Using Volunteer Work to Find a Job Career Planning Self Evaluation Career Exploration Choosing a Career Education & Training Job Search Résumé Cover Letters Job Search Interviews Career Maintenance Keeping Your Job Leaving Your Job Seeking A Raise If you are planning to use volunteer work to help get paid employment, finding the best volunteer position is only part of the process. There are a few other things you should do to make sure that you get the most out of your volunteer work and help your own career options while helping others. Set clear, realistic goals for your volunteer experience. Remember that while you want to help others, you also want to develop specific skills or explore certain careers, and make contacts that can help you in your chosen occupation. Interview for your volunteer position as you would for any paid position. Request a "job description." Ask about the training opportunities available through the agency you are volunteering with. They may help you get training that you can use in your chosen career. Treat your volunteer assignment as seriously as you would any paid job. Attend any training or orientation sessions recommended by the agency. Be punctual, dress appropriately, complete your assigned tasks promptly, and act in a professional manner. Follow the rules and guidelines of the organisation. Ask for a periodic review of your work. Have your supervisor keep records on your service. This can be used later when you apply for paid work by recording your experience, training, and progress in your volunteer work. Develop your own portfolio of records: record training that you received, supervisors, letters of reference, addresses, phone numbers, etc. One of the most valuable aspects of volunteering is the contacts you can develop. Use all opportunities to create a network of contacts throughout your community that can help you in your job hunting and career planning. When you are ready to make the transition to paid work, let others know about it. When you prepare resumés and cover letters for your job search, be sure to emphasize your volunteer experience and the skills you developed. Take the time to analyse closely the skills you developed and the training you received while in the volunteer position.