How Volunteering Can Build Your Career and Help Find a Job

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To be considered for any job in today’s tough economy, even the most basic entry-level position, job seekers are finding that employers are demanding seemingly perfect candidates. As a result, common barriers such as a lack of Canadian experience, inadequate experience in a specific field, a lack of references or network contacts, or gaps in recent work experience, can really present serious challenges for re-entering the workforce. This leads to many job seekers becoming discouraged, losing their confidence and feeling isolated from the world of work, which can make it even harder to stay motivated and positive through the gruelling process of job search.

One of the most effective ways for job seekers to overcome these barriers is to volunteer a small portion of their job search time, offering help to a meaningful cause. This can be very effective way to break away from the routine of job search and do something new in the world of work. It can also help to close experience gaps, gain new skills, make new contacts and generally rebuild confidence. In addition, it may even be a source of jobs in the non-profit sector; many employers prefer to recruit new employees from among their volunteers.

However, many job seekers are surprised to discover that finding volunteer work isn’t as easy as they might expect. It requires efforts similar to job search, including preparing a good updated resume, searching for a suitable position online and in person, as well as self marketing skills (such as knowing what to say about oneself in an informal or formal interview). As such, can also be an opportunity for job seekers to sharpen their job search skills.

Some suggestions for sites to find volunteer postings:

• Volunteer Toronto has an excellent service which posts openings, which are can be browsed through by types of activity, types of organisation, clients served, location or even languages
• Volunteer positions in York Region are posted on the Community Information and Volunteer Centre board, divided by organisations or areas of interest
• Charity Village, a job board in the non-profit sector,  has a specific part of the site dedicated to volunteering, where candidates can search for postings by a range of criteria

Otherwise, job seekers can seek out a specific charity of interest, using a service such as 211 Toronto, which is an online directory of tens of thousands of community, health, social and government services. They can check their websites and approach them to offer to volunteer. Community organisations use a range of ways to recruit volunteers. Many, such as JVS Toronto, actively seek out volunteers on their website. Others, such as Sick Kids Hospital, post specific volunteer positions. Some, like St John’s Ambulance (Peel) even offer regular Volunteer Information Sessions where candidates can learn about volunteering at that agency.

Some tips:

1. Make sure to volunteer in a meaningful role, where you can gain new skills
2. Don’t commit too much time to the volunteer work – you still need to spend time actively job seeking
3. Try to find a position which will allow you to interact with other people, so you can work on building a new network of contacts
4. Try new tasks and take on opportunities which will challenge you and show employers that you are an eager and quick learner
5. After having spent some time volunteering, add your experience to your resume and LinkedIn profile, and ask for a reference from your supervisor.

Ask the Employment Specialist: How to be a Successful Mentor

Dear Joanna,

I am a long-standing and successful employee at one of the major banks, in a Director role in the Risk Management department. Our organization strongly supports helping the community through diversity initiatives such as The Mentoring Partnership, which was developed by the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) to help recent immigrants overcome obstacles to establish their careers in Canada. Recently, I decided to volunteer as a Mentor in this exciting program through JVS Toronto.

I was matched with an internationally trained professional and newcomer to Canada, who arrived here a few months ago and had a successful career in his home country, in a leading bank in the same type of occupation. I have met with my new Mentee for the first time last week, when we agreed upon the goals of our mentoring relationship.  Do you have any suggestions as to how I can be the most effective Mentor with this motivated, talented and competent new immigrant to Canada and help him be as successful as possible?

Signed: How to Be an Effective Mentor
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Dear HBEM,

First of all, a big huge thank you to you for dedicating your time and expertise to help a newcomer to Canada, and for your interest and support of The Mentoring Partnership. This is definitely a worthy cause and a win-win relationship. I cannot think of a better way for you to hone your skills and experience in leadership, as well as your skills in adult education/teaching, communication, listening, networking, diversity awareness, and coaching. It’s also an opportunity for your company to tap into talent, promote good corporate social responsibility and make a difference in the community.

