Including Volunteer Work in Your Resume

When exploring the job market and preparing your resume, one aspect you might not have considered is the inclusion of volunteer work. At first glance, it might seem like only paid positions should make it to the final draft of your resume. However, integrating volunteer experiences can provide a multitude of benefits, showcasing your commitment to community, your initiative, and sometimes, skills that are directly transferable to the job you're applying for.

Why Include Volunteer Work in Your Resume?

Firstly, volunteer work demonstrates a candidate's willingness to take initiative and contribute to society beyond what's required. Employers appreciate this proactive attitude, which often translates into a proactive and engaging employee. Moreover, volunteer experiences often involve collaborating with others, solving problems, and developing new skills, all of which are critical in the professional environment.

Secondly, for individuals who may have gaps in their employment history or are just beginning their career, volunteer work can be an excellent way to fill those gaps and suggest continuity. It indicates that you've been active, building skills and networks even while out of formal employment.

Thirdly, volunteering can sometimes provide specialized experience related to the job you're targeting. Nonprofits and charitable organizations often need the same kind of professional services that businesses do. For example, a finance professional volunteering to manage the books for a local charity develops relevant skills and demonstrates their expertise.

How to Include Volunteer Work in Your Resume?

Even though volunteer work is not paid employment, it should be presented with the same level of professionalism. Here are some tips on how to incorporate your volunteer experiences:

1. Choose Relevant Volunteer Experiences

Select volunteer work that is relevant to the job you are applying for. If the skills or experiences you acquired align with the job description, it makes sense to include them. That said, long-term volunteer commitments also show dedication and should be considered even if they aren't directly related to your career field.

2. Create a Separate Volunteer Work Section

If you have significant volunteering experiences, consider creating a separate section on your resume titled 'Volunteer Experience' or 'Community Involvement'. This section can come right after your professional experience or at the end of your resume, depending on its relevance to the job.

3. Incorporate It into the Experience Section

When your volunteer work is directly related to your career field, you may choose to incorporate it seamlessly into your professional experience section. Present it like any other job, being sure to highlight achievements and important skills gained.

4. Use Action Verbs and Quantifiable Achievements

Similar to detailing a paid job, use strong action verbs to start bullet points under your volunteer roles and quantify your achievements when possible. This could include anything from the number of events organized, the amount of funds raised, or the number of people benefitted by your efforts.

5. Highlight Leadership and Initiative

Volunteer positions that provided you with a chance to lead or initiate projects are particularly impressive. They show an employer that you are capable of taking charge and seeing projects through to completion, valuable traits in any industry.

6. Don't Overdo It

While including volunteer work can strengthen your resume, you want to avoid overwhelming the reader with too much information. Be selective and focus on the most impactful experiences that show you as a well-rounded and capable candidate.

7. Explain the Impact of Your Work

Always try to draw a line from your volunteer experiences to the potential impact on your desired job. Clarify how the skills or insights gained from volunteering could be valuable in your professional role.

8. Use Professional Language

Remember that even though the work was volunteer-based, the language used to describe it should be professional. Avoid overly casual phrases and stick to language that conveys the importance and professionalism of your contributions.

Conclusion

Incorporating volunteer work into your resume is not just about filling space; it's about presenting yourself as a dynamic, engaged individual with a range of experiences. Remember that every aspect of your resume is an opportunity to market yourself to potential employers. The strategic inclusion of volunteer work can speak volumes about your character, work ethic, and versatility. For job seekers at every level, it's a priceless addition that may just give you the edge you need in a competitive job market.