Volunteer experience can significantly enhance your resume, especially if you’re new to the workforce or transitioning careers. Knowing how to list volunteer work on a resume professionally helps you highlight transferable skills and showcase your commitment to community engagement.
Why Include Volunteer Work on a Resume?
Volunteer work shows initiative, leadership, and social responsibility. It’s especially valuable if:
- You’re a recent graduate with limited work experience.
- You’ve been out of the workforce temporarily.
- Your volunteer work is relevant to your desired job role.
How to Put Volunteer Work on a Resume
Follow these steps to put volunteer work on your resume effectively:
- Choose the Right Section:
If relevant, you can include volunteer work under “Work Experience” or create a separate “Volunteer Experience” section. - Use a Consistent Format:
- Position Title (e.g., Event Coordinator, Volunteer Tutor)
- Organization Name, Location
- Dates of Involvement
- Key Responsibilities and Achievements
- Highlight Transferable Skills:
Focus on skills like communication, project management, leadership, or any specific tools you used. - Tailor for Each Job:
Align your volunteer experience with the job description whenever possible.
Sample Volunteer Experience Entry
Volunteer Event Coordinator
Habitat for Humanity, Chicago, IL | Jan 2022 – Present
- Managed logistics for monthly housing events with 100+ attendees
- Collaborated with sponsors and vendors to organize resources
- Led a team of 10 volunteers, improving event participation by 25%
How to List Volunteer Experience on a Resume for Different Situations
- For Career Changers: Emphasize relevant volunteer roles that demonstrate required skills.
- For Students: Add volunteer roles to the main experience section if you lack professional jobs.
- For Experienced Professionals: Use a separate section if the experience is supplementary but still valuable.
Conclusion
Knowing how to list volunteer work on a resume the right way can make your application stand out. Whether it’s directly related to your desired role or not, strategic presentation of your volunteer contributions can add real value and help recruiters see your full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can volunteer work be considered work experience on a resume?
Yes, especially if the tasks performed are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Should I include unpaid volunteer work on my resume?
Absolutely. Unpaid experience that builds skills and contributes to your field is worth listing.
Where should volunteer work go on my resume?
Either under “Work Experience” if relevant, or in a dedicated “Volunteer Experience” section.
Is it okay to list old volunteer work?
Yes, if it’s still relevant to the role or highlights key skills.
Can volunteer work replace professional experience?
For entry-level positions or career changers, it can demonstrate ability and initiative.
Should I mention volunteer work in a cover letter too?
Yes, especially if it’s relevant to the job or shows passion for the field.