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Volunteer Work on a Resume: Examples and Templates

Here’s everything you need to know to effectively showcase volunteer work on a resume, including volunteer resume examples and templates.

8 months ago   •   6 min read

Volunteering isn’t just a great way to help out your community — it can also be used to build your resume. Whether you don’t have a lot of paid work experience yet or you’re trying to get experience in a specific niche, volunteer work is a great way to round out your resume, learn in-demand skills, and fill in any missing gaps.

Keep reading to learn how to effectively showcase volunteer work on your resume. In this article we will cover:

• Volunteer resume templates you can download
• Examples of volunteer resume accomplishments
• Essential volunteer-based skills to list on your resume

How to list volunteer work on a resume

• Start by creating a separate resume section. Give it a title like “Volunteer Experience” or “Community Involvement.”
• Alternatively, you can list volunteer work directly in the Work Experience section of your resume — just make sure to put “Volunteer” somewhere in your job title.
• List the organization and your dates of service (years or months).
• List your job title. If you had a specific job title, like “Fundraising Coordinator,” use that, but if not, “Volunteer” is fine.
• Choose 2-3 examples of things you accomplished during your role.
• List these in bullet points, starting with an action verb like Managed, Collaborated, or Organized.
• If possible, add some numbers to quantify each accomplishment — for example, “collected $15,000 in donations” rather than “collected donations.”
• Get instant feedback from our free resume scanner before you send it off.

Volunteer resume templates

Here’s an example of a resume you could use to show off your volunteer work for a nonprofit organization:

A template like this works well if you don’t have a lot of paid work experience, by taking your volunteer experience and letting it shine upfront.

Here’s another volunteer resume example:

This template is ideal if you have a mix of paid and volunteer experience that you want to showcase on your resume. You can download these volunteer resume templates — and more — from our ATS resume templates page.

I recommend uploading your resume to the tool below to check whether you have effectively highlighted your volunteer experience, along with any transferable skills gained from that experience.

Examples of volunteer work on a resume

Whether you start with one of the templates above or prefer to create your own resume from scratch, you’ll need some actual accomplishments to fill it out. Here are some volunteer resume examples you can copy and paste or use as a jumping-off point to write your own.

Nonprofit volunteer resume

Volunteer work looks great on a resume, whether you’re applying to work at a nonprofit organization or you just want to show off a few relevant accomplishments. Here’s an example:

XYZ Nonprofit Organization, June 2019 - Present Volunteer • Organized and executed fundraising events, resulting in over $15,000 in donations. • Coordinated with volunteers to collect and distribute donations to local families in need. • Provided support for various programs and initiatives, including outreach to underserved communities.

Community service volunteer resume

Community service isn’t just a nice thing to do — it’s also a great way to build skills and gain experience, especially if you’re just starting out. Here’s an example:

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE ABC Youth Center, September 2018 - May 2019 Volunteer Mentor • Mentored and provided support to a group of 10 at-risk youth, promoting positive behavior and academic success. • Coordinated activities and field trips, fostering teamwork and communication skills among youth participants. • Encouraged and guided youth in setting and achieving personal goals, resulting in increased self-esteem and motivation.

Student volunteer resume

If you’re a student or recent graduate, volunteer work is a valuable addition to your resume. This can include student activities and organizations. Here’s an example:

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Resume Worded Finance Society, September 2017 – May 2020 Head of Events • Founded the first ever Business Series to organize finance training for 500 students. • Organized and advertised 10+ quarterly networking events with 300+ participants in 3 universities in Boston. • Managed the launch of new booking system to improve organization of events; system now used across university.

Hospital volunteer resume

Looking to start your medical career? Adding some volunteer work alongside your studies is a great way to show that you’re committed to the field and passionate about your work.

Here’s an example:

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Resume Worded Medical Center, 2016 - 2018 Volunteer Emergency Medical Technician • Volunteered as an EMT for one night-shift weekly in one of the busiest areas in New York City. • Provided basic patient assessments to assess the severity of the patient’s condition, subsequently providing BLS to treat those conditions; 100% success rate in resuscitating emergency patients. • Worked as part of a 3-person team to treat patients & understand their medical and family histories.

Political volunteer resume

Political organizations can be contentious, but there’s a way to list them on your resume while staying professional. Instead of talking about a specific issue, keep the focus on the work you did and leave partisanship out of it. Here’s an example:

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Young Voters Society, June 2019 – April 2020 Poll Agent • Registered high school students to boost voter participation among 19-year-olds by 71%. • Partnered with a team of 12+ poll watchers to prepare election ballots within 30 minutes, establishing a 98% accuracy rate in counting votes.

Charity work resume

No volunteer work is too small for your resume. Remember to keep the focus on what you accomplished with some action verbs and metrics, like in this example:

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE XYZ Animal Shelter, August 2017 - December 2018 Volunteer • Assisted in the care and adoption of over 100 animals, including dogs, cats, and rabbits. • Coordinated with staff and other volunteers to organize successful adoption events, resulting in a 30% increase in adoptions. • Raised over $5,000 in donations through social media campaigns and community outreach efforts.

Resume-worthy skills gained through volunteer experience

Don’t have volunteer experience in the area you’re planning to work in? That doesn’t mean it isn’t relevant! When listing experience — volunteer or otherwise — on your resume that isn’t obviously related to the job you’re applying for, the key is to emphasize transferable skills. Some of the best soft skills to highlight on a volunteer resume include:

Communication

Problem solving.

• Organization
• Project management
• Customer service
• Relationship building
• Conflict resolution

But don’t rush to list these skills in your Skills section — transferable skills like these belong in your Work Experience accomplishments instead. For each skill that you want to highlight, choose an example of a time when you demonstrated that skill and turn it into a bullet point. Here are some examples:

• Collaborated with a team of volunteers to organize a successful fundraising event that raised $10,000 for a local charity.
• Worked in a team to implement a new system for tracking donations, resulting in a 25% increase in donor retention.

If you’re struggling to come up with things you accomplished, try thinking about what your whole team accomplished instead. Not only will this add some more achievements to your resume, it also shows that you’re a team player, which is something every employer wants.

• Provided excellent customer service as a volunteer at a community center, effectively communicating with diverse populations and resolving issues in a timely manner.
• Managed social media accounts for a nonprofit organization, creating engaging content and responding to inquiries from followers.

Instead of saying something vague like “communicated with members of the public,” try to focus on how you communicated — for example, working in a customer-facing position, calling donors, or managing a social media account.

• Created a system for organizing and distributing supplies to volunteers during a disaster relief effort, resulting in a more efficient and effective response.
• Identified and addressed issues with a nonprofit's website, improving user experience and increasing traffic by 30%.

If you’ve ever been in an interview, you’ve probably been asked about a time when you encountered a problem and how you solved it. That’s not just a good interview question — it’s also a great idea for a resume bullet point like the ones above.

• Led a team of volunteers in planning and executing a successful environmental conservation project, resulting in recognition from local government officials.
• Coordinated a group of volunteers for a charity event, delegating tasks and ensuring smooth operations throughout the day.

Applying for roles where leadership is a must but without formal management experience? Volunteering is a great way to help with that — any time you led a team, trained new volunteers, or spearheaded a project can be used to show your leadership skills.

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How to Include Volunteer Work on Your Resume

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Should you include volunteer work on your resume?

How to include volunteer work on a resume, template for including volunteer work on a resume, volunteer work on resume example.

Mentioning your volunteer work experience on your resume can increase your chances of getting hired. It can also create a positive impression of your personality and bring added-value to your skills and qualifications. This article explains why it can be beneficial to list volunteer work on your resume and how you can include it with the help of a template and an example.

Volunteering can be time well-spent as a method for developing your skills while benefiting the community. The main objective of volunteer work is to unify with others towards the common good for an important cause or some other form of beneficial activity. Some people engage in volunteer work to establish connections in their community while others simply enjoy offering their time and talents in service to a particular cause or organization. Mentioning volunteer work on your resume can leave a positive impression about your skills and personality on an employer.

