When it comes to volunteering, there are many ways to make a meaningful impact. For Samantha Morais, contributing her time as a resume writer for Jumpstart has been a way to support newcomers in Canada in their pursuit of employment and stability. In a recent interview, Samantha shared her insights on what drew her to this work, the unique challenges she encounters, and the rewarding experiences that keep her motivated. Here’s a look into her journey, thoughts, and advice for others considering a similar path.
A Unique Background and Motivation for Volunteering
Samantha holds an academic background that includes a Bachelor of Science from York University, a Master’s, and a Ph.D. in Public Health completed in Portugal. After living in Portugal for nearly a decade, Samantha returned to Canada, bringing with her a rich international academic experience. Despite her qualifications, she faced unexpected obstacles re-entering the Canadian job market, a common challenge for many skilled people who study abroad. Her struggle to secure a job due to a lack of “Canadian experience” resonated deeply, fueling her desire to help others in similar situations.
Samantha’s volunteer journey began when a family member mentioned an opening for resume writers at Jumpstart. Her intrinsic passion for writing, coupled with her detail-oriented nature, made this role a natural fit. Working with Jumpstart allows her to use her skills to help others gain a foothold in the job market, a cause she finds meaningful and essential. This blend of academic rigor and her understanding of the hurdles newcomers face has allowed Samantha to make a tangible difference.
The Rewarding Nature of Helping Others
For Samantha, the most rewarding aspect of being a resume writer volunteer is the gratitude she feels from the individuals she assists. She shared that while feedback from clients is often limited, she senses their appreciation during consultations. Each interaction, she believes, provides her clients with confidence, clarity, and a better understanding of the Canadian job market.
A moment that stood out to her was when a client, unsure of her language skills, asked if her English was adequate. Samantha reassured her, pointing out that language was not an obstacle that should hold her back. Instances like these, where Samantha can boost someone’s confidence, reinforce the value of her work. Even though her role may seem limited to resume writing, Samantha sees the broader impact, acknowledging that these efforts contribute to a significant chapter in someone’s life—their career journey in a new country.
The Importance of Resume Writing for Refugees
Coming from academia, Samantha is no stranger to extensive CVs and meticulous attention to detail. Academic resumes can span over twenty pages, requiring exhaustive lists of publications and contributions. While helping refugees and newcomers, Samantha applies her skills in refining content, ensuring every abbreviation is defined, spelling is correct, and the formatting is consistent. “Small details matter,” she explained, emphasizing how even slight formatting inconsistencies can leave a negative impression.
Samantha’s academic experience has taught her the importance of presenting achievements concisely and professionally. She draws on this experience to help clients avoid including unnecessary personal details that might be customary in other countries but are often frowned upon in the Canadian job market. These “cultural nuances” in resume preparation are critical for clients, and Samantha finds satisfaction in helping them navigate and adapt to these differences. For refugees, these challenges are often amplified, especially if their education and experience come from non-Western institutions. Helping refugees and newcomers with their resumes is about more than just formatting a document; it’s a vital step in overcoming systemic barriers. Samantha explained that Canadian resumes differ significantly from those in other countries, which might include personal information like photos or marital status—details considered inappropriate in Canada. Assisting clients in adapting to these norms is essential, helping them to present their best selves in a way that aligns with local expectations.
Essential Qualities for Resume Writers
Samantha emphasized that being detail-oriented, a good communicator, and having patience are essential qualities for a resume writer. Working with refugees and newcomers sometimes involves a need for clear communication, as background noises like children, public transit, or poor cell reception can make it difficult to hear and understand clients clearly. This is especially true when clarifying company names, cities, or other unfamiliar terms, which sometimes need to be spelled out if they’re not listed on the resume. Additionally, strong listening skills are important, particularly when gathering job-related details from clients who may have limited experience in crafting professional resumes.
Some resumes, Samantha shared, are just a few lines long, often leaving out significant positions and responsibilities. Helping clients to articulate their experiences fully and accurately can be a time-consuming process. But for Samantha, every detail counts. These skills not only ensure a polished resume but also foster a respectful, empathetic interaction that makes clients feel heard and understood.
Balancing Volunteering with Other Commitments
For Samantha, balancing her volunteer work with other commitments is manageable, thanks to Jumpstart’s flexibility and the scheduling tool that supports volunteers. Using this tool, Samantha inputs her availability, making it easy to coordinate with clients who can schedule or cancel calls as needed. The tool also allows her to block off time for vacations, holidays, or other commitments, ensuring that her volunteer work integrates seamlessly with her other responsibilities
Jumpstart’s understanding approach also allows volunteers to take time off as needed, whether for personal projects, vacations, or other priorities. This flexibility has made it possible for Samantha to maintain her volunteer commitments consistently, contributing to her long-term involvement with Jumpstart.
Encouraging Others to Volunteer
When asked what she would say to encourage others to volunteer with Jumpstart, Samantha highlighted the personal gratification that comes from supporting people during one of the most challenging moments of their lives: adjusting to a new country and searching for a job. “If you have that intrinsic need to help others,” she remarked, “this work fulfills that.” Samantha believes that the conversations and guidance she offers not only assist with job readiness but also build confidence, showing refugees that they are welcome and valued in Canada.
Volunteering as a resume writer allows individuals to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. The gratitude from clients, the exposure to diverse experiences, and the chance to support others in a life-changing transition make the experience deeply rewarding for Samantha. She encourages others who want to make a difference to consider this opportunity, as it provides valuable support to those who need it most.
Conclusion
Samantha Morais’ dedication as a volunteer resume writer with Jumpstart is a powerful example of how even small acts of service can create profound impacts in the lives of newcomer refugees. Her insights highlight the importance of empathy, patience, and flexibility in volunteer work, as well as the personal growth that comes from helping others succeed. Samantha’s story serves as an inspiration for anyone considering volunteerism, showcasing how each resume crafted, each word of encouragement, and each shared story can build bridges for those striving to establish new lives in Canada.
If you are looking to make a meaningful impact, consider volunteering as a resume writer with Jumpstart. Help refugees and newcomers gain the confidence and tools they need to succeed in their careers.