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Friday, August 27, 2010

Mixing Volunteer Work and Your Professional Life

by Sean O'Grady, CareerTV


Seton Hall University's Director of Career Services, Jacqueline Chaffin, answers questions about bringing up your volunteer experience as part of a job application and about mixing volunteer activities with your professional life.

Question: I do a lot of volunteer work but I don't want to look like a goody-two-shoes. What's the best way to bring up my activities during an interview?

JC: First, be proud of your volunteer experiences to date, as employers highly value these types of activities and are looking for in college grads.

Additionally, hiring managers know as new college grads, you may not have had significant internship experience or pre-professional experience.

Also, volunteer experiences are a great indication of one's passion, commitment, and dedication. All attributes that companies are looking for in new hires.

I want to start up a volunteer program at my job but I've only been with the company for three months. Is this OK, and if so, what's the best way to go about it?

First it's great that you want to start up a volunteer program at your company. However, it is advisable that you wait a minimum of six and possibly even nine months to make sure you have established yourself as a responsible and professional individual.

Then I would encourage you to seek the guidance of your immediate supervisor. He or she may direct you to someone in human resources who can provide more information about company policies. Many companies today are offering some release time for volunteer efforts. Maybe a day, possibly two days.

Again, if you get the green light to proceed, proceed cautiously, do your research, and always keep your supervisor apprised. And remember, any time dedicated to your campaign should be considered outside business hours.

Is it appropriate to ask coworkers or supervisors to sponsor you in charitable walks and marathons?

Generally yes, however, it is always advisable to seek the guidance of your supervisor and also consult with the company's policies, both formal and informal. It's best to run the idea by your supervisor.

And if he or she gives you permission, it is acceptable to send a one-time email to the colleagues that you work day in and day out with. It is not appropriate to send a mass email to everyone in the company or knock on the door of someone you don't know.

Also, always remember to thank those who did contribute to your charitable organization and be sure to keep any work on your charitable organization out of working hours.

See the video of this article and get more career help and employer videos at www.careertv.com where you'll find the largest collection of career videos online.

Copyright 2008 CareerTV, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


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