Can voulantary work fill a gap in employment?

Question

I lost my job about a year ago now and have been being supported my my partner. I've been finding it harder to find work and the gap is getting bigger by the day. If i started doing voulantary work, would this help at all?.

Answer 1

this is an open letter to 'recruiter'. whats the weather like up there on your high horse? im sure that seeing as you live breathe and sleep for recruiting, it must seem really easy to get a job, right? how long have you been doing your job? because if youd have tried looking for work in the last year or so on your own (not going to a recruitment agency) youd see how bloody hard it is. its quite worrying though how you seem terrified of working for free. im betting that anyone whos around you long enough will pay for your time, one way or the other.

people come on here when they need advice or help. vicious, self involved people like you come here to judge others to validate yourself because, at the end of the day, no matter how much you love your job, your missing something from your life, and im guessing in your case, you havent had a real relationship in quite some time.

and by the way, as gembas fiancee, i am quite offended that you seem to think she should choose between a career and me? what world are you from where you cant have both? i guess you chose your career right? well, i hope you enjoy your marks and spencer meal for one tonight. maybe one day you'll find someone who loves your job as much as you do, and you can have a family of little jobs running around your loveless house.

Answer 2

Yes

Answer 3

Volunteer work is a great way to fill a gap in employment.  But, don't worry about having a gap in your employment during an interview.  Just be honest about it.  Employers respect that you have taken time out for yourself.  In fact, as long as you still have the skills they require, you may be a better candidate because you will be fresh to the field again.  Good luck finding some volunteer work!!

Answer 4

i would say yes.

Answer 5

Yes. The economy is terrible. I am sorry you lost your job. I think that employers will look at you and say "Hey, this person was working for free and trying to stay busy. Thats something commendable." Is the volunteer work pertaining to a job you want to acquire? If so than put it on your resume. If not than I wouldn't put it on there. They may assume that you were justs putsing. Goodluck on finding a job. Have you thought about temping?

Answer 6

You have not been working for over a year?  Why is your 'partner' not working?  Blaming your inability to obtain a job on the economy is a crock.  The time you spend doing 'voluntary' work should be spent securing yourself a successful position.  

If you are interviewing for a position above sandwhich maker or slurpie machine mechanic and you tell me or any intelligent hiring manager that you were working for free because no one would pay you to work for them... Well, that is a serious red flag.  No matter how blunt or distasteful you consider this email consider this conversation:

Manager: Where have you been working?

you: nowhere

you: It is hard to secure a job

Manager: Oh

you: I have found people who hired me to do their job.  However, they did not pay me for my time.

Manager: Oh, I see why they hired you.  you can work for me free too.

It is just a major red flag - no matter what your situation is.  The only exception would be if you are in Highschool or possibly 18 - 24 and attending college full time.

People are still paying recruiters $10,000 - 19,000 for quality employees recession or not.

You should reconsider your career path or your partner