h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Do you think it is a good idea to go for a volunteer job in the area you are interested in if you are offered it before a paid position comes up that is very similar? * bearing in mind that you are a recent graduate*

Well its always good to have experience on your CV..

Hello Opti,

It really depends on the type of volunteer work. If it is possible to do it in the short term, gain experience from it. As long as it doesn't interfer with you finding "gainful employment" as the jargon goes!


lil xx

Yes.
Volunteer posts are a really good way to gain lots of relevant experience, and really benefit the the organisation/area you are working for. I run a voluntary organisation, and we have a real range of volunteers - from people who do one afternoon a year, to people who do full time placements in the office - and it seems to work for nearly all of them!
I do think you should be clear with the people you are volunteering for, and let them know how long you are intending to stay, and that you are actively looking for paid work. Let them know how much notice you'll be able to give them etc and don't leave them unexpectedly in the lurch. Be very clear about what your expectations are, and make sure the work you'll be doing for them is going to be useful to you, or is what you are wanting to contribute to the organisation/cause (it depends a bit on whether you are volunteering to benefit a good cause, or purely wanting work experience in a very competative media type industry or whatever).

Yes, go for it. I've been in paid employment for nearly 20 years, and I'm trying to find some voluntary work that will give me the skills I need to go up the ladder a bit more. I can't get a better job, cos I haven't got the experience, but I can't get the experience, etc. So I need to get it somewhere else. Just trying to add voluntary work to an already full working week and a family is a little tricky...