The following steps can be followed to specify volunteer work on resume effectively:

1. Firstly, select the right section to display the volunteer work

Placing the volunteer work effectively on your resume is extremely important to create the right impression. You may display the volunteer experience next to your work experiences for the continuity and flow of information. If, however, you place the volunteer work experience before the actual work experience, it may create an adverse impression on your employer.

2. Secondly, make a selective list of your volunteer work

You shouldn’t mention an excessive number of volunteer work roles on your resume. The employer likely has minimal time to review your resume. You should include volunteer work that best projects your personality and interests. You can select up to two to three of your best volunteer experiences to list on your resume. You can then create a positive impression about the volunteer work mentioned on your resume, and you can discuss them further if you are asked about them in an interview. 

3. Thirdly, select related volunteer work

Select the volunteer work that is related to your application. Similar volunteer work can improve your resume’s impression on the recruiter. It also shows your experience in activities that are related to the job. An essential addition to your resume can be any volunteer work you have done in the institution itself. If you have a previous volunteer work experience at the same organization you’re applying to, you may include the experience to create a positive impression on the recruiter. 

For example, if you are applying for a hospital-based job, it is recommended that you include any hospital-related volunteer work. Or, if you are applying for an event management job, you can mention a the details of organizing a fundraiser to add to your skills and qualifications.

4. Fourthly, follow a particular format

You may choose any format that suits your requirements. It is, however, recommended that you select a format that is generally used to mention volunteer work on resumes. An example of the format may include specifying the volunteer work category at the top. You can then add one line, with the name of the work/experience and the address where the activity occurred. 

This information can be followed by one or two points elaborating your part in the activity, the results and the benefit of the experience. You may tailor a format that suits your purpose yourself. You may also add or reduce sections or points to the format mentioned above as per your requirements.

5. Next, mention one or two unrelated roles in volunteer work

Mentioning unrelated volunteer work on the resume can help the recruiter in seeing the diverse range of activities that you have contributed to. Unrelated volunteer work may include any activity that is not directly related to the vacancy. It may also include volunteer work done in a different industry or formal environment.

6. Then, diversify the categories that you mention

Volunteer work can belong to five categories: formal, governance, non-formal, social action and project-based. It is essential that on a general resume, you portray a combination of these volunteer works you have done. If, however, your resume targets a specific job, it is better to mention volunteer work that relates to the job category only. If you are applying for the job of a project manager, you may include details of any volunteer work where you have managed or assisted with a project.

7. Finally, only include work you have done

You should only mention the volunteer work that you have actually performed. Mentioning volunteer work experience that is not real can create a negative impression on the employer if they find out. It may become one of the reasons for your application to get rejected.

Use the following template as guidance for including volunteer work on a resume:

[Title of first related (formal) volunteer work]

[Name of event/position title]

• [A one-line summary of your role in the activity]
• [A one-line description of the results of the volunteer activity]
• [Brief description of your experience]

[Title of second related (formal) volunteer work]

• [Brief description of your experience or a particular thing that you learned from your experience]

[Title of first unrelated (any category) volunteer work]

[Title of second unrelated (any category) volunteer work (if any)]

Here is an example of what volunteer work could look like on your resume:

Related Volunteer Work

Rosemount Volunteer Fundraising, 24 Community Complex

• Worked as a senior assistant in fundraiser management, directly under the main event manager 
• Collected $150,000 from 2,000 tickets, sold for the concert exceeding the target by $25,000
• Learned promotional methods and gained top-level event management experience

Hospital volunteering

Member of the Hospital Management Committee, Great Grand Hospital

• Worked in the hospital management department in coordinating weekly management activities 
• Managed the daily routine works of both the administration and domestic staff 
• Learned time-based and everyday management processes and methodologies

Neighborhood cleaning

Cleaning crew, 24th Grand Street

• Engaged with a group of friends in cleaning the excessive waste in the landfill site near our home street
• Gained group working experience

• • Provided counseling and support for about 50% of the displaced persons
• • Assessed the food security situation and daily dietary intake of 100+ refugee households
• • Collaborated and coordinated a group of 10 volunteers in organizing 3 events, raising a total of $20,000

4 Volunteer Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your volunteer resume should highlight your commitment to the causes you care for. It must reflect your passion and the skills you've acquired. Showcase the impact of your work and quantify it whenever possible. Don't forget to include any leadership roles or initiatives you've taken.

Resume Guide

What you’ll learn here, how to write a volunteer resume, volunteer resume formats, build an attention-grabbing header, coherent summary section & secret formula, objective that is straight to the point, volunteer experience focusing on action & contribution, must-have volunteer skills & strengths for a resume, education section in a volunteer resume, volunteer resume certificates worth mentioning, cohesive day of my life section offering authenticity, key takeaways, community organizer, hospital volunteer.

Do you want to gain volunteer experience? Or maybe you found something you believe in and desire to contribute to a cause?

Despite your selfless intentions, recruiters do not return the calls?

Don’t get upset!

Some positions require specific qualifications and an extraordinary approach. That’s why we are here to help you in your journey! Here you will learn to build a top-notch resume that highlights your best attributes and catches attention.

Follow this ultimate 2022 volunteer resume guide and achieve your goals!

• how to list volunteer work on your resume
• where to put related volunteer work for the best effect
• how to include volunteer experience using bullet points and prove to be perfect for the job
• how to choose between resume summary or objective
• what other sections will fit the volunteer resume, and how to build them

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

William Shakespeare

Remember this quote because it’s the basis of what we are about to discuss here.

The idea of the volunteer resume is to show how you can give away your:

Yes, you might want to volunteer to add experience to your resume when applying for college or else. And that’s okay!

However, you should take a human-centered approach and prove to the recruiters that you can indeed:

• help people be one step closer to their dreams
• contribute to a specific cause that will make the world a better place

How are you going to do it? 

Firstly, you have better tailor all resume sections to the volunteer position.

That’s a must!

Secondly, you should prove to recruiters that you could apply all you’ve learned from college or professional experience.

Focus on skills and strengths like empathy and communication that directly benefit people.

Describe how you will contribute to the cause you chose.

It’s needless to point out that self motivation is crucial. 

After all, your desire to leave your mark on someone’s life is a driving force!

Continue reading and learn what volunteer resume formats will earn you extra points!

You can use these three resume formats:

• Reverse-chronological resume
• Functional resume
• Hybrid resume

The following two factors will define your choice of a resume format:

• Years of experience
• Industry experience
• Reverse-chronological resumes are a good option for candidates with a couple of years in the niche.
• Functional resumes match professionals that change careers or job seekers. However, this format is not widely popular among recruiters
• Hybrid resumes combine the best of both worlds, as they are suitable for all types of professionals-beginners and seniors.

Pay attention to the style and layout ! Here are some resume tips:

• Utilize the 12p resume font size
• Use 10’ resume margins
• If you have under 10 years of experience-use one-page resume , otherwise- two-page resume
• Check your grammar and spelling
• Focus on the PDF format

If you want to get the interview call, you should add References and Languages !

Top resume sections:

• The Summary section introduces you as an individual, lists your qualities and skills and reveals the cause you believe in
• Your expertise is a clear sign of whether you will fit a specific volunteer position
• Skills and strengths show how you could contribute to the volunteer program
• Decent education is a bonus
• References from reputable figures also add more credibility to your resume

What recruiters want to see:

• What do you believe in? How can you make the world a better place?
• How could you put your knowledge acquired from school/college into practice?
• What are your personality traits? Does helping people give you pleasure?
• What are your goals? Do you apply to be a volunteer to add experience to your resume? Or do you have other motives?
• Are you a self-motivated person? How do you act in difficult situations? Are you capable of working in a team?

It’s unbelievable how many people build their resume header wrong.

