At the ripe age of 23, with only one full-time professional job under my belt, I’m not exactly an expert on what employers are seeking. I don’t know the best resume template or what to say when an employer asks, “If you were a fruit, what kind would you be, and why?” But I do know this: if you’ve been out of a job for 6+ months due to the recession, explaining on your resume that you’ve spent your downtime re-watching every season of Lost, while impressive, isn’t going to cut it. While I’m not suggesting you have to get a job at Dairy Queen handing out dilly bars in the meantime, I do know there are ways you can spend your time wisely that might catch the eyes of a hiring manager, and might even put your professional skills to use.
Volunteering has spiked since the recession. With so much free time on their hands, unemployed Americans across the country are driving themselves (and their families) crazy by spending so much time at home, and probably watching more reality TV than anyone ever should (my cable guy actually told me the recession has resulted in more cable subscribers). Volunteering is a way to get out of the house and continue to impact society, regardless of job status. Volunteering is part of my profession; that is, I work for a non-profit that provides volunteer opportunities for Chicagoans. I know that we wouldn’t be able to provide so much after-school tutoring for kids if it weren’t for the unemployed – who else is available at 3pm on a Tuesday? I can’t tell you how many volunteers I’ve met who commit to spending time helping the community each week “until they start working again.” One unemployed volunteer even came in to our office twice a week to put his technology skills to use by creating a comprehensive curriculum for adult computer skills classes offered in public schools, shelters, and various other community centers.
Volunteering isn’t just for the unemployed, though. Check your employee handbook – a lot of companies offer an hour or so a month for their employees to take off work to volunteer. Many companies match their employees’ monetary donations, and some even sponsor employee volunteer days. Beyond that, it’s a great way to meet new people, explore areas of your community you’d never venture into otherwise, and put some energy toward changing the problems we all know our country faces. Go ahead, have a warm and fuzzy feeling by helping out your community.
Volunteering is easier than you think. For my fellow Chicagoans, you can visit www.chicagocares.org to sign up for opportunities as frequently or infrequently as you’d like; commitment is not required. The same is true for New Yorkers (www.newyorkcares.org). Check out HandsOn Network to find opportunities in your area.