In the 24 hours you get to spend with your Mentee over the four months of the mentoring relationship, you can provide advice, resources, communication and relationship support, as necessary. Some goals to consider could be: understanding workplace culture, self-marketing ideas, accreditations, training opportunities, establishing professional networks, identifying employment opportunities and setting job search strategies.

Your Mentoring Partnership Coach, JVS’s Patricia Houghton, recommends the following strategies to maximize your relationship with your Mentee:

Time commitment.

In your first meeting, the Mentor and Mentee should discuss their preferred times and locations for meetings and the means of communication. They should decide, in advance, on the logistics of the relationship, to avoid lost time and momentum in the relationship. It may be useful to use tools such as Outlook to schedule your mentoring meetings, in advance; it’s a great way to organize this professional relationship. If you cannot meet in person or have to cancel, use the phone or email to communicate. It does, however, help to have as much time in-person as possible. And, if you have to cancel, try to do so in advance. Check in regularly with your Mentee; this will help them to keep motivated and engaged, as well as build trust.

Goals clarification.

At the beginning, set the goals in writing. Make sure you are both in agreement with the goals and actions. This is a business and professional relationship, and so, it should take the form of a contract. Each time you check in together, review the goals and their status. Make sure there is movement and that the Mentee understands the goals, and implements the advice and strategies that you are recommend. Is he engaged in working towards the goals and does he understand your suggestions? It’s important that you are both satisfied with the relationship. Ask questions. Houghton explains that she often works with skilled immigrants who may nod their head in agreement, whereas in fact, they do not understand and therefore cannot do the task as  instructed.

Teaching by example.

Mentees will benefit from the wisdom of experience, skills and expertise of their Mentors, whom they will approach with questions. You can help your professional colleague by sharing insights on Canadian work values and culture from your own workplace experiences, as well as information and your knowledge of industry trends.

Ask the Mentee to prepare an agenda before each meeting and send it to you in advance. Time permitting, you can take turns doing this as a way to model this action, an important task of the workplace. Sharing samples of your work, and providing feedback on resumes and interview techniques, as well as offering advice on self-marketing techniques could be very helpful. Consider giving the Mentee some independent work before or after each meeting, such as preparatory reading materials from your organization, a relevant website (e.g. BusinessBalls), or video clips from YouTube.

Coaching Resources.

There is an abundance of resources for Mentors and on topics related to coaching, advising, consulting and mentoring. All of this is available through your Mentor Coach (such as Patricia Houghton), the service agency partner (such as JVS Toronto), and the online program handbook at The Mentoring Partnership. Check in with the Coach on a regular basis, to discuss any specific relationship needs to help achieve your goals. Your Coach can help you identify and access this material and community resources to support the goals. For example, if your Mentee has business writing or pronunciation challenges, your coach can refer him to classes on these topics, as well as occupational-specific courses, such as the  Enhanced Language Training for new immigrants offered at JVS.

You are not alone.

Volunteering as a Mentor can be isolated. Touching base with other volunteer Mentors is a great way to problem-solve and network. I am sure there are other Mentors in your organization,  with whom you can consult and learn ways to leverage your mentorship relationship. TRIEC offers professional development and networking opportunities for new mentors, and you should also contact your Mentoring Coach, who can help you with any questions, concerns or difficulties. If you are unhappy with the relationship, speak with your Coach immediately, who will problem-solve, or perhaps even find you another Mentee, if necessary. It’s a business relationship first and foremost; your Coach can also connect you with other current and past mentors in your field.

One last thought…

Remember, you are not obligated to find your Mentee a job. This relationship is about learning, coaching, and guiding for both of you. You are not the personal recruiter of the Mentee, and are not responsible for them finding a job.

Enjoy your experience and thank you for volunteering in the community.

Joanna

To submit your questions for this column IN CONFIDENCE, please email dearjoanna@jvstoronto.org.

