Can volunteering lead to a job?

The unemployment rate continues to fluctuate and job growth and creation appears to grow at a snail's pace. Job seekers eager to re-enter the workforce and job seekers with little or no work experience have found that their efforts may take time and prove challenging.    Volunteering, particularly with non-profit organizations, just may be the answer.Volunteering offers a low-risk opportunity to gain valuable work experience and establish solid references and contacts.

Prospective employers may be inclined to consider volunteer work when searching for candidates to fill the position and may favor a candidate who has volunteer work experience. Volunteering demonstrates community awareness to social issues and shows that you actually possess the skills needed to perform certain job duties.  It's a win-win situation!

Dislocated workers, graduates from college, stay-at-home mothers looking to re-enter the workforce should look for opportunities to gain work experience by participating in volunteer activities. In fact, volunteers are needed for  United Way of Southwest Alabama's  Annual Day of Caring scheduled for Friday, April 15.

This event celebrates giving, caring and making a difference. Volunteers and sponsors are being recruited to make this event a huge success, according to Kerry Cohen, marketing and communications director for United Way of Southwest Alabama. Registration deadline is Friday, March 25. For more information, please visit www.uwswa.org  or call 251/431-0113.