Volunteering: A Job Search Strategy

With the tight job market, volunteering is an excellent way to not only gain experience, but expand your network of contacts. Think of ways an organization can benefit from your skills: organizing events, developing a PowerPoint presentation, writing an article for a newsletter, recruiting volunteers, etc. Be sure to include these experiences in your resume under "Relavent Experience."

As mentioned, volunteering also expands your network of contacts and lets individuals see first-hand your skills, commitment to the community, and work ethic. People like to hire hardworking people they know (or people who are recommended to them), so increase your network by volunteering.