Social StudentThe graduate job market is as competitive as ever, so it is essential to have something to distinguish you from other candidates. Your CV is the first connection your potential employer has with you and can make or break your chances of getting the job, or even reaching the interview stage. You will likely be competing against people with similar levels of education and qualifications on their CV, so to increase your chances of securing that dream job, it is vital to have something to help distinguish you from other candidates. One of the ways you can do this is by volunteering and the Army Cadet Force in particular is one such voluntary organisation that has some great opportunities to enhance your CV. With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of the 3 top ways a graduate CV can benefit from volunteering with the Army Cadet Force.
- You’ll gain new experiences and qualifications
With the amount of competition for jobs it is useful for graduates to have work experience, extra-curricular activities and even additional qualifications outside of University. In the ACF there are a whole host of tasks which need to be undertaken, from youth work with the cadets to organising their training schedules. Through this you will gain valuable experience in both leadership and in teamwork as well as helping to provide the best experience for the cadets. As a volunteer with the ACF you will also be able to gain recognised qualifications, such as First Aid, sports leadership and adventure training, while the Army Cadet Force also has a dedicated PR training team where volunteers can learn about PR and a range of other specialist subjects. While these by no means should serve as a replacement for the qualifications you have already achieved, they are great for helping your CV distinguish itself from your competition.
- You’ll take part in stand-out adventures and activities
Taking part in out of the ordinary disciplines is another way that will help you stand out from other candidates. There will not be many graduates who are able to add taking part in adventure training to their CV. Such activities can range from hiking in your local countryside to leading expeditions abroad, where you can experience a completely different environment and culture. Not only does this show you to be a person who can be productive in a range of different settings, but it can also provide a great talking point in an interview.
- You’ll leave a positive impression on a future employer
Being able to list a regular routine of volunteering also has a somewhat more subtle effect upon an employers’ view of you as a person. Although being qualified for the job is important, employers also want someone who they feel is going to be compatible within their business and good to be around. By showing you regularly volunteer you will have a potential employer immediately thinking of you in a positive light, as it will be evident that you are someone who cares about others and is altruistic. It also shows a level of commitment, proactivity and the ability to balance multiple activities, which indicates you have a well-organised lifestyle, another attractive trait to possess.
Volunteering is a fantastic way to spice up your CV and can give you the much needed edge over your competition, so why not search for your nearest volunteering opportunities and see how you can add to your CV while you help a good cause.