If you’re searching for ways to boost your resume, then it’s time to consider volunteering. Volunteering doesn’t only benefit the community you serve; it can make a positive impact on your professional life too. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why including volunteer work on your resume matters and how it can enhance your career prospects. Don’t overlook the unique value that volunteerism can add to your personal brand. Let’s dive in!

Identifying Relevant Volunteer Work

Volunteering is a great way to gain skills and experience that can be used to enhance your resume. However, not all volunteer work is relevant to the jobs you are applying for. It is important to identify which experiences to include on your resume and how to assess the skills developed.

Understanding which volunteer experiences to include on your resume

First, consider the relevance of your volunteer work to the job you are applying for. If the volunteer work is unrelated or irrelevant to the job, it might not be necessary to include it on your resume. For example, volunteer work at a dog shelter might not be relevant to a job in finance.

However, if the volunteer work is closely related to the job you are applying for, you should definitely include it on your resume. For example, if you volunteered at a non-profit organization in a marketing capacity and are applying for a marketing position, this is a valuable experience to highlight on your resume.

Assessing the skills developed and the experience gained

When including volunteer experience on your resume, it is important to assess the skills you gained from the experience. Skills such as leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and communication can be developed through volunteering and should be highlighted on your resume.

In addition, volunteer work can also demonstrate your passion for a particular cause or industry. This can be a valuable asset to highlight on your resume, especially if you are applying for a job in the same field.

It is important to carefully consider which volunteer experiences to include on your resume and how to assess the skills developed. As a result, you can effectively demonstrate your value to potential employers and increase your chances of getting the job you want.

How to Highlight Volunteer Work on Your Resume

Including your volunteer work on your resume can help show potential employers your dedication, skills, and values. To make the most of this experience, it’s important to create a special section for volunteer experience and craft compelling descriptions that demonstrate the value of your work.

Creating a special section for volunteer experience

To showcase your volunteering efforts, create a separate section on your resume titled “Volunteer Experience” or “Community Involvement.” This section should go after your professional experience section and before your education section.

List each volunteer position you held, the organization’s name, and the dates of your service. Consider grouping your volunteer experiences by relevant skills or causes. Also, include any leadership roles, awards, and accomplishments related to your volunteer work.

Crafting compelling descriptions

Your volunteer experience should be presented in a way that highlights your skills and accomplishments while showcasing your values and proving that you are a well-rounded person. Avoid simply listing your tasks or responsibilities.

Instead, consider these tips:

Use strong action verbs to describe your tasks, such as “led,” “organized,” or “coordinated.”
Begin each bullet point with an achievement or outcome, such as “raised $10,000 for a local charity through a fundraising event.”
Highlight the skills you gained or improved upon, such as project management, communication, or teamwork.
Explain how your volunteer work relates to your career goals or the job you’re applying for.

By following these tips, you can create compelling descriptions that effectively demonstrate the value of your volunteer experience and make a strong impact on potential employers.

Describing Volunteer Work Effectively

Volunteer work can be a valuable and impressive addition to your resume, showcasing your skills, passion, and dedication to making a difference. However, simply listing your volunteer work may not be enough to catch the attention of potential employers. To effectively describe your volunteer work, it’s important to use action-oriented language that highlights your accomplishments and the impact you made.

How to describe your work in a way that resonates with potential employers

When describing your volunteer work on your resume or in an interview, it’s important to focus on the skills and experiences that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Start by identifying the key skills or qualities that the employer is looking for, and then think about how your volunteer work demonstrates those same skills.

For example, if the job requires strong leadership skills, you can highlight a time when you led a team of volunteers to accomplish a specific goal. Or if the job requires excellent communication skills, you can describe how you effectively communicated with stakeholders and fellow volunteers to coordinate and execute projects.

Using action-oriented language to convey your skills and accomplishments

To make your volunteer work stand out on your resume, it’s important to use action-oriented language that conveys your accomplishments and the impact you made. Instead of simply listing your volunteer experience, focus on the specific tasks or projects you were involved in and the results you achieved.

For example, instead of saying “Volunteered at the local food bank,” try “Led a team of volunteers to distribute over 500 meals to families in need.” This not only highlights your leadership skills but also demonstrates the impact you made in your volunteer role.

