Many hiring officials will be more understanding about out-of-work gaps during economic times like we are currently experiencing.  But, if you fail to address on your resume what you have been doing during your time off, you will likely be quickly discarded.  Therefore, it is very important to stay active during this time and try to focus not only on finding a new job, but also on other activities which will increase your marketability.  This means undertaking such activities as volunteer work (in your field, if possible), project work, taking classes or certification training.  Instead of empty space on your resume, start your chronological resume with a brief statement or two which explains how you have kept your skills current and your mind sharp.   Coupled with having great references ready to go and continued networking, your probability for success will increase.

Here are some resources and ideas that might be helpful in finding volunteer opportunities:

·         Many newspapers have classified ads for volunteers needed

·         Contact your nearest volunteer center (where available) and ask for a list of volunteer opportunities

·         Utilize Twitter to network and find out about volunteer needs – e.g. #volunteer

·         Check out these great links to other resources for volunteer and Non-profit information

http://www.serve.gov/

http://www.volunteermatch.org/

http://www.unv.org/

http://www.getinvolved.gov/

www.1-800-volunteer.org/

http://www.christianvolunteering.org/

http://volunteer.united-e-way.org/

http://www.idealist.org/if/as/vol

http://www.voa.org/

http://ofcn.org/

http://www.seniornet.org/jsnet/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=42

http://www.councilofnonprofits.org/

http://www.melissadata.com/lookups/np.asp

http://www2.guidestar.org/