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For positions that are typically characterised by no pay, it should be fairly easy to get a volunteer position, right? Well, yes and no. Yes in the sense that there are many ways you can volunteer starting from your neighbourhood and without the need to go into any formal application process.

For instance, you could volunteer to take a visually impaired person in your neighbourhood on a walk every Saturday. Other than approaching the neighbour and/or their loved ones, it does not require much else to start off.

But volunteering is not always that straightforward depending on your reason for volunteering and the kind of volunteer work you are looking for. For example, if your purpose for volunteering is so you can have an impressive resume that you would then use to secure a paid position in your career of choice, then your options for volunteer work then narrow considerably. You will have to target particular organisations and these may not always have volunteer opportunities.

You may also not want to volunteer for just any organisation. While volunteering work is often viewed as a noble cause, you have to be comfortable with the credibility of the organisation you intend to work with. There have been many recorded instances of not-for-profit and community-based organisations that carry out volunteer work only as a front for drug trafficking or international terrorism.

Your own intentions may be noble but your association with a shady, discredited organization especially if you end up in a prominent role may put a blemish on your reputation that may be difficult to get rid of. It is better to take more cautious approach and look for original volunteers positions with organisations that have a long reputation for above board operations.

You can start your search for opportunities by visiting local volunteer centres. Such centres may have a list of local, national and international volunteer opportunities across different organisations. Some will already have done the vetting of any organisation on their list and will substantially reduce the amount of background screening you would have had to do on your own.

If you are presented with several opportunities to choose from, it is best to go for original volunteers positions that have the closest match to your preferences, personality and skills. That said there is no harm in venturing into new territories that you find interesting but that you may not be formally trained on especially if the offering organisation pledges to train you for the role. It will not only be a chance to have new experiences but also grow your skill set.