In addition, using specific metrics can help demonstrate the scale and impact of your work. For example, instead of saying “Organized a fundraising event,” try “Raised $10,000 through a successful fundraising campaign, supporting XYZ nonprofit organization.”

By using action-oriented language and highlighting your achievements, your volunteer work can become a valuable asset on your resume and set you apart from other candidates.

Using Volunteer Work to Fill Employment Gaps

If you are experiencing gaps in your employment history, including volunteer work on your resume can be an effective strategy to bridge those gaps. Volunteer work can demonstrate your commitment to contributing to your community and can also showcase valuable skills that you may have developed through your volunteering experience.

When showcasing your volunteer work on your resume, it’s important to highlight the transferable skills that you gained from those experiences. For instance, if you volunteered at a hospital or a nursing home, you likely gained skills in compassion, communication, and attention to detail. These skills are transferable to many different types of jobs and can be valuable assets to potential employers.

Similarly, if you volunteered at a non-profit organization, you may have gained skills in fundraising, event planning, and leadership. These skills are also highly transferable and can demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others.

In addition to showcasing your transferable skills, volunteer work can also provide you with opportunities to network and gain additional experience while you are seeking other employment opportunities. Many volunteer positions may lead to paid positions within the organization, or may provide valuable references that you can use in your job search.

When including your volunteer work on your resume, make sure to include details such as the organization that you volunteered with, the dates of your service, and a brief description of the role you played. Use active verbs to describe the responsibilities you had and the accomplishments you achieved while volunteering.

Ultimately, including volunteer work on your resume can demonstrate your commitment to serving your community and developing valuable skills that can be transferable to many different types of jobs. By highlighting your volunteer experience, you can bridge gaps in your employment history and showcase your strengths to potential employers.

Incorporating Volunteer Work into Different Resume Formats

When it comes to including volunteer work on your resume, it’s important to make sure it fits seamlessly with the format you’re using. Whether you’re working with a chronological, functional, or combination resume, there are ways to highlight your volunteer experience to make it shine.

Chronological Resumes

Chronological resumes are the most traditional format, listing your work experience in reverse chronological order. To seamlessly incorporate your volunteer work, consider adding it in its own section beneath your professional experience. Include the name of the organization, your role, and the dates you volunteered.

To make your volunteer work stand out even more, highlight any skills or accomplishments you gained. For example, if you organized a successful fundraiser or event, mention the impact it had, such as the amount of money raised or the number of attendees. This demonstrates your leadership abilities and shows employers that you’re passionate about making a difference.

Functional Resumes

Functional resumes focus on your skills and achievements rather than a strict chronological order of your work experience. This format is ideal for candidates who are changing careers or have gaps in their employment history. The most effective way to incorporate volunteer work into a functional resume is to list it under a “Volunteer Experience” section that highlights the skills you’ve gained.

For example, if you volunteered at a non-profit doing graphic design, highlight the software you used and how you contributed to their visual marketing efforts. This showcases your expertise and increases your chances of being noticed by employers who need those particular skills for their own company.

Combination Resumes

Combination resumes are a mixture of chronological and functional formats, with a summary of your skills followed by your work history listed in reverse chronological order. The middle section can be customized to include your volunteer work.

Use this section to highlight any relevant accomplishments, such as a successful project you led, or how you’ve strengthened your teamwork and communication skills. Be sure to mention the name of the organization, the dates you volunteered, and keep the focus on how your volunteer work makes you a more valuable candidate for the position.

By thoughtfully incorporating volunteer work into your resume, you can demonstrate your passion for helping others and your ability to develop a variety of skills. This can help set you apart from other candidates and convince employers that you’re a well-rounded, motivated individual who is dedicated to making a difference.

Strategic Placement of Volunteer Work on Your Resume

Adding volunteer work on your resume can significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job. It shows that you are not just focused on yourself, but also have a sense of community and interest in helping others. To make the most of your volunteer experience, it is crucial to strategically place it on your resume for maximum impact. Here’s what you need to know:

Where to Put Volunteer Work on Your Resume

The placement of your volunteer work on your resume can depend on your individual situation. However, the most common approach is to include it in the “Experience” section, just like a regular job. You can list your volunteering experience along with your previous work history, making sure to include your volunteer job title, the name of the organization, the duration of your volunteer work, and your responsibilities or achievements.

