Welcome back, everyone! We hope that you had an amazing weekend filled with March Madness excitement, basketball wins in your favor, and celebrations with family and friends alike. Today, we’re geared back up to enter into a productive final week of Q1 (how is the time passing so fast?!)! Many of us are engaging in quarterly reviews, goals discussions, and check-ins with our managers and leadership. If this sounds like you, make sure to look into our blogs relating to these topics to guarantee a productive and successful conversation!

On a separate note, we wanted to engage on an evergreen topic that is crucial to your candidate profile. When applying to jobs, and growing your professional brand, volunteering is a component that will differentiate you from the masses. While easy to overlook and sometimes ‘put on the back burner’ as pressing obligations take the forefront of your to-do list, volunteering remains crucial to the way you evaluate companies… and how they evaluate YOU! So, keep reading below to best evaluate how to seek out volunteering opportunities and start participating today!

Identifying Volunteering Opportunities

First and foremost, in order to participate in a volunteering event, you must evaluate your options! At many companies, designated platforms are formed to encourage employees to volunteer, engage in events, connect with one another, and monetarily support foundations they feel passionate about. First, look into the ways in which you can maximize donations through matching programs or through certain non-profits that your employer partners with. If you’re unsure where to start, a corporate responsibility report is a great way to learn about your company’s history of “walking the walk” when it comes to giving back. Otherwise, ask your hiring manager, boss, or teammates as a great way to find out how others have engaged in this benefit and how you can do the same!

Prepare for your Event!

Prepare: Preparing for a volunteer event is easy! Simply follow the steps below and you’re sure to have a smooth and enjoyable day. Always ensure that your work that day is complete and you are not sacrificing any deadlines as a result of the event. Even if this means working a bit more on the days prior, it’s key to be able to unplug and take advantage of your entire volunteering experience while there.
- Alert your team or take PTO! While volunteering events usually ladder into regular work hours, this may not always be the case! Check in with your manager to set clear expectations of your absence and account for any required PTO hours.
Dress the part: Additionally, remember that you are representing the company you work for at these events! Dressing appropriately, wearing closed-toed shoes (no logos or graphics!), and adhering to company policy as you would in the office are important at an offsite event. Make sure to be on the lookout for emails leading up to the event that will absolutely clarify dress expectations, whether, the activity you’re participating in, and if you should be wearing a company shirt.
Bring lunch, snacks, and water: The email that clarifies the dress code will likely also give you a list of what to bring and what to expect at the event. This may mean that water and snacks are provided or a full-catered luncheon! Whatever it is, it’s important to be prepared so that you can last through the entire event without fatigue. Volunteering often looks like physical labor, so being fully energized and having food/water on hand is crucial to staying engaged.
Organize transportation: Finally, don’t leave logistics until the morning of! If you are required to travel for the day, look into company shuttles, stipends, or modes of transportation. If not, find your most accessible route and coordinate with a coworker when able! Always allow for extra time and arrive early to get settled and excited.

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!