This is a question I get asked quite frequently, and my answer is always as simple as it seems: if you can’t secure paid employment right away, then volunteer! Yes, volunteer. So, what’ll be gained by volunteering? — you may be thinking. New skills, for starters, and if you have been out of work for a while, then skills reinforcement. Secondly, acquaintanceship and networking: making acquaintances, and professional networking used to be all the rage but has, lately, become a tad underrated. In the current economic climate—in which dozens, in some cases hundreds of potential candidates are scrapping for the same job—it behoves you to know people—and be known by people—thereby building yourself a reputation. Most importantly, you should be known not necessarily for your interest in trivia, football, or knowledge of foreign cuisine—though that does, sometimes help—but rather, for your professional aptitude, efficiency, flexibility, and attitude.
In my personal experience, I have worked with volunteers in recent years, who came looking for paid employment but, not having the requisite qualifications or skills, couldn’t be considered for a role. In this case, some individuals asked if they could be considered as volunteers, to learn about the company, acquire new skills, and to show their capabilities: to me, this demonstrates commitment, interest, and, above all, individual attitude. My answer to this, obviously, yes—of course. And the end result? When an individual chooses to volunteer for a company, within the first three- to six-months, they will be offered a paid position; however, this statement isn’t applicable to all companies. This is a policy my company adheres to, and we have benefited by successfully bringing into paid employment a decent crop of volunteers, in recent years. I do sincerely believe that all companies should do likewise, thereby not only advancing their corporate social responsibility objectives, but also gaining willing, competent, and trained individuals at the same time.
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. –Elizabeth Andrew
I tweet at @iamhamidshahid, and can be reached via email at hsk@suigeneristraining.co.uk
For more information on what my company does, you may view suigeneristraining.co.uk at your leisure.