Volunteer work is not only a fulfilling experience but also adds valuable skills to your resume. Whether you’ve been involved in local community projects, non-profit organizations, or charitable events, it’s important to correctly showcase your volunteer work on your resume. In this guide, we will provide you with tips, examples, and variations on how to effectively mention your volunteer work.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Include Volunteer Work on Your Resume
If you are aiming for a more formal resume, consider using the following approaches:
1. Include it in a “Volunteer Experience” Section:
Create a separate section titled “Volunteer Experience” or “Community Involvement” below your professional experience. List the organization, your role, and the dates of your volunteer work. Describe your responsibilities, accomplishments, and any skills gained, similar to how you would list a professional job.
Example: Volunteer Experience
- Organization: ABC Food Bank
- Role: Community Outreach Volunteer
- Dates: January 2019 – Present
- Responsibilities: Assisted in organizing food drives, conducted outreach programs to raise awareness, collaborated with local businesses for donations.
2. Integrate Volunteer Work with Professional Experience:
In some cases, you can incorporate relevant volunteer work within your professional experience section. This approach is useful when your volunteer work aligns closely with your career goals or desired industry. Clearly indicate that the experience was volunteer-based and include specific details of your contributions.
Example: Marketing Assistant
XYZ Company – April 2018 to Present (Volunteer Role)
- Aided in developing and implementing marketing strategies for non-profit organizations.
- Managed social media campaigns, resulting in a 30% increase in donation awareness.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to organize fundraising events.
Informal Ways to Include Volunteer Work on Your Resume
If you prefer a more informal and concise resume, consider these approaches:
1. Use a Bulleted List:
Instead of a separate section, create a bulleted list under your professional experience of notable volunteer positions. Include the organization, your role, and a concise description of your responsibilities and achievements. This format is ideal if you have limited volunteer experience or want to present it in a more streamlined way.
Example:
- Volunteer – ABC Food Bank (January 2019 – Present): Organized food drives, conducted outreach programs, collaborated with local businesses.
- Marketing Assistant (Volunteer Role) – XYZ Company (April 2018 to Present): Developed and implemented marketing strategies for non-profit organizations, managed social media campaigns, organized fundraising events.
2. Include it in an “Additional Information” Section:
If your volunteer work is of lesser relevance to your professional experience but still demonstrates valuable skills, you can mention it briefly in an “Additional Information” section, usually placed below your education and skills. Keep the description concise and focus on the transferable skills gained.
Example: Additional Information
- Volunteer Work: Assisted in organizing community events, fundraising, and managing social media campaigns for charitable organizations.
Tips for Highlighting Volunteer Work
When presenting your volunteer work on a resume, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Focus on Relevant Skills:
Emphasize the skills you acquired or strengthened through your volunteer work. These may include leadership, teamwork, event planning, fundraising, project management, communication, or specific technical skills like graphic design or social media management. Tailor your descriptions to align with the requirements of the job you’re applying for.
2. Quantify Achievements:
Whenever possible, include quantitative information or achievements related to your volunteer work. Highlight the impact you made, such as the number of people reached, funds raised, or successful projects completed. This demonstrates your effectiveness and the value you can bring to potential employers.
3. Customize for Each Opportunity:
Just like with other sections of your resume, tailor your volunteer work descriptions to match the job requirements. Highlight the aspects of your volunteer experience that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for. This will make you stand out as a well-rounded candidate.
Conclusion
Volunteer work plays an essential role in both personal and professional growth. By presenting your volunteer experience effectively on your resume, you can showcase your skills, dedication, and community involvement. Use the different approaches described here, be clear about your contributions, and highlight the skills you gained along the way. Remember, in addition to a compelling professional background, potential employers appreciate individuals who actively give back to their communities. Good luck in your job search!
