Developing outside endeavors can help add value to your career and your life.

To illustrate how outside endeavors can help - and how they're viewed - let's take a look at the same headings we had in Monday's Resume post:

Professional and civic organizations. Organizations usually have their own specific underlying themes.  Mechanical engineering organizations, for instance, concentrate on...well, mechanical engineering.  Likewise, Toastmasters International focuses on public speaking and leadership.  You'll be able to meet many like-minded individuals who, in addition to becoming friends with them, may be able to share job leads.  Employers view job candidates in organizations as true professionals - and that only helps the chance of landing a job.

Charitable causes. Volunteering for non-profits demonstrates your commitment to the community.  Employers like that.  They like it even more if you conduct higher-level volunteering like organizing a large fund raiser, solicit corporate donations or are regularly pop up on TV or radio as a volunteer spokesperson for the organization.  And, in addition to doing good, it makes you feel good.

Sports and/or arts.  Run marathons or smaller road races?  Coach?  Organize leagues?  Sell your artwork?  While not necessarily resume material, these activities are great to bring up while networking and in interviews as a way to build rapport and respect.  After all, these activities show vitality as well as problem solving and leadership skills.  These activities are also a good way to maintain and build your physical energy levels.

IN THE CARAVAN: Outside endeavors can help build your perceived value to employers and networking contacts while adding value to yourself as a person.

NEXT WEDNESDAY: Gotta Do Before I Die List

Want more advice on Adding Value? Check out these posts and The Lion's Pride section of WildJobSafari.com!

Check out last Wednesday's  post on increasing concentration.

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