{"id":1932,"date":"2012-07-05T06:31:41","date_gmt":"2012-07-05T10:31:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/?p=1932"},"modified":"2012-07-05T06:31:41","modified_gmt":"2012-07-05T10:31:41","slug":"six-reasons-you-should-volunteer-your-way-to-a-job","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/?p=1932","title":{"rendered":"Six Reasons You Should Volunteer Your Way to A Job"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/0erjbe27aRe21_4310.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"1504\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/?attachment_id=1504\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/0erjbe27aRe21_4310.jpg?fit=620%2C434&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"620,434\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"0erjbe27aRe21_4310\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/0erjbe27aRe21_4310.jpg?fit=300%2C210&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/0erjbe27aRe21_4310.jpg?fit=620%2C434&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1504\" title=\"0erjbe27aRe21_4310\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/0erjbe27aRe21_4310.jpg?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/0erjbe27aRe21_4310.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/0erjbe27aRe21_4310.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/0erjbe27aRe21_4310.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing three retirees, who are working part-time jobs they love\u2013 for pay.<\/p>\n<div id=\"leftRail\">\n<div>\n<p>All three were hired after spending time as a volunteer. One is a ranger with the National Park Service, another does social work at a hospital, and one pours wine in a tasting room at a winery in Walla Walla, WA.<\/p>\n<aside data-position=\"4\">\n<div>I know you\u2019re probably looking for full-time work, but it reminded me once again of the advice I like to give anyone who is out of work and feeling hopeless, frustrated, or simply pissed off at answering the question\u00ad: How\u2019s the job hunt going?<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Go do something for someone else. (Okay, I know wine pouring isn\u2019t exactly charity work.)<\/p>\n<p>I recently learned that baby boomers today have the highest volunteer rate of any age group. They also volunteer at higher rates than past generations did when they were the same age, according to a report by the Corporation for National and Community Service.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s why it\u2019s in your best interest to volunteer if you\u2019re looking for work right now.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A test run.\u00a0<\/strong>If you choose a volunteer gig with an eye to your future, you can do a job before you actually \u201cdo\u201d a job. This way you can get a taste of whether it really is something you want to do, or best suits you. You might think you\u2019d make a great fundraiser, but when you really are out there asking for money, it stinks.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Slip in the back, Jack.\u00a0<\/strong>It\u2019s a discreet way into a company, particularly a nonprofit. You slide in through the back door, so to speak. Employers can be won over when they see you in action, and it can even ally their fears of hiring an older worker. Age discrimination is real as I wrote in t<a href=\"http:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/kerryhannon\/2012\/06\/21\/fighting-age-discrimination-new-aarp-survey\/\">his post<\/a>. It also makes it \u00a0easier and less risky when he or she can hire someone they now know.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Shift to nonprofit work.<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cYou can prove yourself in the nonprofit world and get the credentials that you\u2019ve done it,\u201d\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.reserveinc.org\/\">ReServe<\/a>\u00a0Inc.\u2019s president, Mary Bleiberg advises. \u201cIf you\u2019ve been a controller in a small manufacturing company, for example, and have been let go, you might take on a similar position in the nonprofit sector pro bono, or at a dramatically reduced rate, working two or three days a week.\u201d In my opinion, ReServe\u00a0is a terrific resource that matches professionals 55+ with the nonprofits that need them-mostly in New York, Baltimore and Miami at this stage.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Train for new line of work.<\/strong>\u00a0If you\u2019re interested in moving into work as a nutritionist, or even opening a restaurant, for example, at DC Central Kitchen (dccentralkitchen.org), in Washington, D.C., you might volunteer at the organization\u2019s Nutrition Lab. You\u2019ll help prepare healthy meals cooked from scratch.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Build your resume.\u00a0<\/strong>Still having trouble seeing how donating your time is a good use of your day? Believe me, if you\u2019ve been in charge of the silent auction at a nonprofit\u2019s fundraising event, you can surely add event planning, or event marketing to your resume and online professional profile.This kind of volunteering project highlights \u00a0your sales, marketing, and even management skills. (Continue to next page, please.)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Grab an employer\u2019s interest<\/strong>. Volunteering says a lot about your character. It\u2019s a clear indication of your willingness to learn new things, contribute and provide hands-on help in situations where organizations are understaffed and lacking resources. In fact, four in ten professionals that\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/press.linkedin.com\/node\/870\">LinkedIn<\/a>\u00a0surveyed stated that when they evaluate candidates, they consider volunteer work equally as valuable as paid work experience.<\/p>\n<p>About now, I can feel you rolling your eyes. You\u2019re mumbling to yourself: \u201cYou try volunteering. It\u2019s a big waste of time.\u201d \u00a0And that\u2019s kind of true in many cases. \u00a0It\u2019s not news that organizations often do a pretty crummy job of managing their volunteer pool. That\u2019s why it\u2019s up to you up to find ways to donate your time productively.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where can you find a project that actually puts your skills and talents to good use?<\/strong>\u00a0Skill-based volunteering is the new rage. A growing number of websites try to match your skills with a volunteer project. Promising stuff.<\/p>\n<aside data-position=\"4\">\n<div>In addition to ReServe, I recommend you check out a new free site:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.catchafire.org\/\">Catchafire.org.<\/a>\u00a0Based in New York City, the site sets you up with a nonprofit or social enterprise, where volunteer a handful of hours a week over a period of a few months.