Does Volunteering Help or Hinder Your CV?
Volunteering is a powerful way to give back to the community, but did you know it can also play a crucial role in your job search? Whether you're doing an internship in a professional capacity or contributing to a charity or community organisation, volunteering offers numerous benefits that can boost your employability. Here in New Zealand, where the job market is quite competitive at the moment, these advantages can make all the difference.
How Volunteering Enhances Your CV
1. Development of New Skills
Volunteering provides an excellent platform to develop new skills—both technical and soft. According to a 2022 survey by SEEK, 63% of employers in New Zealand consider volunteer work as valuable as paid work when assessing candidates. While the skills you gain might not be directly related to your desired career, they are often transferable. Skills like problem-solving, teamwork, resilience, and client-facing abilities are highly sought after by employers across various industries.
2. Networking Opportunities
In New Zealand’s close-knit professional community, who you know can sometimes be as important as what you know. Volunteering can open doors to new contacts, helping you build relationships with a diverse range of individuals—from fellow volunteers to charity executives and board members. Networking through volunteering can lead to job offers, recommendations, and insider knowledge about industry opportunities. A 2023 LinkedIn study found that 70% of professionals in New Zealand secured their current role through networking, underscoring the importance of connections.
3. Adding Relevant Experience
Volunteering can also provide you with industry-specific experience that is highly relevant to your career goals. In fields like social work, environmental science, or even digital marketing, volunteering can give you hands-on experience that is just as valuable as paid work. A recent study by Volunteering New Zealand revealed that 80% of volunteers believe their experiences have positively impacted their employability. Listing volunteer work on your CV shows potential employers that you are proactive, passionate, and dedicated to your field of interest.
4. Enhancing Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is increasingly recognised as a key trait for career success. Volunteering helps you develop a high EQ by exposing you to diverse situations and people, enhancing your empathy, self-awareness, and adaptability. In the workplace, a high EQ translates to better teamwork, leadership, and customer service. Employers in New Zealand are increasingly prioritising candidates with strong EQ, seeing it as a predictor of long-term success in roles requiring interpersonal interaction.
Volunteering: A Strategic Career Move
In New Zealand, where community engagement is highly valued, volunteering is not just a way to give back but a strategic move in your career. Whether you're looking to develop new skills, expand your network, gain relevant experience, or enhance your emotional intelligence, volunteering offers a pathway to career growth.
If you’re currently seeking your next job, take a look at the opportunities we have available at Adecco New Zealand. We’re here to help you navigate your job search and position yourself for success, so reach out to our team today.