Volunteering as a strategy to fill gaps in my resume! : findings from a study on jobless individuals in four states in Australia

This paper presents findings from a mixed method research study undertaken in four different states in Australia from 2009 to 2011. It involves consultation with service providers and stakeholders on their experience of working with long-term jobless individuals; and the individuals themselves on their experience of being jobless. The methodology used consisted of one-to-one interviews; focus groups discussion; and completion of an anonymous survey instruments. Data was collected from 110 individuals and over 30 stakeholders. The issues explored included barriers of using the service(s); challenges for individuals in gaining employment; gaps in services provided; and how well the services work together. A number of barriers identified have been described by other research but others, such as having a gap in their employment history, not recognised for time providing care at home or not having enough work experience are detailed. An important strategy described by stakeholders as a way to combat this is practice of undertaking volunteering in the industry of choice or performing duties that would be recognised in the employment market. This will be discussed in this paper together with qualitative data on people’s experiences in using this technique. The findings of this study are significant in providing some direction to policy makers in assisting this increasingly disaffected group and the growing public debate in Australia and other countries to further tighten the requirements imposed on this group of social security recipients.