There are many fields to explore and it is a great way to get your feet wet, especially if you are seeking entry-level jobs. Now there are public interest jobs that pay and there are also volunteer positions (this is actually where you will probably find the bulk of the vacancies). The most obvious question now is probably, ''if I am already out of work, why would I take a volunteer job?''
The most obvious answer is just to work. You can still look for a paying position while you are working, but you will be contributing to your community while you are working and that will go a long way with a future employer. Not only that, but you are staying sharp within your industry or learning a new one instead of sitting around wallowing in self-pity because you cannot find a position. Your working in the community may impress an employer so much that it might actually lead to a paying position.
Think about that, if you are looking to hire someone and you have two candidates that are relatively close in experience and qualifications, who are you going to hire? The guy who has been sitting around for the last 6 months picking up free unemployment checks or the one trying to better himself by staying fresh, working hard and helping out the community? It should be an easy answer.
Regardless of the field you work in, you can find a public interest job. Positions involving basic labor to attorneys and doctors are vacant and need to be filled. As mentioned earlier, it is also a great way to learn something new. For instance, you have experience in management, but have never put together a major project. You may want to consider taking on a position as a volunteer fund raising manager. This is a great way to learn something new and something that will serve a great purpose in the business world.
Running a fund raiser is the same thing as organizing a large event. You have to plan from beginning to end. From deciding on menu's (if it involves some type of meal) to setting the itinerary for the evening. This will actually introduce you to the world of meeting, planning, and possibly lead to another career. You pull this off and you will not have the option of looking for jobs in two separate areas. You can see how something like this increases your chances dramatically for obtaining a job.
While these positions are usually low paying or volunteer, you still have to locate them and interview for them. Just because you are willing to help does not mean that they are going to just throw the job at the first person that walks through the door. It is actually quite the opposite. These types of establishment need to be very choosy about whom they pick as they are usually working with limited funds and there is very little room for error.
When looking to contribute to your community by working in public interest, you will have to show that you are devoted to the cause and not just occupying some time. You will have to approach the process just as you would, for your dream job.
To find these positions, you will have to use all methods. There are actually job boards that are devoted to them on just about every major site and you are now seeing more and more specialty sites devoted solely to doing job searches for a public interest job. It is a direct reflection of the economy. People know jobs are tough to come by and are looking at many different avenues to find work.
Make sure your resume is up to date and that you present yourself well. After all, there is a good chance of you becoming the face of the organization; they are not going to put someone who looks sloppy in charge.
Remember, you always overdress for an interview, never the other way around. Looking professional will give you the edge over a large portion of your competition. This is something that you can control and should make every effort to turn the dial in your favor.
