How volunteering can support your next career move

• Volunteering can help people build confidence, develop new skills, and stay connected to others.
• It can also provide valuable experience to include on CVs and discuss in job interviews.
• Overall, volunteering supports charities, community groups, and other organisations while helping people move closer to work.

Looking for work can be challenging.

For some people, it can affect their confidence, routine, and motivation, particularly if they've been searching for a while. Others may be returning to work after a break, just starting their career, or considering a change in direction.

During periods like these, it can be helpful to find activities that offer a sense of purpose, create opportunities to learn new things, and help maintain connections with other people.

Volunteering is one option that some people choose to explore.

It won't be right for everyone. Some people may be balancing caring responsibilities, managing health conditions, or facing financial pressures that make it difficult to commit their time without the benefit of a pay packet. 

For those who are able to get involved, however, volunteering can be a rewarding way to support a cause they care about while gaining valuable experience and developing new skills.

Here are five ways volunteering can support your wellbeing and your next career move.

1. It can help build confidence

Being out of work for can sometimes affect how people feel about themselves and their abilities.

Volunteering provides a chance to contribute, learn new skills, and make a difference. Achieving goals, supporting others, and taking on responsibilities can help people recognise the value they have to offer.

For young people entering the world of work for the first time, volunteering can also be an opportunity to gain confidence in new environments and develop workplace skills.

2. It helps create structure and routine

Many people find that having a regular routine supports their wellbeing.

Volunteering can provide purpose and structure to the week, helping people stay active and engaged while they look for work.

This doesn't have to mean volunteering every day. Even a few hours a week can create a sense of momentum and help people feel more connected to their goals.

3. You can develop valuable skills

Volunteering often gives people the opportunity to build and practise skills that employers value.

Depending on the role, this might include:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Organisation
• Leadership
• Customer service
• Practical and technical skills
• Reliability and time management

The type of skills gained will vary.

Someone helping at a community event may develop teamwork and organisational skills, while somebody supporting a sports club, charity shop, conservation project, food bank, or community group may gain a completely different set of experiences.

Whatever the case, these skills can strengthen job applications and provide useful examples during interviews.

4. It can help fill gaps in your CV

Many jobseekers worry about periods when they haven't been in paid employment.

Volunteering can demonstrate that you've remained active, committed, and willing to learn. It can also provide recent examples of responsibilities, achievements, and skills development.

Employers often value practical experience gained through volunteering, particularly when candidates can clearly explain what they learned and how it relates to the role they are applying for.

5. It can help you meet new people

Looking for work can sometimes feel isolating.

Volunteering creates opportunities to meet people, build relationships, and become part of a community. Alongside the wellbeing benefits of social interaction, these connections can also lead to new opportunities, advice, and insights into different careers and industries.

For people who have been out of work for some time, simply spending time with others and working towards a shared goal can have a positive impact on wellbeing.

Volunteering benefits more than the volunteer

It's also important to remember that volunteering has value in its own right.

Across the country, charities, community groups, sports clubs, environmental projects, and other organisations rely on volunteers to support the people and communities they serve. By volunteering, people can make a genuine contribution to causes they care about while supporting others.

Many volunteers choose to get involved because they want to make a difference. The skills, experience, and confidence they gain can be a valuable bonus.

A positive step for some jobseekers

Volunteering isn't a replacement for paid employment, and it isn't an option for everyone.

However, for people who are able to take part, it can be a useful way to build confidence, develop skills, gain experience, and stay connected while looking for work.

Small steps can make a difference. For some, volunteering provides an opportunity to learn something new, meet new people, support a worthwhile cause, and move one step closer to work.

Looking for support with your job search, career development, or next steps into employment? Visit our Support Services section to explore the help available from The Growth Company.

The Growth Company

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a 35-year history of enabling growth, creating jobs, and improving lives. We help people and businesses to develop, grow, and succeed through a range of employment, skills, and business support services. We provide employment, justice, and health services across the North of England and beyond.

Learn more about the health and wellbeing support that we deliver.