While employers value the knowledge, work ethic and maturity that older workers can offer, this group is finding it increasingly difficult to gain employment in today’s competitive job market.

California’s Times Standard suggests that one way to increase your employability is through volunteer work: “Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to acquire job-related skills and improve access to job opportunities.”

A recent study in the USA found that almost 25% of adult volunteers took up volunteer work to improve their employability and research into employer attitudes suggests this is an astute choice.

94% of American employers were reported to believe that volunteering could add to job skills, while 73% said they would recruit a candidate with volunteering experience over one without. Of the volunteers themselves, 75% reported improved “interpersonal skills, as well as communication, organisational and management skills”.

While effective volunteer work must always be based on altruistic motives, its benefits to employability make it a wise choice for anyone struggling to find a job.

Gain new skills and experience with Inspire by volunteering abroad.