How to Effectively Include Volunteer Work on Your Resume (With Examples)

Crafting a compelling resume can be daunting, especially when you have to condense your achievements into a single page. However, there are additional sections that can enhance your resume and help you stand out. Many candidates include publications, training programs, and volunteer experiences to showcase their skills and commitment.

In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively feature your volunteer work in a way that captivates hiring managers. We’ll provide guidance on which elements to highlight, how to structure your resume, and practical examples to inspire you.

Key Takeaways:

• Volunteer work can be integrated into your work experience section or showcased in a dedicated volunteer experience section.

• Customizing your resume for each application and researching relevant skills is crucial for standing out.

• In many industries, volunteer work can significantly enhance your resume, making it a valuable asset in your job search.

How to List Volunteer Work on a Resume

Now that you recognize the importance of including volunteer work on your resume, you may be curious about the best way to present these experiences. There are primarily two methods to feature volunteer work: within your work experience section or in a separate volunteer experience section.

1. Work Experience Section: If you have significant employment gaps or limited professional history, consider incorporating your volunteer experiences into your work history. This can effectively fill employment gaps and enhance your qualifications. When doing so, prioritize experiences relevant to your industry. Format these volunteer roles similarly to paid positions, using “Volunteer” as a prefix for your title.

2. Volunteer Experience Section: If you choose to create a separate section, you can list your volunteer roles more succinctly. For unrelated roles, simply include your position and the organization’s name without extensive details. Alternatively, if you have multiple relevant volunteer experiences, treat this section like your work experience section, including the organization’s name, your involvement dates, and 2-3 bullet points describing your contributions.

Ensure that you quantify your accomplishments and highlight the skills acquired or utilized during your volunteer roles. For instance, if you served as a volunteer coordinator, specify how many volunteers you managed. If you volunteered regularly at a soup kitchen, mention the number of hours worked and the approximate number of meals served.

Consider the language you use in your summaries. Many resumes are initially screened by automated systems. Therefore, incorporate relevant keywords that align with the job description to improve your chances of passing through these systems.

Examples of Volunteer Work on a Resume

Having established the importance of including volunteer work, let’s look at some examples to guide you.

1. Example 1: Work Experience Section

   WORK EXPERIENCE
   Save Pups Fast | May 2019-Present
   Volunteer Coordinator

   • Assisted veterinarians in administering care to local dogs in need.
   • Managed inventory of $15,000 worth of supplies and medicines received bi-weekly.
   • Developed and maintained social media presence, boosting engagement by 23% within three months.

2. Example 2: Additional Work Experience Section

   ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
   Food Bank Plus | 03/2016-01/2018
   Volunteer Administrator

   • Prepared and served meals for approximately 100 individuals every Sunday.
   • Maintained a record of charitable donations exceeding $50,000.
   • Recruited volunteers from local schools and community colleges, increasing participation by 20.

3. Example 3: Volunteer Experience Section

   VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
   Elder Care | August 2020-Present
   Worked with seniors in nursing homes to assist with the transition to assisted living through art therapy and engaging activities.

   Diana’s Hair | June 2018-July 2019
   Produced a weekly newsletter for a hair donation initiative, increasing student participation by 16%.

4. Example 4: Accomplishments Section

   ACCOMPLISHMENTS

   • Designed and executed a marketing campaign for XYZ Inc., driving app engagement by 213% and doubling online sales.
   • Founded and managed Backpacks for Billy, a volunteer organization that has supplied educational materials to over 200 underprivileged youth.
   • Created a company blog for ABC Corp. that was awarded “Blog of the Year 2018” by Content Marketing Weekly.

Tips for Including Volunteer Work on Your Resume

• When to Use Volunteer Work: Volunteer experience is impressive, reflecting your commitment to causes without monetary compensation. However, it should not dominate your resume unless you are a recent graduate, lack sufficient formal experience, or are applying to non-profit or public sector roles where advocacy is valued.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume for each job application. Highlight volunteer experiences that align with the organization’s values or mission, especially if they resonate with the company’s philanthropic efforts.

• Do Your Homework: Research the organization to understand their values and initiatives. Carefully read job descriptions for keywords that can enhance your resume, including the volunteer section.

• Be Cautious Including Activism: While activism can be important, it is often politically charged. If applying to organizations aligned with your advocacy or if the activism is neutral and relevant to the job, it’s appropriate to include this work.

Volunteer Work on a Resume FAQ

1. Does volunteer work look good on a resume?

   Yes, adding volunteer work enhances your resume’s competitiveness and can be particularly valuable in certain industries. For example, if you’re pursuing roles in the non-profit sector or academia, including volunteer experiences is essential. Volunteering demonstrates your commitment to community service and showcases your interests beyond financial gain.

2. Is volunteer work important on a resume?

   For certain job-seekers, volunteer experience can significantly impact your application. It is particularly beneficial for recent graduates or those experiencing employment gaps. Demonstrating volunteer work illustrates your proactive approach to gaining experience and staying engaged in your field.

3. What are some examples of volunteer experience?

   Examples of volunteer work suitable for your resume include beach cleanups, animal rescue, and youth mentorship. Engaging with local organizations can provide opportunities for meaningful volunteer work that enhances your resume and builds community connections.

Final Thoughts

Neglecting to include volunteer work on your resume can be a missed opportunity for many job applicants. Hiring managers often seek candidates with diverse and well-rounded experiences. They want to know not only about your professional skills but also about your interests beyond the workplace.

Volunteering can help you discover new passions, develop skills, and deepen your community ties. While experienced job seekers may have ample work history to showcase, recent graduates and those facing employment gaps should leverage volunteer work to bolster their applications. Regardless of your career stage, demonstrating a commitment to a cause can impress hiring managers and enhance your resume.

Author

Heidi Cope

Heidi Cope is a former writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog. Her writing focused primarily on Zippia's suite of rankings and general career advice. After leaving Zippia, Heidi joined The Mighty as a writer and editor, among other positions. She received her BS from UNC Charlotte in German Studies.

Expert

Don Pippin, MHRM, CPRW, CDCS

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.