You may know the benefits of volunteering already – increased community support and connection, higher personal sense-of-worth, and even positive health benefits. But do you know the benefits that volunteering has on your job search? Karen Burns of U.S. News highlights the top 5 reasons volunteering may be just what your job search needs.

1)Volunteering lifts morale. Job searches can be arduous. After multiple rejections, it can be tough not to feel depressed or angry. These attitudes create a self-fulfilling prophecy, i.e. rejection creates depression, and depression leads to more rejection. Volunteering can break this cycle by delivering good endorphins and giving you a sense of self-worth as you continue to look for a paid position.

2)Volunteering grows your network. Working together for a common goal is a great way to build strong, useful relationships with new people. The more people you have in your list of contacts, the more likely you’ll be to make a connection with someone who can assist you in your job search.

3)Volunteering looks good on your resume. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a new professional or have had a long jobless period, volunteering can flush out your resume to highlight more skills, accomplishments, and characteristic traits. In addition to showing your skills and responsibility, volunteering can also show future employers that you’re an energetic and compassionate person who — despite being down on your luck (like, unemployed) right now – gives of themselves to help others.

4)Volunteering can be a way to learn more skills, or improve the ones you already have. Employers want you to have experience to hire you, but without experience, you can’t get a job. Ever been there? Volunteering is the answer! Volunteers gain valuable skills and experiences that can go on your resume, build your portfolio and make you feel more confident when talking to potential employers.

5)Volunteering can help you choose a career. You would never buy a car without a test drive, or buy a dress without trying it on – why would you choose a career without seeing what they do? Volunteering gives you a taste of different industries, informs you of the different positions and job descriptions, and lets you see how you would do working in that industry. Once you do choose a career, your volunteer experience will prove invaluable in providing you with information about hiring managers and upcoming openings.

Remember, volunteering can provide a lot of benefits – if you do it professionally! Show up on time, work hard, be polite and responsible. Treat your volunteer position like you would your job, and you’ll have that dream job before you know it!

This blog was adapted from an article posted by Karen Burns of U.S. News. This article can be found in its’ entirety here: http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2009/10/21/5-ways-volunteering-can-save-your-job-search