A surprising fact about job search in Canada is that, unlike other countries, Canadian employers value volunteer experience as much as actual experience! Volunteering in Canada is rather a norm and not just an option.
What is volunteering?
Volunteering is when you do unpaid work for a good cause. The goal is to give back to the community and gain valuable experience.
Why should you volunteer?
You will find that Canadian employers value soft skills as much as technical skills when it comes to selecting an ideal candidate for the role. Volunteering is a great way to build up Canadian experience to put on your resume and show to the employers that you are able to work well in a Canadian setting. It is also a great way to meet new people and be integrated into the new culture. Most importantly, you will get to demonstrate your leadership skills which is a must-have quality that will set you apart as a job candidate.
How to volunteer?
Volunteering can come in many shapes and forms. You can volunteer for non-profit organizations, university student clubs, or charity organizations for a good cause. Volunteering can be either short-term or long-term.
- Short-term: Short-term volunteering is when you get involved with an organization for a one-time engagement. This means that you are just helping them out to support a good cause. For example, you might be a student volunteer at a local non-profit event or networking fair.
- Long-term: Long-term volunteering is something that you will get more value out of it. This is when you have a position at an organization and an assigned responsibility. For example, you might become a VP of Operations at a charity organization that supporting employment equality.
How does volunteering help you with your job search?
When committing to a volunteering opportunity, evaluate the time commitment and expected responsibility first. Since this is an unpaid opportunity, you will need to ensure that you are putting your time towards something that you really care about or that you can gain valuable experience back in return.
Find a volunteer opportunity that will allow you to gain experience in the field of your interest. For example, if you want to become an Operations Manager after graduation, find a volunteer opportunity that can give you a similar title or responsibility. This will allow you to show the employers that you have transferable skills.
