Scarf’s Post

💥 Think volunteering doesn't belong on your CV? Think again! 😊 Contrary to popular belief, those hours spent helping out in your community can be the secret sauce to making your CV stand out in a sea of applicants. 🌟 Whether you're flipping burgers at the local shelter or organizing charity events, volunteering shows potential employers that you're not just about the paycheck – you're about making a difference. 💪 Plus, it demonstrates valuable skills like teamwork, leadership, and empathy. So next time you're tempted to brush off that volunteer experience, remember: it could be the thing that lands you your dream job. #VolunteerPower #StandOutCV #MakingADifference #SkillsForSuccess #Recruitment #Headhunting #TalentAcquisition 

“I run because it’s so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can’t. But then you find your inner strength, and realize you’re capable of so much more than you thought.” Arthur Blank In less than a week’s time I will be donning the fluorescent orange tee as I willingly run/crawl/cry up the Trundle as part of Chichester Half Marathon, a milestone on the way to running Brighton Marathon in April 2025. Whilst this may be a big personal challenge, it is nothing compared to the mountains that our amazing jobseekers are facing: Since we re-launched our contract in July, Workaid and Supported Employment West Sussex have had contact with over 330 disabled people in 3 months. Our capacity for a full 12 months is 120. We fiercely believe and know that our support changes lives and workplaces: In the same first 3 months we have already supported 60 people into paid and voluntary roles across West Sussex. So many people are told over and over again that they ‘can’t’ or there is no space for them at the table. “I’m sorry, we went for a candidate who had more experience this time” (Said to the candidate who had 5 years of relevant experience above and beyond the role they applied for) “I’m sorry, we just wouldn’t have the time to help” (When we had offered 6 weeks of free job coaching) “I’m sorry, but have you tried volunteering?” (said to the 2:1 graduate who had been volunteering for 6 years after graduating). Our team provide vital support, encouragement and guidance for disabled people and employers. Help us continue this work by considering donating to us- your support could help us reach more people who are desperate to work and be part of their communities, helping them to access the right to be able to have a career and be part of something bigger. Your support can also help us reach out to employers across West Sussex and champion diverse workplaces- building on the success of our partnerships with the incredible ILG (International Logistics Group Ltd) Nando's UK & IRE and others! Support Change. Live Life. Change Lives. #SupportedEmployment #Collaboration #DiverseWorkplaces #ChampionChange

#Volunteering for non-profit organisations has changed my life! I would recommend it to anyone working in the corporate sector who is looking for greater #Purpose in their life, an outlet for their #CommunitySpirit and desire to help others less fortunate, or just an opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills. If you’re at a crossroads in your life, becoming a #Volunteer for a cause or causes you care about may be just what you’re looking for. Finding a balance between paid and voluntary roles (and people and animal charities) has worked wonders for my #MentalHealth. It’s so easy to lose yourself on that treadmill, chasing corporate targets. #VolunteersWeek (3rd-9th June 2024) provides the perfect opportunity to rethink your priorities and explore where you could support your community and beyond. Search for volunteer opportunities and recruitment events in your area, and look for roles and organisations that match your: > Values > Interests (current or aspirational) > Available time I'm sure you won't regret it. It’s made me a better person, kinder to myself and those around me, and a better employee, more focussed, productive and loyal, to ensure I leave everything orderly for colleagues when I’m not in the office and still fully support those corporate targets that help pay the bills! Already volunteer? I’d love to hear your story. #BeTheChange #DoGood #MakeADifference #WorkLifeBalance #FlexibleWorking

🤩 Volunteer Charter - Principle 7 🤩 🚫💸 Volunteers at We Too! shouldn’t be used to cut costs or replace paid Ninjas—that’s not how we roll! 🙅♀️🙅♂️ Imagine volunteers as the sidekick in your favourite movie—helping out, bringing energy, and saving the day when needed, but they’re not the lead actor! 🎬 🤩 Principle 7: Volunteers should not be used to reduce contract costs nor be a replacement for paid workers in competitive tenders or procurement processes. Volunteers help enhance the work, but they shouldn’t be used as a “budget hack” to take the place of the Ninjas! The Ninjas are the experts doing the important work, and they deserve to be recognized for their skills and experience! 👏 Do you think you have what it takes to be a Volunteer Ninja with We Too! 🤔 If you would like more information on the Volunteer Charter, please follow the link! https://lnkd.in/egnUV3na or if you are interested in getting involved drop our Volunteer Coordinator an email - sofie@wetoo.org.uk #Volunteering #Aberdeen #Charity #ASN #SmallCharityBigImpact #Recruitment #Parent #Carer #Students #WeToo #NinjaAssemble #MoreThanAMagazine

Adding your #volunteering experience to your CV might feel like bragging... But it's one of the most powerful ways to showcase who you really are 🎉 I've seen countless applications from people trying to break into the #charity sector. The ones that truly stand out? Those who've already shown their commitment through volunteering. Volunteering demonstrates 👇 1️⃣ Genuine passion for causes beyond your day job. 2️⃣ Adaptability - to new situations and people from various backgrounds 3️⃣ Speaks volumes about your values and understanding of social issues. 4️⃣ That you are willing to take on challenges that may be outside your comfort zone. Please don't hide your PAST & PRESENT volunteering experience. Have a volunteering section in your #CV. Add it to your LinkedIn profile too. Because in the #charitysector, we're not just looking for skills. We're looking for people who genuinely care. Remember, your volunteering experience isn't just something you did... It is part of who you are 🙌😍 #makeadifference #charityjobs #volunteeringexperience

