Even though we’ve been told for the last 8 years that the American economy is better and unemployment is down, we all know, at least in the areas outside the metropolitan areas that the job market is still tough. There are millions looking for jobs and millions who have given up. There’s a saying that you’re more likely to get a job if you have a job, which we find to be true. But, what can you do to avoid a gap in your job history if you’ve lost your job for whatever reason and you haven’t found a job?
The answer is deceptively easy…
don’t allow a gap in your employment to happen. All you have to do is volunteer! Every community has ample opportunities to volunteer in schools, non-profits, and other areas. Your volunteer job will fill that gap in your resume and make you more employable. The key is to volunteer strategically.
Do your research
and find opportunities that either make use of your skill set or volunteer in a setting where you get yourself in front of decision-makers in the industry in which you want to work. Our community has a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities, Hands On Central California, where non –profits post their needs. Examples include publicity coordinator, thrift store clerk, and front desk. If you don’t have a similar organization in your community, you can easily find places that need your help. In a more strategic manner, you can research the companies for which you’d like to work and find out what non-profits they support and possibly get yourself in front of decision makers. So, there’s no excuse for having a gap on your resume. Go out and volunteer, it makes your resume look better and you will also feel better about yourself.