They rush to skip the “no brainer” section and focus on the content.

However, if you do not introduce personal information and contacts, you might miss the train to success.

Here are some tips on what to include in your header to make a positive impression on recruiters:

• Try to use the same name on all your social platforms: if you put Jonathan in your resume, avoid writing “Johnny” in your LinkedIn profile
• Always write down your job title: try to add volunteer positions that are relevant to the one you are applying for
• List the phone number that you use most
• Include a professional email address: it’s preferable to contain your first and last/middle name
• Web portfolio address or LinkedIn profile that will provide evidence of your previous volunteer experience
• Accurate location: do not lie about your address because this might cause only troubles

These are two examples: one wrong and one right. Analyze them carefully and build an attention-grabbing header!

2 Volunteer resume header examples

It is scientifically proven that people always remember the first and the last sentence of each discussion, monologue, or text.

Therefore, the Summary section is worth your attention.

Your introduction should convey the feeling of confidence, self motivation and empathy.

Thus, you can describe your skills and experience and outline how they will help you contribute to your cause.

You can follow this simple but quite effective formula when building your volunteer summary section:

• Mention the years and field of experience supported with favorable adjectives
• Use quantitative data to describe your duties and responsibilities
• Add skills that you excelled in, tailored to the job description
• Include achievements, awards, or similar recognitions from authoritative institutions and people
• Finish the summary with a sentence saying what you are looking for

If you follow these steps, you can expect a return call from recruiters soon!

Take notes and be careful when writing yours!

2 Volunteer resume summary examples

The following sample is not that bad, but it’s far from impressive.

There is no quantitative data and nothing specific at all.

Such a wrong approach might cost you the job interview, so avoid:

• Mediocre sentences like starting with “I”
• Vague and general information without proven facts
• Adding skills or duties irrelevant to the job offer

The volunteer summary above is 10 out of 10! Nothing short of success! Don’t try to be “extravagant” and follow the steps we provided for you! You will be mesmerized by what simplicity might do for you!

Let’s set the difference between volunteer summary and objective:

In the summary section, you can include achievements, education, skills and an explanation of why you are the right candidate.

On the other hand, the objective is more straight to the point.

It is a brief statement that communicates your career goals: the job and the skills you want to acquire.

It’s preferable also to add your experience backed up with facts and quantitative data.

Here is a coherent example of an objective that speaks volumes:

Believe it or not, you should treat the volunteer experience just like a job!

You don’t have the right to describe irrelevant details that offer no value.

Your bullet point should show determination and self motivation.

That’s how you will prove to recruiters that you are on the right track.

To take the right approach and prove your contribution, you should:

• Describe your duties using proven facts, action verbs and numbers
• Emphasize activities and projects that you personally led and organized
• Mention what soft/hard skills you acquired and how you utilized them
• Use high-performance metrics and do not hesitate to add references or recognitions

It’s essential to follow these 4 to describe your volunteering efficiently.

Do not forget to tailor all the bullet points to the job description!

Recruiters search for candidates with relevant expertise to maximize the project outcomes.

If you lack creativity now, ask yourself questions and answer them:

What were my responsibilities? How did I excel in them?

How did I manage to cope with stress in the dynamic environment?

How did communication and empathy help me build trust in people?

Was I recognized for my contributions? Did I get positive feedback? By whom?

Follow this advice and show to recruiters admirable volunteer resume experience!

Volunteer resume experience examples

• • Provided patient education
• • Received positive feedback and praises
• • Participated in fundraisers and organized events
• • Monitored a lot of patients

One word, 8 symbols:

Unfortunately, this applicant has no idea how to list and describe their previous experience.

Thank God you ran into our volunteer guide and learned how to write it!

Prove us right and take notes from the following well-built Experience section!

• • Provided patient education sessions twice per week
• • Received 98% positive feedback from patients and was highly praised by the hospital manager
• • Participated in 3 fundraisers and organized 3 events to raise funds to support hospital’s innovative cancer treatment program
• • Monitored 60+ patients and ensured all medications were administered on time

Attention! If your volunteer experience is relevant to the position you are applying for, include it in the Experience section. Otherwise, if you mention it to fill the resume gaps, use it as a separate Volunteering section.

Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.

H. Jackson Brown Jr., American Author

The meaning behind this quote should be your maxim.

Yes, you should balance your soft and hard skills and tailor them to the job description.

Nevertheless, if your abilities do not correspond to giving value, they are useless.

Remember that volunteering is all about the people you help.

Then, you should offer skills that match these vital criteria.

5 Volunteer Hard Skills:

• Microsoft Office
• Physical Fitness
• Good Memory
• Foreign Languages
• Basic Computer Skills

5 Volunteer Soft Skills:

• Interpersonal Skills
• Self-Motivation
• Customer Service

The Strengths section is an amazing opportunity to stand out from the competition .

Here you could list your talents or the skills you excelled.

Then, you can back them up with examples or quantitative data.

Of course, it’s crucial to focus on strengths related to the job description and focus on positive personality traits.

If you are a skilled professional with deep expertise, there is no need to add bullet points in the Education section .

However, if you are a freshman or a youngster with little to no experience, you need to stand out.

You must show how your school/college prepares you to apply your skills in a real-life situation.

Here are 4 vital steps to follow when describing your education:

• Write down what skills you acquired and how you applied them in your experience
• Mention some high-performance metrics you achieved and back them up with numbers
• Show self motivation and positive personality traits: volunteering focuses on helping people
• Add GPA (higher than 3.5), references from your tutors, or other achievements 

Below are listed the most common volunteer certifications in the USA.

It’s easy to declare that all of them indicate self motivation.

However, try to include these certificates only if relevant to the job offer.

Thus, you increase your chances of getting hired by at least 50%.

Top volunteer certificates for your resume:

• ManageFirst
• Learn2Serve
• Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)
• Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (cHAP)

Time management is crucial when it comes to taking serious responsibilities.

The “Day of My Life” section is a cohesive way to prove you are an organized and dedicated candidate.

However, many applicants repeat the same mistake.

They build the diagram without including the time they would spend on volunteering.

Such action would make the whole section pointless.

Take your time, decide how much of your time you could give away on volunteering and add it to the diagram.

• Use action verbs and quantitative data to support every section of your resume, especially your experience
• Focus on positive personality traits and describe how you want to contribute to the cause you believe in
• Tailor your soft and hard skills to the volunteer position. Emphasize self motivation, communication and organization
• Add a Day of My Life section, References, or Strengths to build trust in recruiters

Volunteer resume examples

Explore additional volunteer resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Looking to build your own Volunteer resume?

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How to Include Volunteer Experience on a Resume [+Examples]

Including volunteering in your resume is always a great idea. But once you've decided to do it, you unavoidably arrive at the question: how to include volunteer experience on your resume exactly?

If you do it well, it can completely elevate your resume above others. If not, it can make your resume more difficult to navigate. 

Above all else, the volunteering section of your resume is one of the few places where you can demonstrate your character . 

It shows what you care about and what you find important. It can make you look proactive, invested in your community, and even selfless. 

In other words, the volunteering section of your resume can make you irresistible to employers. So how do you make it stand out?

This guide will help you with it.

 It will also answer these pressing questions:

What is the resume volunteer experience section?

• Why should you list your volunteer experience on your resume?
• Where should you put your volunteer experience section on a resume?
• How to write one if you’re a student or a fresh graduate?
• How to write one as an experienced professional?

How to include volunteer work experience on a resume (video guide)

The volunteer experience section is the place on your resume where you mention any kind of work you do voluntarily and for free.

Not only does your volunteering work benefit your community, it also has the potential to benefit your career . It’s an excellent way to showcase those skills, strengths and motivations that would otherwise not find their way onto your resume.

For instance, are you caring and enthusiastic? These are excellent personal strengths that you might find difficult to place on a resume.

Well, now you don’t have to just write about them in your cover letter, your volunteering experience will speak for itself.

However, in order to truly nail it, you also need to know  why,  how  and  where  to write about your volunteering. And that very much depends on where you are in your career.

Why should you list volunteer experience on your resume?

So why should you include volunteering experience on your resume? Isn't having a good degree and extensive work experience enough?

There are two main reasons why you should consider volunteering and placing it on your resume. 

It will impress recruiters

For some, volunteering is  as valuable as paid work . About 41% of hiring managers consider volunteer work as valuable as paid work when evaluating candidates (according to a  LinkedIn survey ). 

Moreover, about 20% of hiring managers in the U.S. hired a candidate based on their volunteer experience.

It speaks volumes about your character

In addition to skills particular to every position, volunteer experience always shows an employer that you’re willing to get involved in your community, take initiative, and make things happen. 

In other words, volunteering shows qualities that are highly sought after in every industry.

What other personal qualities do recruiters associate with volunteering?  

• Being a people person 
• Leadership skills
• A service mindset
• Ability to work within a team 
• Being passionate about a cause
• Inner drive and motivation 
• Dependability

Where should you put your volunteer experience on a resume?

As we've already mentioned, that heavily depends on where you're in your career. When it comes to the order of the resume sections, the rule of thumb is quite simple —  the most relevant things come first. 

So if you have plenty of work experience, volunteering can be placed toward the end of your resume. However, if most of your experience so far comes from volunteering, then feel free to list it at the beginning of your CV. 

• Are you a student or a fresh graduate?  In this case, you probably lack years of work experience. This means that you should treat your volunteer experience as regular work experience. Feel free to even include your volunteer work in your work experience section.
• Are you an experienced professional?  Then you should create a separate section dedicated exclusively to your volunteer work. But if you had a volunteer job that’s highly relevant to the job you’re applying for, consider mentioning it in your work experience section.

So, how to list it on your resume in both scenarios?

How to list volunteer experience if you’re a student or a fresh graduate?

Most recruiters see volunteer experience similarly to paid  work experience  anyway. Just because you didn’t get paid, it doesn’t mean you didn’t do a good job.

And since you don’t have extensive paid work experience to lean on, treat your volunteering just like a job that you got paid for doing. 

List your volunteering role/s as you would full-time paid jobs:

• Place it in the section towards the beginning of your resume , right beneath your  education section . 
• If you have more volunteering experiences,  list them in reverse-chronological order  (place the newest experience at the top). 
• Include details about each volunteering gig : place, organization, dates, relevant tasks you undertook, and skills you’ve learned. 

Pro tip:  Be specific rather than vague. Don’t only list your responsibilities, but also mention your accomplishments. Instead of writing  “Volunteered for a university magazine” , say  “Wrote 28 articles for a university magazine” . See the difference?

Below is a great example.

Student resume volunteering sample

Look at how the following student resume sample incorporates volunteering. Pay attention to how Gia, even though she was still a student, managed to fill her whole resume with valuable experiences. 

She correctly included internships in the work experience section. And as she had plenty of them, she wisely placed volunteering in a separate section for it to stand out.

The rest was easy — all she had to do is fill in the dates, location, name of the organization she volunteered for, and responsibilities she’s had. 

How to list volunteer experience if you’re a seasoned professional?

Volunteering is a great addition to your resume even if you’re a seasoned professional.

• This is true  especially if the volunteering experience is related to the job you’re applying for , it lasted for a while, or majorly shaped your personality or professional path in a major way. In this case, you may want to highlight the volunteering section or place it closer to the top of the resume. Alternatively, you can place the most prominent volunteering experience in the work section.
• On the other hand,  even if the volunteering experience wasn’t as extensive or didn’t relate to your career , it’s not a problem. In this case, you may want to consider placing it near the end of your resume. 

Either way, when describing volunteering, try to be specific and list your  key achievements  in the same way you do with your work experience. 

For instance, if you volunteer as a Blood Bank Officer, instead of writing  “Administration and control of the blood bank” , write  “Administered 7 blood drives with 350+ donors for the Red Cross and Armed Services Blood Programs.”

Alternatively, you can just briefly mention where you volunteer and what you do.

Take a look at the resume sample below to see how! 

Seasoned professional volunteering resume sample

Volunteer work: one more piece of resume advice

• Relate it to your skills.  If you gained or improved some skills through your volunteer work, include these in the description. Pay special attention to those skills that match the job description.
• Use action verbs.  Make your volunteer section even more powerful and appealing. This helps the hiring manager understand your skillset and see you as a dedicated member of the team.
• Stay positive.  Focus on how you’re helping the community rather than the negative aspects that you’d like to change.
• Use quantifiable achievements , if possible. It always makes you look more accomplished. 
• Use volunteering to fill in the gaps.  If you found yourself jobless for a while, volunteering during this period can easily cover the unwanted resume gap. 
• Be careful when writing about religious or political volunteering , you may be unfairly rejected if the recruiter isn't fond of your values.
• Put it in context. Explain the issues or challenges the community or organization you volunteered with was facing, and how your role contributed to addressing these. This gives potential employers a clearer picture of your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
• Don't underestimate soft skills. Volunteering often helps individuals develop interpersonal, communication or leadership skills. Highlight these soft skills as they are valued by employers and can set you apart.
• Personalize your experiences. Instead of simply listing your volunteer activities, share a brief story or specific instance where you made a significant impact. This humanizes your experiences and can make your resume more memorable.

Find out your resume score!

Do you have a LinkedIn profile filled with all the important details, including your academic background, skills, experience, and qualifications? You can easily  turn it into a polished resume with just one click.

Don’t include information that's too outdated. If you’re in your 30s and write about volunteering that you did during your high school years, the recruiter will know that you have no new experiences to lean on. In other words, keep your resume relevant and up to date. 

Fundraising, followed by teaching and serving food.

This topic requires some delicacy. In general, it's advised not to disclose information about your race, religion, or orientation on your resume in order to avoid being discriminated against.

This means it's better to think twice before openly disclosing your church activities. On the other hand, there's a chance that you're applying for a position that's affiliated with the church, or a position that requires volunteering experience. In that case, be the judge of the situation and include everything that you think could give you an advantage over other candidates.

It largely depends on the nature of the activity. If it was a meaningful, one-time event where you gained or demonstrated significant skills or made a notable impact, it might be worth including. However, a long-term commitment generally demonstrates dedication and sustained interest, which can impress employers.

If you have considerable volunteering experience, it's recommended to create a separate 'Volunteer Experience' section. This allows you to showcase your social responsibility, leadership, and other skills obtained from volunteering. If the volunteering experience is limited, it's acceptable to include it under 'work experience' or 'additional experience'.

Kaja Jurčišinová

Kaja Jurcisinova is a fresh graduate and a junior copywriter at Kickresume. Kaja completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of St Andrews in 2018 and graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen in 2021. She was an intern at multiple cultural institutions across Europe, including the Dutch Museum Association in Amsterdam, the Matter of Art Biennale in Prague, and the European Cultural Centre in Venice. At the moment, she resides in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

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How to List Volunteer Experience On a Resume [W/ Examples]

Let’s face it - first impressions matter. And when it comes to job search, your resume will be the first impression a potential employer will have of you. 

This begs the question: how do you make your resume stand out in a pile of job applications? 

You try to make every section count. And a particularly beneficial one to have in this regard is volunteer experience.

A volunteer experience section can be a great way to showcase your skills if you’re just starting on your career, or even if you have a work experience gap on your CV. It is also an indicator that you are not just any other money-driven applicant, but also someone who cares about giving back to the community. 

But what is the best way - and time - to include volunteer experience in your resume? That’s exactly what this article will show you.

Read on to find out: 

What is a Resume Volunteer Experience Section?

• When to Include Volunteer Experience in Your Resume?
• How to Include Volunteer Experience in Your Resume?
• How to Get Your Volunteer Experience Section Right?

The volunteer experience section of a resume includes any unpaid work you’ve done that could be relevant to your application. In addition to being an effective way to showcase your professional skills, it also shows that you are a purpose-driven person. The studies speak for themselves - volunteering can open a new path to employment. 

You can list volunteer experience either under the work experience section or as a separate section entirely. Below, we’re going to explain how, exactly, you can do both.

But first, here’s an example of how volunteer experience (as a separate resume section) looks like: 

When to Include Volunteer Experience in Your Resume? 

While having a volunteer experience section in your resume can be an asset, it’s not always going to be useful. There’s value in knowing when volunteering can be relevant in improving your chances to get hired and when it can be dead-weight.  

Here’s our cheat sheet on when to and when not to include volunteer experience in your resume. 

• The company you are applying for emphasizes ‘giving’ as part of its identity. Employees at VMware, for example, are given volunteer hours which they can use instead of doing standard work.  
• You have recently graduated and have no work experience . 
• You have extra space on your resume or an employment gap. 
• You are applying for an NGO, non-profit, or charity organization . 
• The volunteer work is outdated. Volunteer work is awesome, yes, but you want it to be as time-relevant for the recruiter reviewing your application as possible. And experience from a decade ago rarely cuts it.
• You can fill up your resume with more relevant sections, such as paid work and education . As a rule of thumb, the first thing a recruiter notices in a resume is paid experience and education - volunteering experience is just a nice-to-have extra. This means you shouldn’t squeeze in volunteer experience if it means cutting out more important sections from your resume. 

How to Include Volunteer Experience In Your Resume

Now that we went over the whens, let’s go over the most important part - how to include volunteer experience in your resume in a way that highlights your skills and emphasizes your achievements. 

As we mentioned before, volunteer experience can be a section of its own or can count as work experience in some specific cases. 

DO include it as part of the work experience section if: 

• The experience is super relevant to the job you are applying for.
• You have otherwise little paid experience. 

For example, let’s say you’re applying for a job in Journalism, but you’ve never worked as a professional in the field. However, you have plenty of journalism experience from years of volunteering at your university’s newspaper. 

Journalism Experience 

Reading Owl Daily

2017 - 2019

• Volunteering experience as Reporter for the University’s daily newspaper. Covered the News section, as well as handled copy editing. 
• Kept track of the newspaper’s online presence and updated its WordPress site daily. 
• Wrote a total of 50 interviews for two years. 

Now, when your volunteering experience isn’t specifically related to the job you’re applying for, you’re better off creating a separate volunteer experience section and formatting it just like the work experience section:

• Volunteering Position
• Organization You Volunteered For
• Responsibilities & Achievements

If you want your unrelated volunteering experience to stand out, however, simply listing your responsibilities and achievements won’t do. Instead, you want to show how the volunteer experience ties you to the job you are currently applying for.   

Confused? Let us cover an example: 

Say that you have been helping at the local animal rescue center for a year, but now you’re applying for a marketing company. Your volunteer experience is not marketing-relevant, but it can be tailored as such.

Volunteer Experience 

• Helped develop an online platform for stray animals’ adoption that saved 100+ dogs and cats, on behalf of the Animal Rescue Center.
• Wrote copy for the online platform and created banners and brochures to advertise it.  

Keep in mind, though, that tailoring is not something that you have to do all the time - volunteering experience is going to help whether or not it’s related to your field.

If you can tailor it to the job, though, that is, for sure, a big plus.

Volunteer Experience Section Example

Looking for some inspiration? Look no further!

Here’s what a well-crafted volunteer experience section looks like on a resume: 

International Federation Red Cross, France

5/2016 - 5/2017

• Provided presentations about Red Cross programs in the community. 
• Assisted the fundraising team with writing grant proposals. 

Now, if you’re listing your volunteering experience as part of the work experience section, here’s how it could look like if you were applying for a job in the communications field:

Team London Volunteer 

Mayor of London Office

09/2018 - 08/2019

• Supported the implementation of a new external communications strategy.
• Created a new e-newsletter to share with a variety of stakeholders to keep them up to date with internal news and to gain new supporters.  
• Generated visual content for the organization’s social media platform. 

How to Get Your Volunteer Experience Section Right 

There’s more to creating a compelling volunteer experience section than just writing it out. Here are our top 3 tips on including volunteering in your resume the right way:

Tip #1: Follow the Format. 

As we mentioned before, there is a pretty straightforward format one can follow to list volunteering experiences.

Here’s what it looks like:

• Your position and/or title 
• Company/Organization name
• Achievements/Responsibilities 
• Volunteering timeframe 

Tip #2: List Achievements Over Responsibilities. 

When possible, you want to focus more on achievements as opposed to responsibilities in your resume (and this applies to volunteer experience, too).

Here’s what we mean by that:

Let’s assume that you have volunteer experience as a research assistant. The responsibilities are pretty obvious - i.e. compiling and distributing questionnaires, collecting and analyzing relevant data, doing statistical and analytical work, etc. 

The HR knows all this - they’re reviewed hundreds of similar resumes, all of which mention the same responsibilities.

If you, however, focus on showing how you concretely contributed to the research, by say, pointing out that 50% of the data analyzed by you was used to advance it, you’d have told the recruiter something completely new and compelling that makes you stand out. 

Focusing on your achievements, when relevant, is your best chance at giving your resume the upper hand. 

To give you a more concrete example, though, here’s a comparison of achievements done right: 

• Compiled and distributed qualitative questionnaires with a 90% response rate. 
• Completed 50% of the data analysis later used to advance the project’s research. 

However, in some industries, you might have fewer achievements to list than in others. If you volunteered at your local homeless shelter, your day-to-day goal probably wasn’t to distinguish yourself but help others. If that’s the case, listing responsibilities is OK. 

Here’s how that would look like in your resume: 

• Registering homeless people into the shelter.
• Unpacking and distributing food aids. 
• Oversee opening and closing of the shelter 2 times/week. 

Tip #3: Keep It Relevant

Only mention your volunteering experience if they’re recent and relevant .

For example, if you volunteered 5 years back, and since then you have worked several professional roles in your field, you don’t need to go back in time and mention that volunteering experience (even if it was an amazing learning experience).

In such a case, your volunteering experience is neither recent (it happened 5 years ago), nor relevant (you probably learned a lot more from your recent positions).

Key takeaways 

And we’re done! By now, you should know everything on how to include volunteering experience in a resume.

Now, let’s recap all the main points we’ve covered:

• Volunteer experience can be a huge plus to your job application, especially if you are a recent graduate, have a gap in your resume, or are applying to an NGO.  
• List volunteer experience either as a separate section or as work-related experience (if your volunteering experience is related to the job you’re applying for). 
• When listing your volunteering experiences, when possible, include achievements over responsibilities. Responsibilities are what put you on the same plate as all other applicants - your achievements are what set you apart! 

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30 Examples: How To List Volunteer Work on a Resume

By Status.net Editorial Team on April 26, 2024 — 10 minutes to read

Volunteering is a great way to acquire new skills, network with professionals, and make a difference in your community. When it comes time to update your resume, incorporating your volunteer experiences may give you a competitive edge. The key is to present your volunteer experience in a manner that highlights the relevant skills you’ve gained and what you’ve accomplished.

Begin by examining the volunteer work you’ve done and identifying the skills that would be most applicable to the job you’re seeking. For example, if you volunteered at an animal shelter, you might have developed strong communication and teamwork skills while coordinating with other volunteers and shelter employees. Or, if you volunteered as a tutor, you could highlight your ability to effectively teach complex subjects and demonstrate expert problem-solving skills.

Identifying Your Volunteer Experiences

Start by making a list of all your volunteer activities, including the organization, your role and responsibilities, and the length of time you were involved. For example:

• Nonprofit Organization A – Volunteer Coordinator (6 months)
• Community Event B – Event Volunteer (one-time event)
• Local Animal Shelter C – Dog Walker (3 months)

As you review your list, consider the skills and knowledge you gained from each experience. This could be anything from project management to customer service or even special skills like event planning or social media promotion.

Next, prioritize your experiences by relevance for the job you’re applying for. This means considering which volunteer activities showcase the most important skills, expertise, and qualities that the employer is looking for. After you’ve identified the most relevant volunteer experiences, it’s time to think about how to present them on your resume. One effective approach is to include a dedicated volunteer work section, ideally located near your professional experience section. This allows you to highlight valuable skills and experiences while also demonstrating your commitment to giving back.

Where to Place Volunteer Work on Your Resume

Main experience section.

Consider placing volunteer work in your main experience section if it relates closely to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you have volunteered at an animal shelter and are applying for a position as a veterinarian assistant, it would be relevant to include this experience with your professional work history.

When listing volunteer work in the main experience section, it should be formatted similarly to your regular employment:

• Organization Name, City, State
• Your role/job title
• Duration (Month Year – Month Year)
• Key accomplishments or responsibilities (use bullet points to make these easier to read)

Separate Volunteer Section

If your volunteer work is not directly related to the job you’re applying for, or if you already have extensive relevant employment experience, it might be more appropriate to create a separate volunteer section on your resume. This section should come after your main experience section, but before the education and skills sections.

In the separate volunteer section, you can still emphasize how these experiences contributed to your personal and professional growth. List your volunteer experiences by following the same format as the main experience section.

Volunteer Work on a Resume: 30 Examples

1. Community Service Volunteer – Organized weekly community clean-up events, managing teams of 20+ volunteers – Coordinated with local businesses for resource contributions

2. Hospital Volunteer – Provided companionship and support to patients, improving their hospital experience – Assisted nurses with non-medical tasks to enhance patient care

3. Animal Shelter Volunteer – Cared for and socialized animals to prepare them for adoption – Implemented a new system for tracking animal vaccinations and health records

4. Youth Mentor – Mentored a group of 10 high school students, providing academic and personal guidance – Developed and facilitated workshops on college readiness and career exploration

5. Event Planning Volunteer – Played a key role in organizing annual charity gala, raising over $50,000 – Managed logistics, including venue selection, catering, and guest list coordination

6. Environmental Conservation Volunteer – Participated in reforestation projects, planting over 1,000 trees – Educated the public on sustainability practices through workshops and presentations

7. Disaster Relief Volunteer – Assisted in rebuilding efforts after local flooding, contributing over 200 hours of service – Distributed food and supplies to affected families

8. Volunteer Tutor – Provided weekly math tutoring to underprivileged students, resulting in a 25% average grade improvement – Created personalized lesson plans and practice exercises

9. Food Bank Volunteer – Organized food drives that collected over 3 tons of food for the local community – Streamlined the food sorting process, increasing efficiency by 30%

10. Special Olympics Volunteer – Coached a team of 15 athletes, leading them to win gold in regional competitions – Coordinated travel and accommodations for team events

11. Habitat for Humanity Volunteer – Contributed to the construction of 5 homes for low-income families – Led a team of volunteers in framing and drywall installation

12. Volunteer Fundraiser – Spearheaded a crowdfunding campaign that raised $10,000 for a local animal rescue – Developed marketing materials and social media strategies to promote the campaign

13. Library Volunteer – Managed book inventory and assisted patrons with locating resources – Organized weekly storytime sessions for children, fostering a love of reading

14. Crisis Hotline Volunteer – Provided empathetic support to individuals in crisis, contributing to a 20% increase in positive outcomes – Completed 60 hours of specialized training in crisis intervention techniques

15. ESL (English as a Second Language) Volunteer Teacher – Taught English to adult learners, helping 30+ students achieve conversational proficiency – Developed culturally sensitive teaching materials

16. Nonprofit Board Member – Served on the board of a local nonprofit focused on youth development – Participated in strategic planning and fundraising efforts

17. Volunteer Translator – Provided translation services for a community health center, improving access for non-English speakers – Translated over 200 pages of health education materials

18. Legal Aid Volunteer – Assisted in providing free legal services to low-income individuals – Conducted legal research and prepared case documents under attorney supervision

19. Volunteer Web Developer – Designed and maintained the website for a local charity, increasing online donations by 40% – Implemented SEO best practices to enhance the site’s visibility

20. Art Program Volunteer – Facilitated art workshops at a community center, inspiring creativity in 50+ participants – Curated a successful art exhibit showcasing local talent

21. Senior Center Volunteer – Organized social activities and outings for seniors, improving community engagement – Provided tech support, helping seniors connect with their families online

22. Volunteer Coach – Coached a youth soccer team, emphasizing teamwork and sportsmanship – Organized fundraising events to support team equipment and travel expenses

23. Public Health Volunteer – Supported public health campaigns by distributing educational materials and organizing community events – Conducted surveys to assess the impact of health initiatives

24. Music Therapy Volunteer – Performed weekly music sessions at a local hospital to enhance patient well-being – Collaborated with therapists to tailor sessions to individual patient needs

25. Museum Docent – Led educational tours, engaging visitors with the museum’s exhibits – Assisted in the development of new exhibit materials and interactive displays

26. International Volunteer – Taught English and basic computer skills in a rural community abroad – Assisted with the development of a local microfinance program

27. Volunteer Social Media Coordinator – Managed social media accounts for a nonprofit, growing the follower base by 500% – Created engaging content that increased audience interaction

28. Literacy Advocate Volunteer – Participated in reading programs at local schools, helping to improve literacy rates – Organized book donation drives to provide resources for underfunded libraries

29. Volunteer Research Assistant – Supported a university research project by collecting and analyzing data – Co-authored a paper on the project’s findings, which was published in a peer-reviewed journal

30. Homeless Shelter Volunteer – Assisted with daily operations at a shelter, providing meals and support to residents – Developed a job search workshop to help residents gain employment

How to Describe Your Volunteer Work

Use action verbs.

It’s important to use action verbs to describe your duties and accomplishments in your volunteer work. This helps create a strong impression on the reader and showcase your proactive nature.

Examples of strong action verbs:

• Collaborated
• Implemented
• Coordinated
• Facilitated

Quantify Your Impact

When describing your volunteer work, try to quantify your impact whenever possible. This helps provide more context and shows the impact of your contributions.

• Coordinated a team of 15 volunteers
• Raised $5,000 for a local charity
• Organized a charity event with over 200 attendees
• Contributed 120 hours of tutoring
• Assisted in the construction of three homes for low-income families
• Led a group of ten in weekly park cleanups
• Mentored 50 students in an after-school program
• Facilitated team-building exercises for 100 employees
• Developed and implemented a new training curriculum
• Served meals to over 500 people in need

Tailoring Your Volunteer Experience to the Job Description

Emphasize the relevant skills you gained during your volunteer experiences by relating them to the job you’re applying for. This helps demonstrate how your volunteer work has prepared you for the position.

• Improved interpersonal communication through tutoring sessions
• Developed leadership abilities as a team coordinator
• Strengthened problem-solving skills as a volunteer mediator
• Enhanced project management abilities by organizing events
• Acquired customer service experience through volunteer receptionist duties
• Gained public speaking skills through community outreach presentations
• Developed multitasking abilities in a busy office setting
• Improved teamwork skills through group collaborations
• Enhanced negotiation skills through sales fundraising efforts
• Strengthened event planning skills by leading committee meetings

Carefully read the job description and make note of the key requirements and skills the employer is looking for. You can then try to match these with your volunteer experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some ways to present volunteer work on my resume.

You can present volunteer work on your resume in a few different ways, depending on how closely it relates to your desired job and how much experience you have. For example,

• Create a separate Volunteer Work section: This approach is suitable if your volunteer experience is not directly related to your career goals but still demonstrates relevant skills and responsibilities.
• Include volunteer work within your Professional Experience section: If your volunteer experience aligns with your career goals or if you have minimal professional experience, present it alongside your paid positions.
• Highlight related volunteer work under your Skills section: If your volunteer experience helped you gain specific expertise, showcase those skills in your Skills section and mention the relevant volunteer work.

Can you provide a description for including volunteer experience in a resume?

When including volunteer experience in your resume, it’s important to provide details such as the organization’s name, your role or position, the dates you volunteered, and a brief description of your accomplishments and relevant responsibilities. For example:

Volunteer Work

• Provided tutoring in math and English to underprivileged high school students, resulting in improved grades of over 90% of participants.

How should a student with volunteer experience showcase it on their resume?

As a student with limited work experience, emphasizing your volunteer work can demonstrate your skills, initiative, and commitment to potential employers. You can:

• Include your volunteer work in a dedicated Volunteer Experience section, or even within your Work Experience section if it’s directly related to your career goals.
• Highlight key skills gained through your volunteer work in the Skills section, mentioning specific achievements where possible.
• If relevant, mention any leadership roles or significant responsibilities within your volunteer work.

In what manner can I detail my contributions in volunteer positions?

When detailing your contributions, focus on accomplishments and the impact you made through your volunteer work. To do this, use action verbs, quantify results, and emphasize outcomes. For example:

• Organized an annual charity event that raised over $10,000 for children’s educational resources, resulting in a 20% increase in funds compared to the previous year.

Is it beneficial to describe volunteer activities in a resume, and if so, how?

Yes, describing volunteer activities in a resume can be beneficial as it showcases your transferable skills, commitment to the community, and ability to collaborate. To describe your activities effectively:

• Focus on any tasks that demonstrate relevant skills for the position you are applying for.
• Be specific in describing your role, responsibilities, and accomplishments.
• If possible, quantify the impact of your activities, e.g., dollars raised, number of attendees, or percentage improvements.

Are there any specific words or phrases that effectively convey volunteer experiences?

To effectively convey your volunteer experiences, use action verbs and descriptive language that highlights your accomplishments and transferable skills. Examples:

These words can show potential employers that you were actively engaged in your volunteer work and achieved meaningful results.

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Volunteer Work on a Resume

Add your volunteer work to give your resume something extra.

Certified Professional Resume Writer

Adding voluntary work to a resume could be just what you need to show potential employers you mean business.

Volunteer work covers a wide range of activities and can  vastly improve your chances of getting an interview  for your ideal job if you know  how to put volunteer work on your resume  in a way that shows your strengths, dedication and enthusiasm.

Jobseekers learn new skills or gain experience everyday  through a variety of tasks, whether in their academic career, occupation or through hobbies in their free-time.

One of the most underrated but awarding activities that people participate in is  volunteer work . This could be anything from the more typical volunteering your time and energy  helping out in an animal shelter  to volunteering your expertise in order to  improve the workings of a business .

You may be a seasoned volunteer in various roles or have just one long-term placement but in both cases you’ll have something to shout about that will  stand out on your resume  and mean  hiring managers take an interest in your application .

Check out the following  guide on how to include volunteer experience in your resume  to ensure you get the best shot at securing an interview.

Some people may consider that they have not been a volunteer but if you have been an active  member of a nonprofit organization , a school association,  involved in community service  or have helped out with  fundraising  or event planning, you have volunteered and have most likely benefited from doing so by  earning skills and experience which you can demonstrate on your resume .

How to add Volunteer Work on a Resume

How to include volunteer work on a resume  will depend on the type of  resume format  you choose to use, as you may wish to  highlight the unpaid work experience  as an extra activity or you may wish to incorporate the positions in your job history.

Candidates have the possibility to  include a resume section devoted to volunteer positions  that explains, similarly to the  professional work experience section , the position occupied and the company or association name.

You can also  list the responsibilities and tasks undertaken  and any outstanding achievements which you have accomplished if the position or company is  relevant to your professional profile  or the vacancy on offer.

This will vary if you choose a combination or  functional resume  as opposed to a   chronological layout  and jobseekers will need to fit the skills and appropriate information from each position as suitable.

In cases where your  volunteer work has brought you certain skills or new qualifications  but the positions do not directly correspond to the industry or position that you are applying to, it is advisable to  create a separate resume section  with the basic information and simply include the abilities or certificates without expanding on the responsibilities of the role.

For expert assistance on  how to write a winning resume including work experience , you could use an online resume builder or construct yours from a  resume template  using the practical examples as a guide.

Why include your volunteer work on a resume

Including volunteer work on your resume  could be what helps you convince a prospective employer that you have what it takes over other candidates.

If you’re wondering  why put volunteer work on your resume , look no further because we can think of a multitude of reasons that explain  how adding volunteer work to a resume can benefit you .

As mentioned, you’ve probably done a lot more volunteering than you originally thought so whether you have a  long career history  or you’re just started out, those extra activities do help to  show potential employers how you have grown your skill set  and where you have learnt new abilities or put them into practise.

When you include  examples of your achievements in voluntary positions  you are also displaying the outcome of your personal involvement and thus providing the hiring manager with concrete cases of how you will be the perfect fit for their business.

Another reason for  including voluntary work on your resume  is that it demonstrates your willingness to be involved and make change happen. This  display of initiative and sense of community  is a highly sought-after trait that many companies and organizations look for in their candidates.

It will not only make you  stand out from the crowd during the application process  but could also place you in high esteem among other staff or superiors if you are able to continue this  positive contribution towards the business . Public relations and the reputation of social responsibility are high priorities for many enterprises nowadays and having someone on their team with voluntary work under their belt can bring many  advantages to the company  in the form of networking, new clients, experience, specialist knowledge etc.

Additionally, many  employers consider voluntary work as worthwhile as paid employment  to a candidate’s experience, which means that they may even be looking out for it as a  basic element of your resume .

Also, something as simple as providing a basic  insight into what interests you  as an individual is a  positive aspect on a resume  because hiring managers spend hours looking through resumes each time they need to employ a new member of staff and  any candidate who mentions voluntary work on a resume is bound to catch their eye .

If you have been unemployed, or taken a leave of absence for any reason from a paid position and remained  active with voluntary work , this  shows a great dedication  on your part that speaks highly of you on any job application

Tips for adding your volunteer experience

Voluntary work is an excellent addition to any resume. Check out these  tips for including volunteer work on your resume .

• Firstly, it is vital to remember to  only include volunteer work that is relevant  to your profile and the role or industry you’re applying to.
• In all possible cases,  quantify any examples  of your responsibilities and accomplishments.
• Include  only the more recent  and critical positions or activities.
• If you decide to list various voluntary positions, either as part of the work experience section or in a separate part, it is advisable to do so in  reverse chronological order .
• Depending on the resume structure you select, it is recommendable to follow the  layout of the work experience positions  by including the information in the same format and order: organization name, dates, position and description where appropriate.
• There may be certain positions, companies, sectors etc. you would prefer to omit and this is perfectly acceptable if the voluntary work you undertook is not relevant or appropriate for your application or reveals information that you do not want to share with prospective employers.

Volunteer experience is fast becoming one of the more paramount sections of a resume  due to the increasingly positive response it receives from hiring managers in job applications.

This is especially true for student resumes, whether  seeking part-time employment or graduates , and  entry-level resumes  and any candidates looking to change career or returning to the workforce from an absence.

That said,  professional resumes  also benefit to a great extent from  including volunteer work in their application  due to the wide scope that this aspect can cover and the endless skills and experience it offers a jobseeker.

Related Volunteer Work on your resume

Which types of volunteer work are appropriate for your resume? Find out  what related volunteer work you can put on a resume .

Apart from the obvious volunteer work such as a position in a nonprofit organization like a homeless shelter or orphanage, there are  many ways a person can volunteer  and perhaps not consider it in the same light but adding it on your resume could be a great help to your application.

Take a glance at the following list of  possible related volunteer work you could include on your resume  either for the experience, knowledge or skills it has given you.

• Sports Coach
• Member of a not-for-profit organization
• Helping at events
• Fundraising
• Chaperoning
• Offering services for free to neighbors, friends etc.
• School associations
• Providing transport
• Community Service
• Neighborhood Watch
• Counseling etc.

Voluntary experiences are nearly always career-enhancing  even when it may not be in the exact line of work you’re looking for, so don’t be afraid to improve your chances at landing that dream job by  including your volunteer work on your resume , along with your work experience, contact information, skills, education and   resume objective   or  qualification summary , where you can even make reference to the abilities or certificates gained by your participation.

If you need  extra resume help , you could try out an  online resume creator  or take a look at the other guides available at  ResumeCoach  for other  resume advice from career experts .

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How to design a volunteering program in your workplace

Ron Waddell, Founder and Executive Director of Legendary Legacies, right, talks with Gary Goyette at the nonprofit organization, Friday, April 19, 2024, in Worcester, Mass. Waddell credits Blue Cross Blue Shield volunteers for truly investing in their employee service opportunities, which are increasing across the corporate realm. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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More workplaces are bolstering their volunteer programs, especially as employee demands grow for socially responsible employers and engagement. Nearly three in five companies surveyed by the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals reported increased opportunities for group volunteering last year.

With National Volunteer Week in the rearview mirror, coworkers buoyed by recent acts of kindness might be looking for ways to integrate service more regularly into their professional schedules. They stand to benefit themselves, too. Recent University of Oxford research suggests organized volunteering is one of the most effective workplace programs for improving workers’ well-being .

But not all corporate volunteering is created equal. The following advice from experts and nonprofit leaders provides some best practices for anyone interested in building or strengthening an officewide culture of service.

EMPLOYEES IN CHARGE

Dr. Eddy Hogg, a University of Kent lecturer who studies volunteering, recommends giving agency to employees in the design of their workplace volunteer program. People who volunteer on their own time likely have a much more personal connection to the cause, he said, whereas an employee group will have varied levels of interest in any given act of service.

Allowing employees to select from a range of local community groups, and suggest their own, can help ensure everyone feels connected to their nonprofit partner’s mission. Affinity groups can be a good place to start aligning employee interests with service work.

Still, buy-in from the entire corporate ladder is necessary.

“It’s one thing for a guy in head office to think it’s a good idea,” Hogg said. “But if people’s line managers think it’s a load of rubbish, it’s not going to happen. Even if the staff are actually really keen to do it.”

MAKE IT MEANINGFUL

Hogg also recommends breaking away from the short-term, light-touch days of service frequently featured in company press releases. Otherwise, Hogg says, you’re essentially just participating in a company retreat. Deep connections between employees and the community won’t form if they only interact once or twice a year.

“You might as well just put everyone on a bus and take them up to the Catskills, right?” he said.

Bosses and nonprofit leaders to communicate how the chosen activity will benefit the community. That means fostering direct interactions with the people being served, said Jessica Rodell, which can help ensure employees return for future volunteering.

“The more meaningful the activity, the better,” said Rodell, a University of Georgia management professor.

DON’T GO IT ALONE

Cold-calling charitable organizations can be daunting. Luckily, there are third-party organizations ready to partner companies looking for skills-based volunteering opportunities with nonprofits in need of extra help.

Common Impact leverages the increased power of corporations in society by connecting their employees with community groups. CEO Leila Saad describes it as the corporate version of legal pro bono work.

The nonprofit has partnered with dozens of Fortune 500 companies. Common Impact connected Allstate employees with a Wisconsin domestic violence prevention group to improve staff parental and bereavement leave polices, for example. It also brought Blue Cross Blue Shield employees together with a Worcester, Massachusetts gang rehabilitation program that needed help collecting data to measure its success in grant applications.

Employees working at smaller companies could consider partnering with their local Big Brothers Big Sisters of America club. Mentors help high school students plan for post-graduation life by helping fill out college aid forms or choose majors under its “Big Futures” program.

The necessary commitment levels come and go, according to Chief Development Officer Deborah Barge. Volunteers might only show up once to a career fair, for example. Others may work with mentees for about six or more hours across several days.

BE FLEXIBLE

Lower the barrier to entry by creating a variety of programs where newcomers can wet their feet and seasoned volunteers can go all-in. In a corporate world where employees are increasingly working hybrid schedules and spread out geographically, that means providing some remote service opportunities.

The beauty brand Shiseido Americas ships volunteer kits out to its employees scattered across its New York headquarters, New Jersey manufacturing facilities, Ohio warehouse and regional offices around the country. Keep America Beautiful, an environmental nonprofit that works to end littering and expand recycling, has cleanup kits used by Shiseido employees to beautify local parks. The company also sends kits with materials so employees can make blankets or decorate bags for foster children.

A robust employee engagement program should celebrate the “wholeness” of who they are,” said Melissa MacDonnell, head of the Liberty Mutual Foundation.

The insurance company often starts by inviting organizations that have already been the recipient of donations through its employee match program, MacDonnell said, and also solicits suggestions from employees.

In addition to monthslong, skills-based opportunities, MacDonnell said Liberty Mutual also offers curated service projects that employees can sign up to join during the first three weeks in May.

“If you’re forcing it, it doesn’t feel authentic,” said Julie Haase, the chief operating officer for Liberty Mutual Investments. “If you give people the platform and the choice -- the where and when and how they want to engage -- I think they will feel empowered to pursue those areas that are really meaningful to them.”

Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy .

10 tips to write an impressive resume

I n the highly competitive job market, a captivating resume serves as your golden ticket to leave a lasting impact on potential employers. With the evolution of more sophisticated hiring processes, it's imperative to transcend the fundamentals and compose a resume that distinguishes you from the masses. Here are 10 expert suggestions to guide you in creating an impressive resume that effectively showcases your skills and experiences:

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Customize your resume for each job

Tailoring your resume is paramount. Scrutinize the job description and align your resume with the specific prerequisites of each position you pursue. Spotlight the skills and experiences most pertinent to the job, underscoring your suitability for the role.

Commence with a robust summary or objective

Initiate your resume with a succinct and impactful summary or objective statement. This segment should offer a snapshot of your professional background, accentuating your key strengths and career objectives.

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Opt for a clean and professional format

Ensure your resume is visually appealing and easily digestible. Adopt a clean and professional format featuring consistent fonts and bullet points. Contemplate utilizing a contemporary template to impart a polished appearance to your resume.

Highlight achievements, not just responsibilities

Rather than merely cataloguing job duties, concentrate on quantifiable achievements. Illuminate specific accomplishments, employing metrics when feasible, to demonstrate your impact in prior roles.

Prioritize relevant experience

Position the most pertinent work experience prominently in your resume. Tailor the details of each job entry to underscore how your previous roles have equipped you for the specific position you are seeking.

Spotlight key skills

Devote a dedicated section to list both hard and soft skills relevant to the job. Integrate keywords from the job description to ensure your resume successfully navigates applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Integrate professional development and certifications

Manifest your commitment to continuous improvement by incorporating relevant professional development courses, certifications, or workshops. This signifies your dedication to staying abreast of developments in your field.

Quantify your achievements

Numbers carry weight. Whenever feasible, quantify your achievements to furnish tangible evidence of your impact. Whether it involves increasing sales, reducing costs, or enhancing efficiency, numerical figures bolster credibility.

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Showcase volunteer work and extracurricular activities

Infuse pertinent volunteer work and extracurricular activities to underscore your commitment to community involvement and your adeptness at managing diverse responsibilities.

Proofread and edited rigorously

A polished resume reflects your meticulous attention to detail. Scrutinize your document meticulously to catch any grammatical errors or typos. Enlist the input of peers or mentors for additional perspectives on refining your resume.

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