Volunteering is often considered a selfless act of helping others, but it can also benefit you and your career. Volunteer experience can be a valuable addition to your resume and can help you stand out from other candidates. In this article, we will explore the role of volunteer experience on your resume and how to effectively showcase it to potential employers.
Why Volunteer Experience Matters
Volunteering can provide you with valuable skills and experiences that can transfer to your professional life. Volunteering can help you:
- Develop transferable skills: Volunteering can help you develop a variety of transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and problem-solving. These skills can be used in various professional settings and can make you a more well-rounded candidate.
- Gain work experience: Volunteer experience can be just as valuable as paid work experience. It can demonstrate to employers that you have relevant experience and are committed to your community.
- Show your character: Volunteer work can demonstrate your values, interests, and character. Employers often look for candidates who are passionate and committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
How to Include Volunteer Experience on Your Resume
When including volunteer experience on your resume, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Choose relevant experience: Select volunteer experience that is relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job in social services, volunteer experience working with a non-profit organization that provides social services would be more relevant than volunteering at a local animal shelter.
- Include the right details: Include the name of the organization, your role, the dates of your volunteer service, and a brief description of your duties and accomplishments.
- Highlight transferable skills: Highlight the skills and experiences you gained through your volunteer work that are transferable to the job you are applying for.
- Use the right format: Include your volunteer experience in the work experience section of your resume, using the same format as your paid work experience.
- Be honest: Be honest about your volunteer experience and do not exaggerate or misrepresent your role or accomplishments.
Example of Including Volunteer Experience on Your Resume
Here is an example of how to include volunteer experience on your resume:
Volunteer Experience Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer January 2018 – Present
- Work with a team to build homes for families in need
- Assist with fundraising events and community outreach programs
- Develop communication and teamwork skills through collaboration with other volunteers and community partners
Product Suggestion: “The Volunteer Traveler’s Handbook” by Shannon O’Donnell is a helpful guide for those looking to combine travel with volunteer work. It offers tips on how to find the right volunteer opportunity, how to prepare for volunteering abroad, and how to make a positive impact in the communities you visit. This book is a great resource for those looking to expand their volunteer experience and make a difference in the world.
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