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What is the best way to show you have a skill in one area when you don't have proof of work in that area but you have done it as volunteering?

I did a volunteer weekend of sales for over 10 hours a days and all places I have tried applying for need proof of former work. What should I do?

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Carl’s Answer

Hi Makayla. It sounds like you may have answered your own question. Just because your experience was in a volunteer capacity doesn't mean it doesn't count. I don't care if you were selling girl scout cookies, you still sold cookies. Focus on presenting and quantifying your results. For example, if you were given a goal of selling 300 boxes of cookies by a target date of March 15th and you sold 350 boxes of cookies by March 13th, you can sell a potential employer with that statistic. I.E. Accomplishments include exceeding sales target for cookie sale initiative by 16% and 2 days before the target date". That fact that you weren't compensated doesn't take away from the fact that you have demonstrated experience in sales. Many professionals have significant experience that we aren't compensated for. I'm the president of my Homeowner's Association, working nearly 20 hours a week for free. I have to interact with many local leaders in my capacity, manage budgets, manage people, and manage projects, all of that is significant when trying to sell my skillsets for other opportunities. Please don't let the lack of compensation take away from what you have accomplished volunteering. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Makayla
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Kim’s Answer

Makayla,

I'm going to assume you are doing on-line applications, for entry-level positions. Many of those just want the basics - schooling, work history, and references. Some specify that they want "paid experience only." Some do not. If they don't, go ahead and enter your volunteer service here. Don't over-inflate it. If it was only 10 hours on one weekend, explain that in the narrative, esp. if they ask for start/stop month, but not the date.

If it specifies "paid experience only" but you enter it anyway, you've just proven either (a) you can't follow instructions or (b) you have initiative. In an entry-level job, it's probably (a).

Most website portal applications allow you to upload a resume. Make one! It doesn't have to be anything fancy! You can use a heading of "Experience" rather than "work history" and take some latitude on what you include. You want to include things that demonstrate responsibility /dependability(showing up for team practice, mentoring younger players, etc) as well as try to find a way to demonstrate that you understand the nature of business. And what is that?

As an employee, you want to make or save money for your employer. Strong customer service, accuracy in cash handling, SAFETY (fines and medical bills are expensive!), etc. They want someone who is going to show up, on time, properly dressed, follows rules, gets along with co-workers, and engages customers. You can use school and other life experiences to demonstrate that you ARE that person.

https://www.gotresumebuilder.com/
An awesome site, with lots of helpful tools

If you do not currently have any contact information for anyone who can vouch for your volunteer experience, you need to work on that. Either find a way to get that info, or get some more experience. There's no way around that one.

Hope this helps!
Kim
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Makayla
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Athena’s Answer

Hi Makayla. Looks like you have a couple good responses already. Have you asked the organization that you volunteered with for a letter or certificate of appreciation? I am with the AT&T Pioneers, a non-profit organization, and we provide letters to our volunteers. It is not uncommon as some schools have volunteerism as part of the graduation requirements. Sometimes you just need to ask.
Best of luck in finding your solution and work. It shows great character that you found this resource and are working on your solution.
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Karen’s Answer

Suggest you contact the place where you volunteered and ask them to provide a letter confirming what you did. If you had a good relationship with one of the staff, ask if they would write a short letter of recommendation.

With every good wish.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Makayla
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Angela’s Answer

Hi Makayla:

You've gotten good responses already. Only thing I can add is to think through the skills you've learned as a volunteer and list them (2-4) specific skills out as you would if it was a paid position. If you can articulate the skills you've learned and mastered, it doesn't matter if the position was volunteer or paid work.

Best of luck!

angela
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Makayla
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