GUEST POST: How Volunteering impacted on me — a personal view

I am always looking for ways to better myself personally and professionally; somewhat like a lifelong journey, one could call it. A small part of my journey started when I discovered a free 6 week Self-Esteem Building workshop for women at the North York Women’s Centre (NYWC) and registered to attend the workshop. On the first night, the facilitators had disclosed to the group that they were volunteers. I had observed them and thought to myself, “I could do that” and started feeling hopeful yet nervous to experience something new. I realized it would be an incredible opportunity for me to gain additional hands-on experience in group facilitation. For just over a year, I had been studying part-time to get my certification as a Life Skills Coach and have had some experience facilitating groups which I absolutely loved doing; however my previous experience was only within my classroom setting. It took me four weeks to simply gain the courage to inquire how to get involved as a volunteer facilitator with NYWC. It petrified me because it was a new experience which put me outside of my comfort zone.

NYWC provided a four-week course for their volunteer facilitators which was quite a commitment for me at that time, as I was working two jobs and in school part-time. Despite my current skill sets and previous training, the NYWC training was very thorough and relevant. On a professional level, I realized that it will benefit me to have received an additional certificate to add to my portfolio.

I can honestly say how grateful I am that I gathered the courage to get involved; I am grateful for many reasons. One of the main reasons I feel grateful is that I have had the opportunity to give back to women whom I can understand and relate to on many levels. Women in our community struggle with many issues and often feel they do not have a voice. NYWC is an environment that provides women opportunities to feel welcomed and included, to be heard and feel empowered — which are all things I am proud to say that I am now a part of. I was very lucky to have the opportunity to facilitate the Building Self-Esteem workshop as my very first workshop with NYWC which has just come to an end. It had been a gratifying experience watching all of the wonderful women in the group evolve in such a short period of time. I also learned a lot about myself personally from the women in the group—they are a source of inspiration to me.

On a professional level I am grateful to have volunteered my time because it will open many doors for me simply by getting the hands on experience. NYWC’s motto is Opening Doors for Women. They have opened many doors for me and I look forward to continue volunteering my time as a facilitator with North York Women’s Centre to give back and help open doors for other deserving women like myself.
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Brenda started out as a volunteer at JVS Toronto’s Jane and Finch location and quickly moved into a position as a placement student with the Toronto Youth Job Corps program, which then led into employment as a Receptionist at that location. Brenda has been with JVS as an employee for just over 4 years and had the opportunity to work at several locations, currently at JVS Toronto’s Markham Employment Source. Brenda recently completed Life Skills Coach Certificate Program at George Brown College and is on a personal journey of growth and advancement.

Ask the Employment Specialist: New graduate looking for work

Dear Joanna,

I just graduated with a Masters in Environment Studies from a local leading university and am looking for work.

I am in serious debt because my tuition was steep, and I have outstanding debts from my Bachelors’ program at the same university in history and political science. I am so well educated, but cannot seem to find work or a place for myself in the labour market.My work experience boils down to a part-time job at one of the local malls at a retail store which I have held since high school.  I live with my parents and desperately want to start building a meaningful career in Environmental Studies and being self-sufficient, i.e. to become an adult.  The university’s career centre as well as the program offers the occasional job posting, but it’s so competitive out there.

I just started to apply for opportunities with my resume and cover letter, but have not received any phone calls for interviews.  Please could you help me figure out how I can obtain work in my field?

Signed: New Grad in Debt (NGID).

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Dear NGID,

You are not alone; I worked on behalf of JVS Toronto at this year’s National Job Fair and met countless new grads from Masters and Bachelors programs from local universities and colleges, who were struggling to figure out how to fit into this competitive labour market with their education.  The reality of the working world is quite daunting.  As Kathryn Blaze Carlson illustrates about a recent chemical engineering graduate in her poignant article in The National Post on this topic, “The chemical engineering graduate, who has a second degree in bio-chemistry, was supposed to graduate from the University of Ottawa and begin a fulfilling career straight out of the academic gate — or so she hoped, expected, even. But her first professional job search has instead marked the first major false start of her adult life, ushering a painful reality check and a severe blow to her self-esteem.”

Further, the journalist points out a cultural shift, advising new graduates and their parents that “they should no longer expect a seamless school-to-work transition because a university degree is no longer the promised one-way ticket to a career. The on-ramp to adulthood is longer and twistier. Thirty is the new 25.”

