We often hear about the importance of volunteering and pro-bono work when an attorney is looking for a new job.  But what we don't hear is what actions a job seeker should take in making sure that the volunteer work their engaged in actually serves as a stepping stone to finding paid employment.  Here are few tips on what you can do to enhance your volunteer experience and use it as a boost to paid employment:

1.    Treat the volunteer job as if you were getting paid.  Show up on time and do your job to the best of your ability. A matter of fact, go above and beyond what is expected.  Always give 200 percent.

2.    Show enthusiasm for your work and get involved in activities that add value to the organization you're volunteering with. Look for areas in the organization that could be improved and submit a proposal to the organization detailing how you can help them make improvements. This will make you shine on your resume, cover letter and the interview with your next potential employer.

3.    Get along with other co-workers, whether they are paid or volunteers. If you want to ask the organization for a letter of recommendation at a later date or use them as a reference, you want to insure that they will have something good to say about your personality and ability to work with others.

4.    Make sure you build relationships with the people you are working with. Have a conversation, find out what they are doing, their past work and any connections they may have that could be valuable to you in your job search.  Don't directly ask them for job referrals.

5.    Carefully document the work you're doing with the organization, especially if it is work that will enhance your resume.