So I've spent the last 2.5 months working part-time within Volunteer Services at the City of Coquitlam. I've seen some amazing work completed by our volunteers and some incredible dedication and commitment. I've been looking throughout this time for full-time work which leads me to my next adventure - Singapore! It will again be with Commonwealth Games Canada in their Capacity Support Program.
However, we had planned that I would run a resume/professional writing type workshop for the volunteers in the fall. Now that I'm leaving, I won't get a chance to do that, but I did want to share some pointers that may help young people turn their volunteer experience into a job:
However, we had planned that I would run a resume/professional writing type workshop for the volunteers in the fall. Now that I'm leaving, I won't get a chance to do that, but I did want to share some pointers that may help young people turn their volunteer experience into a job:
- Make sure to include your personal information and note the position you are applying for in the body of your e-mail when you attach your resume and cover letter to an e-mail. It's unlikely we will open an e-mail that only has an attachment without a subject and/or text in the body as it looks too suspicious.
- Use proper grammar, words, and punctuation in your communication. Using (cellphone) texting shorthand isn't going to cut it. Yup, LOL, thx, u, r, gr8 - is unprofessional!
- Especially when volunteering, remember your conduct and actions reflect on what your supervisors will say when you use them as a reference or if you want to apply for a job with the organization you are volunteering for.
- Volunteering for an organization does not mean you will get a job with them. Sometimes the personalities just don't fit or you're not what they are looking for. Instead of being offended, ask them for feedback on what you can improve upon or a different assignment that fits you more. Better yet, if your goal is to be employed by the organization in the future, ask them when you begin to volunteer what they are looking for in their staff.
- Network with the staff! Attend meetings even if they are optional.
- Be actively engaged from the interview, orientation, subsequent meetings, and further training sessions.
- Make every effort to go above and beyond!
- Lastly - parents, please please have your child do their own communication with the organization from the start. If your child is not capable of communicating individually with us, we can't expect that they will be able to take on the responsibilities of volunteering.
If you have anything to add, or if you have anything you want to dispute, please leave a comment below!
