Volunteering is a very frequently used word in connection with job searching, mainly in social or cultural fields. Maybe you are thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of being involved in such work. One thing is certain. We can promise you with a clear conscience – the positive aspects clearly outweigh the negative. It just might take you a lot of time. Thus, you should set clear boundaries in this regard and keep a firm watch over them.
You familiarize yourself with the target group you could possibly work with in the future.
These contacts could last your whole lifetime. Volunteering sometimes magnetically brings people together.
Maybe you would like to work in a field where you rarely find a job opening. Volunteering will give you the opportunity to make yourself known and be on the “waiting list”. Maybe the company won’t even have to advertise a new job position, because they will know they already have the ideal candidate :)
These people will most likely be of a similar mindset to yours. And if not? This is also important information that should not be ignored.
A typical example is accompanying minors on excursions to various companies, helping out at benefit concerts where you can go behind the scenes of a music production, accompanying disabled people to concerts, theatres, etc.
You show recruiters that your interest in the field is not only theoretical but also practical and that you really know what you’re getting into.
A good feeling will often drive away some of the stress, sadness, and worries that you might feel otherwise.
Especially for junior candidates, this can be very useful. However, even with more experienced people, recruiters always perceive volunteering positively and as proof that the person is interested in doing something extra. This will also give recruiters the space to informally ask questions and to get to know you in other ways, outside the traditional work agenda.
Even if you only have a little bit of experience as a volunteer, ALWAYS mention it in your CV or on your LinkedIn profile.
It is advisable to create a separate section entitled Volunteering, or Volunteering and Other Projects. This section should most likely be in the second half of your CV.
List your experience in a format similar to work experience. That is, at least the year your started the activity (including months if appropriate), the name of the institution you volunteered with, the title of the “position”, and if not clear from the title of the position, also list in bullet points the activities you performed as a volunteer.
Expect to talk about these activities often in interviews :)
“One who does something for free is not a person who does not know their worth, but someone who cannot be bought...” – unknown author
“Volunteers are not paid – not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”– unknown author
