The Best Ways to Showcase Volunteer Experience on Your Resume
When it comes to creating a resume that stands out from the crowd, showcasing your volunteer experience can be a valuable asset. Not only does it show your dedication to giving back to your community, but it also highlights important skills and qualities that make you a well-rounded candidate. In today’s competitive job market, having volunteer experience on your resume can make all the difference in landing your dream job. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best ways to showcase your volunteer experience on your resume to make a lasting impression on potential employers.
The Benefits of Including Volunteer Experience on Your Resume
Volunteering is more than just a selfless act; it can also greatly benefit your professional life. Employers look for well-rounded individuals who not only have the required qualifications but also possess personal qualities, such as empathy and dedication towards a cause. Including volunteer experience on your resume shows that you are not only committed to your job but also to making a positive impact in your community. Additionally, volunteer work can help you gain valuable skills and experience that are transferable to your career, making you a more desirable candidate for any position.
Identify Relevant Volunteer Experience
When it comes to showcasing volunteer experience on your resume, it’s important to choose which experiences to include wisely. While any volunteer work is commendable, it’s essential to identify the ones that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a position in marketing, for example, volunteer experience in a social media or fundraising capacity would be more relevant than volunteering at a soup kitchen. This doesn’t mean you should discount any volunteering you’ve done that may not seem directly applicable. Instead, focus on highlighting the skills and qualities you acquired in those experiences, such as teamwork, problem-solving, or event planning.
Include Specific Details
When listing your volunteer experience on your resume, don’t just provide a vague description, such as “volunteered at a local charity.” Instead, be specific and provide details that will help employers understand your role and contributions. Include the name of the organization, your specific role or duties, and any accomplishments or achievements you had during your time there. For example, instead of saying “volunteered at a charity event,” say “planned and executed a fundraiser event that raised $10,000 for XYZ charity.”
Highlight Skills and Qualities
Volunteer experiences are a great way to showcase your skills and qualities that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. As mentioned earlier, volunteer work can provide you with a range of transferable skills, such as leadership, communication, and time management. Use your resume to highlight these skills and how you acquired them through your volunteering experience. This will not only make your resume more impressive but also demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary skills to succeed in the role.
Use Visuals
Incorporating visuals such as photos, graphs, or charts can make your volunteer experience stand out even more. If you have visuals from your volunteering experience, include them in an electronic or hard copy of your resume. This will not only make your resume more visually appealing but also provide tangible evidence of your contributions. Just make sure to keep the visuals professional and relevant to the volunteer experience you’re highlighting.
Include Testimonials or References
One effective way to showcase the impact of your volunteer experience is by including testimonials or references from the organization or supervisor you worked with. These can be a powerful addition to your resume as they provide a third-party endorsement of your skills and character. Make sure to ask for permission before including any testimonials or references, and keep them brief and relevant.
Use the Right Keywords
Just like with any other resume, including the right keywords is essential when showcasing your volunteer experience. This not only helps your resume get noticed in applicant tracking systems, but it also shows that you have a deep understanding of the skills and qualities required for the job. Look at the job description and research the company to identify keywords and phrases that are relevant to the role. Incorporate these keywords throughout your resume, including your volunteer experience section.
In Conclusion
Volunteer experience can be a valuable asset when it comes to your resume, but it’s essential to know how to showcase it effectively. Remember to highlight the skills and qualities you acquired, be specific, and use visuals and keywords to make your resume stand out. By following these tips, you’ll be able to showcase your volunteer experience in a way that impresses potential employers and sets you apart from other candidates. So don’t be afraid to include your volunteer work on your resume and watch how it helps you shine in your next job application.
