How to Get a (Paying) Job by Working for Free

It all comes down to networking!

If other avenues of job-searching are slow to bring results, slip some volunteer time in there. There are so many opportunities to do this. I know it can feel like you're wasting your time doing this when you really need to get income coming in, but volunteering a minimal amount per week, even 2-3 hours, can give you a chance to make contacts you didn't have before, and some of those contacts may be in a position to hire you at their place of full-time employment--or at the very least, make recommendations to the people who can.

Some good places to consider volunteering:

• Contact your local department of social services and ask if they have projects helping people in the community that you might be able to get involved with.
  
• local humane society or animal shelter
  
• charitable community events (look in the newspaper for these, or on a local online news site for your area; contact someone in the information office for the event, and ask if there's a way you can get involved)
  
• your local Red Cross chapter
  
• your local public schools may have tutoring or other after-school opportunities
  
• local churches, even if you don't attend
  
• local hospitals and nursing homes
  

There are lots of other opporunities to volunteer, and all of them give you the opportunity to let others see you, and your good work, in action--then, be sure to let them know you are looking for a full-time job, and stay aware of any opportunities that present themselves!