The over 50s provide the majority of the volunteering workforce. While providing your time and energy to help others can certainly make you feel good, it can also be a useful way to find a paying job. Here are a few reasons why –
- You can acquire new skills: Many voluntary organisations are more flexible than commercial operations and it’s much easier for volunteers to “have a go” at a job that needs to be done, even though they may not have the desired experience. So, if you are prepared to try new challenges, you can get some good, practical experience.
- You improve your LinkedIn profile: LinkedIn, the online business-networking site, has become a good way to find a job. Adding a volunteer position to your LinkedIn profile provides two advantages. It allows you to “link” to, and thereby connect with, anyone affiliated with the organization or in a similar field. You can then introduce yourself to these potential employers and offer your services. Putting your volunteer work in your LinkedIn profile also makes your profile appear more robust. That can impress a potential employer enough to want to meet you in person for an interview.
- Volunteering can show you’re staying engaged in the working world and learning new skills: Employers often prefer to interview people who are employed in some capacity. So listing a volunteer position on your resume under “Current Employment” will prevent a hiring manager from thinking you’re jobless. A volunteer position can also help you stay up to speed in a given field and make you a more compelling candidate to employers in that field.
- You make new contacts: Many jobs are obtained through someone you know. That’s why any chance to expand your network is a plus. Joining the management committee of a suitable community organisation can provide a chance to mix with influential people in your community. A definite benefit of being on the committee is that the people you serve with can introduce you to many people you wouldn’t otherwise meet.
- You’ll get a feel for today’s work environment: This can be a huge benefit for people in their 50s and 60s who haven’t been in the workforce for a while. If you take on a serious volunteer role, you get a chance to experience what’s expected of you in today’s business climate and can get used to working with younger people. That’s great practice for re-entering the workplace, where you might find yourself working with and for people young enough to be your children.
- You gain an in-depth knowledge about a specific cause: This can be a big plus if you want a paying job relating to that field.
- Your self-confidence will grow: It’s easy to diminish your sense of self if you haven’t worked lately, but volunteering to help others less fortunate will almost certainly give you a lift. And becoming an important person in a non-profit organisation will likely boost your self-esteem and probably make you happier.