Gloria
Should I include my volunteer experience on my resume?
I do not know if it really matters what volunteer experience I had before is what I should put on my resume. I feel like past experiences where I worked before is more important. When I do construct my resume, should I just leave that out of it? In your opinion, what more or less should be on a proper resume? #resume #help #advice #job-application
6 answers
Simeon Snow
Simeon’s Answer
Casey Tiefenwerth
Casey’s Answer
Hi Gloria,
I agree with the above response. Any volunteer experience that you have that is relevant to the work you're interested in pursuing will be a beneficial addition to your resume. That being said, volunteer experience that was only a "one time gig" or something that was very short-term may not convey much to a potential employer. Prolonged volunteer experience that demonstrates increased responsibility is best. Be cognizant of the length of the resume, though. While three-page resumes are not unheard of, it has become more common practice to submit resumes that are no longer than two pages. If you find that including your volunteer experience is making your resume unreasonably long, then I would exclude it in favor of work experience. Conversely, if your resume is short, then adding volunteer experience may help to "beef up" your presentation.
Hope this helps!
-Casey
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Gloria,
A resume that lists volunteer work not only reveals the skills and interests you’ve developed throughout your volunteer positions, but also shows that you take initiative to find work that you enjoy. Employers love to see that you are motivated by the chance to learn – not just by a paycheck.
Listing volunteer work on your resume also can add a lot of valuable information to your job history, especially for new job seekers or recent college graduates with short resumes. Volunteer positions can fill gaps in employment – so for students whose employment history is short, volunteer work can be an especially important addition to your resume.
But how do you include volunteer work on your resume? Check out these 3 frequently asked questions:
- Should I include volunteer work along with paid experience on my resume?
Some resumes list volunteer work in a separate category from paid positions. But many students have only held volunteer positions, or might not have enough experience to warrant two separate sections.
Employers expect students, unlike more experienced applicants, to have volunteered in order to learn the ropes of the workplace. Because paid experience and volunteer work both offer students key opportunities for growth, feel free to put them in the same section on your resume when applying to your first job after college. Just make sure to be up-front about the nature of each job if asked.
- What if I have no job title for my volunteer work?
Writing that you were a “volunteer” on your resume might be accurate, but it leaves employers wondering how your volunteer work experience applies to their workplace. Think of a title that represents the kind of volunteer work you did on the job.
Were you helping to file records or organize a new task force? Try “clerical assistant” or “project manager.” If you need help or are unsure about possible titles for your resume, ask your volunteer work supervisor to help you clarify your responsibilities.
- How should I describe my volunteer position?
The volunteer work on your resume should show employers the important skills you learned. As with any job on your resume, the best way to describe volunteer work is to relate it to the job to which you are applying.
List two or three responsibilities of your volunteer jobs that demonstrate a knowledge of skills you can bring to your new workplace. If it’s clear that your experience helped foster some valuable abilities you will need as an employee, your volunteer work can be a key part of your resume.
In: https://www.universitylanguage.com/resumes/resume-volunteer-work/
Good luck!!
Thank you for that valuable information, I will definitely keep all of this in mind.
Gloria
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Yes, you should include volunteer experience on your resume. Volunteer work demonstrates your commitment to your community and can showcase valuable skills to potential employers. According to a survey conducted by LinkedIn in 2019, 42% of recruiters view volunteer work as being equally important as paid work experience.
A proper resume should include the following sections:
Contact Information: Your full name, address, phone number, and email address.
Summary Statement: A brief statement about your career objectives and qualifications.
Education: Your degree(s) and any relevant coursework or honors.
Work Experience: Your past employment history, including job title, company name, dates of employment, and responsibilities.
Skills: A list of your professional skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Volunteer Experience: Any unpaid work or community service you have done that is related to the job you’re applying for.
Certifications and Licenses: Any certifications or licenses that are required for the job you’re applying for.
References: Three professional references with their contact information.
When listing volunteer experience on your resume, be sure to include the name of the organization, your role or title, and the dates of service. You can also highlight any accomplishments or skills gained during your volunteer work that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you volunteered at a hospital and gained experience using medical equipment or working in a team environment, be sure to mention that on your resume.
Authoritative References Used:
LinkedIn Talent Solutions Blog - “The Hiring Trends Report” (2019)
The Balance Careers - “How to List Volunteer Work on a Resume” (n.d.)
Monster - “How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume” (n.d.)
God Bless You,
JC.
Linda Ivelise Mirabal
Linda Ivelise’s Answer
You should definitely include your volunteer experience! Including this on your resume shows employers you're well rounded and like to work during your free time. You can use your volunteer experience as work experience as well. It will help build up your credentials. Employers like to see candidates that take the initiative to volunteer. volunteer resume
michi briand
michi’s Answer
Volunteering has taught me invaluable soft skills like teamwork and leadership, which are gold on a resume and I have been able to use on the field. Plus, it's a great conversation starter in interviews, offering a unique angle to showcase your passions and how you apply them. It's more than just filling space; it's about showing who you are beyond the job titles, and a "more human" and empathic side of you.