Alternatively, you can create a separate section on your resume titled “Volunteer Experience,” especially if you have extensive volunteering experience. This helps to draw attention to your contributions towards the community and your interests outside of work. Be sure to list your volunteer experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent first.

Choosing the Right Positioning and Alignment

Once you’ve decided where to place your volunteer work on your resume, the next step is to choose the right positioning and alignment. Here are some tips to help you make your resume shine:

Highlight Your Achievements: Whenever possible, showcase your achievements and impact during your volunteer work. This could include the number of people you’ve helped, the amount of money you’ve raised, or the projects you’ve completed. This helps demonstrate your skills and abilities beyond your job description.
Tailor Your Volunteer Experience: If you’re applying for a job with a specific set of skills, you can tailor your volunteer experience to demonstrate that you have those skills. For example, if you’re applying for a job that requires communication skills, focus on volunteer experiences where you had to communicate with others.
Use Bullet Points: Use bullet points to break up your volunteer experience into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to read and emphasizes the most important parts of your experience.
Be Consistent: Make sure that your formatting and styling are consistent throughout your resume. This means using the same font, size, and color for all sections, including your volunteer experience.

By following these tips, you can create a compelling resume that highlights your volunteer experience and demonstrates your value to potential employers. Remember to be strategic in your placement and use the right alignment to make your resume stand out.

Tips for Highlighting Volunteer Experience in Cover Letters

When applying for a job, it’s important to highlight your volunteer experience to your prospective employer. This not only shows your dedication and passion for helping others, but also demonstrates your skills and abilities outside of your professional experience. Here are some tips for making your volunteer work stand out in your cover letter:

Mention your volunteer experience in your opening paragraph. Use the first paragraph of your cover letter to briefly mention your volunteer work and why it’s relevant to the position you’re applying for. This will immediately grab the reader’s attention and show them that you have experience beyond your professional background.
Provide specific examples of your volunteer work. In the body of your cover letter, take the time to provide specific examples of your volunteer work and the impact you’ve made. For example, if you volunteered at a homeless shelter, mention how you helped to coordinate food drives or fundraisers. This demonstrates your ability to take initiative and make a positive difference in the community.
Highlight the skills and experience gained through your volunteer work. Don’t just list your volunteer experience – explain how it has helped you develop important skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, you may have gained leadership skills through organizing volunteer events, or developed excellent communication skills through working with diverse groups of people.
Show your dedication and passion for volunteering. In your closing paragraph, emphasize your commitment to volunteering and how it aligns with the company’s values and mission. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you’re passionate about making a difference and being part of a community.

By using your cover letter to showcase your volunteer experience, you can demonstrate your skills and passions to your prospective employer, and stand out from other applicants. Make sure to take the time to provide specific examples and highlight the skills gained through your volunteer work, and show your dedication and passion for making a positive impact.

Showcasing Volunteer Work on Your LinkedIn Profile

One of the best ways to showcase your volunteer work to potential employers and clients is by including it on your LinkedIn profile. Not only does it help you highlight your skills and experience, but it also shows that you are committed to making a difference in the world.

Adding Volunteer Work to Your LinkedIn Profile

Here’s how to add your volunteer work to your LinkedIn profile:

Log in to your LinkedIn account and go to your profile page.
Scroll down to the ‘Volunteer Experience’ section and click on the ‘+Add’ button.
Fill in the details of your volunteer work, including the name of the organization, your role, and the dates you volunteered.
Describe your volunteer responsibilities and achievements in the ‘Description’ section.
Click ‘Save’ to publish your volunteer experience on your profile.

