Whether it’s as an event coordinator at a major sporting event such as the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018, a helper at a fundraiser, a board member at a not for profit or as a skilled individual offering expertise – there are an array of volunteer opportunities available to you.  

When it comes to volunteering, what many don’t realise is being a volunteer isn’t just about giving. You can get a lot back in return, both personally and professionally. For example, your track record of volunteering can often put you ahead of the pack when it comes to job hunting.

“Volunteering can demonstrate personality traits that are sometimes difficult to convey in a profile or interview,” says Katrina Hudson, Manager, SEEK Volunteer ANZ. “Furthermore, employers are telling us that volunteering can speak real volumes about a candidate’s dedication and commitment to causes.”

Here are three ways being a volunteer can benefit you:

1. Volunteering is as credible as paid work. When it comes to future employment, a potential employer looks at the roles listed in your resume for your skills and experience, not whether they were voluntary or paid. It’s the experience that matters. In fact, SEEK research found that 95% of employers agree that volunteering is a credible way of gaining real-work experience to add to your resume. In fact, as long as the volunteering work is relevant to the role or industry you want to work in, 85% of employers believe that it’s just as credible as paid work.
   
   What does this mean? It means that as well as having fun and building lifelong memories, your volunteering experience should most definitely feature in your resume or application, especially if you are a first-time job seeker or looking to step into a new career.
    
2. Volunteering can be advantageous in a job interview. As for more experienced workers, you might have nailed the selection criteria, written a tip-top resume, and feel confident with how you performed in the interview. But what about the volunteer work you've done? Did you mention that?
   
   If not, you should have. SEEK research has confirmed that 92% of employers agree that relevant work experience gives candidates an advantage in job interviews.
    
3. Volunteering demonstrates valuable personality traits. Volunteering tells prospective employers a great deal about who you are, aside from what they’ve learned via your resume and cover letter.
   
   “Volunteering can demonstrate personality traits that are sometimes difficult to convey in a profile or interview,” says Katrina Hudson, Manager, SEEK Volunteer ANZ. “Furthermore, employers are telling us that volunteering can speak real volumes about a candidate’s dedication and commitment to causes.”

So, if you’re someone who is keen to give back, but also looking to bolster your resume, head to SEEK Volunteer to view all of the opportunities currently on offer.