10 Tips for Navigating Job Interviews After Addiction Recovery

10 Tips for Navigating Job Interviews After Addiction Recovery10 Tips for Navigating Job Interviews After Addiction RecoveryWith days, months, or even years of hard-earned sobriety under your belt, youve grown throughyour addiction recovery and might want to shout your progress from the rooftops. But how do you approach job interviews and the job search process?Although you once needed to take life minute by minute or day by day after addiction recovery, youre now forward-focused and ready to launch on a new path toward fulfillment. This could come in the form of a flexible work situation that gives you the freedom to continue prioritizing sobriety while pursuing your next steps.Disclosure can be a thorny issue, but ultimately youre in control of what you do or dont reveal. Reflecting back on your journey doubtless stirs strong emotions, but your decisions about what (if anything) to share, when, and how much should be objective.Choosing to share your truth during job interviews afte r addiction recovery could have consequences, both positive and negative. Setting your intention ahead of an interview and sticking to the plan puts you in the drivers seat.Consider these 10 things when weighing whether or not to open up during job interviews after addiction recoveryBe consistent.This decision isnt made in a vacuum. In the world wide web age, your prospective employer will likely look you up online. If you dont wish to address your recovery during the job hunt, make sure your social media presence is consistent with your wish for privacy. This could mean strengthening your privacy settings or editing existing content.Consider your options. Its not necessarily a Yes or No scenario. There are several points at which you could address your recovery. You could choose to disclose your experiences in a cover letter or application, open up during an interview, wait until after youve been hired, or opt against sharing entirely.Busting the stigma. Choosing to open up about w hat youve been through could help combat preexisting notions people hold about what it means to struggle with substance abuse. This is aspirational and comes at a critical time in the evolution toward viewing addiction as a disease instead of a moral failing. Still, you must choose whats best for you.Focus on strengths. You had to scale mountains and swim oceans to reclaim the best pieces of yourself. Minimum years of experience? Technical skills? Please. You know youre limitless, and theres nothing you cant overcome. If you choose to share, focus on detailing the strengths youve gained because of your experience, and how those strengths could be put to work for your prospective employer.Prepare for prejudice. Unfortunately, discussing your path to recovery may elicit negative reactions from people who dont understand what youve been through. Choosing to bring it up either before or during an interview leaves you vulnerable to judgment and ultimately could cost you a job offer.Be pr epared. If a quick glance at your resume reveals gaps during which you were in active addiction or in treatment, be prepared for questions. Depending on how significant these gaps are, you may feel pressure to disclose some information about your recovery.Be honest. Can you be honest while leise holding back? Short answer yes. You own your story and you dont owe anyone information you arent ready to disclose. If you choose not to share, fight the urge to fabricate explanations for things like gaps in employment. Find a way to bring the conversation back to your strengths instead.The law is on your side. The federal Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits employers from discriminating against people with substance use disorders who arent currently using drugs. Once hired, you may request reasonable accommodation under the law for medical care and rehabilitation efforts.Knowledge is power. Know your rights. Study the protections afforded to you under applicable state and federal emp loyment laws. Even if you opt against sharing your experience, dont forget to scrutinize the benefits provided by your prospective employer for rehabilitation, counseling, or other potential needs.Find a good fit. Where are you in your recovery? You must consider your own needs when applying for a new position and strive to find a supportive environment. If you would not be comfortable sharing a critical part of your experience with someone up front, would you be comfortable working for them over the long haul?Readers, what have your experiences been during job interviews after opening up about your addiction recovery? Tell us in the comment section below.Robert Yagoda is the executive director ofBeach House Center for Recovery, a drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation center in Juno Beach, Florida. Robert is a licensed mental health counselor and certified addictions professional who hasmore than 10 years of combined clinical and administrative experience in facility-delivered, drug and dual diagnosis treatment.

