Hi Michaela,
As an experienced
HR Consultant and Recruiter, I would suggest that pro-bono work is a positive thing to be doing whilst looking for paid employment. As Moz has mentioned, this will enable your friend to keep their mind stimulated and their skills current. There are many organisations that would be keen to receive
HR related support on a volunteer capacity. If this is the option your friend decides to explore, they would benefit from making their intentions clear from the on-set i.e. how long they are willing to commit to volunteering (would they be able to continue on a part time basis once they secure paid work?) and that their ultimate goal is to secure paid work. It is also not unheard of for volunteers to be offered paid employment 'down the track'.
In terms of the concern you raised about pro-bono work not being viewed favourably, it will come down to how your friend 'sells' the skills and experience on their resume (along with how they view its value). If they are able to highlight the relevant skills and professional value they have gained from the work it would not be seen as a negative. They also need to believe in the value of the work so that that comes through when they are talking to prospective employers and / or recruiters.
In terms of AHRI, your friend would not necessarily need to become a member of AHRI in order to attend the different events they offer. AHRI usually offers a 'non member' rate for events so your friend could go along and decide for themselves if membership would be worthwhile. In order for your friend to benefit from AHRI in a networking sense they would need to become actively involved. Like any professional association, you get as much out of it as you are willing to put in. In my opinion, whilst many members do not get actively involved, those that do are often the ones who are worth developing relationships with. From my experience, the people who become involved in their professional association, committees etc are those that referring and helping others out comes naturally to.
Registering with specialist
HR recruitment agencies is also worthwhile as not only would they be able to assist in terms of placing your friend in a new role, but they would be able to offer current advice as to the relevance of pro-bono work. As Moz has also said, temp work can often lead to perm opportunities too.
In terms of their job search, your friend may also find some success in marketing themselves directly to organisations. If they decide to follow through with voluntary work, marketing themselves directly to other not-for-profits or companies that have strong corporate social responsibility programs would see the voluntary work favourably.
Regardless of others views however, when looking for your next role, how you 'sell' your skills and experience as well as how you feel about your them and your current situation plays a big role in your success.
Melissa.
