How Volunteer Work Can Boost Your Employability

Volunteering is often seen as an act of kindness and selflessness. It’s a way to give back to the community and make a positive impact in someone else’s life. But did you know that volunteering can also boost your employability? Yes, you read that right. Not only does it feel good to help others, but it also has numerous benefits for your career. In this article, we will explore how volunteer work can improve your job prospects and why it’s something worth considering for your professional growth.

The Importance of Volunteer Work in Employability

Employability is defined as the combination of factors and skills that make an individual more likely to gain employment and succeed in their chosen career. These factors include education, work experience, and soft skills. While most people focus on improving their formal education and work experience, they often overlook the importance of volunteering in boosting their employability.

According to a study conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service, individuals who volunteer have a 27% higher chance of finding employment than those who do not. There are several reasons for this, but the most significant one is that volunteering helps you develop transferable skills that are highly valued by employers.

Transferable Skills Gained from Volunteering

Leadership and Teamwork

Many volunteer opportunities involve working in a team or leading a group of individuals towards a common goal. By taking part in such activities, you can develop your teamwork and leadership skills. These skills are highly sought after by employers, as they are essential for a successful and collaborative workplace. Being able to demonstrate your leadership and teamwork abilities through volunteering can set you apart from other job candidates.

Communication

Effective communication is a crucial attribute in any job. Volunteering provides ample opportunities for you to practice your communication skills. Whether it’s interacting with beneficiaries, coordinating with other volunteers, or presenting your ideas to a group, volunteering allows you to become a better communicator. Good communication skills can help you stand out in job interviews and enhance your chances of being hired.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving

Volunteering often involves working with people from different backgrounds and facing unexpected challenges. This can help you develop your adaptability and problem-solving skills. Being able to adapt to new situations and think on your feet is highly valued by employers, as it shows that you can handle any task thrown your way.

Time Management and Organization

Volunteer work requires you to juggle various tasks and responsibilities, all while managing your time efficiently. This helps you develop your time-management skills, which are essential in any workplace. Additionally, volunteering also requires you to be organized and plan effectively, which are key attributes that employers look for in their employees.

Making Volunteer Work Relevant in Your Career

Now that you understand the valuable skills gained through volunteering, the next step is to make them relevant to your career. You can do this by highlighting your volunteer experience on your resume and during job interviews. When writing your resume, be sure to include your volunteering experience along with the skills you have gained. This will demonstrate to potential employers that you possess a well-rounded skillset.

During job interviews, use examples from your volunteer work to showcase your skills and abilities. Talk about specific projects you have worked on, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will give employers a better understanding of your capabilities and make you a more attractive candidate for the job.

Conclusion

Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to the community and make a difference. But as we have seen, it also has numerous benefits for your employability. By developing valuable transferable skills, you can enhance your job prospects and stand out in today’s competitive job market. So, if you haven’t already, consider volunteering and see how it can boost your employability and help you excel in your career.