🧡 Looking for Everyday Heroes! 🧡 Do you have a few hours to spare each week? Our volunteers are the heart of ellenor, from helping in our shops to supporting events or working behind the scenes. Volunteering isn’t just about giving; it’s about gaining too new friendships, skills, and the joy of making a difference. 👉 Interested? Get in touch today and join our amazing team of change makers. Check out our website here ellenor.org #ellenor #hiring #volunteering #volunteers #hospicecharity #hospicejobs #charityjobs #charity #teamellenor #jobhunting #jobsearch #kentjobs #recruiting

This past weekend, I had the privilege of stepping into the boots of Santa Claus at my local church Craft Fair. For the fourth year in a row, I donned the red suit, greeted excited children, and posed for pictures that brought smiles to both kids and their parents. But this role goes beyond spreading holiday cheer—it’s an opportunity to give back. Our Santa photo sessions raised funds for the church’s Outreach program, ensuring that children in need will have presents under the tree this Christmas. Volunteering has been a constant in my life, and during my job search, it’s become even more rewarding. It reminds me of the importance of: ✅ Purpose: Supporting meaningful causes keeps me grounded and focused on the positive impact we can all have. ✅ Community: Connecting with others, whether they’re children excited to meet Santa or parents supporting a great cause, strengthens my relationships and network. ✅ Leadership through service: Volunteering is a great way to demonstrate commitment, reliability, and the ability to bring people together for a common goal. For anyone currently seeking their next opportunity, I encourage you to find ways to volunteer in your community. It’s a powerful way to build skills, expand your network, and make a difference—all while lifting your own spirits in the process. What are some ways you’ve given back recently? I’d love to hear your stories! #Volunteering #JobSearch #CommunityImpact #LeadershipThroughService #GivingBack

I’ve always liked using the metaphor of planning a road trip to explain crafting a #nonprofit #development or #fundraising plan. Now that I’m actually deep into planning a 4-week cross country trip (leaving in 2 weeks, woohoo!), I like this metaphor even more. I started with a general destination - I knew I wanted to see my cousins in Miami - and a few big goals: 1. Visit friends along the way 2. See as many national parks as possible 3. Explore the spaces in between big cities that I’d never otherwise get to see I’m staying in some big cities, because that’s where my friends tend to live; I’m also camping in the Ozarks, a national forest in Alabama, and a state park on the Gulf in Louisiana. And I’ve got 6 national parks on the itinerary (Zion, Mesa Verde, Hot Springs, Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains, and Joshua Tree). Because I’ve prioritized seeing as much as possible, I’m sacrificing longer overnight stays in favor of driving a little every day with lots of stops. To keep a reasonable budget, I’ve allotted some time in hotels, some time in campgrounds, and some time in friends’ guest rooms or living rooms where I can stay for free. And, perhaps trickiest of all since I like to have things planned and set, I’m allowing myself to make changes even at this late date - and leave some room for flexibility later on - as I get new information or advice along the way. Just as much fun as making a development plan. Maybe a little less number crunching. 😉

Happy National Rivers Month! Ways to Celebrate: 🛶 Enjoy a local river - maybe try a new water sport like canoeing or paddle boarding. Practice meditation or mindful movement by a river. These activities will do wonders for your mental and physical health! 🗑️ Do a cleanup - be a river steward by participating in or leading a cleanup. Remember to bring trash bags, and use work gloves to protect your hands from sharp and dirty items. 👥 Organize a meetup - arrange an event to celebrate your local river with friends and community members. Try something simple like hosting your next book club meeting by the river. Expand your reach by contacting a local environmental non-profit or rowing club to collaborate on a river-focused event. 📑 Research local river heritage - this month is a great time to learn about the history of your local river. How was it used by indigenous people, and how did these uses evolve through today? #nationalriversmonth #riverheritage #rivers #riverconservation #stewardship

Mandatory volunteering or military service…. I’ve volunteered for nearly 19 years in mountain rescue and I can see the value of getting involved. A chance to learn new skills. Form long lasting friendships. A chance to really make a difference. I can think of a lot of times I’ve come away from a job feeling like I’ve helped someone who was having a really bad day. To see them end up in a better place than when they called for help. It’s a great feeling. The current scheme feels more like youngsters being “voluntold” than volunteering. A campaigning sound bite to appeal to a segment of the population. What I’ve heard sounds total bonkers but there is a great idea behind it if implemented with the right intent. First, make a career in the services attractive and give people skills and support for when they leave. Treat it seriously. For those who don’t want to join up, let’s maximise opportunities. Help charities and other organisations to get youngsters involved. In meaningful work where they can build skills and learn from others. Where they can form meaningful bonds with people they may well not normally interact with. Generate lots of opportunities and make them attractive so just about every kid wants to be involved. Attract, not coerce.