It is Charity Day again at TESG! This month we are supporting Raíces de Esperanza. These individuals seek to inspire young people to think outside the box, and proactively support their young counterparts in Cuba through academic and cultural initiatives guided by three basic principles: amor, amistad y esperanza (love, friendship and hope). If you are interested in learning more about their projects, check out their website here.

One of the simplest ways that you can enhance your resume is through altruistic initiatives. By donating your expertise or time to a worthy cause you can gain serious brownie points with a potential employer. Here are some ways that volunteering can help you with your job search or career advancement:

•  You Will Expand Your Network – When it comes to finding a job you can never have too many people on your team! Volunteering helps you expand that group of people in the most organic way. You never know whom you might make a connection with…

•  You Can Gain New Skills – Even if you feel confident with your present skill set there are always things that can be improved upon. Volunteering allows you the opportunity to enhance those existing skills or learn new ones to augment your current proficiencies.

•  It Looks Good On Your Resume – A volunteer position might not be an exact match for what you aspire to do career wise but, it is beneficial to show that you are keeping active professionally even if you are not currently working. If you are currently employed volunteering might give your resume the boost it needs if you are looking for new business contacts or a new career.

•  You Feel Good – You might be going though some tough times finding a job right now but, working in a place where you are making a difference can be it’s own reward. It is also a welcomed and necessary break from the minutia of your job search.