Amanda Ponzar’s Post

Volunteerism offers numerous benefits in the 21st century, especially in times of scarce jobs: *Personal Benefits* 1. Skill development and enhancement 2. Networking opportunities 3. Resume building and career advancement 4. Personal growth and self-awareness 5. Stress relief and mental well-being *Professional Benefits* 1. Gaining work experience and references 2. Building professional networks and connections 3. Developing transferable skills (e.g., communication, teamwork) 4. Enhancing job prospects and employability 5. Exploring career paths and industries *Social Benefits* 1. Community engagement and social responsibility 2. Meeting like-minded individuals and building friendships 3. Contributing to social causes and making a difference 4. Cultural exchange and diversity understanding 5. Fostering social cohesion and community development *Career Benefits* 1. Internship and job placement opportunities 2. Career transition and exploration 3. Entrepreneurship and innovation incubation 4. Leadership development and mentorship 5. Access to training and professional development resources *Economic Benefits* 1. Economic empowerment through skill development 2. Increased employability and job creation 3. Stimulating local economies through volunteer tourism 4. Access to funding and resource opportunities 5. Encouraging social entrepreneurship and innovation *21st-Century Relevance* 1. Addressing global challenges (e.g., climate change, inequality) 2. Developing digital skills and online volunteering 3. Fostering global citizenship and cultural exchange 4. Enhancing soft skills and emotional intelligence 5. Preparing for the future of work and Industry 4.0 *Scarcity of Jobs Context* 1. Bridging the employment gap 2. Providing alternative pathways to employment 3. Enhancing employability and competitiveness 4. Developing entrepreneurial mindset and skills 5. Creating opportunities for underemployed or unemployed individuals To leverage volunteerism in the 21st century: 1. Research organizations and causes aligned with your interests. 2. Utilize online platforms (e.g., VolunteerMatch, Idealist). 3. Network with professionals and peers. 4. Develop transferable skills and certifications. 5. Highlight volunteer experience on resumes and social media. COMR BAKO AYUBA MARUFUDEEN

As a humanitarian practitioner, I echo the importance of proactive networking and strategic engagement in competitive recruitment processes, especially within organizations like the UN. Your advice on getting involved, building connections, and presenting clear goals resonates deeply with my own experiences. Engaging in various activities, volunteering, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn are crucial for visibility and credibility. Articulating aspirations and passion for humanitarian work is key in leaving a lasting impression. In conclusion; your insights provide invaluable guidance for aspiring professionals navigating the recruitment landscape in the humanitarian sector👏

HOW TO STAND OUT WHEN APPLYING FOR A JOB IN AN NGO. 1. 💥Highlight relevant experience: Emphasize any previous work or volunteer experience you have in the nonprofit or humanitarian sector. This could include internships, projects, or collaborations with NGOs or INGOs. 2. 💥Showcase specific skills: NGOs often look for individuals with specific skills such as project management, fundraising, communications, or community development. Highlight these skills in your CV and provide concrete examples of how you have applied them. 3. 💥Demonstrate your passion: NGOs are driven by a commitment to making a positive impact. Show your genuine passion for the cause or issue the NGO works on. Explain why you are drawn to this particular organization and how your personal values align with their mission. 4. 💥Highlight language and cultural competencies: NGOs often operate in diverse and multicultural contexts. If you have language skills or experience working in different cultural settings, make sure to highlight them as they can be valuable assets. 5. 💥Showcase your adaptability and flexibility: NGOs often operate in challenging and dynamic environments. Highlight instances where you have demonstrated adaptability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure or in resource-constrained settings. 6. 💥Include measurable achievements: Use numbers and data to quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. For example, if you've successfully managed a fundraising campaign, mention the amount of funds raised or the percentage increase in donations. 7. 💥Demonstrate your teamwork and collaboration skills: NGOs value teamwork and collaboration. Highlight instances where you have worked effectively in a team, coordinated with stakeholders, or facilitated partnerships. 8. 💥Customize your CV: Tailor your CV to match the specific requirements of the NGO you are applying to. Research the organization thoroughly and highlight how your skills and experiences align with their needs. PS🤍🤍STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD #standout #NGO #bestadvice #bestcv Remember, it's crucial to present a clear, concise, and well-organized CV that effectively communicates your qualifications, experiences, and passion for the NGO sector. Good luck with your application!

