Should You Include Volunteer Experience on Your Resume- A Comprehensive Guide
Should I Put Volunteer Experience on My Resume?
Volunteer experience can be a valuable addition to your resume, especially if you’re looking to stand out in a competitive job market. While it’s important to focus on your professional experience, volunteer work can provide additional context to your skills and character. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of including volunteer experience on your resume and offer tips on how to present it effectively.
Benefits of Including Volunteer Experience on Your Resume
1. Demonstrates Commitment to Community: Volunteering shows that you care about more than just your career. It demonstrates your willingness to contribute to the community and can be a great way to showcase your altruistic side.
2. Expands Skill Set: Volunteering can help you develop new skills that may not be evident in your professional experience. For example, if you’ve volunteered at a non-profit organization, you might have gained experience in project management, communication, or teamwork.
3. Enhances Transferable Skills: Many volunteer experiences require skills that are transferable to the workplace. These can include leadership, problem-solving, and time management. Including volunteer experience on your resume can highlight these valuable skills.
4. Boosts Confidence: Volunteering can boost your confidence and self-esteem. It provides an opportunity to apply your skills in a new setting and can help you feel more prepared for professional challenges.
5. Provides Networking Opportunities: Volunteering can connect you with like-minded individuals and professionals in your field. These connections can be valuable for future job opportunities and career growth.
How to Present Volunteer Experience on Your Resume
1. Include Relevant Volunteer Work: Focus on volunteer experiences that are relevant to your career goals. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, include any volunteer work related to marketing or communications.
2. Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your volunteer experience with numbers or specific accomplishments. For instance, “Organized a fundraising event that raised $5,000 for a local charity” or “Led a team of 10 volunteers in a community clean-up project.”
3. Use Action Verbs: Start your descriptions with action verbs to make your volunteer experience more dynamic. For example, “Developed a social media strategy to increase volunteer engagement by 20%.”
4. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application, emphasizing volunteer experiences that align with the job requirements.
5. Keep It Concise: Limit your volunteer experience section to one or two bullet points per experience. Focus on the most significant achievements and avoid unnecessary details.
In conclusion, including volunteer experience on your resume can provide a well-rounded view of your skills and character. By showcasing your commitment to community and highlighting transferable skills, you can increase your chances of standing out in the job market. Remember to present your volunteer experiences effectively and tailor them to each job application for the best results.