Leveraging LinkedIn’s Volunteer Work Feature

LinkedIn’s ‘Volunteer Experience & Causes’ section is more than just a place to list your volunteer work. It’s a powerful tool that can help you highlight your experience, connect with others who share your passion, and make a difference in the world. Here are some tips for leveraging LinkedIn’s volunteer work feature:

1. Use relevant keywords

Include keywords related to your volunteer work in your profile and job descriptions to increase your visibility and attract potential employers or clients. For example, if you volunteered at a nonprofit that focuses on sustainability, include terms such as ‘sustainability,’ ‘environmentalism,’ or ‘social responsibility’ in your profile.

Use the ‘Description’ section to share your experiences and successes. Highlight the skills you developed and demonstrate how your volunteer work has helped you grow both professionally and personally.

3. Connect with other volunteers

Search for and connect with other volunteers and organizations in your field. Join LinkedIn groups related to your volunteer work and engage with others by sharing your experiences, insights, and ideas.

4. Be authentic

Finally, be authentic and passionate about your volunteer work. Share your story and be proud of the impact you’ve made in the world. By doing so, you’ll not only showcase your volunteer work, but also show that you are a well-rounded, compassionate individual who is committed to giving back to the community.

Including Volunteer Work in Your Career Objective Statement

If you’re looking to incorporate your volunteer work in your resume, it’s essential to also include it in your career objective statement. Your career objective should reflect your aspirations and the skills you bring to the table, and including your volunteer work can help you achieve that.

Here are some tips on how to infuse your volunteer work in your career objective statement:

Start by identifying the skills you acquired while volunteering. Did you work on a team, demonstrate leadership, or improve your organizational or communication skills? These are all valuable qualities that can set you apart from other job applicants.
Next, consider which of these skills would be relevant to your career goals. For example, if you’re looking to get into marketing, your volunteer work doing social media management could be relevant experience.
Finally, tailor your career objective statement to incorporate your volunteering experience in a way that makes sense for your goals. For instance, you could say something like “As a recent graduate with experience working with non-profit organizations, I aspire to leverage my skills in marketing to make a positive impact in the industry.”

Incorporating your volunteer work into your career objective statement can also help demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility and community involvement to potential employers. By aligning your volunteer work with your career goals, you can show that you are a well-rounded candidate with valuable skills and experiences.

Including your volunteer work in your career objective statement can help make your resume stand out and help you achieve your career goals.

Example of How to Write about Volunteer Work on Your Resume

A Sample Resume Section Dedicated to Volunteer Experience

Including volunteer work on a resume can not only demonstrate your passion for giving back to the community, but it can also highlight your skills and experience that are transferable to the workplace. Here is an example of a well-written resume section dedicated to volunteer experience:

Volunteer Experience

Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer (June 2018 – Present)

Assisted in the construction of 10 new homes for families in need
Managed a team of 5 volunteers during weekend builds
Organized and led a fundraiser that raised over $5,000 for the organization

Local Food Bank, Volunteer (August 2016 – May 2018)

Distributed food to families in need and ensured that they received the appropriate amount and variety of food
Coordinated with local grocery stores to collect and distribute unsold food
Trained and supervised new volunteers on safety procedures and best practices

Tips for Making the Language of the Sample Stand Out

While the above sample volunteer experience section is descriptive and effective on its own, there are some tips on how to make the language even more impactful:

Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong action verb that emphasizes your contribution and skills. Examples: “Assisted,” “Managed,” “Organized,” “Distributed,” “Coordinated,” and “Trained.”
Quantify Your Impact: Use concrete numbers and statistics wherever possible to illustrate the impact of your volunteer work. For example, instead of saying “Assisted in the construction of new homes,” say “Assisted in the construction of 10 new homes.”
Connect Your Volunteer Work to Your Professional Goals: If your volunteer work aligns with your professional goals or prerequisites for the job you’re applying for, make sure to explicitly state that connection. For example, if you’re applying for a job in project management, you can say “Managed a team of 5 volunteers during weekend builds” to demonstrate your leadership and teamwork skills.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Even if your volunteer work seems unrelated to your professional goals or the job you’re applying for, there are likely skills that are transferable. For example, coordinating with grocery stores and training new volunteers both require communication and organizational skills that are valuable in many jobs.

By following these tips, you can make your volunteer experience section stand out and showcase the unique skills and experiences that you’ve gained through your volunteer work.

Including Volunteer Work on Your Resume in 2024