When you are unemployed and job vacancies are hard to come by during these economically troubled times, it can become easy to sit at home and wait for something to happen. A sustained period of being unemployed can for some get them out of a routine and possibly even sap the confidence.

It is important therefore to keep using your skills and if possible try and learn new ones to improve your chances of finding a new job. One way of doing this is to put your name forward for voluntary work.

Volunteering your time to help others needn?t stop you from hunting around for other job vacancies. However, doing so will not only help others but it will also put your skills to good use, help you to learn new ones and provide a great deal of personal satisfaction.

The horrific scenes in Haiti following the earthquake in January provided a stark reminder to all of us how vulnerable this planet is. It also showed the togetherness and courage that can be shown in adversity, with one example being the dozens of British civil engineers lending their support in Haiti.

There are many examples of this not just in Haiti but in many different situations across the globe. Volunteering doesn?t just mean travelling far and wide as there are many projects across communities in the UK that need helpers.

While searching for job vacancies it is worth checking out charitable organisations through the internet or asking at the local job centre for more information. Potential employers will look favourably upon CVs that show candidates have continued working, whilst it will help to maintain your confidence and perhaps add an extra string to your bow.