🌟 Sometimes dreams come true in the most unexpected ways. 🌐 For several years, I had a dream of working on a global level. I set this as my goal, mapped out the steps to achieve it, and put in a lot of effort. But, as often happens with the things you truly want, the dream didn’t materialize as quickly as I had hoped. I worked with teams in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Germany, but it didn’t feel global enough—it wasn’t the whole world, right? 👩💻 When I started volunteering at Imagine Foundation e.V., my motivation was to give back to the society I live in now. I wanted to connect talented people with opportunities in Europe. And as an HR professional, the most valuable thing I could offer was my experience. 💫 But after a few months of volunteering, I realized that my dream had come true - I do work on a global level. 🌍 Today, I work with amazing people from Pakistan, Morocco, Ethiopia, Ghana, and so many other countries—people I would have never crossed paths with if not for my volunteering with Imagine Foundation e.V. Through career coaching, resume optimization, and LinkedIn profile improvements, I’m helping them discover and pursue opportunities here in Europe. And what’s even more rewarding is seeing how this gives them both motivation and drive. If you want to learn more about Imagine Foundation e.V., check the link https://lnkd.in/drd7RuSb #imaginevolunteer #talentisuniversal #talentwithoutborders

How can I stand out in recruitment processes? Well, if I knew the full answer, I would be rich (or maybe in HR 😄). But I might have some ideas, based on things that have worked for me. So maybe I could share, hoping it can help some of you here looking to break through. After I shared my experience with the UNV programme, many people approached me asking questions about how to "get in". How to stand out and finally be chosen, considering the highly competitive processes for the UN and other humanitarian actors, and the maaaany unsuccessful applications. Here are three tips that I think helped me finally "make it". 🏃♀️Get involved: When I arrived in Brasilia, I was a fresh graduate from law school with no previous links and connections. I devoted all my free time to attending embassy functions, participating in university activities, and volunteering whenever possible. (The photo below was from the day I volunteered with UNDP for an SDG event, and the same day went to a GIZ event on water. Ikid you not, I really was everywhere...) 🤝Get known: Coming from the Brazilian countryside, I didn't know anyone. So I really had to get out of my shell and look for opportunities to engage and know people. Making connections with people who had the internships I wanted, who worked where I wanted to work, who did what I wanted to do... helped me better position myself and even reshape my applications. 🌟Get seen (for the right reasons): Make sure when you meet these new people that you have a clear goal, and that you aptly present it. People have their own agendas, so try to be clear and direct. Meaningfully engage. While I don't think there is a one-size-fits-all strategy, my approach was always to invest in visibility and building my network. This was mostly offline, but LinkedIn can really be a powerful tool to boost your processes and finally break through. For my connections already working in the system, what other tips can you share to help newcomers "breakthrough"? Please share in the comments so we can get the conversations started and maybe help more people to thrive. #HumanitariansAtWork #Recruitment

Struggling to find a job abroad on LinkedIn? 🌏 Use these 5 full-proof websites to accelerate your success. This week I had the pleasure of hosting a workshop for the amazing ladies (and some gentlemen) from Women in Tech®Uzbekistan. I really want to thank Anna Ambrozevich and her volunteering colleagues for doing a great job: showing global opportunities to local communities🙏 The workshop was dedicated to basic tips, tricks and life hacks for finding a job abroad. Today, as promised, I would like to share some of them with you. The video and some other resources are yet to come. Every resource I’m about to share has different specifics. Some are more IT-oriented, others are focused on a specific region. If you are looking for a job in a foreign country, consider them all, and choose the one that best suits your needs! 🔷 Working Nomads (https://lnkd.in/dDbsJj63) – a great job search engine that offers remote work opportunities for digital nomads. 🔷 Kununu (https://www.kununu.com/) – find jobs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. As you might have guessed, the website is in German 🇩🇪 🔷 Jobsora (https://jobsora.com/) – job opportunities from 38 countries, including African and Asian ones. The website adapts to the language of the country. 🔷 WhatJobs (https://www.whatjobs.com/) – opportunities from 60+ countries. 🔷 Idealist (https://lnkd.in/d3ehcMAt) – these guys concentrate on socially significant jobs, as well as internship and volunteering opportunities. What resources did you use to look for a job abroad? Share in the comments and leave a 👍 for part 2, where I’ll share 5 more websites with you! #JobAbroad #GlobalCareer #InternationalJobs #WomenInTechUzbekistan #InterculturalCommunication

Waiting to be an expert? You’re wasting time. Did you know that most hiring managers for entry-level roles don’t expect you to know everything? They’re looking for potential, a willingness to learn, and real-life experience. One of the best ways to gain that experience is through volunteering. According to studies, volunteering roles provide practical, hands-on skills that can set you apart from other candidates who only have theoretical knowledge. Instead of holding back and waiting to feel “ready,” start applying for entry-level jobs and seeking out volunteering opportunities. You’ll gain the skills you need while working and that’s what these roles are all about! Remember, you don’t have to be an expert to start, but you need to start to become one. #EntryLevel #GrowthMindset #CareerAdvice #Volunteering #Skills #LearningByDoing

