VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

CONSIDER A VOLUNTEER JOB!

DID YOU KNOW VOLUNTEER JOBS CAN HELP INCREASE YOUR HIRE RATE INTO A BENEFITS-ELIGIBLE POSITION?

According ​In a Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) study using BLS data: Unemployed individuals who volunteered had a 27% higher likelihood of finding a job than those who did not volunteer.

When Volunteer Experience Can Help You

Even though it's unpaid, volunteer work can still show skills, leadership, reliability, and community involvement. Many employers (especially in nonprofit, education, healthcare, and government sectors) value:

  • Project management experience

  • Communication skills

  • Leadership roles

  • Technical or organizational experience

If it’s relevant to the job, many hiring managers will give it serious consideration.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

When listing volunteer experience on an application or resume:

  • Describe it like a job: use action verbs and measurable results.

  • Focus on skills you gained, not the pay status.

  • Consider labeling it as "Relevant Experience."

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The following are volunteer resources for your consideration:

  • Volunteer with a Federal Agency - volunteer.gov

    • A government website that lists volunteer opportunities with federal agencies, including national parks and other public lands.

  1. Points of Light - pointsoflight.org

    • A global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes people to take action that changes the world. They provide a searchable database of volunteer opportunities.

  2. National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) - nvoad.org

    • A coalition of organizations that prepare for and respond to disasters. They often need volunteers for various disaster relief efforts.

  3. AARP Experience Corps - experiencecorps.org

    • A program that engages older adults in volunteer opportunities to help children succeed in school, particularly in literacy.

  4. The Red Cross - redcross.org

    • Offers various volunteer opportunities, including disaster response, blood donation drives, and community education.

  5. Habitat for Humanity - habitat.org

    • A nonprofit organization that builds homes for those in need. They welcome volunteers for construction, fundraising, and advocacy.

  6. Big Brothers Big Sisters - bbbs.org

    • A mentoring organization that matches adult volunteers with children in need of guidance and support.

  7. The Salvation Army - salvationarmyusa.org

    • Offers various volunteer opportunities, including working in thrift stores, food banks, and community outreach programs.

  8. Local Food Banks - Websites like Feeding America - feedingamerica.org - can help you find local food banks that often need volunteers.

  9. Churches and Religious Organizations - Many local churches and religious organizations have volunteer programs and community service opportunities.

These platforms are well-established and reputable, making them great resources for finding trustworthy volunteer opportunities.

Predict the future by creating it

The following are volunteer resources for your consideration:

  • VolunteerMatch - volunteermatch.org

    • A popular platform that connects volunteers with nonprofit organizations. You can search for opportunities based on your interests and location.

  • Idealist - idealist.org

    • A comprehensive resource for finding volunteer opportunities, internships, and jobs in the nonprofit sector.

  • All for Good - allforgood.org

    • A service that allows you to search for volunteer opportunities by location and interest.

  • United Way - unitedway.org

    • Offers a volunteer search tool that connects you with local organizations in need of help.

  • Serve.gov - serve.gov

    • A government website that provides information on volunteer opportunities and initiatives across the country.

  • HandsOn Network - handsonnetwork.org

    • A network of volunteer action centers that connects individuals with local volunteer opportunities.

  • Catchafire - catchafire.org

    • Focuses on connecting skilled volunteers with nonprofits that need specific expertise.

  • DoSomething.org - dosomething.org

    • A platform aimed at young people looking to make a difference through various campaigns and volunteer opportunities.

  • Local Nonprofit Websites - Many local nonprofits have their own websites where they list volunteer opportunities. Check organizations in your area that align with your interests.

  • Social Media - Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn often have groups or pages dedicated to local volunteer opportunities.

These resources should help you find a variety of volunteer jobs that match your interests and availability!