skilled in. You may even find in some cases you are paid for your work or better yet, the a job arises as a result. Whatever the result, make sure that once you have begun in volunteer work you update your resume accordingly!

If you are committed to directing your career in a new direction then you will need to take proactive measures such as volunteering. Without doubt, it open doors and helps you to gain necessary experience which will be invaluable throughout your career.