Jason Sutherland’s Post

Here is the #1 tip that I encourage all unemployed job seekers to do. 👉 Volunteer while you job search Ideally, volunteer doing the type of work you ultimately want to be hired to do. Here are 7 reasons why I recommend seeking out volunteer opportunities while you’re searching for your next role: 🧑🤝🧑 Expand Your Network: Volunteering introduces you to a new circle of people who share your passions. These connections can lead to valuable networking opportunities and even potential job leads. 🛠️ Gain New Skills: Volunteering can provide hands-on experience in areas you’re looking to develop. Whether it’s project management, strategic thinking, or administration, the skills you acquire can make you more marketable. 🚀 Showcase Your Initiative: Employers value candidates who take the initiative to stay active and engaged, even when between jobs. Volunteering demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional growth. 💪 Boost Your Confidence: The job search can sometimes feel like a series of setbacks. Volunteering allows you to contribute meaningfully to a cause, helping to rebuild your confidence and sense of purpose. ⏰ Maintain a Routine: A structured routine can help you stay focused and productive during your job search. Volunteering adds a sense of regularity to your week, making it easier to manage your time effectively. I also really don’t recommend spending more than 20 hours a week job searching, so volunteering can fill the rest of your time. 📄 Fill Gaps on Your Resume: Volunteering is a constructive way to address employment gaps. It shows that you’re proactive and committed to continuous learning, even when not in paid employment. 😊 Improve Your Mental Well-being: Helping others has been shown to reduce stress, combat depression, and keep you mentally stimulated. Volunteering can provide a much-needed emotional boost during what can be a challenging time.

I frequently talk with people who would like to make a career change. Often times they underestimate how difficult that process may be because employers want to see skills relevant to the role rather than just potential. This leads to the challenge of how can I build the skills if no one will give me a chance. Volunteering can be a way to build skills, increase your network, and show initiative while serving your community. It's a win/win scenario that can show potential employers your serious about making a change. https://lnkd.in/gMNpWrv4

"Top-Ten Tips for Encouragement and the Unemployed" is based on my ongoing unemployment odyssey. During a quiet Sunday moment, I thought about all I continue to receive through my volunteerism while unemployed. The epiphany inspired this post (and the nine more to follow). For the next ten workweek days, I'll post a tip to hopefully help folks floating through the LinkedIn universe. I invite positive contributions from anyone reading this to share their lessons, too. It's a wonderful reaffirmation that none of us are alone. "Top-Ten Tips for Encouragement and the Unemployed" Tip#1: VOLUNTEER Some benefits of volunteering: *Keep your skill sets sharp and expand your talents -- cultivate your curiosity. *Abandon isolation and build community. Perhaps one of your new/renewed friendships may ultimately assist your path to employment.  *Schedule some structure to your days (and limit those lost-time activities). *Go beyond yourself and give some good to the world. *Be productive, again. *It's both humbling and delightful to be thanked. *Keep your confidence and recognize your capabilities. *Many of us feel defined by our jobs... instead feel defined by how you are meeting adversity with charity. Be proud of yourself! *Can you think of other benefits to add in the 'Comments' below?

This Week’s Sizzling Job Search Strategy: Do you Volunteer? Volunteering can be more than just a way to give back to your community; it can also be a powerful tool in your job search strategy. By leveraging the connections you make through volunteering, you can uncover hidden job opportunities and strengthen your professional network. How To: When volunteering, be yourself! Engage and build genuine relationships with fellow volunteers and organizers by demonstrating your skills, work ethic, and passion. This could be as a member of a board or committee, or at an event. Let your peers know about your career goals - they might have insider knowledge about job openings or valuable connections. Leverage LinkedIn to connect with your new volunteer-contacts, sending personalized messages to maintain professional ties. Highlight your volunteer work on your LinkedIn profile and resume to find additional like-minded connections. #volunteer #opentowork #jobs

