Volunteering is more than an act of kindness; it’s an opportunity to build skills, gain experiences, and connect with others. Employers value candidates who showcase a commitment to service, but it’s up to you to frame your volunteer work in a way that highlights its relevance to the job you’re applying for. Here’s how to make your volunteer experience shine on your resume.
1. Treat It Like a Job
When listing volunteer work, structure it as you would any job or internship. Include the organization name, your role, location, and dates of service. For example:
Volunteer Coordinator, Habitat for Humanity
Washington, DC | June 2022 – August 2023
2. Focus on Transferable Skills
Employers want to see how your volunteer work prepared you for their role. Did you develop leadership skills by coordinating events? Strengthen your communication abilities by working with diverse groups? Use bullet points to clearly outline your contributions and achievements.
For instance:
- Managed a team of 10 volunteers to complete housing construction projects on schedule.
- Facilitated workshops on homeownership for underserved families, improving community awareness.
3. Quantify Your Impact
Numbers catch attention. Wherever possible, include metrics to showcase the scale or results of your efforts.
Instead of saying:
“Organized fundraising events.”
Say:
“Organized three fundraising events that raised $25,000 to support local education programs.”
4. Highlight Leadership and Teamwork
If you held a leadership position or played a key role in group activities, emphasize this. Employers value individuals who can lead and collaborate.
For example:
- Led a weekly mentorship program for 15 high school students, increasing graduation rates by 20%.
- Collaborated with a team of five to design and implement a sustainable food drive system for the campus community.
5. Tailor Your Experience to the Job Description
Not all volunteer experiences need to be listed. Choose the ones most relevant to the position you’re applying for. If the job emphasizes customer service, highlight volunteer roles where you engaged with the public. If the role values project management, showcase your organizational contributions.
6. Include Volunteer Experience in Multiple Sections
Volunteer experience doesn’t need to be confined to a single section of your resume. Depending on its relevance, you can:
- List it under “Work Experience.”
- Create a separate “Volunteer Experience” section.
- Include it in “Skills” or “Leadership Activities.”
7. Use Action Words
Make your resume dynamic by starting each bullet point with strong action verbs such as “organized,” “led,” “facilitated,” or “developed.” This conveys initiative and impact.
8. Showcase Long-Term Commitments
Consistent, long-term volunteer work demonstrates dedication and time management. Employers may view this as an indicator of reliability and passion.
9. Mention Soft Skills
Volunteering often develops soft skills like empathy, adaptability, and problem-solving. If these align with the job, be sure to highlight them in your resume or cover letter.
10. Leverage NSCS Opportunities
As an NSCS member, you have access to exclusive service opportunities and leadership roles. These experiences not only build your resume but also set you apart by showing your dedication to academic excellence and community engagement.
A well-crafted resume can turn your volunteer experience into a powerful career asset. By tailoring your contributions to fit the roles you’re applying for, you can show employers that your commitment to service goes hand in hand with professional growth.
