Urban myth: volunteering doesn't pay!

51% of graduates state that volunteering helped to secure employment*

That's a pretty bold statistic wouldn't you say? Well the guys a Kings College London Student's Union (KCLSU) have it to shout about!

Last month they initiated "Student Volunteering Week". Designed to put students in touch with volunteering associations and give students the opportunity to get involved in their local community.

It may be old news, but the principles remain the same and there are some startling facts to behold... E.g.

• When recruiting, 80% of employers value volunteering on a CV*
• Over 70% of employers believe that those who volunteer have a better chance of of earning a higher salary and gaining promotion*

So as you can see it is not just the students who put value on volunteering but employers do to.

Consider offering your services to a local charity or organisation, offering your time like this could also be a worthwhile way of staying motivated and/or making new connections to help balance the, somewhat, mundane cycle of job searching. Whilst volunteering may not pay, immediately, it may just boost your chances of landing that job and securing your earning future.

* Please refer to the KCLSU website for references on statistical information.

To learn more on how best to prepare your CV and stand out from the crowd, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.