How Not to Burn Bridges When You Resign From Your Job

How notlage to Burn Bridges When You Resign From Your JobHow Not to Burn Bridges When You Resign From Your JobMany people stay at a job too long, and by the time they quit, they are really quite ready to move on. This can result in the employee burning bridges with managers and Human Resources staff at the old job. When youve stayed at a job too long, making an unprofessional remark is tempting and it may come back to haunt you. An example of unprofessional, bridge-burning behavior occurred in a small technology firm. One of the programmers sent out this note to say good-bye to his fellow employees Good-bye all you suckers. Im outta here. How do you think that note went over with the other committed employees? Why Burning Bridges Is Bad- Especially for the Quitting Employee This is bad news. You dont want to burn bridges, at all. It doesnt matter whether you think youll never need to binnensee these people again, you still need to take care that you leave your job in a profession al manner. Why? You dont control the future. You may say, I have a great new job lined up, so I dont need them as a reference. Well, the interesting fact about job hunting is that most people dont call your current anfhrer for a reference- because most people keep their job hunting confidential. Who do they call? Your previous boss. So, you didnt need this bosss reference to get your current job, but you might well need the reference to get the next one. Recruiters and hiring managers can call anyone they like- no restrictions. They may only call the people on your list, or they may call your last company. You dont get to control who they call. Another factor you cant control? Who youll run into at work. You may hate your boss so much that you would never, ever, not in a million years want to work at any company where your boss worked. But, what about your coworkers? What about that guy in marketing with whom youve never even talked? You do something stupid on your last day and hell know about it, and five years later when youre interviewing for a job, hell work at that company. The hiring manager will say, Hey, Joe, you used to work at Acme Corp. Do you know Jane Doe? And you know what Joe will say? Joe who never even talked to you? He wont say, I think she was there at the same time I was, but I never worked with her. No, hell say, Oh my word, she quit without giving any notice and threw the company into a spin. I heard that a client showed up for a meeting and she had quit and no one was prepared and they lost an account because of it. Yeah, Joes company isnt going to hire you. So, how do you avoid burning bridges? Here are five tips. Give Proper Notice In most industries in the US, thats two weeks notice. This two weeks does not include any vacation time you may want to take, so dont think you can give your notice and then take that vacation time youve accrued. Most companies wont let you take your vacation time after youve given notice, and even if th ey do, thats not parte of your notice. Some industries have longer norms, and you should make sure you follow those norms. Otherwise, your quitting will leave a bad taste in everyones mouths. For example, a medical doctor might provide three months notice so her patients have time to obtain a new physician. Document Your Job Theoretically, the purpose of the notice period is to train the next person for your job. In reality, its unlikely that your boss will hire someone new during your notice period unless she has a viable internal candidate. So, what are you supposed to do instead? Document what you do. Remember that your boss and coworkers probably dont know all of the day-to-day work that you do and how. Items to especially note for those coworkers who will have to fill in for you when you depart Regular reportsPasswords for everything you controlClient listsAlready scheduled meetingsProject statusesProcedures This documentation is critical to a smooth transition. If you make it easy for those who stay behind, theyll remember you fondly and you wont leave bridge burned. Work Until the End Yes, you have two weeks left, so you want to take long lunchesand spend most of your time chatting with coworkers about how youre glad youre getting out of this horrible place. You know what your boss will remember about you if you do this? Not all of the times you worked late hours to get things done. Not the times you saved the day by coming up with an amazing solution. Shell remember how you turned into a total slacker when you gave notice. If you stop doing actual work before your last day, consider that bridge burned. Remain Positive About Your Workplace The biggest reason people leave jobs isnt money or commuting time (although those absolutely play a role in it), but their relationship with the boss. You may be as relieved as all get out to have a new job and glad you dont have topretend to be happy in a horrible jobanymore. But you need to continue pret ending. When people ask if youre excited about your new job, the answer is always, Im really excited about the new challenges, but Im going to miss this place and my coworkers so much. Think of it this way- youll miss talking about how much you hated your job with your spouse over dinner. Keep Those Professional Contacts- Professional Its possible to burn a bridge even after youre long gone. How? Your network. Some industries are tight-knit, and your old boss and coworkers will hear about you, so you need to remain positive about your past positions. Other industries are large enough that you wont necessarily run into these people professionally again, but you might run into them on social media. Did you make a snide comment about your old boss on a friends Facebook post? Well, their security is platzdeckchen to friends of friends and one of their friends is friends with your boss. Facebooks algorithms put that right in your bosss feed because you mentioned Acme Corporation and it knows that is something she talks about a lot. Oops. Connect with people on LinkedIn. If you see something in your field that you know might interest a colleague, send them an email saying, Did you see this white paper? Keep the relationship positive and keep in contact. You may need a reference in the future. These five steps are recommended when you leave a job. You want your former employer to think about you in a positive and professional way. They will if you take these five steps to professionalism. You will burn no bridges and never feel the pain of a bridge you burned burning you back. Suzanne Lucas is a freelance writer who spent 10 years in corporate human resources, where she hired, fired, managed the numbers, and double-checked with the lawyers.

Customize this Outstanding Experienced Adjusters, Investigators and Collectors Resume Template

Customize this Outstanding Experienced Adjusters, Investigators and Collectors Resume TemplateCustomize this Outstanding Experienced Adjusters, Investigators and Collectors Resume TemplateCreate ResumeARIA BLACK100 Main Street, Cityplace, CA, 91019(555) 322-7337 example-emailexample.comExperienceSpecial InvestigatorJanuary 2006 to Current, Liberty Mutual Insurance Houston, TexasCurrently investigate all types of Insurance Fraud cases in the Southwest Region of the United States.January 1984 to January 2006, Travis Houston, TexasJanuary 1984 to January 1986Southeast Patrol Division.Served as a Police Patrolman in the Southeast Section of the City of Houston.January 1986 to January 1987Southeast Patrol Division.Served as Community Service Officer in the capacity of Chiefs Representative to all Civic Organization in the Southeast Section of the City of Houston.December 1987 Promoted to the rank of Sergeant of Police.January 1987 to January 1990Served as an investigator investigating al l types of property crimes in the City of Houston.January 1990 to January 1993Served as an investigator investigating allegations of Police misconduct and Officer involved shootings.January 1993 to January 2006Financial Crimes Unit.Served as teamberater of a detail of 17 investigators who investigate all types of singular and complex financial crimes in the City of Houston.Investigations included bank fraud, mortgage fraud, forgery, identity theft, and embezzlement.January 2006Retired with full honors as Sergeant of Police.EducationMasters Degree Higher EducationWalden University Minneapolis Houston, MN. TexasBachelor of Science Degree Biblical Studies Customize ResumeMore Insurance Resume TemplatesEntry Level Adjusters, Investigators and Collectors Resume TemplatesExperienced Insurance Agents and Brokers Resume TemplatesEntry Level Insurance Agents and Brokers Resume Templates

Court Clerk Career Education and Requirements

Court Clerk Career Education and RequirementsCourt Clerk Career Education and RequirementsAnyone who has ever tried to handle a legal matter on his own has probably made the acquaintance of a court clerk. These clerks are responsible for the administrative work involved in running municipal, county, state and federal court systems. Whether you want to file a legal complaint or just pay a fine, youll most likely turn your paperwork or money over to a clerk. Responsibilities The responsibilities of this position can vary greatly depending on the courts served, the clerks level of experience, and the region in which he or she works. You may begin in an entry level position and work your way up from there. With education and experience, court