As finding employment continues to look dismal in Jacksonville and around the nation, volunteering could be the path to find new career opportunities.
In April of this year the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the unemployment rate in the Jacksonville metropolitan area was 11.9 percent, about 2 percent higher than the national average.
Finding a job has become full-time work for the unemployed and traditional methods of job searching are not as effective as they used to be. In today’s market the likelihood of getting your résumé noticed and your foot in the door to interview is far greater when you know someone than it is by simply submitting an online resume.
We can’t think of a better way to get to know people than to volunteer and establish relationships within the community.
HandsOn Jacksonville partners with more than 100 local nonprofits to provide volunteer opportunities in Jacksonville and the First Coast.
In addition to facilitating volunteer opportunities with other organizations, HandsOn Jacksonville also manages our own volunteer projects.
We offer training and support for volunteers to become project leaders and develop their own volunteer projects or lead existing ones. These projects cover everything from administrative assistance to construction. Some of our project leaders have even been hired by the organization they led a project for!
Being unemployed can take a toll on people, sometimes creating low self-esteem issues or depression. One of the best perks of volunteering is the “feel-good” you get from helping others and making a difference. In the process you can also get an edge in the job market as you grow your networking contacts, build your résumé and keep your skills sharp. Volunteering is good for anyone, but for job-seekers it just might be your open door to finding employment.
It's All GOOD! 