As an old African adage says, when you wake up is your morning so I guess it’s not too late to say Happy New Year everyone! The year started with a lot of work and even on my birthday 3 days back, I worked back to back. Here’s my 2024 rewind visual and I guess it encapsulates who I am and what I advocate for, I like what it says about my ‘Superpower’ and I’d be using that ‘Thanos stone’ a lot this year to guide as many as I can to global opportunities. Within my circle there is a launch of a revolutionary social enterprise which I’m proud to provide advisory for, and this enterprise would guide BAME (Black, Asian & Minority Ethnics) to global opportunities in UK, Europe and other destinations. So whether you’re already in diaspora looking for career guidance , needing to close career gaps with work experience schemes/internships or wanting to transit to senior positions/higher paying roles or you’re currently resident in Africa or Asia and looking for greener pastures abroad or want to be a globally relevant digital nomad even at home in a way that you’re well positioned for global opportunities, this service is for you. To subscribe, get more information or request for a service signup via www.japahub.org This would be a year of abundance and great strides for us all. #Global #Opportunities #Positioning #ImmigrationAdvisory #Jobs

🌍 The Job Search Landscape in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities As the team leader of an HR firm operating across several African countries, I witness firsthand the resilience, talent, and determination of job seekers on our continent. However, I also see the barriers they face, which often seem insurmountable. From high unemployment rates and skills mismatches to limited access to quality job opportunities, job seekers often feel stuck in a system that doesn't work in their favor. Many face challenges such as: 1️⃣ Lack of access to information: reliable job listings can be scarce, leaving job seekers to rely on word-of-mouth or informal networks. 2️⃣ Skills gaps: Many candidates don’t meet the requirements for available roles, often due to outdated curricula or lack of practical training. 3️⃣ Underutilized digital platforms: While digital tools exist, not everyone has the digital literacy or resources to access them. 4️⃣ Bias in hiring: Factors like age, gender, and even location can unfairly limit opportunities for talented individuals. What Can We Do to Make a Difference? It will take collective effort to turn these challenges into opportunities. Here are some practical steps we can all take: 1️⃣ Strengthen collaboration between employers and educators. Align academic programs with market demands to ensure graduates have job-ready skills. 2️⃣ Invest in digital literacy and accessibility: Governments, businesses, and NGOs must work to provide affordable internet and training on using digital tools effectively. 3️⃣ Promote internships and apprenticeships: These programs offer hands-on experience, bridging the gap between academic learning and workplace expectations. 4️⃣ Expand professional networks: Platforms like LinkedIn are powerful tools, but many are underutilized. Empowering job seekers to build their networks and showcase their skills can open doors. 5️⃣ Champion diversity and inclusion: Organizations must commit to fair hiring practices, ensuring everyone has an equal shot at success. To my fellow leaders, recruiters, and professionals: let’s work together to create a more inclusive and supportive job market. Africa’s greatest asset is its people, and by empowering job seekers, we empower the continent. If you’re a job seeker, employer, or policymaker, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What solutions have worked in your region? Let’s build a future where opportunities are accessible to all. #EmpowerAfrica #JobOpportunities #RecruitmentInnovation #AfricaForward

Just learned about it from my clients who secured 🇦🇺 Australian PR That it's common for Australian employers to seek candidates with local experience due to several reasons: 1. Familiarity with Work Environment: Having local experience often means understanding the local work culture, practices, and regulations. Employers may prefer candidates who can quickly adapt to their workplace environment. 2. Networking and Connections: Local experience may also indicate that a candidate has established professional networks and connections within the industry, which can be valuable for the employer. 3. Communication Skills: Being accustomed to local communication styles and nuances can be advantageous in effectively collaborating with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. 4. Understanding of Industry Standards: Candidates with local experience may have a better understanding of industry-specific standards, compliance requirements, and best practices relevant to the Australian context. 🎯While it may seem challenging for new migrants to gain local experience, there are strategies they can employ: ➡️Volunteer Work: Participating in volunteer opportunities related to their field can help new migrants gain exposure to the local work environment and build relevant skills. ➡️Internships or Work Placements: Some industries offer internships or work placement programs designed for newcomers to gain practical experience and network with professionals. ➡️Networking Events: Attending industry-specific networking events, seminars, and workshops can provide opportunities to connect with professionals and learn about job openings. ➡️Professional Development Courses: Investing in further education or professional development courses tailored to the Australian market can enhance skills and demonstrate commitment to potential employers. Australian employers do like local experience but also love fresh ideas and skills from newcomers. So, new migrants should show off their international experience, ability to adapt, and eagerness to learn when applying for jobs. You may refer to some job/market search engines for Australia in order to see the employment opportunities https://lnkd.in/eFdEQrpj https://www.seek.com.au/ https://au.indeed.com/ https://lnkd.in/evaSvt2Y https://lnkd.in/eDhRHFNY http://mycareer.com.au/ https://lnkd.in/ewPh-iSY http://ja.com.au/ http://joboutlook.gov.au/ https://lnkd.in/esRwZkhE Hope this helps , would love to hear your experiences here! I can be contacted at below ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gym9jUg6 ☎️ Call me at 91-8448450850 📧 Or email at process.immigration.chinki@gmail.com #AustralianPR #LocalExperience #NewMigrants #JobSearchTips #FreshIdeas #Skills #Adaptability #CareerAdvice #AustraliaImmigration #PR #Australia #Immmigration #SkilledWorkers #ITJobs #Engineers