clerks can advance to higher positions of responsibility. The typical career path for a court clerk is Deputy clerkMost court clerks begin as deputy clerks, also known as assistant court clerks. They perform a variety of administrative duties, i ncluding preparing and processing legal documents, correspondence, motions and orders, and providing customer service to the public, judicial officers, attorneys, and staff.Court clerkDeputy clerks can advance to the position of court clerks. Court clerk responsibilities are similar to those of deputy clerks, but they involve higher levels of responsibility and compensation. Chief court clerkChief court clerks, also known as chief deputy clerks or chief clerks, are the highest level in the court clerk system. In some jurisdictions, the chief court clerk is an executive level position. Chief court clerks are responsible for all administrative and operational elements of the Clerks Office. They often supervise other staff. This is effectively a management position. Education At a minimum, court clerks possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. Experience counts for a lot on the upward-mobility ladder, but you may be able to at least get your foot in the door with no further education beyond high school. Some court systems require at least two years of college, and many jurisdictions prefer a bachelors degree. A background in business or public administration, political science, criminal justice, law or a related field is helpful. Salaries Salaries for court clerks vary according to jurisdiction, court, and position. Clerks working for the federal court system generally earn the highest salaries. Clerks who are just starting out with only a high school degree tend to earn the least. The median salary as of February 2019 was approximately $39,499, which means just as many clerks earn mora than this as those who earn less. Working Conditions Court clerks generally work in an office setting and may be required to sit or stand for long periods of time as they perform filing, copying, and administrative work. Clerks often must bend or stoop to retrieve files and lift boxes, files and other materials weighing up to 30 pounds or more. Court clerks usua lly work a five-day, 40-hour week. Their hours may vary according to federal or state laws, jurisdictional rules and the orders of judges or others with the power to regulate hours of work. Most holidays are paid days off. Clerks cannotdispense legal advice, although theyre often asked to do so. This can be frustrating for the citizens they serve because they can explain how to file a document, but they cant detail the legal ramifications of doing so. This can be a fine line that is difficult to maintain. An entry-level clerk typically has much more contact with the public than a chief court clerk, who rarely or ever has reason to interact with the average litigant. The customer service aspect of this job can be particularly trying for those without experience in dealing with the worst human nature has to offer. People dont go to courthouses because everything is great in their lives - they have problems, they want answers, and they may become angry and even abusive when theyre to ld that only a lawyer can give them those answers. A thick skin is required. Associations Court Clerks may belong to professional associations, such as the Federal Court Clerks Association or the National Association for Court Management. Source Salary.com

What happened when I listened to some unwanted advice

What happened when I listened to some unwanted adviceWhat happened when I listened to some unwanted adviceEarlier this week, I welches doing my regular morning swim. I dont always swim in the nicht weit davon entfernt sein lane because Im definitely not the best swimmer out there. But, I did today because it was the emptiest lane and because I felt like pushing myself a bit.Another guy was also in the fast lane, someone who looked to be in his mid-60s. He was clearly a faster swimmer. After we had both been swimming for about 10 minutes, he had already lapped me twice.As I was resting at one end of the pool, trying to catch my breath between laps, he swam up to me and stopped to also catch his and share a bit of unsolicited advice with me.You should try to put your head down into the water he said to me loudly as he stopped.Huh? I replied, between my heavy breaths.When your heads outta the water like that, its slowing you down He then mimicked my stroke in the air, giving his best im pression of my technique- or lack thereof. Just look down into the water Youll go faster if you put your head in the water He then demonstrated.I quickly replied, Im not here to go fast. Then quickly turned away from him and redirected