Hot Tip Tuesday #03 (Remastered) – Make Volunteering Work for Your Career

Volunteering is often seen as something you do for others - and it is. But it can also be something you do for yourself.

For many people, volunteering becomes a way to rebuild routine, reconnect with others, and regain a sense of direction. Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, returning after time away, or considering a change, volunteering can help you move forward in a practical and meaningful way.

It’s not about working for free in the hope of being “noticed.” It’s about staying active, building confidence, and creating opportunities to grow.

Why volunteering can help your job search

Volunteering allows you to demonstrate your strengths in a real-world setting. Even a few hours a week can make a difference - not just to the organisation you support, but to your own confidence and momentum.

Through volunteering, you can:

• Build recent experience. This is especially valuable if you’ve been out of the workforce for a while.

• Develop and practise workplace skills. Communication, teamwork, time management, and reliability all carry across into paid roles.

• Meet new people. Many opportunities come through conversations and connections, not just job ads.

• Gain referees. A volunteer coordinator or supervisor can speak to your attitude and contribution.

• Explore different types of work. Volunteering can help you test your interest in a field before committing to it.

• Restore confidence and routine. Having somewhere to be, and something to contribute, can make the next step feel more achievable.

These are all things employers notice - not because you volunteered, but because of what it shows about you.

Choosing the right opportunity

Not all volunteering experiences are the same. The most helpful roles are the ones that align with your interests, your goals, and your capacity.

It’s okay to start small. It’s okay to try something and decide it’s not for you. And it’s okay to ask questions before you begin.

Look for opportunities where you feel welcomed, supported, and valued - not pressured.

Your rights as a volunteer

Volunteering should always be a positive and respectful experience.

You have the right to:

• A safe and healthy environment

• Clear expectations about your role

• Appropriate training and support

• Respect and fair treatment

You should never feel unsafe, taken advantage of, or obligated to continue if the role isn’t right for you.

A step - not a shortcut

Volunteering isn’t a guarantee of paid work. But it is a way of building readiness.

It shows initiative. It builds confidence. It creates connection.

And often, it helps people see themselves differently - not as someone waiting for an opportunity, but as someone already contributing.

That shift can make a real difference.

How Glenorchy Jobs Hub can support you

If you’re considering volunteering and aren’t sure where to begin, Glenorchy Jobs Hub can help you explore options that make sense for you — and connect that experience to your longer-term goals.

It’s about helping you take the next step, at your pace, and in your way.