How To Write Volunteer Work In Resume

Volunteer Work: The Unsung Hero of Your Resume

Ever felt like your resume is a bit like that one friend who's always trying too hard? You know, the one who's constantly bragging about their 'amazing' skills and 'incredible' achievements? Well, it's time to give your resume a chill pill and introduce it to the art of subtlety. Enter: volunteer work.

Why Volunteer Work Matters

Volunteer work is like the best friend who's always there for you, but never steals the spotlight. It's the unsung hero that can make your resume stand out in a crowd. According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report, about 62.5 million Americans volunteered in 2019. That's a lot of unsung heroes!

But why does it matter? Well, for starters, it shows that you're not just in it for the money. You've got a heart, and that's something employers can't resist. Plus, it demonstrates a whole host of skills that you might not get a chance to show off in your day job. We're talking about leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, just to name a few.

How to Write About It

Alright, so you're convinced. But how do you write about your volunteer work without turning your resume into a sappy, self-indulgent novel? Here are some tips:

1. Keep it Relevant: Just like your main resume, you want to keep your volunteer work relevant to the job you're applying for. If you're applying for a marketing role, your time spent volunteering at a local animal shelter might not be the best fit. But if you were in charge of organizing events and managing social media, that's a different story!

2. Use Action Verbs: You might think that volunteering is all about giving, giving, giving. But when it comes to your resume, you want to focus on what you did. Instead of saying 'I helped out at a local charity', try 'Spearheaded fundraising campaigns, raising $10,000 in six months'. See the difference?

3. Quantify Your Achievements: Numbers talk, and they talk loud. Instead of saying 'I made a difference', say 'Tutored 20 underprivileged children, improving their reading scores by an average of 30%'. Suddenly, you're not just a volunteer, you're a force for good.

Volunteer Work on a Resume: Examples and Templates

4. Keep it Concise: Remember, your resume is not your life story. You've got a few lines to make an impression, so make them count. Don't go into too much detail about the time you spent painting a mural at the local community center. Just say 'Coordinated community mural project, engaging 50 volunteers'.

When to Include It

So, you've got your volunteer work all shiny and polished. But when do you include it? Well, that depends. If you're a recent grad or just starting out in your career, your volunteer work can take center stage. It's a great way to show that you've got skills and experience, even if it's not in a professional setting.

But what if you're a seasoned pro with years of experience under your belt? Well, you might want to relegate your volunteer work to a separate section, or even leave it off your resume altogether. After all, you've got plenty of professional achievements to brag about.

Reflecting on the Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, volunteer work is about more than just padding your resume. It's about making a difference, giving back, and connecting with your community. So, while it's great to know how to write about it, don't forget to ask yourself why you're doing it in the first place.

Because, as Mother Teresa once said, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." And sometimes, those small things can make a big difference on your resume.