We are often asked this question and I firmly believe the right answer is it depends. You have to look at the one’s situation (both financial and professional) as well as the volunteer position considered. Volunteer work can often help your job search but in some cases may get in the way. There are several things to consider whether to work for free when unemployed. Here are some things to consider:
May Turn into a Paying Job A temporary volunteer position may turn into a full time paid position, depending on the position itself as well as the organization’s need and your track record. If this is something you have in mind, it may be a good idea to cheek whether this is even possible for the position you are considering. Sometimes such opportunities may open up down the road, when the organization you would be volunteering for gets additional funding.
Great Addition to a Resume Many professional recruiters would tell you that a relevant volunteer position on your resume looks a lot better than having an extensive gap in your employment. In fact, pro bono work is often respected and having this experience on your resume may actually help you get a job. You don’t even have to mention that it was an unpaid job and if you had a volunteer position with duties and responsibilities and you have shown real achievements – make a note of that on your resume!
Choose the right Jobs When looking at volunteer opportunities, try two stay in your field of expertise / occupation in order to have relevant experience in your resume. For example, if you are an accountant, try finding non-profit organizations where you can donate your accounting expertise.
Keep Your Skills Fresh and Sharp If you haven’t been employed for a while, volunteering your service may be a good way to keep your skills fresh, as well as acquire new skills and relevant work experience that is in demand and can later help you in getting a paid job. There are some volunteer jobs where they would even train you in exchange for your services.
Networking Opportunities Volunteering is a great way to network with other professionals in your field, many of whom may actually be working for paid positions in other companies. This is a great opportunity for you to showcase you skills and experience, network and earn recommendations that can all help you find a job. In order to get noticed try to take on big important jobs, be active and utilize your skills to deliver results. Approach it the same way as if you were trying to get promoted in a regular company.
Can You Afford It? While volunteering may be a good strategy to find a suitable paying job, always make sure that you can actually afford not working for an extensive period of time. Don’t let it distract you from your real goals and consider your financial situation. If you urgently need money to put food on the table, volunteering all of your time may be not the right choice for you. Keep in mind that even a minimum wage job will get you some money in your pocket as opposed to a prestigious but an unpaid volunteer position.
Don’t forget about Tax Deductions for Expenses Unfortunately, under current U.S. Tax laws, you are prohibited from taking a charitable contribution deduction for the value of the services you provide. However, the tax code does allow taking charitable contribution deductions for expenses your incur in connection with their volunteer services, for example: cost of materials, supplies, uniforms, etc. You cannot, however, deduct your personal expenses such as meals or transportation costs.
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May Turn into a Paying Job A temporary volunteer position may turn into a full time paid position, depending on the position itself as well as the organization’s need and your track record. If this is something you have in mind, it may be a good idea to cheek whether this is even possible for the position you are considering. Sometimes such opportunities may open up down the road, when the organization you would be volunteering for gets additional funding.
Great Addition to a Resume Many professional recruiters would tell you that a relevant volunteer position on your resume looks a lot better than having an extensive gap in your employment. In fact, pro bono work is often respected and having this experience on your resume may actually help you get a job. You don’t even have to mention that it was an unpaid job and if you had a volunteer position with duties and responsibilities and you have shown real achievements – make a note of that on your resume!
Choose the right Jobs When looking at volunteer opportunities, try two stay in your field of expertise / occupation in order to have relevant experience in your resume. For example, if you are an accountant, try finding non-profit organizations where you can donate your accounting expertise.
Keep Your Skills Fresh and Sharp If you haven’t been employed for a while, volunteering your service may be a good way to keep your skills fresh, as well as acquire new skills and relevant work experience that is in demand and can later help you in getting a paid job. There are some volunteer jobs where they would even train you in exchange for your services.
Networking Opportunities Volunteering is a great way to network with other professionals in your field, many of whom may actually be working for paid positions in other companies. This is a great opportunity for you to showcase you skills and experience, network and earn recommendations that can all help you find a job. In order to get noticed try to take on big important jobs, be active and utilize your skills to deliver results. Approach it the same way as if you were trying to get promoted in a regular company.
Can You Afford It? While volunteering may be a good strategy to find a suitable paying job, always make sure that you can actually afford not working for an extensive period of time. Don’t let it distract you from your real goals and consider your financial situation. If you urgently need money to put food on the table, volunteering all of your time may be not the right choice for you. Keep in mind that even a minimum wage job will get you some money in your pocket as opposed to a prestigious but an unpaid volunteer position.
Don’t forget about Tax Deductions for Expenses Unfortunately, under current U.S. Tax laws, you are prohibited from taking a charitable contribution deduction for the value of the services you provide. However, the tax code does allow taking charitable contribution deductions for expenses your incur in connection with their volunteer services, for example: cost of materials, supplies, uniforms, etc. You cannot, however, deduct your personal expenses such as meals or transportation costs.
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