Volunteer Experience

Relevant volunteer experience is one of your biggest assets on a resume. Volunteering is also great for networking, acquiring solid references, and gaining relevant experience while looking for a job in your field.  If you do well in a volunteer position, it may have the potential to turn into a paid position.  The biggest piece of advice you can follow while volunteering is to treat it as if it were a paying job.  Show up often and on time, establish strong relationships, and show a passion for the work you’re doing.  Showing the initiative to take on new things in your volunteer position will show the people you work with that you are ambitious and eager to learn, and have various skills you can apply to the position.  Versatility and attention to detail are key in any situation, and can be valuable when volunteering as well.  Most importantly, let the manager know you are interested in a position if one becomes available, and make sure to keep in contact so he or she knows you’re interested.  Making connections can be valuable to your career, but maintaining those connections is key.