Voluntary Work Experience
Participating in voluntary experience will not only provide you with an opportunity to add skills and experience to your CV, but it allow you to meet new friends, gain experience in areas you would not have normally worked and demonstrates to a future employer that you are willing to fully dedicate yourself to a role.
Why volunteer?
- Develop confidence while completing a variety of challenges.
- Gain invaluable networking contacts.
- Further your skills through workplace training.
- “Test out” potential career opportunities.
- Meet new and interesting people from different cultures / backgrounds.
- Make best use of a gap year.
Where can I find voluntary work?
Obviously, one of the easiest ways is to search online - there are many useful websites offering advice and links to voluntary placements (including http://www.do-it.org.uk). However, you could also:
- Approach companies directly.
- Look out for newspaper advertisements.
- Ask your current employer.
- Contact Citizens Advice Bureau.
- Contact The Samaritans.
What happens when I apply to become a volunteer?
Getting a voluntary role is pretty much the same as a paid job. You will usually complete application forms and will be requested to attend an interview. This will provide you with an ideal opportunity to hone your skills in these areas which will be useful for the future.
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