A Guide to Building Your CV When You Have No Work Experience
Hello friends, does your CV suck at the moment? Are you lost with where to start?
If you're living in Victoria I have some good news for you. I have compiled a list of some of the best human rights agencies that I have volunteered at & who are currently looking for people. I have also created a list of my favourite human rights job search websites for you to skim through. Good luck!
1. The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) (LOCATED IN FOOTSCRAY)
During my law school days I volunteered at the ASRC as a legal secretary. On each shift the day would start off with the CEO giving a kick ass motivational speech to get your veins pumping.On page 258 of The Power of Hope, written by the CEO of the ASRC, he has left the following message for people thinking of becoming a volunteer at his organisation:
'On the ASRC's volunteer information nights, new recruits are often anxious about whether they're skilled enough to help out. My response is that as long as you are caring, share our values and are hardworking and reliable, there's a place for you. Just consider what skills you might have that would be valuable to our local communities - finance, admin, marketing, fundraising project management, building, design, art, cooking, carpentry, painting, IT, HR and general people skills are all much sort after'.
Honestly, this is the place to give your time to. The organisation looks after its volunteers really well (they even give you a free lunch) and provide you with skills that will set you up for life. Oh and did I mention that the clients are amazing!
Feel like this is for you? Click the links below for further info:
2. The Mental Health Legal Centre (MHLC) (LOCATED IN CARLTON NEAR THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE)
Twice a week the Mental Health Legal Centre lets law students and lawyers volunteer at their night service. When I was living in Melbourne I volunteered at the MHLC for 1.6 years and even when I was exhausted from working long hours from my full-time job, as soon as I entered the doors of the MHLC I was fully energised and excited to assist the clients because the work that you got to take part in really meant that you could make a difference. The people who work at the MHLC are also super inspiring & actually care. The only reason why I stopped volunteering at this service was because I moved from Melbourne. I rate this place 10/10!3. The Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disabilities (VALID) (LOCATED IN RICHMOND)
VALID are currently looking for people to volunteer as Choice Mentors for people with intellectual disability. The role entails helping NDIS participants to explore options and opportunities that work best for them.4. Amnesty International Australia
My very first volunteer job was as a Human Rights Activist with Amnesty International. I held this position for approximately four years and I really believe that it opened doors for me in terms of helping me to gain paid employment once I finished my law degree. Amnesty are always looking for volunteers and have a specific focus on international and national human rights work.5. A Pocket Guide to Human Rights (VOLUNTEER WITH US FROM BEHIND YOUR DESK)
Okay, I'm a bit biased but we can help you! Are you a law student with no time because uni consumes every bit of your waking existence? Or are you a lawyer who has valid human rights topics that you feel that you can write about to create a positive change? If this sounds like you, then have no fear we have your back. If you have a decent human rights paper that you think can change the world send it to us to put on our blog. In return we will give you a volunteer job as a 'Human Rights Blogger'.If this sounds good to you, email your CV and a short cover letter to humanrightsmelb@gmail.com.