WHAT NEXT?? I kept asking myself, What next after completing an online course? What do I need to do? How do I get jobs? Who do I meet? What really is next?. Well, I decided to do my research on what to do next, and I found these helpful tips: 1. FIND YOUR NICHE: If before now you haven't found a niche, please, by all means, sit down and focus on getting a niche. 2. FIND CONNECTIONS AND NETWORK: You can find connections and network with social media. Make sure the people you're connecting with have similar goals and are in the same niche as you. Reach out to those who have done excellently well in your job area and ask them how they succeeded. 3. SOURCE FOR VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES/JOBS: Of course you'll have to build a portfolio, and you'll need experience, so look for volunteering opportunities where you can apply your skills. Also, you can apply for jobs on several platforms. HOWEVER, Research has shown that 75% of jobs are from word of mouth; they might not even be posted. This is why it is important to tell others you're looking for a job. You never know who'll recommend you. Photo credit: LinkedIn 

🤝 Volunteering: A Great Way to Boost Your Job Search There’s always a demand for volunteers in various causes and organizations, but did you know it can also benefit your job search? Here’s how: ● Build or strengthen skills you can ADD TO YOUR RESUME AND LINKEDIN ● Meet new people and GROW YOUR NETWORK ● Gain experience and CLOSE A GAP IN YOUR RESUME ● Open doors to NEW COMPANIES AND INDUSTRIES you may not have considered Volunteering is a fantastic way to stay active, engaged, and connected while making a difference. Check out Volunteer Match (link in comments) to find a cause you're passionate about – onsite and remote opportunities. The site helps match you to potential opportunities based on your skills, interests, and zip code. Here are a few examples of current volunteer opportunities: ● Business Mentor ● Event Planner ● Music Teacher for Underprivileged ● Translator ● Provide Therapy with your Pet How has volunteering impacted your life or career? 💪 #JobSearch #Volunteer #CareerGrowth #Networking #ResumeConnections

Reaching Your Dream Life Through Self-Reflection “Doing your homework for class is important, but doing homework on yourself is crucial for having the future you so deeply desire.” -Kelly Smith If you are currently on a learning journey or transitioning in life, take some time to really reflect on the following questions. Journal them down somewhere and revisit them throughout life, as your answers may change as you grow. *This can also apply to those who are not happy in their current position or industry. ✨ Where have I always wanted to live? -Moving out of your country, across your country, or across your state IS an option for many. If it is an option, never let anyone limit you to your current geographical location. YOU have the right to choose how you want to mold and shape YOUR life from here on out! Your location can directly impact your success and happiness. I am speaking from experience. 😊 ✨What causes am I interested in? -Plenty of nonprofits need your skills, talents, and your knowledge. Work where you will be fueled with passion! Here are some links from Rat Race Rebellion to get you started: A video for finding remote jobs in a non-profit: https://lnkd.in/eXX2bZzv Nonprofit job listing site: https://lnkd.in/ewqkU8vT ✨What are my interests and passions outside of my career focus? -Have you always wanted to be a lawyer, nurse, mechanic, or construction worker? Take your skills to the industries you love by looking up lists of companies and organizations in those industries. Follow them here on LinkedIn, and other social media platforms. Check out the “Careers” sections on their websites also. *Pro Tip: This is a great way to find jobs that may not be posted on the major job boards yet, if ever. Here is a list of industry specific job boards from Rat Race Rebellion to get you started. Good luck and I am ready to watch everyone live their best lives. 💜💜 https://lnkd.in/eYC7zNcc #JobSearchTips #SelfReflection #MentalHealth *Image Created With Canva Magic Media

I've always said "volunteering is a very good thing" --as Kenneth Lang says--in addition to being "Open to Work" you can also be Open to volunteering--read on. #volunteering #jobsearchtips #profiletips

👉 Moving to a new country is challenging, especially when searching for a job. But what if there’s a way to ease that transition while contributing positively to the community? I’ve got a tip for you that’s not just about #networking and skill-building (although it does those too!). It’s also about making a positive impact on your new community and boosting your confidence. I’m talking about volunteering! 💪 How? 🌐 Networking: meet locals, expats, and professionals, expanding your network and make valuable connections, and open doors to potential job opportunities. 💼 Skill Development: Learn new skills or brush up on existing ones, making you an even more attractive candidate to employers. 🌍 Cultural Competence: Show that you can thrive in different cultures, which is super important in today’s global job market. 📄 CV Enhancement: Prove your commitment to personal growth and community involvement on your CV. 💪 Confidence Boost: Volunteering can help build self-esteem and confidence, both vital during a job search. So don’t hesitate to explore volunteering opportunities in your new country – it’s a win-win situation for you and the community: https://lnkd.in/dA9WebPw