Please do not despair. Here are several tips and strategies to consider applying in order to start the process to building your career in your field (notice that I use the term process because this search requires the same amount, if not more time, effort, dedication, and commitment which you engaged in your education, with its papers, exams, studying and hard work):

• Research the labour market in your field. Identify current job descriptions which look interesting to you – ones which are appealing to you and to which you would love to apply, but are not yet qualified because you lack the experience required.  Simultaneously identify the companies and departments where you would like to work one day. (we discussed labour market research in previous blog posts, such as this one)
• Analyze the data collected. What are the skills, experience, qualifications and education required in these job orders? What kinds of departments in companies are involved in your sector? Notice the language used in the job postings. Notice the language in the content of the company’s websites. Notice the hard skills and experience required. Highlight all these information.
• Now that you understand the jobs out there and the companies to target, I recommend that you start doing the following:
  1. Information Interviews – identify managers/executives in the companies which would likely hire you if you had the experience required. Try to select those professionals who graduated from your university if possible. Cold call them and ask for an information session. To learn how to engage in an information session, please connect with an employment counsellor.  This technique helps build your network, gather sector-specific information required for your resume and cover letter and you never know where this contact can lead you – maybe a job opportunity? Maybe a mentor?
  2. Volunteering – Unfortunately, it sounds like your course didn’t have an unpaid coop placement internship. So, now you must go and get this hard experience on your own. All those job postings, companies and departments which you identified in your research stages are potential volunteer placements for you, especially in the non-profit sector. (CharityVillage is a great web-based job board of all the jobs in the non-profit sector). Cold call the company’s President. Ask to see if you can volunteer. In a non-profit organization, call the volunteer department. Ask to volunteer in the department related to your field.  Tell the volunteer coordinator that you will do the jobs which no one likes to do – Cold Calling (this will win every time – because nobody likes cold calling!), filing, photocopying, making coffee, or whatever they need help with. This is no time to be proud. Do whatever it takes to get your foot in the door and start building a reputation that you are a go-to person. Get noticed by your volunteering! You would be surprised how word spreads quickly. Once you prove yourself to your supervisor and team where you volunteer, you can start asking for more related work in your field. .Be flexible with the volunteer tasks This is a great strategy to network, secure some concrete and relevant experience on your resume, learn about your field, gain some references and be engaged in your field of choice and start building your career. (For tips on finding volunteering check out our past blog posts on the topic).
  3. Networking — Associations, clubs, sector-specific groups are great places to network in your field. Membership to many of the associations cost a lot of money. Research the ones which are appropriate for your sector and industry. Call the Executive Director or the Volunteer Coordinator at a suitable professional association and ask to volunteer. Again, as with volunteering, once you prove yourself, learn more about your field of choice, you can gain references, solid and relevant experience for your resume, expand your network in  your sector and perhaps volunteer at the industry conferences and trade shows with professionals and experts in your field! 
  4. Internships — There are programs and services that can help new grads secure Internships: One example of such a non-profit organisation is Career Edge, through which new grads apply for a paid internships. It’s highly competitive and only if the job developers at this non-profit organization have secured a placement available in your field will you have an opportunity. It’s still worthwhile to apply because you never know. Also, the provincial government has The Ontario Internship Program (OIP) student placement program – same story applies with Career Edge: way more applicants than opportunities, but you should still apply.
  5. Social Media — this a great forum to network and have access to the hidden job market. Get registered and complete your profile in LinkedIn and join its sector-specific groups. If you don’t see a suitable LinkedIn group, then start your own. Keep active in the groups.  Prepare and maintain a professional profile in Facebook and if you are so inspired, create and monitor a Twitter account, too.
  6. Industry and sector-specific job boards – for example, for the environmental sector, I am familiar with Good Work Canada; you can Google other relevant job boards online, as well as check out our list. Register, subscribe, request job alerts to keep these jobs coming into your email bin.
  7. Keeping busy — keep a structure in your daily life while you look for work; participate in job search workshops, do something active or a hobby that you enjoy. This will keep you motivated and able to give your ‘all’ to the next opportunity that you come across.

