Ways to focus on work search Volunteer and boost your career
It can be difficult to keep focused in your hunt for a job – so Work Coach team leader Michelle Darmody has some smart tips to help you stay productive until you find work…
Finding a new job, or first job, that’s right for you won’t necessarily happen overnight, but there are plenty of things you can do to make the most of your time while you search.
Spending a few hours a week on increasing your range of skills could help you stand out to potential employers.
Volunteering, for example, has so many benefits – not just for others, but also for you as a jobseeker – and can significantly improve your chances of finding paid work. It gives you the chance to try things you might not have done before, and brush up on some skills that you haven’t used in a while.
Charities and not-for-profit organisations rely on hundreds of thousands of volunteers in the UK 1 LEARN NEW SKILLS Adding to your skill set will boost both your knowledge and confidence. There are free courses online from providers such as Google Digital Garage, Lloyds Bank Academy and the Open University. 2 FOCUS ON YOUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH It’s a tough time for everyone right now but you can find advice and support online and over the phone. 3 Think of your CV as a list of accomplishments rather than just a work history, which you can keep building even during periods of unemployment. 4
This gives you the chance to do things you haven’t done before and demonstrates to employers that you’re motivated.
FILL IN THE GAP
Don’t be afraid to explain why you’ve not been in employment for a while and highlight everything you’ve learned during that time. so there are plenty of opportunities out there. Here’s how volunteering can give you an advantage in the job market…
GAINING SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE GAIN EXPERIENCE THROUGH VOLUNTEERING 5 DON’T FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO HIDE
You’ll learn new skills, meet new people and gain valuable experience. Volunteering also shows you’re keen to commit to something different – that’s a big positive for employers. Being part of a structured volunteer programme could give you the chance to flex your communication skills. For example, you could write a blog or newsletter that gets you noticed. You can talk with first hand experience about the importance of sound line management, the benefits of teamwork and using your initiative. These are all qualities that you can take forward into a future role. And don’t think you’re taking advantage by joining a voluntary organisation to enhance your own skills – so long as you’re dedicated and hard-working, they won’t mind about your motives.
EXPLORING NEW OPPORTUNITIES
If you’re considering a change of career, volunteering allows you to try different roles, organisations or types of work while you decide what to do next.
IMPROVING YOUR CV
Gaps in your CV can be filled by volunteering. It tells employers that you’re motivated to keep active and develop yourself between jobs.
WIDENING YOUR NETWORK OF CONTACTS
Meeting a wider network of people while you volunteer can progress your job hunt. Choose an area that interests you for future work, and it could bring you into contact with people who can tell you about job and training opportunities.