Volunteering advice

Volunteering can help you make career choices. You can test out different jobs to find out what you prefer. You’ll also gain experience and develop soft skills that are useful in all careers.

Benefits of volunteering

Through volunteering you can:

• find out what's involved in a job to see if it's for you
• try out different career ideas
• learn new skills or build on ones you already have
• meet new people and develop your network of contacts
• boost your confidence
• give back to your community

Choosing a volunteering position

You may have to take small steps to get to your perfect volunteering opportunity. It can be very competitive and for some volunteering opportunities, you might need to be over 18.

You may have a specific career in mind that you’d like to gain experience in. Or you might be looking to get back into work and volunteering could be a good first step.

Be creative about where you'll go and what you're willing to do. This approach can help you gain skills for the long term.

Research the sector you’re interested in. It's useful to look for roles where you could develop your soft skills, such as:

• public speaking
• organisation
• leadership
• communication

Ideas for specific careers

You might have a specific career in mind and want to get experience through volunteering. Even if the role is not exactly what you want, the experience will likely still be valuable.

For example you could:

• show your commitment by pet sitting or dog walking if your final goal is to work with animals
• get experience of looking after people by volunteering in a care home if you’d like to train to be a nurse
• write a blog or volunteer to do communications for a local charity if you’re aiming for a career in media
• help at an after school club or activities like Brownies and Scouts if you’re interested in teaching or working with children

By gaining related experience, you'll build contacts and learn new skills which will help you to get closer to achieving your goal.

Applying for volunteer positions

You’ll need a CV and a cover letter to apply for most volunteering positions.

Whether you apply for an advertised role or approach organisations directly, you should show you’re:

• eager to help and put your skills to good use
• hardworking, trustworthy and reliable
• able to commit to the time the organisation needs

You can find volunteering opportunities through:

• National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)
• Do IT
• Volunteering Matters
• Citizens Advice

Preparing and making a good impression

Volunteering for the first time can be scary. It helps to make sure you're prepared.

You may want to:

• check when you're needed, the hours you'll need to commit and where you need to go
• research the organisation so you'll know what to expect
• do any paperwork in advance, like confirming your identity, getting a reference or a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance
• check if there are any special instructions like a dress code or rules to follow

Get more information

You can find out more about volunteering on GOV.UK.

Related content

How to get work experience

Understand and develop your skills

How to write a CV

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