I hope this is helpful. I really feel for you and your situation. You are bright, accomplished and lucky to have had the opportunity to have a fantastic education. However, education alone no longer gets people work; it’s icing on the cake. This misunderstanding of the labour market gets many job seekers in trouble. Notice that ‘Education’ is on the last page of the resume. ‘Relevant Professional Experience’ comes first – this is the priority in today’s labour market.

All the best,

Joanna

Ask the Employment Specialist: Will volunteering help me get a job?

Dear Joanna,

I’m an internationally trained accountant who is new to Canada and looking to build my career here in my field. I moved to Toronto a year ago and have been looking for work since my arrival but have not had any luck.  I understand that the competition is steep and it’s hard to get my foot in the door in this competitive labour market. I do not have the Certified Accountant designation as required to work on the same level as I did in my home country.

In the meantime, I am pursuing my CGA at this time which was recommended to me by my employment counsellor at JVS. I am desperately looking for work. I’ll do anything. I’ve applying for accounting clerk positions and other entry level jobs which are closely related to my field but have not had one phone call.I would love to work in an accounting firm.

My counsellor suggested that I research and approach accounting firms and non profit organizations with accounting departments as potential places to volunteer. I have never heard of such a thing – working for free!!!! This never would happen in my home country. Please let me know what you think of this.

Signed: How Can I Work 4 Free? (HCIW4F)

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Dear HCIW4F,

I completely understand your concerns about volunteering and I don’t blame you for feeling uncomfortable about working for free! However, given our competitive labour market, especially in Toronto, as you accurately pointed out, volunteering, coop placements or internships can very useful strategies for securing employment in your field and tapping into the hidden job market. Many of the post secondary institutions, including universities, community colleges, bridging programs, and some OSELT (Occupational Specific Enhanced Language Training) courses offer unpaid coop placement programs for their participants. Volunteering in the work world is a recognized and valued initiative by employers from all industries.

In fact, that is how I got started. I volunteered for six months as a job developer because I was making a career change from sales to job development. I did not have any relevant experience on my resume. I treated my volunteering as a paid position. I learned tons of skills, built my network and volunteered as if I was working, which resulted in lots of learning and skills development relevant to the field and a couple of references. This helped me prepare my resume, the job interview presentation and I was eventually hired. I have countless stories like mine of job seekers who volunteered and then got hired at the place they volunteered.

For your professional development, volunteering is a great way to:

• gain local experience in your field
• avoid gaps in your resume and give you something to share with interviewers about what you are doing “right now”
• show that you take initiative
• keep up your computer and accounting skills and knowledge,
• foster important networking connections, and
• possibly even gain obtaining future references needed for the hiring people.

Personally, you will also find that volunteering is a great way to keep busy, meet lots of new people, build a community while helping out a worthy organization and cause. Being a part of a team, learning about the Canadian workplace, while practicing your language and communication skills are just some of the other benefits of volunteering.

Also, I cannot think of a better opportunity to learn first-hand about the internal processes, procedures, computer systems and workplace culture of the place you are volunteering. Who knows? It could lead to employment! Plus you have concrete experience on your resume to demonstrate your talents.  Saisan, Smith and Kemp (2012) best describe volunteering on their website: “The benefits of volunteering are enormous, both to you, your family, and the community. The right match can help you meet friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.”

You can also include your “volunteer work” if it is relevant to your field as “professional work” on your resume. You just write “Volunteer” in brackets next to the job title part. Also, employers like to see “Community Work” on applicants resumes demonstrating that the individual cares about others and likes to help out.

So, if you are open to this activity, which you can do until you find paid employment (or, you might find that you wish to continue helping out, even after you are working!), here are some suggested websites to find opportunities as well as organizations whose causes are dear to your heart, where you might consider volunteering.

By the way, it is not an easy process to find volunteer positions, apply and be accepted. Some organizations which help vulnerable populations require criminal reference checks and, more often than not, there is an extensive comprehensive application process and interview. Not everyone gets accepted, and there are waiting lists at some places. There are a lot of unemployed people (students, new grads, newcomers, to name a few) looking to volunteer in the community to build up their resumes and experience, so this too is competitive. But, do not be discouraged! Apply for volunteer positions and follow-up with a phone call to the volunteer manager of the agency or whoever posted the opportunity.

