Blog Post: Non-Profits Can Propel Your Career

We've all heard it before: employers won't hire you for a particular field unless you have experience, and you can't get the experience without an employer hiring you. So how are you supposed to get the experience when no one will hire you without it.

Answer: Volunteer! By volunteering for your favorite non-profit, doing the career that you are struggling to get experience for, you'll quickly be able to list the non-profit gig as "experience" on your resume.

For example, if you would like a position in marketing, but you have no marketing experience, consider volunteering for the local non-profit of your choice (i.e. a battered women's shelter or an animal rescue facility) doing a marketing job. The organization will love your interest and passion, and you'll quickly be able to liven up your resume with true, legitimate marketing experience.

This works for virtually any career field: bookkeeping, event planning, training, etc. You must remember to treat this relationship as a work relationship--show up on time, meet the deadlines you are given, and build great relationships while you're there. After all, the organization will become your reference regarding your experience in this particular career field.

Good luck in your search!

Eric Knott, President

Career Development Services

www.careerdevelopmentaz.com