How to volunteer your way to a new PR job

Overwhelmed with job hunting? Getting discouraged by the lack of call backs from the dozens of résumés you’ve sent?

Instead of getting dispirited, get to work. Stop cyber-spamming employers and start volunteering. There are thousands of organizations where you can showcase your value.

The following is a step by step guide to identifying and securing a meaningful volunteer position that can move you closer to paid employment opportunities.

1. Carefully select an organization based on your interests and capabilities. These may include:

• Non-profits;
• Non-government organizations;
• Schools;
• Churches;
• Chambers of commerce;
• Convention and visitors’ bureaus;
• Municipal offices;
• Economic development centers;
• Hospitals.

2. Once you have targeted an organization, review volunteer policies. Consider areas where the organization needs help, and create your own position based on your professional knowledge and abilities.