There are many good reasons for you to consider volunteering when you find yourself out of work.

Gain a new skill or enhance an existing one while minimizing a gap in unemployment- things change so quickly these days. If you find yourself out of the workforce for too long, there is a chance technology can change, industry trends change, key players’ change. Keeping yourself involved in your industry by finding volunteer or internship opportunities, you will be maintaining and keeping your job skills current.

On the flip side, if you have considered making a career change, volunteering will expose you to real life skills and situations you may encounter in a new field. This gives you an opportunity to try on a new career without having to make any long term or expensive educational investments without knowing anything about an industry.

The change to get out of the house and feel good about giving your time and talent- Knowing from personal experience, being out of a job for any length of time can be down right depressing. I remember feeling like life is passing you by, your not sure where you belong and you are not a real part of anything important. Volunteering is the perfect cure for those types of emotions. There are so many good people, pets and organizations that could benefit from what you have to offer… your time and your compassion. It is human nature to feel good about yourself when you are doing something to help someone or something else.

Introductions to new people who may help in your search- When I was much younger, someone gave me some dating advise: If you like a boy who reads, hang out in the library! The same theory holds true to employment opportunities. If you are looking for work in a veterinary hospital, volunteer at the SPCA. If you are looking for work in the medical field, volunteer at the free clinic…

A positive experience to share when a prospective employer asks, "What have you been doing with your time?"- A hiring manager will notice if you have been out of work for any length of time and they will want to know you have been doing more than playing Farmville on Facebook or watching re-runs of The Simpsons in your underwear. When it comes down to two equally qualified candidates, the one who has spent their time actively involved in their community will win out every time.

If you have been enjoying my job tip snippets and have picked up some good information by following this bog, I promise you will leave our re-employment workshops with even more valuable information and inspiration!