<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>After you file your professional profile and check your expertise, the site pops you a personalized list of potential projects, so you can pick a volunteer opportunity and organization. \u201cI want to make the social-good sector more efficient and bring organizations the kind of talented volunteers they need,\u201d Catchafire\u2019s chief executive and founder, Rachael Chong, recently told\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nextavenue.org\/blog\/catchafireorg-website-professionals-eager-volunteer\">NextAvenue<\/a>. And while a sizeable percentage of the 10,000 volunteers who\u2019ve signed up with Catchafire are in their 20s and 30s, Chong is eager to attract professionals in their 50s and 60s as volunteers.<\/p>\n<p>Some other sites to look for volunteer work that fits your talents.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.ashoka.org\/\">Ashoka.org<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.handsonnetwork.org\/\">Hands On Network<\/a>,\u00a0and<a href=\"http:\/\/www.taprootfoundation.org\/\">Taproot Foundation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Your part of the bargain.\u00a0<\/strong>To apply for volunteer work, you don\u2019t just call up and show up. You need to apply, send a resume, go in for an interview. Have a clear idea of what what type of assignment is in line with your job interests.<\/p>\n<p>Give 100 percent to your volunteer effort. Be realistic. How much time do you practically have to offer?<\/p>\n<p>One of the biggest criticisms I hear from nonprofit volunteer managers is that while folks, say they\u2019re eager to volunteer, they don\u2019t follow through. They come with an attitude. It\u2019s as if the group is lucky to have someone like them on board and should treat them accordingly. On the other hand, the volunteers may have their hearts in the right place, but simply over commit.<\/p>\n<p>My advice: Show up when you\u2019re asked to and do what you promise you will. Be proactive. Anything less has the potential to reflect badly on your work ethic and level of commitment.<\/p>\n<p>Final note, for my new retiree pals: In a study of U.S. retirees, researchers from the VA Medical Center and The University of California, San Francisco found that volunteering may be a lifesaver. Seriously. Volunteering, the investigators say, may improve health and lifespans by expanding retirees\u2019 social networks, increasing their access to resources and improving their sense of self-worth.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m\u00a0the author of\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0811871150?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=kerrhann-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0811871150\">What\u2019s Next? Follow Your Passion and Find Your Dream Job<\/a>, available here\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/\">www.kerryhannon.com<\/a>. I am a\u00a0MetLife\u00a0Foundation Journalists in Aging fellow. To learn about great jobs for retirees, check out my\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.aarp.org\/work\/experts\/kerry-hannon\/\">column\u00a0<\/a>at\u00a0AARP. My weekly column \u00a0at PBS\u2019s NextAvenue.org is\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nextavenue.org\/expert\/kerry-hannon\">here<\/a>. Follow me on Twitter,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/KerryHannon\">@KerryHannon<\/a><br \/>\n<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs-images.forbes.com\/kerryhannon\/files\/2012\/07\/trans21.gif?w=640&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-orig-height=\"-1\" data-orig-width=\"-1\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-bottom:20px; padding-top:10px;\" class=\"hupso-share-buttons\"><!-- Hupso Share Buttons - http:\/\/www.hupso.com\/share\/ --><a class=\"hupso_toolbar\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hupso.com\/share\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.hupso.com\/share\/buttons\/share-small.png?w=640&#038;ssl=1\" style=\"border:0px; padding-top:5px; float:left;\" alt=\"Share Button\"\/><\/a><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var hupso_services_t=new Array(\"Twitter\",\"Facebook\",\"Google Plus\",\"Pinterest\",\"Linkedin\",\"StumbleUpon\",\"Digg\",\"Reddit\",\"Bebo\",\"Delicious\");var hupso_background_t=\"#EAF4FF\";var hupso_border_t=\"#66CCFF\";var hupso_toolbar_size_t=\"small\";var hupso_image_folder_url = \"\";var hupso_url_t=\"\";var hupso_title_t=\"Six Reasons You Should Volunteer Your Way to A Job  \";<\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/static.hupso.com\/share\/js\/share_toolbar.js\"><\/script><!-- Hupso Share Buttons --><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing three retirees, who are working part-time jobs they love\u2013 for pay. All three were hired after spending time as a volunteer. One is a ranger with the National Park Service, another does social work at a hospital, and one pours wine in a tasting room at a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding-bottom:20px; padding-top:10px;\" class=\"hupso-share-buttons\"><!-- Hupso Share Buttons - http:\/\/www.hupso.com\/share\/ --><a class=\"hupso_toolbar\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hupso.com\/share\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/static.hupso.com\/share\/buttons\/share-small.png\" style=\"border:0px; padding-top:5px; float:left;\" alt=\"Share Button\"\/><\/a><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var hupso_services_t=new Array(\"Twitter\",\"Facebook\",\"Google Plus\",\"Pinterest\",\"Linkedin\",\"StumbleUpon\",\"Digg\",\"Reddit\",\"Bebo\",\"Delicious\");var hupso_background_t=\"#EAF4FF\";var hupso_border_t=\"#66CCFF\";var hupso_toolbar_size_t=\"small\";var hupso_image_folder_url = \"\";var hupso_url_t=\"\";var hupso_title_t=\"Six Reasons You Should Volunteer Your Way to A Job  \";<\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/static.hupso.com\/share\/js\/share_toolbar.js\"><\/script><!-- Hupso Share Buttons --><\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1433,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[7,20,59,6],"tags":[332,60,73,100],"class_list":["post-1932","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-boomers","category-career-change","category-careers","category-second-verse-blog-on-forbes-com","tag-boomers","tag-jobs","tag-nonprofits","tag-volunteering"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kerryhannon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/forbes2.gif?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p3YFQS-va","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1932","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1932"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1932\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1935,"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1932\/revisions\/1935"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1433"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1932"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1932"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1932"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}