How To Put Volunteer Work on Your Resume
Many jobseekers ask if they should include volunteer work on their resumes when seeking new employment.
Some employers value volunteer experiences as equally important as paid experiences —particularly if the volunteer experiences gave you client or customer contact.
Others don’t see volunteer experience the same as paid experience, but they still want to see what you do in your spare time.
I strongly suggest that volunteer experience is listed on your resume.
Use discretion in terms of how you word and represent it. Here are two options:
- Include your volunteer work in the “work experience” section if your volunteer experience is akin to an internship, providing you with real, professional experience and exposure. If you choose this option, do NOT label the section “employment history.”
- Include your volunteer work in a “Leadership” section, if you want to showcase your outstanding volunteer leadership. Describe your volunteer work with an eye toward highlighting how you lead a project, a committee, or a positive process of change.
Whichever option you choose:
- Be careful to not suggest or imply that it was paid.
- Be sure to explain what professional benefit it gave you – exposure to skills, management experience, introduction to a new industry, etc.
When you are in an interview and further questions arise about your resume, you’ll be free to talk more fully about your volunteer work.
When it comes to your resume, show the full spectrum of your experience – from paid work to volunteer service.
Hiring managers are more likely to consider you for a position because you’ve been forthright and generous with your information.
Angie Kamath, who overseesWorkforce1 as the Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development at the NYC Department of Small Business Services, shares her perspective on Workforce1 and the New York City job market every Wednesday in her weekly Jobs in New York City column.
Have a response to Angie’s column? Drop her a note in the comment section below! And, if you found this helpful, please share it with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and email!
I signed up for volenteer work so I will add to my resume next time
Meva
Great! Glad you found this post helpful! Let us know other questions you might have using the “Ask an Recruiter” link on the top right of this page.
I found this information to be very helpful as I was contemplating on volunteering my time as well but was unsure whether or not it would be considered experience when looking for work. I’m a newly certified nursing assistant and finding difficulty finding a job because 6 mos – 1 year experience is required. I want to bump up to a PCT to improve my skills and knowledge base.
You might find this blog post helpful. Another reader asked a question about why s/he can’t find a job as a Medical Assistant.
During my job search, I have come across some employers who did not value my internship. She had told me it wasnt the same but that was at a temp. agency.
Hi Gina, Thanks for sharing your experience! As you point out, not all employers (temp agencies or permanent employers) will value an internship the same as regular employment. Some assume that interns only act as a “go-for” and don’t take on the same responsibilities – or gain the same skills – as permanent staff. So take care to highlight any high-level, “real” experience that you gained (like interacting with clients/customers, presenting to senior management, managing a project, coming up with new ideas, etc.). Let us know if you have more questions or suggestions!
I would like to odd some volenteer work to my resume
I also need permanent employment.
Thanks
meva foster