Many people get a tremendous buzz out of volunteering. But did you know it can also improve your job prospects? For Volunteers' Week, we asked our National Careers Service Adviser Rosalind Ansell to explain why volunteering is good for your career progression and can help you get back into work after a break.

A survey by Deloitte* shows that 82% of employers are more likely to choose a candidate with volunteering experience, and of them 85% are willing to overlook other CV flaws when a candidate includes volunteer work. Employers really do value the skills, experience and development volunteering can offer an individual. In fact, a growing number of employers are allowing their staff time off to get inolved with charities as they recognise the value that volunteering brings.

Returning to work after an illness, redundancy, a custodial sentence or years of raising a family can be extremely difficult. Volunteering or an unpaid work placement can offer valuable experience, build confidence and skills, and provide the opportunity to develop contacts and networks for future job seeking.

Ready to get started? Check out these national websites to find volunteering opportunites Do-it, Volunteering Matters, Reach Volunteering, Vinspired (youth volunteering) or contact your local volunteer centre.

*Deloitte Impact Survey Building leadership skills through volunteerism, 2016