Can volunteering lead to a job?

Happycheeks

Hello I am 19 and i have been thinking of volunteering in a admin role. I have tried to find a job but I had no luck.. I think I will never get a job. But can volunteering lead to a paid job?

Mojisola

It could lead to a full time job with the organisation and it can also help when other potential employers look at your cv and see that you have gained experience and have spent your time usefully. It's the kind of thing I used to look for when deciding who to short-list for interviews.

cr1mson

Yes slightly different scenario but I was a SAHM for years and am now returning to the workplace and it is my voluntary experience that is making a difference. Both in terms of being able to reference it in applications but also through the contacts I have made.

C

jonsyt

Volenteering might not lead you to a permanent job in the place you are at but it will look good on you CV. And working for nothing shows a prospective employer that you want to work and your not one of these people you sits on there backside thinking a job will find them .

Its hard now to get any job without any experience in the role you are applying for so this would give you that .

imatt

Yes it can. It can depend on what type of volunteering you do. Some mandatory unpaid work dressed up as volunteering can be xploitative and lead nowhere. However, I voulnteer at a resource centre in Leeds. Does all sorts of things such as graphic design, web design, video and film making, arts classes, gardening, yogo, ESOL and more. PROPER VOLUNTEERING that teaches skills, helps the local community, improves experience and fills out ones portfolio.

I have personally seen a few people move on to gain employment and further / higher education from such experience. If you lived in Leeds, I'd give you thier details.

Happycheeks

imatt wrote: »

Yes it can. It can depend on what type of volunteering you do. Some mandatory unpaid work dressed up as volunteering can be xploitative and lead nowhere. However, I voulnteer at a resource centre in Leeds. Does all sorts of things such as graphic design, web design, video and film making, arts classes, gardening, yogo, ESOL and more. PROPER VOLUNTEERING that teaches skills, helps the local community, improves experience and fills out ones portfolio.

I have personally seen a few people move on to gain employment and further / higher education from such experience. If you lived in Leeds, I'd give you thier details.

I want to volunteer in adminstration. Like working in a office. I don't live in Leeds. I live in Essex.

dandelionclock30

Look at somewhere such as the CAB, they will provide free training, bus fares and lunch money.They are also well thought of as a decent organization.Lots of people do get jobs through volunteering but the competition for any job is tougher now.
You will also get a reference after 6 months providing you were o.k. Make sure you chose a decent place to volunteer at with a volunteer programme because you dont want to end up somewhere just sitting about and stuffing envelopes.

Happycheeks

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

Look at somewhere such as the CAB, they will provide free training, bus fares and lunch money.They are also well thought of as a decent organization.Lots of people do get jobs through volunteering but the competition for any job is tougher now.
You will also get a reference after 6 months providing you were o.k.

Is CABS administration work? I will have a look. I have applied and thank you.

dandelionclock30

It has admin roles, assessor roles and advisor roles all on a voluntary basis.

vax2002

The Job centre will be finding a volunteer role for you shortly, its called work trial.
On other points I dont buy this "It will show employers you are keen"
I think it is far more likely to show them you are only willing to do certain things and are not flexible.
An employer would be far more impressed by you taking on any paid work whilst you find your dream vocation.
However when people are prepared to do mundane admin jobs for free for six months it shows what state the country is in.
Mind you I suppose it beats film making, they currently charge £3k to volunteer in that industry.

wombles_forever

Hi, for volunteering opportunities try http://www.do-it.org.uk/. Just put in your details and you will find many different charities in your area who are looking for volunteers.

Hope this helps. Good luck.