Hi All,
A former coworker (an
HR practitioner with around 7 years experience) has contacted me for advice on their job search.
Their experience includes both junior and mid level
HR roles. Prior to this, they also undertook roles involving training facilitation and managing small teams of staff.
This person has just been made redundant, and asked me if it would be worthwhile to undertake some pro bono work in a professional capacity during their job search so they can continue to utilise their skills. However they are concerned that the image of volunteer/pro bono work may not go down too well in the corporate world, and may tarnish the professional image they want to maintain. While they feel that helping not for profit orgs is a great thing to do, they are worried they may lose their competitiveness in the tight job market with applicants who are still in paid employment.
This person has 2 good references from the job they are about to finish, as well as references from previous employers.
So far I've advised that doing pro bono work in a professional capacity, although does not bring in the money, it may be better than having an employment gap (they have rarely been out of work), but there may be a valid point about their competitiveness with paid workers.
I also suggested that they join AHRI, and try to find a way to network, as many jobs are not advertised (although the Perth business community has very little opportunities for networking I feel).
If anyone can give me some ideas about whether companies will accept pro bono as valid work I may be able to point my friend in the right direction, as I've only done a little charity work myself during my late teens and not in a professional capacity.
All suggestions are welcome.
Cheers
Michaela
