You’ve sent out CVs. You’ve sent decent emails, optimistic emails and also desperate emails. You’ve also stood at the corner of the street with a billboard. You’ve honestly done all you can to try to be of value and of service in this economy yet nothing seems to work. Perhaps it’s time to try one more approach that could place you directly in the job you want.
Perhaps the question you need to ask yourself is this: Would I rather be at home doing nothing with my experience and qualifications, or would I rather be in a space where I can still be of service and value even if I’m not getting paid for it?
Being unemployed and unable to bring bread or butter to the table is a struggle many educated people face, a struggle most people don’t even know how to deal with anymore. Who anticipates being unemployed after graduation? But when you reach the point of realizing that you can’t find a job, perhaps the question you need to ask yourself is this: would I rather be at home doing nothing with my experience and qualifications, or would I rather be in a space where I can still be of service and add value even if I’m not getting paid for it? This is a personal question to answer and in this situation you are in, hopefully you’ve arrived at knowing you have to volunteer your way into the job you want.
The thought of working without getting paid can be troubling. But to win this mental battle of self-worth, keep asking yourself that question until you realize that perhaps the decision to make right now is to volunteer your way back into the workforce. You have skills, experience, and your higher education is the cherry on top. No employer worth their salt is going to watch you suffer financially while you continue to do amazing work and add real value to their company. Sometimes, volunteering is the very step that opens the door to the job you want.
See your volunteering season as an extended job interview.
To succeed at getting this job, see your volunteering season as an extended job interview. You’ve finally got your foot in the door. Although you aren’t getting paid yet, this is your opportunity to deliver through action. Instead of selling yourself with words in a brief interview, now you have the opportunity to show your potential employer just how much you can contribute – this is an opportunity for you to showcase what you are capable of. You’re not volunteering towards nothing; you’re volunteering toward a very specific goal: securing a job opportunity and eventually earning an income.
Once you get a volunteering position, recondition your mindset. Tell yourself: I’ve got the job, although I’m just not getting paid for it yet. Trust that, if you consistently add value and go above and beyond, within a month, no employer will want to let you go. Show up early. Do your best work. Be dependable. You’ll stand out.
Yes, the thought of spending your own money to get to and from work can be difficult; the food you have to eat and all of that. A reasonable employer should be willing to negotiate transportation costs to help minimize the burden. That’s something you should bring up during your initial discussions.
Ultimately, volunteering puts you in spaces where you can rub shoulders with the right people, those who can witness your work ethic and dedication firsthand. One positive step often leads to another. So don’t give up. Sometimes, the best way forward is to give your time, your effort, and your energy until opportunity meets your preparation. Do not give up! You employer is out there waiting to change your life for the better.
