Crafting Your Resume- How to Effectively Showcase Your Volunteer Experience_1

How to Write Volunteer Experience on Your Resume

Writing volunteer experience on your resume can be a great way to showcase your skills, values, and commitment to community service. It not only highlights your extracurricular activities but also demonstrates your ability to work in diverse environments and contribute positively to social causes. In this article, we will provide you with some tips on how to effectively write volunteer experience on your resume.

1. Start with the Basics

When listing volunteer experience on your resume, it’s essential to include the basic information such as the organization’s name, your position, and the duration of your involvement. This information will help the employer quickly understand your involvement in the volunteer program.

Example:

Volunteer at XYZ Charity Organization
Volunteer Assistant (May 2020 – Present)

2. Highlight Relevant Skills

Focus on the skills you acquired or honed during your volunteer work that are relevant to the job you are applying for. This could include communication, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, or technical skills. Make sure to use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities.

Example:

Volunteer at Local Community Center
Volunteer Coordinator (August 2019 – December 2019)
– Organized and led weekly workshops for children, improving their communication and teamwork skills
– Collaborated with a team of 10 volunteers to plan and execute fundraising events, raising $2,000 for the organization

3. Quantify Your Achievements

When possible, provide specific metrics to demonstrate the impact of your volunteer work. This can include the number of people you helped, the amount of money raised, or the number of hours volunteered. Quantifying your achievements can make your volunteer experience more compelling to potential employers.

Example:

Volunteer at Animal Shelter
Volunteer Assistant (January 2021 – April 2021)
– Assisted in the care of 50 animals, providing daily feeding, cleaning, and socialization
– Helped raise $500 for shelter improvement projects by organizing a charity auction

4. Use Keywords

Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description into your volunteer experience section. This will help your resume get noticed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Example:

Volunteer at Local Food Bank
Volunteer Coordinator (February 2020 – June 2020)
– Managed a team of 20 volunteers, ensuring efficient distribution of food to 300 families per month
– Utilized project management software to track volunteer hours and coordinate logistics

5. Keep It Concise

While it’s important to provide enough detail about your volunteer experience, it’s also crucial to keep your resume concise. Aim for a maximum of two to three bullet points per volunteer position, focusing on the most significant achievements and responsibilities.

In conclusion, writing volunteer experience on your resume can be a powerful way to showcase your commitment to community service and the skills you’ve developed. By following these tips, you can effectively present your volunteer experience and increase your chances of securing a job offer.