{"id":522170,"date":"2023-04-27T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-27T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.virtualvocations.com\/blog\/?p=522170"},"modified":"2023-04-23T00:33:53","modified_gmt":"2023-04-23T04:33:53","slug":"5-ways-you-can-volunteer-your-way-to-a-new-remote-career","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.virtualvocations.com\/blog\/telecommuting-job-search-help\/5-ways-you-can-volunteer-your-way-to-a-new-remote-career\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways You Can Volunteer Your Way to a New Remote Career"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s a catch-22. You want a work-at-home job, but employers want someone who has already been employed in either a remote or hybrid capacity. How can you get remote work experience if no one will give you a chance?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Volunteer Your Way to a New Remote Career With These Ideas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is a question that many aspiring remote workers ask themselves routinely, especially when employers are unwilling to give them a chance due to a lack of experience. However, there is still a proven method to get one step closer to a remote job: volunteering. Although volunteering has traditionally been limited to onsite opportunities, the ability to do so from home has become far more popular in recent years. If your aim is to break into remote work, you can volunteer your way to a new remote career with a few of these tips and ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How To Volunteer Your Way To A New Remote Career \u2013 FREE Membership Career Course<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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1.<\/span> Find the Right Organization<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No matter what your particular interests are, you can find plenty of opportunities to volunteer through various organizations. While international organizations like the Red Cross and United Way may offer remote volunteer positions, don’t limit yourself. Local charities, libraries, and nonprofit organizations<\/a> typically have open volunteer positions that may allow you to work from home, as well as regional and national organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But don’t let that limit you. If you really love a particular organization but they have no work-from-home volunteer positions, find a contact within the company and ask about volunteer opportunities. With tons of work to do and volunteers moving in and out of the organization, you just might find that the company has something to offer you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2.<\/span> Try To Align Your Volunteer Position With Your Goals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, you may have to take whatever volunteer opportunity you can get, but if you put in a little extra effort and wait for the right chance, you may be able to find a job that aligns with your aspirations and goals as a remote worker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you want to work as a virtual assistant<\/a>, you could find a job doing clerical work \u2014 which might include typing emails, setting appointments, or scheduling meetings. Or if you desire to work as a digital marketer, search for jobs that include tasks such as graphic design, search engine optimization, UX\/UI, or website design or development. If you have a particular angle or dream job, look for those positions in a volunteer capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3.<\/span> Take the Opportunity to Upskill or Reskill<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of your work history, education, and experience, you have a set of skills that an employer most likely wants or needs. You just need to take those skills and build upon them to make yourself a more desirable remote worker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a volunteer position, you may have a unique chance to upskill or reskill<\/a>. Upskilling refers to the idea of taking your present experience and learning more about it in a specific position. Reskilling, while similar, is when you learn all new skills that may also work toward your goal of working from home. Volunteering gives you the chance to do either, such as working on remote aspects of your job experience, while also giving you a moment to hone your craft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re not sure what skills you need, take a look at a job description for a remote position you want. As you read through the description, take note of skills you don’t currently have. Then, search for volunteer positions that will give you time and experience to build those skills. It’s a surefire way that you can volunteer your way to a new remote career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4.<\/span> Build on the Intangibles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Having the hard skills, experience, and insight to do a job is one thing \u2014 that’s what will most likely get you the job. But to excel in a work-from-home capacity, you need to work on the intangible skills, or soft skills<\/a>, that turn you from an onsite worker into a strong remote one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remote work requires a bit more self-discipline, especially because you won’t have management monitoring or supervising what you do. Beyond that, use a volunteer job to build skills such as:<\/p>\n\n\n