my gaze down toward the other end of the pool.He then noticed I was rubbing my neck and persisted. Also, you wont have a sore neck because you wont be swinging your head to side-to-side like you are right nowMy neck HAD actually been feeling sore. But in an attempt to close down this conversation, I quickly turned toward him, threw up my defenses, and snapped, Thats not why my neck is sore then turned away from him.My initial instinct was to dismiss him. After all, I didnt need random guy who was twice my age critiquing my swimming style. I was there for a quick swim, not to perfect my stroke or make it to the Olympics.But I knew exactly what he was referring to. When I swim, I make a point to keep my head above water. As far back as I can remember,Iv e been scared of water. I never liked swimming. Most of memories I have from my parents sending me to swimming lessons when I was young involve me gasping for air, swallowing lots of water, and not liking the sting of water on my eyes. On top of that, Im very nearsighted, so when Im swimming without my glasses, Im in this blurry abyss of confusion where I have squint just to see where Im going.I tried to take up swimming lessons again when I lived in Hawaii, but I didnt get much better. My instructor even told me Im a sinker, where the structure of my body is such that my legs naturally sink instead of float like most peoples. She told me that she had run into a few people like that, but it wasnt very common.Theres always room for improvementWhen I moved to the UK seven years ago, I stopped playing tennis, so wanted to find another aerobic activity to do. I decided on swimming just because I quickly grew bored of running, and also, as a way of conquering my fears, and challenging my self. Something about doing the actual activity that scared me was appealing.Since then, Ive made a lot of progress. I went from barely being able to swim from one end of an Olympic sized pool to the other to being able to swim multiple laps without stopping. And its now the exercise I do mora than any other exercise. When I went swimming with my wife a couple weeks ago, whos quite a fast swimmer herself, she told me that she noticed Ive gotten a lot faster.But one thing I still couldnt get myself to do was put my face down into the water. I realize that sounds silly, but Id rather thrash around in the pool than risk swallowing water. I know it slows me down, but just swimming without drowning was a bit step for me, and I felt my technique was good enough to do the job. Actually, I had been feeling pretty good about my progress. Until I crossed paths with this random guy who insisted on sharing some unsolicited advice I didnt ask for.Unwanted advice isnt always easy to receiveAs we both stood there side-by-side after our quick exchange, breathing heavily with our hands on our hips, staring down at the other end of the pool, I had a flash back to a conversation Id just had the week prior. A friend of mine told me an acquaintance of hers had offered her advice about something she was going through, even though she didnt ask for that persons advice. She went on to tell mehow much receiving unsolicited advice irritated her. About how she hates it when people give her advice she doesnt ask for. About how unsolicited advice is even mora annoying when it comes from someone you dont know, respect, or have anything in common anyway.In some ways, I saw her point. Everyones situation is unique, and advice, in many ways, is about taking your own experiences and trying to apply them to another situation with the presumption that A) that what worked for you will work for them, and B) that the situations are similar enough to where the advice youre offering is relevant. As a coach, I try not to offer advice unless Im asked for it explicitly for this very reason.Still, I tried to convince her that there can actually be value in accepting the advice people offer. I told her that sometimes, people may be able to spot something you cant spot yourself. That maybe a different perspective could help open your eyes to something new. That at leastconsideringsomeones advice may benefit you in some small way. In fact, Id benefited a lot from people way more experienced than I who took the time to share some advice with me.She seemed unconvinced.What happened when I let my guard downAs that conversation bounced around in my head at that moment, I felt a bit like a hypocrite. Here I was saying how you should take on advice, yet I wasnt willing to do it myself? I decided to let my guard down a bit and hear what this guy had to say. After all, my swimming technique WAS something Id struggled with for decades.I looked back over at him. You know, Im not the best swimme r. I dont put my face down