How can volunteering help my job hunt in Alberta?
Categories: Volunteering
Volunteering can help newcomers to Alberta build local work experience and connections, and ultimately help with a job search.
Why Volunteer
Alberta has a booming job market, but that doesn’t mean it’s as easy as walking into a job. In reality, employers often like to see local experience - especially if you are new to Canada. Canadian and Alberta work experience can help you set your resume apart from your competition.
Volunteering, especially for positions that are related to your field, is a great way to add relevant local work experience to your resume.
You can gain:
- Knowledge of your local work market
- References you can use on your resume
- Experience in your field
- Contacts in your professional network
How to Approach a Volunteer Opportunity
Almost all volunteering is done in the non-profit and public sector. However, volunteering positions can sometimes be competitive! It’s always best to appear professional and curtious, and even work to sell your skills and talents to your potential volunteer opportunity.
The best way to find volunteer opportunities is through your networks, by researching organizations in your area and approaching them directly, or though organizations like Volunteer Alberta. Contact your local volunteer centre for more information.
How to List Experience
Many people choose to list their volunteer experience on their resumes, especially if it is in their field.
Volunteer experience that is not relevant to your field can often be listed as “other experience” or “volunteer experience” on a resume. Volunteer experience related to your profession can be listed under “relevant experience,” or even as “work experience,” as long as you label it accordingly.
Let your volunteer experience set you apart from your competators in the Alberta job market!
More Information
Local Volunteer Centres in Alberta
2 Responses on “How can volunteering help my job hunt in Alberta?”
Have something to add? Please leave a comment.
Local immigrant and settlement agencies are often looking for volunteer help.
You can find them here:
http://www.aaisa.ca/
Thanks, Hakim. That’s an excellent resource for newcomers who might wish to work with other people new to Alberta.