volunteering

Volunteering can be fulfilling and help you find paid work. Here are answers to all your questions about doing it.

what kind of volunteering is most helpful?

A reader writes: I know you’ve spoken extensively about how volunteer work is important and can lend a substantive note to your resume and work experience. But can you discuss a little what kinds of volunteer work are more “important,” skills-wise, for employers? Is ten years of driving for Meals on Wheels going to be […]

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how to find a great volunteer job

You should volunteer.  First, you should volunteer because it’s a good thing to do in the world, but secondly, you should volunteer because it can be good for your career: You’ll expand your network, get new things for your resume, and potentially learn new skills. I got my first real job  by volunteering!  It sucked, […]

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what can we do about a rude volunteer coordinator?

A reader writes: My wife and I volunteer extensively at our church, especially with the children’s activities. We have a small issue with the staff member in charge. We have been professionals for quite a few years, yet, this person treats us like high school students working at a fast food restaurant. For instance, we […]

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why you should volunteer

If you’re searching for a job, here’s one strategy you may have overlooked: Volunteer. Volunteering for a nonprofit organization in your community isn’t just a way of doing good – although it’s certainly that. It’s also a way to keep your skills up-to-date, expand your network, and possibly even get a paying job. And there […]

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am I being exploited as a volunteer?

A reader writes: I moved to a new city back in August to be with my fiance. I knew I was taking a chance moving to a new city with few contacts in a down economy; however, I am a very resourceful and driven person and cannot abide sitting around and doing nothing. In September, […]

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should you work for free?

Should you work for free?  I want to know what you think. But wait, it’s not that simple. Here are six separate scenarios. Would you work for free in any of these situations? Why or why not? 1. Doing some work for free, for a limited time period, in order to get experience in a field […]

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should I work for free to get experience?

A reader writes: I’m an engineer with a technical job in the pharmaceutical industry. However, I really want to work as an engineer at a large corporation that produces chocolate and confectionery products. I have some relevant training and plenty of transferable skills, but no direct experience in the food or confectionery industry. I am […]

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