The Watercooler

Volunteer Work on Your Resume: Should You Include It?

Creating the perfect resume takes time and effort. Unfortunately, you only get a few seconds to make a great first impression. In fact, most hiring managers spend less than 10 seconds reviewing each resume they receive.

With that in mind, how do you get yours to stand apart? There are many effective ways, including customizing your resume for each job you’re applying to, highlighting tangible results and achievements, not just tasks and roles, and properly formatting your resume so it’s easy to scan quickly.

Another way to set yourself apart from other candidates? Including your volunteer experience. According to a Deloitte Impact Survey, 82% of hiring managers prefer candidates with volunteer experience. Meanwhile, only about 30% of candidates actually include it. There’s a big gap there – one you can leverage.

Why Do Hiring Managers Like Volunteer Experience on a Resume?

Generally, hiring managers view volunteer work as a way for professionals to broaden their perspectives, enhance their knowledge base, and build vital skills, like leadership abilities. It also showcases a candidate’s willingness to give back and their level of compassion and commitment to their community. This all speaks volumes about their values and character, which is why most hiring managers like to see candidates with volunteer experience.

How Do You Include Volunteer Work on Your Resume?

Where you include your volunteer experience depends on its relevance. If the work is directly related to the position you’re applying for or the potential employer, then you can include it under your “Work History” section. It’s still a part of your professional experience, even though it was unpaid.

If, however, it’s not related to your career or the job openings you’re interested in, then create a section toward the end of your resume with “Volunteer Experience.” Then, list your role as a volunteer, the name of the non-profit organization, where they are located, and the length of time you’ve been volunteering there.

The bottom line is that today’s job market is highly competitive. If you want your resume to outshine others, it needs to be distinctive and compelling. One way to do that is by including volunteer experience.

So, if you think an employer won’t care about your volunteer work or that it’s not relevant in any way to your job search, think again! It could be one of the factors that helps you stand out from the crowd of other candidates – and land the job!

Get Job Search Help!

If you’d like help polishing your resume or cover letter, preparing for interviews, and finding out about job openings that are a fit for you, turn to PridesStaff. We’re one of Phoenix, Arizona’s top employment agencies, and we’re here to support you in your next career move. Search our jobs in Phoenix now!

Volunteer Work on a Resume FAQ

Should volunteer experience be on a resume?
Yes. Volunteer experience should be included on a resume when it demonstrates relevant skills, fills a gap in your work history, or shows leadership, reliability, teamwork, and community involvement. It can be especially valuable for students, recent graduates, career changers, and job seekers with limited paid experience.
How do you include volunteer work on a resume?
List volunteer work much like paid employment. Include the organization’s name, your volunteer title, the dates you participated, and bullet points describing your responsibilities and accomplishments. Focus on measurable results and skills that relate to the job you want.
Where should volunteer work go on a resume?
Where volunteer work goes on a resume depends on its relevance. If the experience closely matches the position, include it under “Professional Experience” or “Work Experience.” If it is less directly related, create a separate “Volunteer Experience” or “Community Involvement” section.
Should you put volunteer work under work experience?
You can put volunteer work under work experience when the role involved substantial responsibilities or developed skills relevant to the job. Clearly label the position as volunteer experience so employers understand the nature of the role while still recognizing its professional value.
Is volunteering considered professional experience?
Volunteering can count as professional experience when it involves responsibilities, deadlines, leadership, technical skills, customer interaction, project management, or other workplace-related duties. The fact that a position was unpaid does not mean the experience or skills were not valuable.
Does volunteer work look good on a resume?
Yes. Volunteer work can look good on a resume because it may demonstrate initiative, commitment, compassion, leadership, and a willingness to contribute. It is most effective when the description focuses on what you accomplished rather than simply naming the organization.
How does volunteering boost a resume?
Volunteering can boost a resume by adding relevant experience, strengthening transferable skills, and giving employers more evidence of your reliability and character. It may also help candidates explain periods without paid employment. For additional guidance, review PrideStaff’s advice on how to explain resume gaps.
Can students put community service on a resume?
Yes. Students can include community service, school organizations, internships, and volunteer positions when they have limited employment history. These activities can demonstrate communication, teamwork, organization, leadership, and other skills employers value.
What volunteer work should you put on a resume?
Prioritize volunteer work that relates to the position, demonstrates useful skills, or includes meaningful accomplishments. For example, organizing events, training volunteers, managing budgets, supporting customers, coordinating schedules, or leading projects may all strengthen a resume.
How far back should volunteer experience go on a resume?
Include recent and relevant volunteer experience that supports your candidacy. Older volunteer work may still be useful if it directly relates to the position or represents a significant achievement, but avoid crowding the resume with activities that no longer add value.
How can PrideStaff help improve your resume and job search?
PrideStaff offers resources to help candidates strengthen their resumes, prepare for interviews, and connect with opportunities. Explore PrideStaff’s job seeker resources, review the Job Seeker FAQs, or begin your search through Quick Apply.