when I swim because I cant seem to figure out the breathing.Ohh, well, the trick is to make sure you breath out completely when your heads down BEFORE you turn your head to get some air. If youre still breathing out while your heads turned AND trying to breathe it, that wont work.Yeah, that makes sense, but I still have this issue where when I turn my head to get air, Im afraid of swallowing water.He squinted his eyes and gave me a funny look. All you have to do is just make sure you turn completely as you pull your obere extremitt out of the water. Its less about turning your head, and more about letting it turn naturally as you pull your arm out of the water. He then demonstrated.Yeah, but I started to rebut.He interrupted, Just practice it slowly. Get the technique down, then when you get comfortable with it, you can go faster. Dont kill yourself trying to go fast and practice your technique.Well, Im also trying to keep up with you. I joked. You know, I dont wanna slow you downHe went onto tell me that he doesnt often swim in the fast lane himself. That he always leaves that lane whenever someone faster comes along because its too much pressure.With that, he put his goggles back on, and before he pushed off to carry on swimming, he said, Anyway, try it if you want.I stood there, thinking about what he just said, and decided to give it a shot then and there. Oddly enough, just keeping in mind those two things breathing out completely and allowing my head to turn naturally with my body, I was suddenly swimming with my face down in the water and breathing just fine.Everything changed, just like thatNow for those of you out there who are natural swimmers, you may not think this is a big deal. That Im creating a lot of drama around a pretty simple part of swimming. But for me, someone whos struggled with swimming for the past 35 years, I couldnt believe how this short conversation suddenly helped me get over this mental barrier Id he ld for my entire life. For me, being able to swim correctly was a game-changer.By being more horizontal in the water, I swam more quickly, immediately shaving 5 seconds off the time it takes me to swim a pool length. I swam more efficiently, making it down the length of the pool in 24 strokes instead of 36. I also swam longer before needing a break.Now that Im doing this, Ill never go back to my old way of swimming. Sure, I swill swallowed a bit of water today when I tried it again, but Im going to keep working on it.I guess this is what people call a teachable moment. A moment when you allow yourself to be taught, when you open yourself up to learn some valuable lessons.In this case, my initial instinct was in line with my friends. To reject unsolicited advice. I cant even fully explain why. But its some combination of pride, wanting people to mind their own business, and perhaps a bit of arrogance about not needing feedback. However, I learned a few lessonsLesson 1 You improve whe n you allow yourself to be critiquedMy initial instinct was that I didnt need to get better. That my swimming technique was good enough, so I wasnt looking for advice on how to improve. But when I opened myself up to critique, and when I gave myself permission to openly share what was getting in my way, it actually helped me improve.Lesson 2 Game-changing advice can come from anyoneIve had so many swimming instructors in the past no one has been able to help me crack this issue. Then, suddenly, one day, a random guy ended up explaining this in a way that just clicked with me. All I know about this guy is that his name is John. I may or may never see him again.Lesson 3 Putting your pride aside can open opportunitiesThat conversation I had with this guy could have simply ended after I shut it down. I didnt want to get anything out of that conversation, so I didnt. At least not initially. But, when I allowed myself to put my pride and arrogance aside, I actually opened myself up to a new way of doing things. That choice ultimately benefitted me.Lesson 4 Fears are as big as you allow them to beFor years, Ive not dared to put my face in the water when swimming. Then, on one ordinary day, after an ordinary 20 second conversation, everything changed. Just like that. When you think about the literally OR metaphorically, it demonstrates how much we can inflate our own fears, to the point where they seem insurmountable. But sometimes, its actually not as big of a deal as you imagine.So if you find yourself instinctually rejecting unsolicited advice, just remember that a lot of wisdom exists in the world. When you allow yourself to receive it, you may be surprised how much of a positive impact it can have on things that matter to you.This article originally appeared onjospehliu.comand Be Leaderly.

