Imagine you are sitting in a job interview when the prospective employer asks you, “So, what have you been doing since you lost your job?” Wouldn’t it be great to tell the interviewer that you have been doing volunteer consulting work for a local nonprofit agency or that you have been volunteering your time serving meals at the local senior center?

Volunteering is a great way to spend periods of unemployment. It can be a way to build your resume, learn new skills or try out a career change. You can add to your references, expand your network and –who knows –you just might land a job. Many organizations look to their volunteer pool first when filling an open position.

One of the best ways to use your time during this period is to serve on a board of directors. There you will be interacting with other professionals and adding to your resume while performing an important service to the community. Listed below are several opportunities to serve on boards, and there are many more listed on Serve Rhode Island’s Web site at www.ServeRhodeIsland.org.

Seniors Helping Others (RSVP), Wakefield: Smith's Castle in North Kingstown needs a devoted citizen to join its board. The desired individual would be required to attend monthly meetings and work on brainstorming fundraising ideas. Contact Kathy Rosum, volunteer coordinator at 789-2362.

A Wish Come True, Inc., Warwick: We are looking for new board members who can serve a minimum of two years. Requirements are to attend board meetings (every other month, or six times per year) and events as requested. All potential new board members are required to attend one volunteer training session, held every other month, in order to learn about A Wish Come True. Contact John Rooke, development director at 781-9199.

The Bristol Pastime Theater Foundation, Bristol: We seek prospective board members who are interested in film and the performing arts and can attend monthly board meetings on a regular basis. Marketing, event-management and fundraising skills are highly valued. Contact Paul Mancieri, vice president at 253-9300.

Whether you are employed or between jobs, many important organizations could benefit greatly from your volunteer service, and may have opportunities that can accommodate your schedule. Check out the hundreds of volunteer opportunities listed on the Web site, www.ServeRhodeIsland.org. Consider joining our Serve Corps by donating two or more hours per month of volunteer service. For more information, call Janice Pothier Pac at 331-2298.