Whether it's coaching football in Cumbria, teaching children to read in Reading or helping blue tits in Bradford the latest essential addition to your CV is volunteering experience.
Recent research carried out by volunteering organisation Timebank.org.uk has discovered that forward thinking bosses are looking for staff that have spent some time doing voluntary work. Of those 200 companies polled almost three-quarters claimed to prefer recruiting people that have had this kind of experience.
It's not just that they think that you will be an all round good egg, they believe that they see the benefits too. The logic is that if you can teach ball control to eleven year-olds your organisational, negotiation and communication skills will be top notch at work. The good news for you is that 60% of employers are more likely to promote and reward those that have donated their time to volunteer work.
John Rafferty, Chief Executive of TimeBank, said: "This survey proves that as far as volunteering is concerned people really do get out more than they put in. Volunteers help in the community in many different ways, this survey demonstrates that volunteers can also help themselves by enhancing their job prospects and their careers. Everyone should do it."
The survey was carried out to mark TimeBank Day, the charity's annual awareness day on August 8. TimeBank encourages people to use their skills to give time to voluntary projects in their local community or overseas. Potential time givers can find out more information and register at
www.timebank.org.uk. The BBC will be supporting this year's TimeBank Day on 8 August, with a special live show hosted by the lovely Carol Smillie, called Do Us A Favour.
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