The Number One Question You Must Ask for Escort Resume

The Number One Question You Must Ask for Escort Resume Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Escort Resume You are going to want to continue to keep your bio as short as possible, only including the info that should be included. You may think of more or distinct questions if you want. Keep all the information on your resume relevant to the job that youre applying for. Be certain to include SF86 completion details. Do your research, learn the salary range that jobs like yours pay in your town, and be ready to negotiate for the very best deal you may get. At times, just a couple of legitimate jobs or clients can repaint an expert profile. You just have to pay for work when its been completed and youre 100% satisfied. Freelance work ought to be included as a boost to your resume, and is less valuable if youre doing work that doesnt relate to your field or wouldnt lead to a reference. Escort Resume and Escort Resume - The Perfect Combination The main aim of a resume is to present an easy and brief overview of your pertinent abilities, education, work experience and strengths that assists the hiring manager to generate a sensible decision in selecting interviewing candidates. Running training programs shows youve got a high degree of understanding of your industry in addition to leadership abilities. Adaptable and eager to step in wherever required. You want to reveal an employer why theyd want to hire you in the very first place before you begin making demands about their values. Get ready to convince the interviewer that you could be an asset to the organization. The ego is related to mens penises in an effective way. An organized, accurate and quick worker with good computer skills and sound understanding of cash management principles. 1 advantage for employers to internet resumes is the considerable cost saving in comparison to traditional hiring methods. For instance, if the work of the employer is financial services then you ought to highlight your urge to introduce innovative security measures and procedures. Most employers wont read on if the objective doesnt match the position theyre hiring for. If your possible employer is in the casino business, you are able to go into detail on your capacity to run IT security systems to determine suspicious activity. In it, showcase all of the wonderful work youve done thus far. If youve missed a refresher training program, you should attend the upcoming available course. If youre searching for Baltimore escorts, youve come to the correct spot. With dozens of escorts to plektron from and more added virtually every day, youre guaranteed to enjoy looking at these girls and attempting to determine which one that you desire. If youre applying to a position in a financial institution and youve got experience with corporate security, youd absolutely want to highlight that. In many instances, betrayed partners start to feel like theyre the matter, as if their mistrust and emotional instability are the source of issues in the relationship. A good deal of security guard jobs need a drivers license, and that means you certainly want to include that in case you have one. Figure out if it has had security issues before or the latest episodes. Be certain you proof read before making the last copy. Nevertheless, the real aim of the purpose is to sell hiring managers on your candidacy. Finally, dont neglect to underline the fact that youve got a security guard license, especially if its an armed security guard license. Immediately after you get a call about your interview schedule, devote more time and effort in rehearsing the answers to a number of the fruchtwein essential questions like the subsequent. Not everybody is going to have the exact same qualifications and work experiences. In other words, no matter where or by what method the infidelity happened, learning about its traumatic. You may come across websites which address questions about how to pass a polygraph. Make certain you have or can receive a work permit for the nation you are applying. Because regularly writing business letters isnt a normal task required of people of the healthcare business, you could be wondering where to start. Doing this signifies your great interest in what it is that youre entering into. Download your very own free copy by clicking the hyperlink below.

Volunteering at Christmas

Volunteering at Christmas Volunteering at ChristmasPosted October 13, 2011, by Elizabeth FenechChristmas is about giving notlage just expensive gifts for family and friends, but also your time. What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to volunteer with one of the many organisations that are overburdened during the silly season?The big pictureLots of people are willing to help those in need at Christmas, but are unsure of where to start. VolunteerSearch and Volunteering Australia are two excellent websites that can steer you in the right direction. Set up like job search engines, the sites allow potential volunteers to choose the type of work, schauplatz and hours theyd like to donate to a good cause.It is important to keep your skills and passions in mind when offering to volunteer. A charity may be in need of an experienced bookkeeper or might be after a people-person who can help with a doorknocking fundraising appeal.Do it for the kidsMost childrens charities hold fu ndraisers and functions around Christmas time.Kids who are being