Tips on volunteering to improve your resume

 Give a boost to your resume by volunteering. Taking this step ensures you're already that much closer to landing the job you want. Here are five suggestions.

• If you enjoy working with animals more than people, this is a great place to get your first job as a volunteer.
• This job involves some dirty work like poop scooping, and, it can be sad as well, especially if you work at a high-kill shelter. Still, these lovely animals are in need of help from the gentle, caring hands of a volunteer like you.

• You don't have to be an avid reader to work at a local library, but it helps. Volunteering at a library will allow you to help people of all ages find books and other media.
• You may have to take a test to become certified as a library volunteer, but basic math and some quick research on the Dewey Decimal System is all it takes.

• Parks are the place to volunteer if you prefer working outdoors. Many volunteer jobs at parks involve scientific research on flora and fauna or leading groups of students on educational treks through the park.
• You can start your search for a park volunteer opportunity at the Parks Canada website.

• You do not necessarily need any medical experience to become a medical volunteer. Organizations like the Canadian Red Cross are always looking for volunteers in other areas like community outreach, grant writing, client services and much more.
• You can also ask about volunteer opportunities at local hospitals, mental health clinics, substance abuse centres and other medical facilities.

• Volunteering programs in developing countries are a great excuse for travelling the world and helping those in need.
• For the most part, you don't need any experience with the language or culture of the destination country; you can gain that experience through volunteering.
• International volunteer programs do have some costs associated with them, but the small costs usually cover your entire living expenses during your stay.
• Since it a charitable trip, you can even raise funds to keep your out-of-pocket costs minimal.

Further resources for volunteering are provided at the Volunteer Canada website. Here you can find listings of local volunteer centres and an online volunteer opportunities database, both of which you can visit to find the perfect volunteer job for you.