Vocational volunteering
Helping out to get a job
Job hunters with volunteering experience are more likely to be successful than candidates without – and that’s especially true for young graduates, research suggests.
Volunteers are also held in higher regard by employers because they are perceived to be motivated, socially-responsible, proactive, self-starters, supportive, trustworthy and team-oriented, according to a survey by volunteer recruitment website Seek Volunteer.
It found 94 per cent of employers and recruiters regarded volunteering as a great way to gain experience and skills used in paid work.
Nearly 90 per cent said candidates who gave up their time during university in a role related to their studies had an advantage when it came to securing relevant paid work, and more than 80 per cent said it could be the deciding factor in choosing between two candidates.
Seek Volunteer New Zealand manager Katrina Hudson said helping out was especially beneficial for firsttime job seekers wanting to gain experience.
‘‘With many young job seekers struggling to get a career start, volunteering can be a means to gain valuable skills to help them achieve their career goals whilst helping society,’’ Hudson said.
The main response given for why people did not volunteer was not having enough time, followed by not knowing how to get involved.
Seek Volunteer New Zealand has listed more than 3000 opportunities since its launch in January 2015.
Inside Recruitment partner Dale Gray said he always asked candidates whether they had done any volunteering.
‘‘It tells you a lot about a candidate, that they’re prepared to commit to doing something above and beyond, which is a characteristic and quality you look for as an employer, especially when you have choice,’’ Gray said.
When employers had choice, qualities such as a willingness to give up time became a critical factor in the decision-making process.
‘‘It contributes to the roundness of an individual.’’
The number of candidates with volunteering experience was increasing, particularly amongst younger graduates.
‘‘The younger generation are probably less averse to doing it.’’
About 20 per cent of candidates he came across had volunteer experience.
They tended to be more recognised in the workplace, which could lead to better chances of career progression, he said.
‘‘It maybe puts them further up the pecking order.’’
But ultimately, passion for the cause should be the motive behind volunteering.
‘‘If you’re volunteering purely just for career enhancement I’m not sure that’s the right reason.’’
It could also provide candidates with useful referees, something especially valuable for those new to the workforce.
‘‘If you’ve got a strong reference from a charity or voluntary organisation then it would serve you very well.’’
Tony Bishop, the managing director of Auckland firm Focus Recruitment, said volunteering was also valuable for people considering a career change.
It helped job seekers stand out from other candidates, particularly for entry level roles.
‘‘I don’t think enough job seekers realise this,’’ Bishop said.
‘‘Employers like to hire staff that give back to those in need, as these traits show humility and selflessness, which in turn helps to foster happy teams and workplaces.’’