treated for cancer dont stop treatment for the holidays. Ronald McDonald House Charities require volunteers all year round to support parents and children with cancer, but particularly need a helping hand from volunteers at Christmas. Whether you can donate gifts, help raise money or cook a good barbie, your time will be well spent at your local Ronald McDonald House.The Starlight Childrens Foundation runs programs for seriously ill and hospitalised children. The programs are designed to bring some relief to children and their families by raising their spirits and making them happy. Starlight has many opportunities for volunteers at Christmas and throughout the year. The charity has 182 Starlight Wishes to grant to children this Christmas and they urgently need new Wishgranting volunteers to make this happen.A helping handSt Vinnies isnt just good for picking up vintage bargains. Each year, the St Vincent De Paul Socie ty assists tens of thousands of underprivileged families, particularly at Christmas time. The charity requires donations of money and clothing for their Christmas Appeal, but they also require volunteers to sort these items and deliver them.The Exodus Foundation empowers young Australians through education and literacy, and supports disadvantaged and marginalised people. They need volunteers to assist in their free restaurant and to tutor students with literacy problems. They also require drivers to transport clients to special events and hairdressers to bring dignity to the homeless with a haircut. At Christmas, the Foundation holds a Christmas Day lunch that feeds thousands of people.Food for the soulSoup kitchens offer meals for the needy every day of the year. Christmas is no exception. Contact your local Rotary Club to get involved in feeding the hungry on Christmas Day they are usually involved with running the soup kitchens in their district.Meals on Wheels deliver meals dai ly to people who cant leave their homes. The program runs all over Australia so youre guaranteed to find a meal run in your area. If you have a car and a drivers licence, why not volunteer to bring food and some Christmas cheer to people in your area?Each Christmas, The Smith Family distributes tens of thousands of food hampers to needy families. These hampers are supplied, delivered and packed by volunteers the mora, the merrier.Remember your neighbourCharities arent the only organisations that could use an extra pair of hands at Christmas time. Your local hospital, nursing home or YMCA might require someone to don a Santa suit or need an able-bodied person with a ladder to drape tinsel from the ceiling to bring some festive cheer to the building. Hospital or nursing home patients, particularly those without any family, would appreciate someone to chat to on Christmas morning. Volunteering doesnt have to involve elaborate worldwide campaigns. Sometimes making one person smile cons titutes a job well done. Remember to pop next door to make sure your neighbours are OK and wish them a Merry ChristmasAccording to Australia Bureau of Statistics figures released in July 2010, 36 per cent of Australian adults volunteer each year this equates to around 6.1 million people who are giving their time.Tis the season to give back, and volunteering is sure to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, but you will also be building your career prospects as you get into the spirit of giving. Volunteer work looks excellent on your resume. Employers will recognise that youre a compassionate person who uses their initiative and has a well-attuned social conscience.And remember, when it comes to generosity, what goes around comes around From all of us at Career FAQs, have a merry Christmas and Happy New YearSocial Work ResourcesSenior social worker sample resumeSenior social worker sample cover letterCareer Insider StoriesNicholas Steepe - Equity & Diversity Project ManagerTanya Denny - Founder of Chrysalis Therapeutic betreuung ServicesMatthew Salier - National Christmas Manager for The Smith FamilyInterested in becoming a?Community WorkerYouth WorkerResidential Care OfficerAged Care WorkerSocial WorkerPopular Career Searcheseco social workjob adverts social worksocial work cover letter no experiencesocial work internship cover lettersocial worker advertsSocial Work CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineMaster of Social Work (Professional Qualifying)Enquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineGraduate Certificate in Human ServicesEnquire Online Enquire OnlineElizabeth FenechRelated ArticlesBrowse moreCharles Sturt University (CSU)Future trendsSocial Work What Does the Future Hold? We sat down with Charles Sturt University (CSU) social work academics to uncover the changes and challenges society will undergo in the coming decades, and how these changes will affect the role of social work and social worker s in the future.Charles Sturt University (CSU)Social WorkEco social work where people and environment intersectEco social work involves working with people and communities who are impacted by environmental issues such as extreme weather events. Read more about how the social work sector is changing and the demand for eco social workers is on the rise.CAREER INSPIRATIONCareer inspoCareer In Focus - Social WorkConsidering a career in social work? We break down everything you need to know from qualifications and career prospects to salary range and why self-care is critical in this important profession.