Self Improvement Tips: Helping those in need

1. Start with your favorite charity or organization. If you love working with pets there are lots of animal organizations out there to choose from. Almost every charity or organization has a web site and a contact phone number. Find out who is in charge of volunteers at the organization or charity of your choice.

2. Ask family and friends for their suggestions for good places to volunteer. Everyone has a favorite and they may be able to get you on board where they volunteer or work. Word of mouth may also give you a few leads on good places to give your time to.

3. Do a search online of charities and organizations you may want to contact about assisting. After finding one be sure to check them out with the BBB or Better Business Bureau. There are unfortunately many scams out there at the holidays – make sure the charity is legitimate before you give them your time and money.

4. Continue to work for an organization you have worked at before. They would love to have you back again. Many places utilize the same volunteers they have worked with before because they have proved loyalty and dependability.

5. Consider volunteering after the holidays are over. Organizations and charities need help all year long so sticking with them after holiday time is appreciated. They will be glad you are available to provide your services.

6. Check Facebook and Twitter pages of the places you would like to for work for – everyone has a FB and Twitter page these days.

7. Check your local newspaper for volunteer jobs. They will often be listed in the community sections of your paper.

8. Look for pro bono jobs if you are a working professional such as a doctor, lawyer, or tax professional. It can prove impressive when listed on your resume and you will feel good because you have helped someone who needed it.

Volunteering is a wonderful way to make contact with new people, gain work experience, and possibly even obtain regular employment. There are lots of options and many places that need a variety of skills and knowledge from various volunteer workers this holiday season. Everyone brings something special to the mix when offering their time and effort. To learn more about different types of employment available and the best career advice on the web go to www.hound.com.