I would highly recommend identifying a non-profit organization or company which has a volunteer department and checking out if they have any volunteer opportunities in the accounting department or at least a related department. Legally, you cannot work for an employer for free unless you are part of a volunteer or coop placement program. Some OSELT courses offer coops to employers; as do some bridging programs. I would also recommend researching an organization, which may be in a position to hire, i.e. where you see job postings on their website and job boards. Then you might have a chance at employment.

Here are some suggested websites with volunteer opportunities (keep in mind that you can also research non-profit organizations and for-profit companies which you are interested in and look on their websites to see if they have a volunteer department or diversity department):

Suggested websites for volunteering:

• CharityVillage 
• Volunteer Toronto
• 211 Toronto (for a comprehensive list of non profits in Toronto) 
• Settlement.org

All the best with your job search, HCIW4F! Please stay in touch and tell me how it’s going.

Regards,

Joanna

 

References: Saisan, J., Smith, M. & Kemp, G. (2012). Volunteering and its surprise benefit. Retrieved on March 2, 2012 from 
http://helpguide.org/life/volunteer_opportunities_benefits_volunteering.htm

Volunteering in the City

Perhaps you have given some thought to the idea of volunteering as a way “in” to your favourite business, but have you considered it a way to expand your network, meet other like-minded people and boost your resume?

As many of you may know, summer is often a slow period for hiring, but Toronto is brimming with spring and summer events that can connect you to hundreds of other people who are interested in the same causes and activities as you. Also, if you perform well, you may just be considered the next time people are hiring for paid positions.

Volunteering can make you feel good

There are a variety of events that occur throughout the city and they cover multi-cultural festivals, food and drink, cinema and various charities to name a few.

Is a certain medical condition meaningful to you? Why not consider contacting a local organization and asking to be put on their volunteer list? You can find organizations of interest by calling 211 in Toronto, or checking out Toronto 211 online.

Volunteering is also a great way to be exposed to different type of jobs that you may not have previously considered. And who knows, you may find that you enjoy doing something that you never thought you’d be interested in before.

The same rule applies to the various places or organizations that you can volunteer for. Have you always wanted to know what the Caribbean culture is like? Why not volunteer for Caribana? Or perhaps you love Italian food? Consider Taste of Little Italy.

Here are some handy do’s and don’ts for volunteering:

Volunteer for something you think you might enjoy: If you’re going to give your time to a cause, try thinking of something that will not only look good on your resume, but perhaps something that you are passionate about. If you’re happy, it will show!

Don’t be late: If you show up late for your shift, potential employers will remember this and it may affect your recommendation or chances to be considered in the future.

Dress appropriately for the event: If it’s casual and you’re going to be on your feet all day, wear comfortable shoes and clothing. You’ll often be given a Volunteer t-shirt to wear so that you can be easily recognized by others.

Be respectful of everyone: You never know who you’re meeting—that burly gentleman who wants to sit at the front could be the hiring manager at your next place of work. Or perhaps the grumpy lady at reception is also the receptionist at your new potential place of work.

Be willing to do something you hate: You may be asked to help with something like clean-up or perhaps inflating balloons. Remember that no one likes to do these odd jobs, but they still have to be done. Your willingness to participate in the less glamourous positions will be noted. Of course, never do something that you think may be harmful to your health or that you really cannot do (so, if you have a bad back, don’t offer to carry heavy weights).

Don’t wait until the last minute to volunteer for events, the most coveted spots are typically grabbed up quickly. Don’t let that discourage you though, there are so many positions you can apply for—just keep in mind you may not get your first choice.

Perhaps the most important advice I can offer however, is that no matter which organization you choose, have fun! You’re bound to learn something new, you’ll meet new people, possibly make new friends and you’ll definitely take something positive out of your experience.

Now here are some volunteer resources and websites that I recommend you take a look at when considering your volunteer opportunities.

City of Toronto Special Events

JVS Toronto volunteering opportunities

Toronto Fringe Festival

Volunteer Toronto website

[Note from the Editor]:  Here’s a recent video about volunteering in the Toronto Jewish community, featuring one of JVS Toronto’s Board members: