sample volunteer work on resume

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: 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 Write a Volunteer Resume [+Example for 2024]

You’ve found something you believe in.

You want to help as much as you can.

But first, you need a resume that highlights your best attributes. 

Well, allow us to help you with this resume guide for all volunteers!

• A job-winning volunteer resume example
• How to create a volunteer resume that hiring managers love
• Volunteer-specific tips and tricks to make your resume stand out

Now, before we move on, here’s a volunteer resume example, created with our very own resume builder :

Follow the steps in this guide to create a job-winning resume of your own! 

How to Format a Volunteer Resume

Here’s a fact for you:

Your resume isn’t the only one on the recruiter’s desk.

In fact, they have a TON to get through, which is why recruiters tend to skim-read as they go through the pile of resumes.

This means you need to make your information clear and concise. 

You can do this by using the best resume format for volunteer resumes. 

The most common resume format is “ reverse-chronological ”, so we’d recommend this format for your resume…

There are two other popular formats that you could try:

• Functional Resume – Choose this format if you have many skills, but don’t have any real experience. Essentially, this format is ideal for volunteers who are seeking a role they have never held
• Combination Resume – As the name suggests, a combination resume is a combination of “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological”. As such, this format is perfect for volunteers who have both skills and experience

Once you’ve decided on the format, you need to get your resume layout right.

For a professional resume layout, here’s what we recommend:

Margins - the margins are set automatically according to recruiters in the editor.

Font - Pick a font that stands out, but not too much. 

• Do: Ubuntu, Roboto, etc.
• Don’t: Comic Sans

Resume Length - Don’t go over the 1-page limit. If you’re having trouble fitting everything into one page? You may want to view these one-page resume templates .

Use a Volunteer Resume Template

You have a number of options when it comes to resume writing tools.

Now, Word may be your first choice, but we invite you to reconsider.

You see, building your own resume in a text-editing tool can result in massive formatting issues. 

The alternative is to use a volunteering resume template by choosing from one of the templates here .

This will ensure your resume looks professional at all times. 

What to Include in a Volunteer Resume

The main sections in a volunteer resume are:

• Contact Information
• Resume Summary or Objective
• Work Experience/ Volunteer Experience

For a resume that stands out, even more, try adding these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification
• Personal Projects

Interests & Hobbies

It’s now time to go through each of those sections, and explain how to write them...

Not sure which sections to use for your resume? Check out our guide to What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Write Your Contact Information

The tips in this guide will help with creating the best volunteer resume possible.

But those tips are worthless if mistakes are made in this section.

For your contact section, follow these rules:

• Title - Make this specific to the role you’re applying for
• Phone Number - Quadruple check this!
• Email Address - Make sure to use a professional email address ([email protected])
• Portfolio Link or personal website
• (Optional) Relevant Social Media - e.g.: LinkedIn, Twitter, Quora, etc.
• (Optional) Location - Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location.

Stephen Johnson, Volunteer. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

Stephen Johnson, Volunteering Viking. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write a Volunteer Resume Summary or Objective

The volunteer industry is just as competitive as any other employment opportunity.

In fact, most volunteering jobs have hundreds of applicants applying to become a volunteer for the greater good. 

As such, just telling the recruiter how passionate you are won’t cut it. 

So how do you catch the recruiter’s attention and stand out?

You need to show your value straight away!

You can do this with a resume summary or objective , which are attention-grabbing paragraphs that sit at the top of your resume. 

Although the two are very similar, there are a couple of differences… 

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences and achievements.

Experienced and passionate volunteer with 5+ years of experience in helping various foundations with their aspirations. Notable highlights include managing an event with 2,000 attendees, scoring 99.5% positive feedback rates, and raising $67,302 revenue when leading a bake sale.]

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of your professional goals and aspirations.

A hard-working volunteer seeks a chance to make a difference with The National Trust. Experience includes working as a temp events volunteer during the summer term. Able to handle a variety of tasks, including greeting the public, preparing activities, and operating POS systems.

So, which option should a volunteer in your situation pick? 

All volunteers have their own specific background, but generally, resume summaries are the best option for those who have a relevant job history, whereas an objective summary is the best option for those with little to no work experience. 

How to Make Your Work Experience Stand Out

Regardless of the type of charity you apply for, they all have one thing in common…

They want to see your work experience .  

Sure, your core skills are important too, but experience always wins. Start with your most recent experience, and then work backwards. Here’s a winning work experience structure…

• Position name
• Company Name
• Dates Employed
• Responsibilities & Achievements

Event Volunteer

National Trust

01/2019 – 03/2020

• Prepared for a 2,000 person event in 8 hours – this involved setting up trails, preparing craft activities, and ensuring complete information and signage
• Provided a warm and friendly welcome at all events, which resulted in a 99.5% positive feedback score
• In charge of running the cake sale, which resulted in $8.302 revenue for the foundation

As shown above, you want to show some impressive achievements, not minor tasks.

So, instead of saying:

“greeted visitors”

“Provided a warm and friendly welcome at all events, which resulted in a 99.5% positive feedback score”

So, what’s the difference between the two?

The second statement goes into more depth about how your presence had a positive impact on the event and the foundation. This clearly shows that you’re someone who should be hired immediately. 

What if You Don’t Have Experience?

Maybe you’re a recent university graduate with no job experience?

Or maybe you have worked many jobs, but never volunteered for a charity?

Don’t worry, we have the solution.

All you need are a few core skills and a desire to learn.

And this can be shown with school projects or experiences from related jobs. 

For example, if you’ve ever worked as a customer service representative, you can talk about any crossover skills and experiences. Just like a volunteer in a public-facing role, you were friendly and dealt with various concerns. 

If you’re a recent graduate , you might want to check out our guide on how to make a student resume !

Use Action Words to Make Your Volunteer Resume POP!

Flick through a bunch of volunteering resumes, and you’ll notice one thing.

They all include these same words. 

And since you want your resume to stand out, we recommend using power words instead.

Here is a list of power words to make your achievements stand out :

• Conceptualized
• Spearheaded

How to List Your Education Correctly

Welcome to the education section!

If your experience section isn’t the best, your education is where you need to shine.

Simply list out your education entries, like this:

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

B.A. Nursing Management  

University of Chicago

Courses: Anatomy and Physiology, Nursing Care, Mental Health, Sociological and Psychological Aspects of Healthcare, Approaches to Research

Before we conclude this section, here are some of the most frequent questions we get from volunteers (and their answers!):

What if I haven’t finished education?

• Whether you’re still a student, or finished school years ago, you should mention the years/courses studied so far in your life

Should I include my high school education?

• Only include your high school education if you haven’t gone on to further education

What is more important, education or experience?

• Experiences always come before education

Need more answers? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 10 Skills for a Volunteer Resume

When the recruiter is reviewing your resume, they want to see that you’re skilled enough to complete the work they require.  

You see, the resume reviewer will have been given a brief regarding the desired job skills. 

As such, the skills section should reflect the needs of the job.

Need some inspiration?

It’ll depend on the specific volunteering job that you’re applying for, but here are some of the most common and desirable skills:

Hard Skills for Volunteers:

• Point-of-Sale Systems
• Microsoft Office
• CPR Certified 
• Phone Desk Operation

Soft Skills for Volunteers:

• Communication
• Leadership 
• Strategic thinking

Looking for a more comprehensive list? Here’s a mega-list of 100+ must-have skills .

Other Resume Sections You Can Include on a Volunteering Resume

Now, there’s a good chance that the other candidates will have similar volunteering experiences to you.

But if this is the case, won’t your resume look the same as all the others?

Well yes. That’s why we recommend adding a few of the following sections to make your resume stand out. 

Awards & Certifications

Your volunteering work will impress the recruiter.

But don’t leave things there.

Have you completed any courses to improve your skills?

Have you ever been awarded for your duties?

Be sure to mention everything that you’re proud of. Well, only if it is relevant to the volunteering position. 

• Sales Training: Building Your Sales Career – Coursera Certificate
• Best Business Pitch Award – University of Texas
•  Learning How to Learn – Coursera Certificate
• CPR Certification

Your resume shows the assets you can offer to the foundation.

Even though being bilingual may not be an essential skill, it is another asset that your future employer can call upon.  

If this relates to you, and you have space in your resume, definitely include a languages section.

Make sure to split the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

The recruiter should now be interested in hiring you.

But before they do, they will want to know more about your personal side. 

As such, it can be a good idea to talk about your hobbies and interests.  

If you’re not sure which hobbies & interests to mention, you can read our guide! 

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

You’re a volunteer because you want to make a difference.

Resumes are great for showing your skills and experiences, but you want the foundation to know WHY you want to volunteer for them. 

Cover letters show that you want to work with THIS specific charity.

As such, a cover letter can significantly boost your chances of obtaining the position.

Here’s how to get the structure right:

And here’s what to write in each section:

Contact Details

Your personal contact information, including full name, profession, email, phone number, and location.

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

Your introduction should be strong enough to hook the hiring manager, so mention:

• The volunteering position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and top achievements as a volunteer (or most relevant)

Once you’ve got the hiring manager hooked, you can go through the rest of your background. Some of the points you can mention here are:

• Why you want to volunteer for this specific foundation
• Anything you know about the culture
• What are your top skills and how are they relevant for the job
• If you’ve ever volunteer before

Closing Paragraph

This is where you:

• Wrap up any points you missed in the body paragraph
• Thank the hiring manager for their time
• End with a call to action. Something like, “I’d love to further discuss how my experience as an X can help the company with Y”

Formal Salutations

Use a formal closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely.”

View our how-to write a cover letter guide for extra guidance.

Related Resume Examples

• No Experience Resume
• Social Worker Resume
• Internship Resume
• Office Assistant Resume
• Career Change Resume

Key Takeaways

Followed the steps in this guide? Then you’re in the best position to get that role you’re applying for.

Before we finish up, let’s quickly go through everything we’ve learned:

• Select the right formatting for your resume. Try the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the best practices in regards to the layout. Remember, keep your resume needs to look professional
• Use a resume summary or objective to immediately catch the recruiter’s attention
• For the work experience section, talk more about your achievements, instead of your daily responsibilities
• Write a compelling and convincing cover letter

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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

• Career Blog

Volunteer Experience on Your Resume: Examples for 2024

If you are looking for a way to stand out on your resume or show that you are more than just your work experience, volunteer experience is a great place to start. In this article, we will define volunteer experience, discuss its importance in a resume, and provide examples of how to incorporate it effectively.

Volunteer experience is any work that is done willingly and without pay to help a person or organization outside of one’s family. This can include traditional volunteer work like serving at a soup kitchen or volunteering at a non-profit organization’s fundraising event, as well as other activities such as coaching a youth sports team, running a community garden, or participating in a beach cleanup.

Importance of Volunteer Experience in a Resume

While work experience is important, volunteer experience can show a potential employer that you have more to offer than just the skills required for a specific job. It can demonstrate that you are passionate about a cause, have leadership skills, are a team player, and are willing to take the initiative to make things happen. Additionally, volunteer work can help fill gaps in your work history or show that you have been actively involved in your community during times of unemployment.

Types of Volunteer Experience

When it comes to volunteering, there are multiple ways to get involved and contribute your time and skills. Here are some of the most common types of volunteer experience:

Direct Service Volunteer

Direct service volunteering involves hands-on work that directly impacts the people or cause served by the organization. Examples of direct service volunteering include serving meals at a homeless shelter, tutoring students, or providing care for animals at a shelter.

Volunteering in direct service roles allows you to see the impact of your work firsthand and gain valuable skills in working with people or tasks.

Indirect Service Volunteer

Indirect service volunteering refers to tasks that support the organization performing its mission, but do not involve direct interaction with the people or causes served. Examples of indirect service volunteering include data entry, mailings, or event planning.

Indirect service roles are crucial for the smooth operation of an organization and allow volunteers to contribute their skills and time in a way that suits their strengths.

Virtual Volunteer

Virtual volunteering allows individuals to contribute their time and skills remotely, through online platforms or digital platforms. Examples of virtual volunteering include data entry, social media management or writing.

Virtual volunteering options have increased in recent years due to technology advancements and allow volunteers to contribute their time and skills to organizations from anywhere in the world.

Volunteer Leadership

Volunteer leadership roles involve managing other volunteers and can include overseeing volunteer programs, organizing events, and coordinating efforts between volunteers and staff.

Volunteer leadership roles are crucial for the successful management of volunteers and require strong organizational and leadership skills.

Board Member

Board members provide leadership and governance for the organization, which includes making major decisions on the organization’s behalf, managing finances, and hiring staff.

Being a board member requires significant time commitment and leadership skills, and is often a high-level volunteer role for experienced professionals.

Understanding the different types of volunteer experience available can provide insights into the best way to contribute to an organization, and can also help you showcase your skills and experiences to potential employers when crafting a resume.

Incorporating Volunteer Experience on Your Resume

Volunteer experience can add depth and demonstrate your commitment to community involvement and social responsibility. Including volunteer experience on your resume is a great way to showcase your skills and interests outside of paid employment.

Where to Place Volunteer Experience on Your Resume

Volunteer experience can be included in the work experience section or in a separate section dedicated to volunteerism. If the volunteer work is relevant to the position you are applying for, it is best to include it in the work experience section. However, if the volunteer work is not directly related to the position, it can be listed separately in a Volunteer section.

How to Highlight Volunteer Experience on Your Resume

It is essential to highlight your volunteer experience effectively. When presenting your volunteer experience, include the name of the organization or group, the length of time you served, and the position you held. Use bullet points to describe the responsibilities you had and any accomplishments you achieved while volunteering. Be descriptive and quantify your achievements, linking them to concrete results.

How to Quantify Volunteer Experience on Your Resume

Quantifying your volunteer experience is crucial. It is not enough to state that you volunteered for a certain number of hours or held a specific position; you need to describe how you contributed to the organization’s progress or success. For instance, if you raised funds, specify how much you raised, and if you led a team, indicate how many team members you oversaw.

Here are some examples of quantifying volunteer experience:

Raised $5,000 for a local food bank in a month-long fundraising campaign.

Supervised and trained a team of eight volunteers, resulting in a 30% reduction in errors and increased efficiency.

Coordinated and executed 10 community outreach events, involving more than 200 volunteers and reaching over 2,000 participants.

By quantifying your volunteer experience, you are providing concrete evidence of your contribution and commitment, which will make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Incorporating volunteer experience on your resume can add value and demonstrate that you have a broader range of skills and interests. It is important to present your volunteer experience effectively by including it in the right section, describing your achievements in bullet points, and quantifying your impact.

Examples of How to Include Volunteer Experience on Your Resume

Volunteer experience is an excellent way to showcase your skills and demonstrate your commitment to giving back to the community. It can also help you stand out among other candidates when applying for a job. In this section, we will provide examples of how to include volunteer experience on your resume, tailored for different career stages.

Example 1: Entry-Level Candidate

If you are just starting your career, you may not have much work experience to showcase on your resume. However, you can highlight your volunteer work to demonstrate your transferable skills and passion for making a difference.

Here’s how to include volunteer experience on your resume as an entry-level candidate:

Include a volunteer section:  Create a separate section on your resume for your volunteer experience. This will make it easy for the hiring manager to see your involvement in the community.

Focus on transferable skills:  Highlight the skills you developed through volunteering that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you volunteered at a non-profit organization, you may have gained skills in event planning, fundraising, or social media management.

Quantify your impact:  Use numbers and figures to showcase the impact you made through your volunteer work. For instance, if you organized a fundraising event, you could mention the total amount of funds raised or the number of attendees.

Volunteer Experience

• Organized and executed a successful fundraising event that raised over $10,000 for the organization
• Managed social media accounts and increased followers by 30%
• Coordinated volunteer efforts and recruited 15 volunteers for various events

Example 2: Mid-Career Professional

As a mid-career professional, you likely have more work experience to showcase on your resume. However, you can still leverage your volunteer work to demonstrate your leadership skills and community involvement.

Here’s how to include volunteer experience on your resume as a mid-career professional:

Include a community involvement section:  Create a separate section on your resume to showcase your community involvement, including volunteer work, board membership, or pro-bono consulting.

Emphasize leadership roles:  Highlight any leadership roles you had in your volunteer work, such as serving as a board member, committee chair, or team leader.

Connect the dots:  Explain how your volunteer experience has prepared you for the job you’re applying for. Be explicit about the transferable skills you developed, such as project management, communication, or event planning. Volunteering can bring about numerous benefits that extend beyond helping others. It is a fulfilling activity that can help individuals gain a variety of skills that can be used in different areas of their lives. When it comes to adding volunteer experience to your resume, it’s essential to highlight the skills gained through such experience. Here are some of the skills you can acquire through volunteering:

Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are those abilities that can be applied to different jobs and settings. Volunteering can help individuals develop transferable skills that can be utilized in various professional and personal contexts. Some examples of transferable skills you can acquire through volunteering include:

• Time management: Volunteering requires planning to ensure that tasks are completed on time, regardless of how busy your schedule is.
• Communication skills: Volunteering provides opportunities to engage and work with people from different backgrounds and abilities, enhancing your communication skills.
• Adaptability: When volunteering, it’s crucial to be able to adapt to different situations, such as unexpected changes or challenges.
• Leadership skills: Depending on the volunteer role you take on, you may have the chance to lead group activities or manage people. Such experiences can help strengthen your leadership skills.

Niche Skills

Niche skills, also known as specialist skills, are relevant to specific professions or industries. Volunteering can afford individuals the chance to develop these skills or build on existing ones in a particular field. Here are some examples of niche skills that you can learn through volunteering:

• Event planning: Volunteering for events, such as charity galas, can provide opportunities to learn and develop event planning skills, such as managing budgets, scheduling, and coordinating with vendors.
• Fundraising skills: Volunteers in non-profit organizations can gain fundraising skills, such as donor prospecting, creating fundraising goals and strategies, and managing donor databases.
• Non-profit management skills: Volunteering in non-profit organizations can offer valuable exposure to non-profit management, including volunteer management, program development, and organizational operations.

Soft Skills

Soft skills, also known as interpersonal or emotional intelligence skills, are necessary social and emotional competencies that can help individuals interact effectively with others. Volunteering can enhance and develop soft skills, including:

• Empathy: Volunteering can help individuals build empathy and a deeper understanding of the struggles and challenges that others face, which can enhance their ability to relate to and communicate with others.
• Teamwork: Volunteering often involves working in teams, which can help develop collaborative and cooperative skills.
• Conflict resolution: Volunteering can provide opportunities to learn conflict resolution and problem-solving skills through diffusing disagreements and finding solutions that work for everyone.
• Patience: Volunteering can help cultivate patience, especially when working with individuals from different backgrounds with varying abilities or needs.

Volunteering is an enriching activity that provides immense opportunities to develop diverse skills that can boost both personal and professional growth.

Benefits of Volunteer Experience on Your Resume

Volunteer experience is not only a selfless act of giving back to the community, but it can also enhance your resume and increase your chances of being hired. Here are some benefits of including volunteer work on your resume:

Increased Employability

Volunteering shows your dedication and commitment to a cause, which translates into a positive work ethic. Employers appreciate individuals who have a track record of being dependable and passionate about what they do. Also, volunteering provides an opportunity to network with professionals in your industry or field of interest, which can lead to potential job opportunities or referrals.

Demonstrates Passion

In many cases, volunteer work is a reflection of your personal interests, values and passions. When you include it on your resume, it shows potential employers that you are more than just a set of skills and job experiences. You are a well-rounded individual who cares about things beyond the workplace. Your volunteer experience can also provide talking points during job interviews, allowing you to demonstrate your personality and character traits.

Highlights Transferable Skills

Volunteering often requires you to work with others towards a common goal, communicate effectively, manage your time, and take initiative. These are valuable transferable skills that can be applied to any job or industry. When you include your volunteer experience on your resume, you are showing employers that you possess these skills and that you are capable of working in a team-oriented environment.

Volunteering can provide many benefits when included on your resume. Not only does it show increased employability, it also demonstrates passion and highlights transferable skills. When employers see that you have volunteered, they may view you as a more well-rounded and desirable candidate. So, don’t shy away from including your volunteer experience on your resume – it could be the key to landing your dream job!

Common Questions About Volunteer Experience on a Resume

Volunteer experience can make a significant difference in your resume, especially if you have limited professional experience. However, knowing how to include it can be challenging. Here are some common questions about volunteer experience on a resume and how to make the most of it.

How to Include Volunteer Experience on a Resume with Limited Professional Experience?

If you are starting your career or changing fields, showcasing your volunteer experience can help you stand out. You can add a section called “Volunteer Experience” or “Community Involvement” to your resume and list your volunteer work. Another option is to integrate it into your work experience section by highlighting the transferable skills you gained from your volunteer experience that align with the job you are applying for.

When listing your volunteer experience, make sure to include the organization’s name, your role, dates, and a brief description of your responsibilities and accomplishments. Highlight the skills and achievements that can transfer to the job you’re applying for. Quantify your accomplishments and provide tangible examples.

Should You List Volunteer Experience Chronologically or Reverse Chronologically?

Listing your volunteer experience chronologically means listing them in the order you participated, beginning from the most recently completed volunteer activity. In contrast, reverse chronological order means listing your volunteer work starting from your earliest experience and ending with your latest.

The best way to list your volunteer experience depends on how relevant it is to the job you’re applying for. If your volunteer experience is more recent and matches the job requirements, list it in reverse chronological order. However, if your volunteer activity was several years ago, and your work experience is more relevant, list it chronologically.

Does Volunteer Experience Have to be Relevant to the Job You’re Applying For?

While it’s best to focus on experiences relevant to the job you’re applying for, volunteer experience does not always have to be directly relevant. Volunteer experience can demonstrate different soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and communication, which can be valuable in various industries.

However, if your volunteer experience is not directly relevant, it’s essential to highlight the transferable skills and how they relate to the job you’re applying for. By doing so, you can showcase how your volunteer experience can translate into valuable skills for the position.

Volunteer experience can enhance your resume, even with limited professional experience. Make sure to include it in a clear and concise way, highlighting your accomplishments and transferable skills. By doing so, you can demonstrate your commitment to your community and showcase the skills that make you a valuable asset to any employer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Including Volunteer Experience on Your Resume

When it comes to including volunteer experience on your resume, there are a few common mistakes you want to avoid:

Making Volunteer Experience Too Long : While it’s important to showcase your volunteer experience on your resume, it’s also important to remember that hiring managers often have limited time to review resumes. Therefore, make sure that you summarize your volunteer experience concisely.

Only Focusing on Duties and Responsibilities : When listing your volunteer experience, it’s easy to get caught up in listing out all of your duties and responsibilities. However, it’s important to also highlight the impact you made while volunteering. Use specific examples to show how your volunteer work made a difference.

Not Explaining the Impact : Your volunteer experience can be a powerful asset when it comes to standing out to potential employers. However, if you don’t explain the impact you made while volunteering, it can be difficult for hiring managers to understand the value you bring to the table.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your volunteer experience is presented in the best light possible and makes a strong impression on potential employers.

Ways to Showcase Volunteer Experience Outside of Your Resume

In today’s job market, simply listing your previous job experiences might not be enough to catch the recruiter’s attention. Employers are looking for candidates who possess qualities like leadership, team-working, problem-solving, and dedication. And what better way to demonstrate those qualities than through your volunteer experience?

However, some individuals might find it challenging to capture their volunteer work on their resume. Fortunately, there are various digital platforms that you can utilize to showcase your volunteer experience outside of your resume. Here are three ways you can do so:

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional networking, and it can help you create a strong online presence. Utilize LinkedIn to highlight your volunteer experience by adding it to your profile. This will make it easier for hiring managers to see your involvement and dedication to your community. Additionally, you can join groups related to your causes, which will lead to new connections and potential career opportunities.

Personal Website

Having a personal website that showcases your volunteer work can give you an edge in your job search. Use your website as a platform to tell your story, showcase pictures of your volunteering experience, and explain the impact that you’ve made in your community. Your site will not only demonstrate your dedication to contributing to society but will also give the interviewer a unique insight into who you are as a person.

Cover Letter

While your resume is your ticket to getting your foot in the door, your cover letter is where you can truly shine light on your volunteer experience. Use your cover letter to tell a story about your experiences, how it has affected you and how it integrates with the position you are applying for. In your cover letter, you can also take the chance to show your passion for the cause and how it aligns with the organization’s mission.

Volunteer work can be an indication of your willingness to go above and beyond to make a difference in your community. Using digital media platforms such as LinkedIn, your personal website and your cover letter are great ways to help you stand out and demonstrate your qualifications as a candidate. Highlighting your volunteer experience demonstrates not only your character but also sets you apart from others in a competitive job market.

Additional Tips for Incorporating Your Volunteer Experience into Your Job Search

If you’re looking to leverage your volunteer experience in your job search, there are a few additional steps you can take beyond simply listing it on your resume. Here are some tips for how to make the most of your volunteer work:

Network with Fellow Volunteers

One of the best ways to make your volunteer experience work for you in your job search is to network with other volunteers. Many of your fellow volunteers may be professionals in your industry or know people who are. By building relationships with them, you can expand your professional network and potentially find job leads.

To network effectively, be sure to attend volunteer events and functions, and make an effort to connect with other volunteers. Exchange contact information and follow up with them via email or LinkedIn after the event. Be clear about what you’re looking for and how your volunteer experience relates to your job search.

Mention Volunteer Experience During Your Interview

When you’re interviewing for a job, be sure to mention your volunteer experience. Rather than just listing it on your resume, describe it in more detail and explain how it has helped you develop skills relevant to the position you’re interviewing for. For example, if you volunteered with a nonprofit and helped organize fundraising events, you could describe how that experience developed your project management and event planning skills.

Make sure to tie your volunteer experience back to the job you’re interviewing for. This will show the interviewer that you understand the skills necessary for the position and that you are actively seeking ways to develop them.

Follow-Up and Mention Your Volunteer Experience

After the interview is over, be sure to follow-up with a thank you note. In this note, you can reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention your volunteer experience again. This will help keep your volunteer work top-of-mind for the interviewer and show them that you are serious about incorporating it into your job search.

If you are not selected for the job, you can still keep the conversation going by mentioning your volunteer experience in your follow-up email. Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration, and reiterate your interest in the company. Mention that you would love to stay in touch and continue to learn about the organization’s efforts in the community. By doing so, you’ll maintain a positive relationship with the company and potentially open doors for future job opportunities.

Incorporating your volunteer experience into your job search can be a powerful way to demonstrate your skills and stand out from other candidates. By networking with fellow volunteers, mentioning your experience in your interview, and following up afterwards, you can make your volunteer work an integral part of your job search strategy.

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Volunteer Work on Resume: The 2022 Guide to Listing Volunteering Experience on Resume

We are often flooded with questions when it comes to listing volunteer experience on resume.

• How to list volunteer work on resume?
• Can volunteer experience on resume actually help?
• How to include volunteer work on resume so that it actually adds value and does not end up backfiring?
• Where to put volunteer work on resume?
• How to describe volunteer work on resume?

Here's a summary of how to include volunteer work on a resume:

• Make a separate volunteer work section below professional experience section.
• Include this section in case of career gap.
• Quantify your points in this section to bring out the impact of your work.
• Use (mm/yy - mm/yy) format to write the dates.
• Use bullets to write your points and key skills.

You get the gist.

Remember, we are all M.A.D here!

Making A Difference, aren't we?

Working at the local animal shelter, helping out at the fund raiser, planning event at the town fair, volunteering at an old age home...we have all made a difference in other's lives at some point in our lives.

But when it comes to resumes, jobseekers often wonder whether or not it is acceptable to put volunteer work on resume? More importantly, what all job profiles allow including this volunteer resume?

The resume experts at Hiration believe that these experiences are an excellent way to showcase your key skills . They can definitely be put with other work experiences on your resume - in certain situations only.

So, how to list volunteer work on resume in the best possible manner? How to put volunteer work on resume so that the recruiter is amazed by your track record? More importantly, how to include volunteer work on resume so that it does not end up hurting your chances? Can it?

If you can't figure out how to describe volunteer work on resume or where to put volunteer work on resume, you can check out our 20+ customized free resume templates to give you an idea of the best outcome.

You can find them on our Online Resume Builder here .

After reading this Volunteer Work on Resume Guide, you should know

• How to add volunteer work to resume
• Where to put volunteer work on resume
• How to describe volunteer work on resume
• How many volunteer experiences on resume should you include

Additionally, you can find volunteer resume sample on our online resume builder that will help you kickstart your journey to your dream job!

This Guide on volunteer Experience on Resume will cover the following topics:

When to Put Resume Volunteer Experience in a Special Section How to Include Volunteer Resume Bullet Points to Prove You're Perfect for the Job When to Leave Volunteering Experience off Your Resume Key Takeaway

Should You Include Volunteer Work on Resume?

[ Back to Table of Content ]

Our identities do not revolve around our 9-5 jobs.

• According to a survey conducted by LinkedIn , 41% of employers find volunteer work as valuable as paid work.
• About 20% of recruiters in the U.S. have also hired a candidate based on their volunteer resume .
• Only 30% of applicants list volunteer work on resume.
• Most recruiters prefer to see volunteer experience on resume.

No wonder if you have a volunteer section on resume, the chances of grabbing that dream job go up drastically. In a resume, volunteer experience might not make it to the top 3 sections, but it can sure tip the scales in your favour.

Apart from the skills required for that particular job profile, volunteer experience on resume brings out highly sought after qualities . It showcases that you are:

• Willing to get involved in your community
• Take initiative
• Make things happen
• Work in a team to achieve a common goal

It would be a terrible mistake to not showcase all this if you can.

When to Include Volunteer Work on Resume?

It is very confusing to decide when to put volunteer experience on resume. There are various possibilities . Let us take a look at all of them.

It is very important to add volunteer experiences on resume in the following scenarios:

• Recent college/high school graduate : If you are a recent college graduate with a limited professional experience. As a fresher, you probably do not have a lot of work experience. So, volunteering work must be central to your resume.
• Break in your professional career : If you have taken a significant amount of time away from professional environment. This might be because of any reason (personal or otherwise), but including your volunteer experience on resume is a great option. It shows that you have spent the time actively engaging with the community and developing new skills .

Add featured snippets before TOC

Where to Include Volunteer Work on Resume?

There are two ways in which you can include your volunteer experience on resume.

Volunteer Work on Resume in your Professional Experience Section

The resume experts at Hiration believe that the only reason why you must include your volunteer work in your professional experience section is:

• If it is extremely relevant to your target profile
• If there are gaps in your professional trajectory
• If you have minimal professional experience (0-2 years of experience)

In our opinion, you have to be extremely cautious when you are including your volunteer experience in this format.

Let's say you are a freelance marketer who took a break for 2 months, and in that time, you rendered your services at the local animal shelter.

Will you put it in a separate Volunteer Section on resume or will it go in your Professional Experience section?

Depends . On how you frame it.

Hiration Protip: If you are phrasing your volunteer experience on resume as professional experience, you can name it along those lines . Example: "Financing Experience," or "Accounting Experience."

If you write

Volunteered at the local animal shelter for 2 months and helped them with their marketing initiatives

You might as well not include it altogether. At best, you can include something like this in a separate volunteer section on resume, but if you are including it in your Professional Experience section, you are doomed.

However, if you include something along the lines of:

Independent Marketing Consultant for Pups4Ever, a local animal shelter

• Conceptualized a social media campaign for the shelter's landmark Annual Fundraising Campaign
• Boosted followers across all platforms by 250% and increased user engagement by 97%
• Played a key role in recruiting a team of 3 Marketing Interns for bolstering the publicity of the annual event

Now this, this changes things.

Something like this can be placed in your Professional Experience section. Phrasing your volunteering experience on resume along these lines allows you to demonstrate your professional expertise WHILE also showcasing your initiatives w.r.t community engagement.

A Separate Volunteer Section on Resume

In what all instances would you require a separate Volunteer section on resume?

In our experience, you need a separate Volunteering section on your resume if

• It's not related to your preferred profile
• You have a decent amount of professional experience (3+ years)
• There are no gaps in your professional trajectory

Hiration Protip: Even if it has been a long time since you last volunteered, include that in your resume. While most jobseekers refrain from showcasing their volunteer experience on resume, recruiters actually prefer that.

How to include Volunteer Experience on Resume?

Use power words & action verbs to make your volunteer section on resume look even more powerful and appealing.

Check out this comprehensive guide on how to use resume action words and power verbs to learn how to strategically use them in your resume.

Try to be as detailed as you possibly can while you are describing your volunteer work on resume.

Instead of saying

Volunteered at the Care Shelter Home for Boys as an English Teacher

Write something along the lines of

Taught Communicative English to 10 children-at-risk and improved their monthly BAT scores by 16%

Following qualities are usually displayed in a volunteer experience on resume. And the best part is: The hiring managers love it !

• Team Management & Leadership
• Community Engagement
• Interpersonal Skills
• Self-Motivation
• Physical Fitness
• Stakeholder Management
• Reliability
• Specific Task-based Skills

Checklist for Volunteer Work on Resume

The volunteer resume checklist is here!

Adding volunteer experience on resume makes it stand out like the Sword of Durendal . Just follow these important tips:

• If it is relevant , add volunteer work to your professional experience section.
• If it is not relevant , or you have an extensive professional experience, include volunteer experiences on resume in a separate section.
• If you are making a separate section, make sure it's below your Professional Experience section
• Detail your volunteer experiences on resume instead of mentioning generic pointers. Include figures and quantifiable impact wherever possible
• Even if it's been a while since you last volunteered, include that in your volunteer resume
• Prefer bullet points over a paragraph for your volunteer resume

Spoke on a panel about stress management at the IRT Conference for students. Volunteered twice a month as a product deliverer for FedEx. Wrote a blog on time and money constraints for kids for "Workell" Magazine

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6 Volunteer Resume Examples for Your 2024 Job Search

Volunteers are known for their adaptability and dedication, always ready to step in where they're needed most. Similarly, your resume should mirror the versatility and commitment of a volunteer, demonstrating your ability to adapt to different roles and situations. In this guide, we'll explore X examples of volunteer resumes that effectively showcase this adaptability and dedication.

Resume Examples

Resume guidance.

• High Level Resume Tips
• Must-Have Information
• Why Resume Headlines & Titles are Important
• Writing an Exceptional Resume Summary
• How to Impress with Your Work Experience
• Top Skills & Keywords
• Go Above & Beyond with a Cover Letter
• Resume FAQs
• Related Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Volunteer Resumes:

• Assist in organizing events: Volunteers may be tasked with helping to plan and execute various events. This could include setting up for the event, managing registration, and helping with clean up afterwards.
• Provide support to staff: Volunteers often assist staff members with their daily tasks. This could include administrative work, such as filing paperwork or answering phones, or more hands-on tasks, such as helping to maintain facilities.
• Fundraising: Many organizations rely on fundraising to support their work. Volunteers may be asked to help with fundraising efforts, such as organizing a charity event or helping to solicit donations.
• Community outreach: Volunteers often play a key role in reaching out to the community. This could involve representing the organization at community events, distributing informational materials, or speaking to groups about the organization's work.
• Mentoring or tutoring: If the organization works with children or young people, volunteers may be asked to provide mentoring or tutoring services. This could involve helping with homework, providing career advice, or simply being a positive role model.
• Provide specialized skills: If a volunteer has a particular skill, such as graphic design or carpentry, they may be asked to use this skill to benefit the organization. This could involve designing promotional materials or helping to maintain facilities.
• Research: Volunteers may be asked to conduct research to support the organization's work. This could involve gathering data, conducting surveys, or researching potential funding sources.
• Social media and marketing: Many organizations

You can use the examples above as a starting point to help you brainstorm tasks, accomplishments for your work experience section.

Volunteer Resume Example:

• Assisted in organizing a charity event, resulting in a 30% increase in funds raised compared to the previous year.
• Provided support to staff by managing administrative tasks, such as filing paperwork and organizing schedules, resulting in improved efficiency and productivity.
• Conducted research to identify potential funding sources, resulting in the organization securing a grant worth $10,000.
• Played a key role in community outreach by representing the organization at local events and distributing informational materials, resulting in a 20% increase in community awareness and engagement.
• Mentored and tutored children in math and science, leading to a 15% improvement in their academic performance and increased confidence.
• Utilized graphic design skills to create promotional materials for fundraising campaigns, resulting in a 25% increase in donations.
• Assisted in the planning and execution of a large-scale event, managing registration and ensuring a smooth flow of attendees, resulting in a 10% increase in event attendance compared to the previous year.
• Provided specialized skills in carpentry to help maintain facilities, resulting in a 20% reduction in maintenance costs and improved facility appearance.
• Managed social media accounts and implemented marketing strategies, resulting in a 50% increase in followers and improved online engagement.
• Event planning and organization
• Administrative support
• Research and grant writing
• Community outreach and engagement
• Mentoring and tutoring
• Graphic design
• Large-scale event management
• Carpentry and facility maintenance
• Social media management
• Marketing strategy implementation
• Fundraising
• Communication skills
• Time management
• Leadership skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability
• Initiative and self-motivation
• Empathy and understanding.

Church Volunteer Resume Example:

• Organized and executed a successful church fundraiser, raising $10,000 for a local charity and exceeding the initial fundraising goal by 25%.
• Collaborated with church staff to revamp the church's social media presence, resulting in a 50% increase in online engagement and a broader reach within the community.
• Implemented a new volunteer training program, resulting in a 20% increase in volunteer retention and improved overall volunteer satisfaction.
• Managed the setup and operation of audio/visual equipment for weekly church services, ensuring smooth and high-quality audio and visual experiences for attendees.
• Assisted in the organization and management of church records, implementing a digital filing system that improved accessibility and reduced search time by 30%.
• Participated in church outreach activities, visiting the sick and elderly, providing emotional support and companionship to those in need.
• Assisted with the setup and cleanup of church services, ensuring a welcoming and organized environment for attendees.
• Provided support to church staff in various administrative tasks, including data entry, scheduling, and correspondence, improving overall efficiency and productivity.
• Assisted with the collection and counting of donations, implementing a new system that increased accuracy and reduced processing time by 20%.
• Fundraising and financial management
• Social media management and digital marketing
• Volunteer training and management
• Audio/visual equipment operation
• Record keeping and digital filing
• Community outreach and support
• Event setup and management
• Administrative support and data entry
• Donation collection and processing
• Emotional intelligence and empathy
• Team collaboration and coordination
• Problem-solving and innovation
• Time management and organization
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership and initiative
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Conflict resolution and mediation
• Proficiency in office software (Microsoft Office, Google Suite)

Community Involvement Resume Example:

• Developed and implemented a comprehensive community engagement strategy, resulting in a 30% increase in community participation and a 25% increase in brand awareness within the target demographic.
• Established strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations, leading to a 40% increase in sponsorships and donations for community events and initiatives.
• Managed a team of 50 volunteers and implemented a volunteer recognition program, resulting in a 20% increase in volunteer retention and a 15% increase in volunteer satisfaction.
• Created and executed a successful community outreach campaign, reaching over 10,000 community members and increasing attendance at community events by 50%.
• Developed and implemented a community education program, delivering workshops and seminars to over 500 individuals and increasing knowledge and awareness of key community issues by 40%.
• Managed social media campaigns, resulting in a 50% increase in online engagement and a 20% increase in website traffic.
• Developed and managed a community survey, gathering feedback from over 1,000 community members and using the data to inform strategic decision-making and program development.
• Successfully secured grants totaling $100,000 through effective grant writing and management, enabling the organization to expand community programs and services.
• Developed and managed budgets for community involvement initiatives, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and achieving a 10% cost savings while maintaining program quality.
• Community engagement strategy development
• Partnership building
• Volunteer management
• Community outreach campaign creation and execution
• Community education program development
• Social media campaign management
• Survey development and management
• Grant writing and management
• Budget development and management
• Strategic decision-making
• Program development
• Resource allocation
• Brand awareness strategies
• Sponsorship and donation acquisition
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Digital marketing
• Event planning and management
• Leadership and team management
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Understanding of community issues and needs
• Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity
• Fundraising strategies
• Project management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Community Volunteer Resume Example:

• Assisted with the planning and execution of a community event, resulting in a 30% increase in attendance compared to the previous year.
• Developed and implemented a community program focused on providing support to elderly community members, resulting in a 25% decrease in social isolation among participants.
• Served as a mentor to five youth in the community, helping them improve their academic performance and increase their confidence levels.
• Participated in community outreach activities, reaching out to 500 individuals and providing them with information about available resources and services.
• Helped with fundraising efforts, organizing a successful charity auction that raised $10,000 for a local nonprofit organization.
• Assisted with the maintenance of community facilities, ensuring a clean and safe environment for community members, resulting in a 15% increase in facility usage.
• Assisted with the organization of community meetings and workshops, ensuring smooth logistics and high attendee satisfaction.
• Helped to create and maintain a positive public image of the community by managing social media accounts and generating engaging content, resulting in a 20% increase in followers and engagement.
• Assisted with the development of community resources and services, conducting research and gathering data to identify gaps and propose new initiatives, resulting in the implementation of a new after-school program for at-risk youth.
• Event planning and coordination
• Program development and implementation
• Mentoring and coaching
• Community outreach
• Fundraising and resource mobilization
• Facility maintenance and management
• Meeting and workshop organization
• Social media management and content creation
• Research and data analysis
• Service and resource development
• Public speaking and communication
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Empathy and understanding
• Cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness
• Volunteer coordination and management
• Budgeting and financial planning.

School Volunteer Resume Example:

• Assisted teachers in the classroom by providing one-on-one support to students, resulting in a 10% improvement in their academic performance.
• Organized and set up classrooms for activities, creating an engaging and conducive learning environment for students.
• Supervised students during recess and lunch, ensuring their safety and promoting positive behavior, leading to a 20% decrease in disciplinary incidents.
• Assisted with field trips and other school activities, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for students, parents, and staff.
• Helped with library duties such as shelving books and helping students find books, contributing to a 15% increase in library usage and student reading levels.
• Assisted with office duties such as filing, copying, and data entry, improving administrative efficiency by 25% and reducing backlog.
• Tutored students in specific subjects, resulting in a 15% improvement in their grades and academic confidence.
• Assisted with after-school programs, providing support and guidance to students in extracurricular activities, leading to a 10% increase in student participation and engagement.
• Helped with fundraising activities, contributing to a 20% increase in funds raised for school programs and resources.
• Classroom management
• One-on-one student support
• Academic tutoring
• Organizational skills
• Supervision and safety awareness
• Library management
• Data entry proficiency
• After-school program support
• Fundraising skills
• Positive reinforcement techniques
• Ability to engage and motivate students
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Patience and empathy
• Knowledge of child development and psychology
• Time management skills
• Flexibility and adaptability.

Student Volunteer Resume Example:

• Assisted with the organization of student events, resulting in a 30% increase in attendance and a 25% increase in funds raised for the organization.
• Developed educational materials for student programs, leading to a 15% improvement in student engagement and understanding of the content.
• Coordinated student activities and events, ensuring smooth execution and high satisfaction rates among participants.
• Recruited new volunteers for the organization, resulting in a 40% increase in volunteer participation and support for various initiatives.
• Assisted with the development of student mentorship programs, leading to a 20% increase in student satisfaction and successful mentor-mentee matches.
• Coordinated student service projects, resulting in the completion of 10 impactful projects and a positive impact on the local community.
• Assisted with the development of student leadership initiatives, resulting in the establishment of a student leadership program and a 50% increase in student leadership opportunities.
• Organized student workshops and seminars, attracting over 100 participants and receiving positive feedback on the quality of the content and delivery.
• Developed student advocacy initiatives, leading to increased awareness and support for important causes among the student body.
• Volunteer recruitment and management
• Educational material creation
• Student engagement and advocacy
• Leadership development
• Workshop and seminar organization
• Community service coordination
• Mentorship program development
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Ability to work with diverse groups
• Conflict resolution and negotiation
• Budgeting and financial management.

High Level Resume Tips for Volunteers:

Must-have information for a volunteer resume:.

Here are the essential sections that should exist in an Volunteer resume:

• Contact Information
• Resume Headline
• Resume Summary or Objective
• Work Experience & Achievements
• Skills & Competencies

Additionally, if you're eager to make an impression and gain an edge over other Volunteer candidates, you may want to consider adding in these sections:

• Certifications/Training

Let's start with resume headlines.

Why Resume Headlines & Titles are Important for Volunteers:

Volunteer resume headline examples:, strong headlines.

• Dedicated Volunteer with 5+ years of experience in community outreach and event coordination, passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others.
• Results-oriented Volunteer Leader with a proven track record of successfully managing and motivating teams of volunteers to achieve fundraising goals for non-profit organizations.
• Compassionate Volunteer with expertise in providing support and assistance to individuals in need, recognized for exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Why these are strong:

• These resume headlines for Volunteers are strong because they highlight key qualities and experiences that are highly relevant to the role. The first headline emphasizes the candidate's dedication and passion for community service, while the second headline showcases their leadership skills and ability to achieve tangible results. The third headline highlights the candidate's compassionate nature and their ability to provide support and create a positive environment, which are important attributes for volunteers.

Weak Headlines

• Dedicated Volunteer with Experience in Community Outreach
• Passionate Volunteer Committed to Making a Difference
• Skilled Volunteer with Strong Communication and Organizational Abilities

Why these are weak:

• These resume headlines need improvement for Volunteers as they lack specificity and fail to highlight the unique skills, experiences, or accomplishments that the candidates possess. The first headline mentions experience in community outreach but doesn't provide any details about the impact made or specific projects undertaken. The second headline emphasizes passion and commitment but doesn't showcase any specific volunteer roles or achievements. The third headline mentions skills but lacks context or examples of how those skills were utilized in a volunteer capacity.

Writing an Exceptional Volunteer Resume Summary:

Resume summaries are crucial for Volunteers as they provide a concise yet impactful way to showcase their skills, experience, and unique value proposition. A well-crafted summary can immediately capture the attention of hiring managers, setting the tone for the rest of the resume and positioning the candidate as an ideal fit for volunteer positions.

For Volunteers specifically, an effective resume summary is one that highlights their passion for making a difference, their commitment to serving others, and their ability to contribute to the mission of the organization.

Key points that Volunteers should convey in a resume summary include:

Passion for Service: Clearly express your passion for volunteering and your desire to make a positive impact in the community. Highlight any previous volunteer experiences or personal initiatives that demonstrate your dedication to serving others.

Relevant Skills and Experience: Mention any specific skills or experiences that are relevant to the volunteer role you are applying for. This could include skills such as communication, organization, leadership, or specific knowledge related to the cause or organization you are interested in.

Adaptability and Flexibility: Volunteer work often requires individuals to be adaptable and flexible in various situations. Emphasize your ability to work well in diverse environments, collaborate with different teams, and handle unexpected challenges with a positive attitude.

Commitment and Reliability: Volunteers are relied upon to fulfill their commitments and be dependable. Highlight your track record of reliability and your ability to consistently meet deadlines and fulfill responsibilities.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Volunteering often involves interacting with diverse groups of people. Showcase your ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, and work collaboratively with team members, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders.

Initiative and Problem-Solving Abilities: Demonstrate your ability to take initiative and proactively identify and solve problems. Highlight any instances where you have gone above and beyond to contribute to the success of a volunteer project or organization.

Tailor your resume summary to align closely with the specific volunteer role you are applying for. Remember, your resume summary will be one of the first things that a potential organization will see about you and your commitment to volunteering.

By crafting a compelling resume summary that showcases your passion, skills, and dedication, you can make a strong impression on hiring managers and increase your chances of securing meaningful volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer Resume Summary Examples:

Strong summaries.

Dedicated and compassionate Volunteer with 5 years of experience in community outreach programs, providing support to underprivileged individuals. Skilled in organizing and coordinating events, managing volunteers, and delivering impactful services that have positively impacted the lives of over 500 individuals in need.

Detail-oriented Volunteer Coordinator with a proven track record of successfully managing and overseeing volunteer programs for non-profit organizations. Experienced in recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers, resulting in a 30% increase in volunteer retention and a more efficient and effective program.

Highly motivated Volunteer Teacher with a passion for education and a strong background in tutoring and mentoring. Skilled in developing engaging lesson plans, fostering a positive learning environment, and tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of students. Recognized for improving academic performance and confidence levels of students, resulting in a 25% increase in test scores.

• These resume summaries are strong for Volunteers as they highlight the candidates' relevant experience, skills, and impact in their respective roles. The first summary showcases the candidate's dedication to community outreach and their ability to positively impact the lives of individuals in need. The second summary demonstrates the candidate's expertise in volunteer program management and their success in increasing volunteer retention. Lastly, the third summary emphasizes the candidate's passion for education and their ability to make a measurable difference in the academic performance of students. These summaries effectively communicate the value and potential of the candidates as Volunteers.

Weak Summaries

• Dedicated volunteer with experience in various community service projects, seeking opportunities to make a positive impact and contribute to the betterment of society.
• Enthusiastic volunteer with a passion for helping others and a track record of organizing successful fundraising events, looking to utilize my skills and experience to support a nonprofit organization in achieving its mission.
• Compassionate volunteer with strong interpersonal skills and a background in mentoring and tutoring, eager to continue making a difference in the lives of individuals in need.
• These resume summaries need improvement for Volunteers as they lack specific details about the candidate's accomplishments, skills, and the impact they have made in their volunteer roles. The summaries are too general and do not effectively highlight the unique value that the candidates can bring to potential volunteer opportunities. Adding specific examples of successful projects, quantifiable results, or specific skills and expertise would make these summaries more compelling to hiring managers.

Resume Objective Examples for Volunteers:

Strong objectives.

Compassionate and dedicated individual with a strong desire to make a positive impact in the community, seeking a Volunteer position to contribute my time and skills to support the needs of underserved populations and promote social change.

Detail-oriented and organized individual with excellent communication skills, seeking a Volunteer position to assist in event planning and coordination, utilizing my ability to multitask and work effectively in a team environment to ensure successful execution of community outreach initiatives.

Enthusiastic and adaptable individual with a passion for environmental conservation, seeking a Volunteer position to contribute my time and efforts towards sustainability projects, leveraging my knowledge of eco-friendly practices and willingness to learn and grow within a conservation-focused organization.

• These resume objectives are strong for up and coming Volunteers because they showcase the candidates' passion, relevant skills, and desire to make a positive impact. The first objective highlights the candidate's compassion and dedication, which are important qualities for a Volunteer. The second objective emphasizes the candidate's organizational and communication skills, demonstrating their ability to contribute effectively in a team setting. Lastly, the third objective showcases the candidate's enthusiasm and knowledge in a specific area (environmental conservation), making them a promising fit for volunteer opportunities in that field.

Weak Objectives

• Seeking a volunteer position where I can contribute my time and skills to make a positive impact in the community.
• Aspiring volunteer with a passion for environmental conservation, looking to gain hands-on experience and contribute to sustainability initiatives.
• Recent graduate with a background in social work and a strong desire to support marginalized communities through volunteer work.
• These resume objectives need improvement for up and coming Volunteers because they lack specificity and fail to highlight the unique value or skills the candidates possess. The first objective is generic and doesn't provide any information about the candidate's specific interests or areas of expertise. The second objective mentions a passion for environmental conservation, but it doesn't mention any specific skills or experiences that would make the candidate stand out. The third objective, although it mentions a background in social work, doesn't elaborate on the candidate's specific skills or any particular area of volunteer work they are interested in, which would make their profile more appealing to potential organizations.

Generate Your Resume Summary with AI

Speed up your resume creation process with the ai resume builder . generate tailored resume summaries in seconds., how to impress with your volunteer work experience:, best practices for your work experience section:.

• Highlight the specific organizations or causes you volunteered for, emphasizing the relevance to the position you are applying for.
• Describe the tasks and responsibilities you undertook as a volunteer, showcasing your ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Quantify your impact by including the number of hours you volunteered, the number of people you served, or the amount of money you helped raise.
• Showcase your adaptability and flexibility by mentioning any diverse roles or projects you took on as a volunteer.
• Demonstrate your ability to collaborate and work as part of a team by describing any group projects or partnerships you were involved in.
• Highlight any leadership roles or responsibilities you held as a volunteer, such as leading a team or organizing events.
• Include any training or certifications you obtained as a volunteer, especially if they are relevant to the position you are applying for.
• Share any positive feedback or testimonials you received from the organizations or individuals you volunteered with.
• Use action verbs and specific examples to convey your skills and accomplishments, such as "organized," "managed," or "implemented."
• Tailor your language and terminology to match the needs and expectations of the organizations or industries you are applying to.

Example Work Experiences for Volunteers:

Strong experiences.

Coordinated and led a team of 20 volunteers to organize a community clean-up event, resulting in the removal of over 500 pounds of trash and the beautification of the neighborhood.

Developed and implemented a training program for new volunteers, resulting in a 30% increase in volunteer retention and improved overall volunteer satisfaction.

Collaborated with local businesses to secure donations and sponsorships for a fundraising event, raising over $10,000 for a nonprofit organization.

Assisted in the planning and execution of a summer camp for underprivileged children, providing them with educational and recreational activities, resulting in improved self-confidence and academic performance.

Volunteered at a local food bank, sorting and distributing food to families in need, serving over 500 individuals per week and ensuring their access to nutritious meals.

Provided emotional support and companionship to elderly residents at a nursing home, organizing engaging activities and fostering a sense of community, resulting in improved mental well-being and reduced feelings of loneliness.

• These work experiences are strong because they demonstrate the volunteer's ability to lead and coordinate teams, develop and implement programs, and collaborate with external stakeholders. The quantifiable impact achieved in each experience showcases the volunteer's dedication, initiative, and ability to make a positive difference in the community.

Weak Experiences

Assisted in organizing and coordinating fundraising events, including soliciting donations and managing event logistics.

Provided support to program participants by offering guidance and assistance with daily activities.

Collaborated with team members to develop and implement strategies for volunteer recruitment and retention.

Assisted with data entry and administrative tasks, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.

Participated in community outreach initiatives, promoting the organization's mission and services.

Supported the coordination of volunteer schedules and assignments, ensuring smooth operations.

• Contributed to the development of social media content and campaigns, increasing online engagement.
• Assisted in the planning and execution of community service projects, fostering positive relationships with partner organizations.
• Provided direct assistance to clients, offering emotional support and resources to meet their needs.
• These work experiences are weak because they lack specific details, quantifiable results, and strong action verbs. They provide generic descriptions of tasks performed without showcasing the impact of the individual's work or the benefits brought to the organization. To improve these bullet points, the candidate should focus on incorporating specific examples, measurable outcomes, and more powerful action verbs to highlight their contributions and the positive outcomes achieved through their volunteer work.

Top Skills & Keywords for Volunteer Resumes:

Top hard & soft skills for volunteers, hard skills.

• Fundraising and donor management
• Grant writing and proposal development
• Data entry and database management
• Research and report writing
• Marketing and promotional skills
• Budgeting and financial management
• Technical skills (e.g., proficiency in Microsoft Office, graphic design software, website development)

Soft Skills

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
• Time Management and Organization
• Empathy and Compassion
• Leadership and Initiative
• Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity Awareness
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy
• Self-Motivation and Proactivity
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• Active Listening and Feedback Incorporation

Go Above & Beyond with a Volunteer Cover Letter

Volunteer cover letter example: (based on resume).

As a Volunteer, you understand the importance of making a positive impact and going the extra mile to contribute to a cause you believe in. Just like your dedication to volunteering, submitting a cover letter along with your resume can make a significant difference in your application and increase your chances of securing an interview. A cover letter is an extension of your resume, allowing you to showcase your passion for volunteering and personalize your application to stand out from the competition. Crafting a compelling cover letter doesn't have to be a daunting task, and the benefits far outweigh the effort required.

Here are some compelling reasons for Volunteers to submit a cover letter:

Personalize your application: A cover letter gives you the opportunity to express your genuine interest in the organization and the specific volunteer role you are applying for. It allows you to tailor your application to the organization's mission and values, demonstrating your commitment and enthusiasm.

Highlight your relevant experience: While your resume provides a summary of your skills and experiences, a cover letter allows you to delve deeper into your volunteer experience and highlight the specific skills and qualities that make you a great fit for the role. You can showcase your previous volunteer work, any relevant training or certifications, and how these experiences have prepared you for the position.

Demonstrate your understanding of the organization's needs: A cover letter enables you to communicate your understanding of the organization's goals and needs. You can explain how your skills and experiences align with their mission and how you plan to contribute to their cause. This shows that you have taken the time to research and understand the organization, making you a more attractive candidate.

Share impactful stories: Your cover letter provides an opportunity to share specific stories or achievements from your volunteer experiences that couldn't be accommodated in your resume. You can highlight the positive impact you have made, the challenges you have overcome, and the lessons you have learned. Sharing these stories helps the hiring manager understand your dedication and the value you can bring to the organization.

Showcase your communication skills: Effective communication is essential for volunteers, as it allows you to connect with the organization, fellow volunteers, and the community you serve. A cover letter allows you to demonstrate your writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to articulate your thoughts and ideas. This showcases your ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others.

Stand out from other applicants: While some volunteers may choose not to submit a cover letter, taking the extra step to include one sets you apart from the competition. It shows your commitment, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond. By submitting a cover letter, you demonstrate that you are serious about the volunteer opportunity and are willing to invest the time and effort to make a strong impression.

In summary, pairing your resume with a cover letter as a Volunteer can personalize your application, highlight your relevant experience, demonstrate your understanding of the organization's needs, share impactful stories, showcase your communication skills, and differentiate yourself from other applicants. By taking the time to craft a compelling cover letter, you significantly increase your chances of securing an interview and making a lasting impression on the organization.

Resume FAQs for Volunteers:

How long should i make my volunteer resume.

A Volunteer resume should ideally be one page long. This length is considered appropriate for most resumes, including those of Volunteers. Here's why: 1. Concise and focused: A one-page resume allows you to present your most relevant and impactful information concisely. Volunteers typically have limited professional experience, so it's crucial to highlight the most relevant skills, qualifications, and volunteer experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the role. 2. Easy to read and scan: Recruiters and organizations often receive numerous resumes, so they appreciate a resume that is easy to read and scan quickly. A one-page resume ensures that your key information is easily accessible and doesn't get lost in lengthy paragraphs or unnecessary details. 3. Time-efficient: By keeping your resume to one page, you demonstrate your ability to prioritize and communicate effectively. It shows that you can present your qualifications and experiences succinctly, which is a valuable

What is the best way to format a Volunteer resume?

When it comes to formatting a Volunteer resume, it's important to keep it clear, concise, and well-organized. Here are some key tips to consider: 1. Start with a strong header: Begin your resume with your name, contact information, and a professional email address. Make sure it's easily visible at the top of the page. 2. Write a compelling summary or objective statement: This section should briefly highlight your passion for volunteering, relevant skills, and the specific causes or organizations you have worked with. Tailor it to the volunteer role you're applying for. 3. Emphasize your volunteer experience: Since volunteering is the main focus, create a dedicated section to showcase your experience. Include the name of the organization, your role, the duration of your service, and a concise description of your responsibilities and accomplishments. 4. Highlight transferable skills: Even if your volunteer experience might not

Which Volunteer skills are most important to highlight in a resume?

When it comes to highlighting volunteer skills on a resume, it's essential to focus on those that are relevant and demonstrate your abilities and experiences in a volunteer setting. Here are some important volunteer skills to consider emphasizing: 1. Communication: Effective communication skills are crucial for volunteers as they often interact with diverse groups of people. Highlight your ability to listen actively, express ideas clearly, and adapt your communication style to different individuals or situations. 2. Teamwork: Volunteering often involves collaborating with other volunteers, staff members, or community members. Showcase your ability to work well in a team, contribute ideas, and support others to achieve common goals. 3. Leadership: If you have taken on leadership roles within your volunteer work, such as coordinating events or leading a team, emphasize your leadership skills. This includes demonstrating your ability to motivate others, make decisions, and take initiative. 4. Problem-solving: Volunteers often encounter challenges or unexpected situations. Highlight your problem-solving skills by showcasing instances where you successfully resolved issues, adapted to changing circumstances, or implemented creative solutions. 5. Organization and time management: Volunteers often juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities. Demonstrate your ability to prioritize, manage your time effectively, and stay organized to ensure tasks are completed efficiently. 6

How should you write a resume if you have no experience as a Volunteer?

When writing a resume with no prior volunteer experience, it's important to focus on highlighting your skills, qualities, and any relevant experiences that can demonstrate your potential as a volunteer. Here are some steps to help you create an effective resume: 1. Start with a strong objective or summary statement: Begin your resume with a concise statement that highlights your enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment to volunteering. Emphasize your willingness to learn and contribute to the cause you're interested in. 2. Showcase transferable skills: Even if you haven't volunteered before, you likely possess skills that can be valuable in a volunteer role. These skills can include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, organization, leadership, or any other relevant abilities. Provide examples of how you've utilized these skills in other areas of your life, such as school projects, extracurricular activities, or part-time jobs. 3. Highlight relevant experiences: While you may not have volunteer-specific experience, you can still include other experiences that demonstrate your commitment

Compare Your Volunteer Resume to a Job Description:

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Volunteer job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Related Resumes for Volunteers:

More resume guidance:.

What are the Top Volunteer Skills that Managers Value?

Volunteers are critical to most nonprofits, supplying valuable human capital that organizations otherwise cannot afford. Their contribution, however, is only as strong as the volunteer skills that they bring with them. 

A volunteer's skills differ from the qualifications employers look for when they hire someone. They're the "soft skills" that make a person valuable to a team. People may have these skills with little or no work experience, or they may have developed them over time. 

Managers need to be aware of the strengths and weaknesses in individual volunteer skill sets when assembling their teams. From the volunteer's perspective, developing these skills can help make them more attractive to employers. Volunteers can highlight their top soft skills honed through volunteer work on a resume or on volunteer platforms like Golden . 

What are the top qualities of a volunteer? 

First, it is important to differentiate between qualities and skills . Workplace and volunteer managers identify both in the hiring process. Simply put, qualities are inherent traits that a person has (you're born that way), while you learn skills through some sort of training or experience. 

Examples of valuable volunteer qualities are:

• Passion for a cause.  
• Empathy for others. 
• A very positive attitude. 
• Desire to work collaboratively. 
• Helpfulness. 

Sometimes, qualities and skills overlap. A person may not be born patient but learns to be patient through practice. People can also develop more positivity through work and volunteer experiences.  We can all learn to be more helpful, too.                       

17 Skills for Volunteering

There are many different types of volunteering , each requiring different skills and capacities of volunteers. In general, however, these 17 volunteer skills are always useful and sought by managers.  They also are highly sought after in the workplace. 

Punctuality

Volunteer managers depend on everyone showing up on time to work assignments. This is simple to do, but also very important. It not only helps the whole team accomplish the job more efficiently, but also shows respect to everyone involved. 

Communication

Teams only work well if everyone involved communicates effectively. Being able to express oneself and communicate ideas to others in direct and efficient ways for understanding is critical for any work or volunteer situation. You can use your volunteer experience to demonstrate effective communication skills on your resume or in interviews. 

Working In Teams

Volunteers need to be able to work together with other volunteers, a nonprofit's staff, and community beneficiaries. Often, that group is diverse, too. Volunteer experience is a great way to explain teamwork skills to employers in an interview process. 

Problem Solving

Volunteer managers and event coordinators are overtaxed with work assignments. Then, things always go wrong! The person who can find the new light bulbs in your storage closet and fix the wifi connection is precious to any organization. 

Customer Service

Many volunteer roles are front-facing, and volunteers need to have high-level customer service skills to make experiences run smoothly for beneficiaries. Employers may look for these skills even if they are not part of the technical qualifications for a job. Showcasing how you manned an event table for three days at a career fair for a nonprofit can be a great way to demonstrate customer service skills. 

Many volunteer jobs are outlets for developing creativity or require a strong creative background. Designing invitations or event flyers, decorating a space for a banquet, or developing ideas for games and recreation for children are all examples of valuable volunteer skills. 

Leaders take initiative, set an example, and help guide a team. Many volunteer events require someone to be in charge of a team. Volunteering is a great way to build leadership skills and show employers that you're capable of leading work groups and taking on more responsibility. 

Volunteer recruitment and training is very time-consuming for managers. It's important to look for volunteers who are committed to roles to ease that burden. Scanning resumes or social media for the length of work assignments and signs that the person completes tasks (earning degrees, for example) is part of the vetting process. On the flip side, volunteers can use their steady commitment in a volunteer role to demonstrate that skill to employers. 

Time Management

Many volunteer roles require steadfast time management skills. For example, a volunteer may be tasked with leading a canoe trip with children. They'll have to follow a set time schedule to ensure the children complete the course and return to an encounter point with their parents. 

Some people are energetic and enthusiastic by nature (a quality). Others learn the trait as a skill. No one wants to work with a volunteer or an employee who is not up to the task! 

Volunteers need to be able to switch their skill sets quickly. Too often one team member doesn't show, or schedules change. They might have been assigned to sit at the registration table, but now the event manager needs them to lead a children's game instead. Volunteer managers look for people who have the resiliency and capacity to be adaptive. 

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are the capacity to relate well with others, even if they are from diverse backgrounds. This is an important tool for any person to have in their box! Getting along well with others takes us all much farther in life. 

Ability to Learn 

We actually learn how to learn. This is a very important skill for humans, and likely the first thing your primary school teachers focused on in the classroom. People sharpen their ability to learn over time, and some are able to learn much quicker than others. People that can onboard rapidly and move through the volunteer landscape of an organization in a heartbeat are very attractive to managers. 

Volunteer roles often require high levels of compassion. Empathy is a quality that drives a person's capacity for compassion. How well does a volunteer sympathize with others? And can they turn that compassion into action? Often these skills are desired in a workplace but difficult to show on a resume. Volunteer work with seniors, or with sick children, can demonstrate high levels of compassion. 

Relationship Building

Volunteers often have to use their interpersonal skills to develop relationships with their team or with the broader community. Board volunteers, for example, need to have high-level relationship-building skills, as they are the liaisons connecting an organization to donors and partners. 

Organization

Being organized makes everyone's life easier. Volunteers who finish all of the required administration steps (i.e., logging hours and completing evaluations) in a timely and efficient manner are highly valuable. 

People build confidence over time by successfully completing jobs and garnering more experience. It is important to try new things in life, too, which can be accomplished through volunteering! Showing a potential employer that you had the confidence to go to a foreign country in a volunteer role, for example, can work wonders for your employability. 

How Can You Improve Your Volunteering Skills?  

If you don't have a great skill set for volunteering, don't worry! Anyone can build these skills and improve their resume in the process. 

• Volunteer more often. The best way to learn new skills is to practice more by volunteering more often and with more organizations. The more work you do, the more skills you will develop. 
• Try new roles and tasks. If you're committed to an organization, you might ask them to assign you to different tasks. Often, you can sign up for different roles within an organization. They'll be happy to have your help as long as you think you can accomplish the requirements. 
• Become a leader. You can offer to organize events or serve as a team leader for your group. Don't wait to be assigned! 
• Seek help. If you want to learn new things and develop new skills, ask others in the organization or the group to help you. People will be pleased to serve as mentors.  

Putting Volunteer Skills to Use                                           

After you have developed all of these wonderful skills, you will want to put them to use. Everyone should know  how to put volunteer work on a resume to demonstrate soft skills to an employer. 

Volunteer platforms like Golden are a great way to showcase your volunteer skills and be invited by volunteer managers to new roles. The platform can help you link your volunteer experience to any of a number of third party sites, too, like Linked In, to update your volunteer work continuously and showcase all your new skills.

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