A Guide To Becoming The Perfect Volunteer

Do you want to become a volunteer? Many of us see volunteering opportunities as a brilliant way to gain experience and gain a step up on to the career ladder. However with tough economic times leaving many people out of work there's increased competition in the voluntary work sector.

This guide should help you understand how you can improve your chances of succeeding as a volunteer and enable you to stand out above the crowd. Just read these simple tips.

Don't Be Fussy

You have to remember that you're there to help. As a volunteer worker you may be asked to do difficult and unglamorous jobs from time to time but just smile and get on with it. The more you get your hands dirty with the menial jobs, the greater you'll be rewarded in the future. If a volunteer opportunity arises and it's not quite the job you want - take it! Who knows where it may lead.

Be Generous With Your Time

If you're volunteering then chances are that you have some spare time on your hands. Be sure to dedicate as much of that spare time as you can to volunteering opportunities. That doesn't mean working 24/7 but sometimes you might be required to stay late or do an extra day. If they ask you to stay late then do the over time (if you have no other plans). The organisation will be very impressed.

Stick With It

You're working for free so it may be tempting to give half an effort or maybe throw in the towel altogether. These feelings aren't unusual, even with paid jobs. The best advice I can give you is to knuckle down even when things are tough. You will feel great after ploughing through all the hard work and you will also be given a brilliant reference for showing such strength and determination.

Be Respectful

When volunteering with an organisation you may notice things that you would do differently or that you could perhaps improve. Whilst your ideas will definitely be welcome it's probably best to keep them to yourself until you're settled in with the team. Nobody likes a new member of team coming in and criticising them.

Interact and be social

One of the key factors in volunteer work is social interaction. You'll be expected to work as part of a team striving towards a common goal so great social skills are a must. If your team mates invite you out for a drink away from work hours then it's a good idea to go and bond with everyone. This will also make your volunteering feel a lot more comfortable if you're friend with everyone.

If you take note of these key tips then you are well on your way to becoming the perfect volunteer. Now go and find yourself some great volunteering opportunities!

The Army Cadet force provide youth training for outbound and military pursuits throughout out the UK. Branches include the Sussex ACF and Surrey ACF, for more info visit armycadets.com