Many months ago I wrote a post about consulting during job search. I got a lot of good feedback on that post and still get good traffic to it. Why? Because it is a common thing people do when in between jobs. And they want to do it right. Avoiding the pitfalls.
Volunteering and consulting have a few similar pros and cons. But I think they are different enough that it warrants a separate discussion.
The Similarities:
Well, of course, both are a great use of your time during transition. Whether you are out of work for 30 days or 30 months, keeping your mind active and being involved in a business environment is a very good thing.
- Both keep you mentally engaged (thinking, planning, producing)
- Both keep you busy, distracted and less likely to obsess over a single job opportunity.
- Both allow you to show an active and productive lifestyle on your resume. Employers like to see activity during transition. "I was looking for a job" is not enough anymore during a six month transition period.
The Differences:
There are a few obvious and a few not so obvious differences between volunteering and consulting. And there is a hybrid you should know about called "freesulting". OK, I just made that up, but it involves you providing consulting services for free. But, here's how volunteering differs:
- Volunteering does not pay the mortgage. But you may get a free lunch.
- Volunteering is not a contract position. You can easily leave any time.
- Volunteering helps others who really need it. And can't pay for it.
- Volunteering is not glamorous. Yes, even the Jerry Lewis Telethon.
So, if you ask me should I take time out of my job search to volunteer in my local community. The answer is yes.
But here are a few guidelines:
- Consider first getting more deeply involved in an organization in which you already volunteer. Your local church. Your kid's school or sports team. These are the most natural uses of your time. Very local and close to the heart. Only drawback? These will not look as "professional" on the resume if you decide to list it.
- So . . . look for organizations that are well known and have well-run volunteer programs. Habitat for Humanity or Make A Wish Foundation are good examples. You get to give back and get to share your experiences in interviews. Employers see you involved and estimate that you weren't just stuffing envelopes. Even if you were . . .
- Look for a position with some responsibility (see last point above) and consider the possibility that you might stay on board after you find work. It feels good to volunteer both during and after your job search.
- Make smart commitments that allow you to get a good role but do not take you away too much form the job search. While you cannot be looking for work 12 hours a day, you also cannot let another commitment limit your search to 3-4 hours a day. And you certainly don't want conflicts when big networking events are scheduled. Or an interview is offered.
- When listing the volunteer experience on your resume, treat it like a job. At least until you find one. List the volunteer organization as the company, show the dates and location. Describe your responsibilities and list your accomplishments. Just like your last job.
So now you've done it.
You've used your skills to help an organization that needed you. You've filled a gap in your resume's time-line. You've been focused and engaged in something of value. You've avoided being obsessed by a single job opportunity.
Well done.
