The Best Ways to Showcase Volunteer Experience on Your Resume
Volunteer experience has become a crucial factor for job seekers looking to enhance their resumes and stand out from other applicants. Not only does it showcase your compassion and commitment towards helping others, but it also greatly adds to your skillset and makes you more desirable in the eyes of potential employers. However, knowing how to effectively include volunteer experience on your resume can be a bit of a challenge. In this article, we will explore the best ways to showcase volunteer experience on your resume, so that you can make a lasting impression on hiring managers and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Highlight Relevant Volunteer Experience
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that not all volunteer experience is equal. Hiring managers are typically more interested in experiences that directly relate to the job you are applying for. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully choose which volunteer experiences to include on your resume. For instance, if you are applying for a position in marketing, highlighting your experience in managing social media for a non-profit organization would be more relevant than your time spent at a soup kitchen.
Focus on the Skills You Developed
Volunteer experiences offer a unique opportunity to gain skills that may not be attainable in a traditional work setting. While listing your volunteer work on your resume, avoid simply stating the tasks you performed and instead highlight the specific skills you acquired. For example, if you volunteered at a fundraising event, mention skills such as event planning, budget management, and communication that you developed while organizing the event.
Include Quantifiable Accomplishments
When it comes to showcasing volunteer experience, numbers speak louder than words. Quantifiable accomplishments help to demonstrate the tangible impact you made as a volunteer. For instance, if you helped raise a specific amount of money for a cause, mention the exact amount. This not only adds credibility to your experience but also shows your ability to achieve results.
Use the Right Format
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to resume formats. However, when it comes to showcasing volunteer experience, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you have extensive volunteer experience, consider creating a separate section for it on your resume. Use a title such as “Volunteer Work” or “Community Involvement” to make it easily identifiable. Use bullet points to list your experiences and make sure to keep it concise.
Provide Details and Dates
Don’t just list the volunteer organization and the duration, but also provide brief details on the specific projects or roles you took on. This will allow hiring managers to get a better understanding of your volunteer experience and the valuable contributions you made. Also, be sure to include dates as it helps to show the consistency of your involvement and dedication to a cause.
Include Keywords and Action Words
Just like your work experience, it’s important to use relevant keywords and action words to highlight the impact of your volunteer experience. This will help your resume to pass through any applicant tracking systems and improve your chances of getting noticed by potential employers. Some keywords to consider are leadership, project management, teamwork, and community involvement.
Mention Awards and Recognition
If you have received any awards or recognition for your volunteer work, make sure to include it on your resume. This adds credibility to your experience and showcases your dedication and impact within the organization or cause you were involved in. It can also serve as a conversation-starter during an interview and help you stand out among other candidates.
Final Thoughts
Volunteer experience can be a valuable addition to your resume and can make a great impression on hiring managers. Use it to your advantage by highlighting relevant experiences, skills, and accomplishments. Remember to keep it concise, use the right format, and include keywords and action words. With these tips, you can effectively showcase your volunteer experience and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
