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How To Transition A Voluntary Position Into A Full-time Job

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Volunteering is an excellent avenue to securing a permanent job. Although volunteering is purposefully for giving back to the community or serving a cause you are passionate about, nothing stops you from using it to improve your job search and secure a permanent job. With hard work, passion, patience, and showing that you are capable, you could turn your volunteer position into a permanent one with a salary.

Why you should consider volunteering

Volunteering can help you advance your job search and career in several ways. First off, find a volunteer position that will enable you to learn new skills. If you need to polish some skills you already possess, find a position that will ensure that you practice those skills. Besides these, volunteering can give you a better idea of how an industry works if you consider a career change.

Volunteering is an excellent avenue to securing a permanent job. Although volunteering is purposefully for giving back to the community or serving a cause you are passionate about, nothing stops you from using it to improve your job search.Click To Tweet

But before you decide to volunteer, first consider the organization or what causes you support. Choosing an organization you like will make your experience enjoyable and push you to do your best. For example, if you love to be around and help older people, you might want to work at an assisted living facility.

Here are some feasible tips to help you turn your volunteering into a permanent job.

Be straightforward

Right from the start, be honest and straightforward about your desire to be a permanent salaried employee of the organization. Letting the volunteer manager know your intentions from the first day allows them to begin to assess your capabilities. Once they begin to keep tabs on you, you will be considered if such a position becomes available in the future.

Offer your time

Patience is vital to turn your volunteerism into a job, and there are several considerations to be made. If you are working for a non-profit, these considerations could even be more due to possible budget constraints. However, just continue putting in the work and making the right connections.

Show your passion

Let your passion drive you to do the job. You may have to wait a while before getting a formal employment offer. So, in the meantime, your passion will be your ace in the hole. You will undoubtedly get noticed by the organization’s right people when your passion shows through your work.

Exhibit professionalism

Even though you are volunteering, it is also a valued job, and you should treat it as such. Respect the working conditions and follow all rules and regulations. Take your position seriously and execute all tasks assigned to you with absolute professionalism.

Build bridges

Build relationships and interact with a lot of people in the organization. This will help you expand your network in the organization and allow you to take on more responsibility to showcase your skills

Learn the culture

Often, hiring managers like to hire people who are already conversant with the organization’s culture, and working there gives you that advantage. Coupled with your hard work, dedication, and passion, if a spot opens up in a position that you qualify for, that makes you a shoo-in for the role. So, learn as much of the organizational culture and practice it.

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