HR CAREER ADVICE: Ask an Expert

Points for Volunteering

By Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, Ph.D, February 2007

[ From SHRM's HR Careers Articles ]

Career consultant and author Jennifer B. Kahnweiler answers your questions about advancing in your career. You can contact her with your questions via the confidential form at the bottom of this column.

"I have spent the past 20 years raising my children and actively volunteering in many school and community activities. For example, I managed a program for a Food Bank and ran a literacy project. Before I stepped off the fast track, I was staffing specialist in a financial services company and now want to get back into the field. I have been applying to a variety of HR positions that look like fit but despite my previous work record and strong service commitment, I am making little headway. Recruiters seem to be concerned that I won't be able to adjust to a structured position. They also believe my previous work doesn't seem to count because it wasn't paid. I am getting very frustrated with people who denigrate volunteerism. How can I overcome these hurdles and start earning a paycheck in HR?"

Stepping back into paid work after a long hiatus is always a challenge. While you likely have made many contributions, hiring managers can have a different perspective. They may look at you as outdated, with little relevant experience in the dynamic organizations of today.

This bias may be unfair, but you must be prepared to confront it. Let's look at some tangible, positive steps you can take.

1. Know exactly what relevant skills and experiences you have gained from both your paid and unpaid experience. Make connections from the past to the future job. For instance, you might describe how your work with the tracking and reporting system at the Food Bank can be useful in managing staffing needs. Prepare a functional resume that highlights your skills, not your chronological experience. Be sure to use current HR terms like "strategic business partner" and "talent management." Job search engines will scan for resumes that have current buzzwords.

2. Be sure your skills and knowledge are current. The good news is that sharp recruiting professionals are in demand right now. So while you probably have the requisite competencies, you will need to bone up on technological changes such as candidate tracking systems and recruiting processes. Are your computer skills up date? Do you know the trends in recruiting?

3. Keep in mind options other than fulltime employment. Many recruiting functions are outsourced to third parties so you might also think about working for one of them if your dream job doesn't appear right away. Temporary agencies are another route that you can explore to get you back in the groove. Independent consulting is another option.

4. Make contact with professional organizations, such as your local SHRM or EMA chapter, Chamber of Commerce and so on. Seek out meetings that have other search professionals. These groups exist to help you keep current and network for new jobs.

5. Hope for the best...but plan for the worst. Sales people know it is important to understand customer objections so they can address these directly. As a person selling herself, you have identified some of the "push back"to your past record of volunteerism. To counteract these concerns about your seriousness present yourself as the consummate professional. Your dress should and grooming should be up to date. Have some strong powerful anecdotes ready to share in your interviews.

6. Get your references in order. Did you ever receive recognition like certificates of service, complimentary emails or client testimonials? Prepare a portfolio of accomplishments. Tangible proof will get your prospects to focus on the substantial nature of your work.

By packaging yourself correctly you should have a number of excellent career opportunities in this next phase of your life.

Jennifer B. Kahnweiler is co-author of the book Shaping Your HR Role: Succeeding in Today’s Organizations (with Dr. Bill Kahnweiler) and is founder and owner of AboutYOU, Inc., an Atlanta-based firm specializing in career consulting.

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