How to Include Volunteer Work on a Resume

by Sandy Dsouza Freelance Author

Have you mentioned volunteer experiences in your resume? If you haven't done it, you should. Taking part to volunteer is a very good way of spending your day. It helps you develop as an individual as you learn new skills. It proves to be an enriching experience as you not only serve your community, but also build friendly relations and have interactions with new people. Being part of charitable events makes you feel good about yourself. Although, you are doing this charitable work being an altruist, you can use it to build your resume.

Employers are now looking at potential candidates who have been a part of social causes. They are of the notion that if a person is a part of any charitable event, it conveys a lot about the individual's character and his/her perspective towards life. If you are someone who has a good experience of volunteering, then you should use it when you are hunting for a job. Following tips tell how you can utilize your volunteer work in your resume and have an impressive impact on the hiring manager -

Add a separate section

While you have already decided on a structured layout for your resume, you must include a distinct section where you can highlight volunteer experience. This segment can come right below your work experience as it helps in demonstrating that apart from the cubicle job, you enjoy indulging in philanthropic events. If you are someone who has recently finished graduation and have no work experience, you can include this section to showcase your skills that are related to the job profile you are aspiring to work in.

Make a list

You might have worked for many causes and would like the hiring manager to take notice on all that you have done. Hence, instead of writing lengthy descriptions, write down short paragraphs of all activities that highlight your skills. For example, if you lead a team that was involved in beautifying public places such as wall painting or cleaning dump, mention it. It demonstrates you have leadership qualities. Include those services that are similar to the company you are applying for. However, you must be careful what you include on the list.

Choose your words wisely

Volunteering can involve lots of activities and can help you convey your attributes. Even if the ultimate aim of your resume is to create an impact on the hiring manager and convince him/her to schedule an interview, you should not be mincing with your words when you are trying to convey something that is important to you. For example, if you are a part of a group that teaches a sport to poor kids on weekends, it is necessary how you put it in words. Stating your volunteer experience in a way to motivate underprivileged children freely, interact with others, and come out in open can sound much more impressive to the recruiter.

Check the relevance

While you might be tempted to include every cause, you have participated in, you must keep in mind the role you have applied for. Even if you are inclined to mention all your volunteer roles, you should see if the activities you are planning to list fit the job description. For example, if you worked for designing the school magazine or theme of annual gathering, you can use it to apply for the post of graphics designer.

Failing to include volunteer work in a resume means you are not completely marketing yourself to the prospective employer. However, if you have participated in events only once, or have been a part of a controversial cause, then refrain from mentioning it for the employer might see this negatively. Include only those activities that convey your skills and display why you are suitable to the job.