Volunteering During Job Transition: Good Idea!

I wanted to take a moment to say a word or two about volunteering during career transition. While it is not always feasible to give your time to unpaid work when you've been laid off, downsized or outsourced, it is something that you should consider carefully. As the organizer of the JobCamp event, I was helped by over 150 dedicated volunteers, foremost among them a group of twelve selfless individuals who put in an effort that any company would be proud sing about.

I could not tell you how many of the 150 interviewers and resume doctors and presenters are currently without employment (probably many of them), but I can tell you that many--most--of the core organizing team are unemployed or severely underemployed.

In other circumstances you may question the wisdom of why someone would devote so much time and effort to something that would not put a cent into their pockets. Granted, there is a certain amount of feelgood popularity that results from being involved in an event that benefits the community and that's enough reason for some to do it. But when you look at the resounding recommenation that it gives those individuals when they walk into their next interview and explain what they did when the chips were down?

Wow.

I challenge any area employer not to be impressed with the individuals who worked on the Milwaukee JobCamp team. They exemplified the very best qualities we seek in employees--dedication, belief in the mission of the organization, consideration and teamwork, communication, the ability to prioritize, diplomacy, and camaraderie.

Before dismissing any opportunity out of hand when you are in transition, consider the opportunity and adventure that it might provide. And consider the message that it sends to your next potential employer.