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CareerRookie · Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 5:29 pm Post subject: Volunteering

OK Please don't get me wrong here but I honestly don't understand the idea of volunteering. I've heard a lot of people saying that they're volunteering and I've also had some people tell me that I should consider volunteering, but why? If it was something that I really cared about then I might consider volunteering but to do this as a type of career move... Can someone please explain this to me? Thank you!

Ciprian13 · Expert Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Posts: 240 Career Advice: +0/-0

I believe volunteering should be done in those fields that need "hand for work" like hospitals.So if you want to help people without being paid try an asilum for old people or nurseries because there will be a place for you because those in need want your help.

Robin · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 3:24 am Post subject: Volunteering

The idea behind volunteering is so that you can get some experience, perhaps a reference and also be acknowledged as a person who has good community spirit. It's useful work experience for someone who hasn't worked before as it helps them get a foot in the employment door.

lilo · Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 6:16 am Post subject:

As some have already mentioned before....it is all about experience...nevertheless, you also touched the point of "caring", that is feelings...I guess if one is a kind person can do that, or...if one wants to gather some experience, as Robin said, he can also do that.
Volonteering cand be done not only in hospitals (even if it is often associated with them)...It is a humanitarian act and implies offering your services with exchange to...nothing but experience...
After completing a period of volonteering, you may ask for a certification which says you have done it. This is your...reward...and my opinion it is an important one.

Ciprian13 · Expert Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Posts: 240 Career Advice: +0/-0

Do you believe that the employers are impressed by volunteering work?I certanly believe they aren't because when you work like that you have your own program and I can say you are your own boss,you don't have "any strings attached".I believe that employers will hire a guy that worked for money over a volunteering one that worked in the same field.

WorkinMom · Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 5:21 pm Post subject:

I think that volunteering can be beneficial because it gives you the opportunity to network. In this way you will be able to get your foot in the door and meet people who may potentially be looking for an employee. This isn't to say that you shouldn't also have work experience too though.

Ciprian13 · Expert Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Posts: 240 Career Advice: +0/-0

One thing is certain about volunteering work and that is that you can include volunteering work in the "work experience" category in your resume.Employees must not look if your former jobs where volunteering or contract ones.
I have a question though do you write that the past job was a volunteering one?

sweet_life · Expert Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 184 Career Advice: +0/-1

Ummm....Ciprian, as far as I know, the status of the "job" is mentioned, if it is a volunteering one...meaning...after a volunteering activity, one gets a diploma and in the resume this is mentioned like this: "Certificate of Voluntary work within "XYZ" Humanitarian Project organized by "LMN""
or somthing like that Very Happy

Robin

Volunteer work is entirely different from paid work; there's no performance management, often no worker's compensation, no pay, and it's usually shorter than most jobs people have eg.

An example is my wife, a registered nurse and midwife who is going to work voluntarily for four hours Wednesday and Thurdsday mornings to help Arab speaking students learn English. In this case it won't help her job, but is still volunteering and could be mentioned on her resume under a heading like Community Service.

When you place it in your resume you state that it was voluntary work. To do anything else is dishonest.

Workaholic · Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 3:09 pm Post subject:

I agree with you Robin. You have to say that it was volunteer work or else you are being dishonest. I also think that there are certain jobs that volunteer work looks better for than others. I mean if you say you volunteered to teach non English speaking students English and you are applying for an English teaching position and have the credentials and degree to do so then this volunteer experience may truly benefit you.

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