how to write about volunteering in a resume

30 Examples: How To List Volunteer Work on a Resume

Volunteering is a great way to acquire new skills, network with professionals, and make a difference in your community. When it comes time to update your resume, incorporating your volunteer experiences may give you a competitive edge. The key is to present your volunteer experience in a manner that highlights the relevant skills you’ve gained and what you’ve accomplished.

Begin by examining the volunteer work you’ve done and identifying the skills that would be most applicable to the job you’re seeking. For example, if you volunteered at an animal shelter, you might have developed strong communication and teamwork skills while coordinating with other volunteers and shelter employees. Or, if you volunteered as a tutor, you could highlight your ability to effectively teach complex subjects and demonstrate expert problem-solving skills.

Identifying Your Volunteer Experiences

Start by making a list of all your volunteer activities, including the organization, your role and responsibilities, and the length of time you were involved. For example:

• Nonprofit Organization A – Volunteer Coordinator (6 months)
• Community Event B – Event Volunteer (one-time event)
• Local Animal Shelter C – Dog Walker (3 months)

As you review your list, consider the skills and knowledge you gained from each experience. This could be anything from project management to customer service or even special skills like event planning or social media promotion.

Next, prioritize your experiences by relevance for the job you’re applying for. This means considering which volunteer activities showcase the most important skills, expertise, and qualities that the employer is looking for. After you’ve identified the most relevant volunteer experiences, it’s time to think about how to present them on your resume. One effective approach is to include a dedicated volunteer work section, ideally located near your professional experience section. This allows you to highlight valuable skills and experiences while also demonstrating your commitment to giving back.

Where to Place Volunteer Work on Your Resume

Main experience section.

Consider placing volunteer work in your main experience section if it relates closely to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you have volunteered at an animal shelter and are applying for a position as a veterinarian assistant, it would be relevant to include this experience with your professional work history.

When listing volunteer work in the main experience section, it should be formatted similarly to your regular employment:

• Organization Name, City, State
• Your role/job title
• Duration (Month Year – Month Year)
• Key accomplishments or responsibilities (use bullet points to make these easier to read)

Separate Volunteer Section

If your volunteer work is not directly related to the job you’re applying for, or if you already have extensive relevant employment experience, it might be more appropriate to create a separate volunteer section on your resume. This section should come after your main experience section, but before the education and skills sections.

In the separate volunteer section, you can still emphasize how these experiences contributed to your personal and professional growth. List your volunteer experiences by following the same format as the main experience section.

Volunteer Work on a Resume: 30 Examples

1. Community Service Volunteer – Organized weekly community clean-up events, managing teams of 20+ volunteers – Coordinated with local businesses for resource contributions

2. Hospital Volunteer – Provided companionship and support to patients, improving their hospital experience – Assisted nurses with non-medical tasks to enhance patient care

3. Animal Shelter Volunteer – Cared for and socialized animals to prepare them for adoption – Implemented a new system for tracking animal vaccinations and health records

4. Youth Mentor – Mentored a group of 10 high school students, providing academic and personal guidance – Developed and facilitated workshops on college readiness and career exploration

5. Event Planning Volunteer – Played a key role in organizing annual charity gala, raising over $50,000 – Managed logistics, including venue selection, catering, and guest list coordination

6. Environmental Conservation Volunteer – Participated in reforestation projects, planting over 1,000 trees – Educated the public on sustainability practices through workshops and presentations

7. Disaster Relief Volunteer – Assisted in rebuilding efforts after local flooding, contributing over 200 hours of service – Distributed food and supplies to affected families

8. Volunteer Tutor – Provided weekly math tutoring to underprivileged students, resulting in a 25% average grade improvement – Created personalized lesson plans and practice exercises

9. Food Bank Volunteer – Organized food drives that collected over 3 tons of food for the local community – Streamlined the food sorting process, increasing efficiency by 30%

10. Special Olympics Volunteer – Coached a team of 15 athletes, leading them to win gold in regional competitions – Coordinated travel and accommodations for team events

11. Habitat for Humanity Volunteer – Contributed to the construction of 5 homes for low-income families – Led a team of volunteers in framing and drywall installation

12. Volunteer Fundraiser – Spearheaded a crowdfunding campaign that raised $10,000 for a local animal rescue – Developed marketing materials and social media strategies to promote the campaign

13. Library Volunteer – Managed book inventory and assisted patrons with locating resources – Organized weekly storytime sessions for children, fostering a love of reading

14. Crisis Hotline Volunteer – Provided empathetic support to individuals in crisis, contributing to a 20% increase in positive outcomes – Completed 60 hours of specialized training in crisis intervention techniques

15. ESL (English as a Second Language) Volunteer Teacher – Taught English to adult learners, helping 30+ students achieve conversational proficiency – Developed culturally sensitive teaching materials

16. Nonprofit Board Member – Served on the board of a local nonprofit focused on youth development – Participated in strategic planning and fundraising efforts

17. Volunteer Translator – Provided translation services for a community health center, improving access for non-English speakers – Translated over 200 pages of health education materials

18. Legal Aid Volunteer – Assisted in providing free legal services to low-income individuals – Conducted legal research and prepared case documents under attorney supervision

19. Volunteer Web Developer – Designed and maintained the website for a local charity, increasing online donations by 40% – Implemented SEO best practices to enhance the site’s visibility

20. Art Program Volunteer – Facilitated art workshops at a community center, inspiring creativity in 50+ participants – Curated a successful art exhibit showcasing local talent

21. Senior Center Volunteer – Organized social activities and outings for seniors, improving community engagement – Provided tech support, helping seniors connect with their families online

22. Volunteer Coach – Coached a youth soccer team, emphasizing teamwork and sportsmanship – Organized fundraising events to support team equipment and travel expenses

23. Public Health Volunteer – Supported public health campaigns by distributing educational materials and organizing community events – Conducted surveys to assess the impact of health initiatives

24. Music Therapy Volunteer – Performed weekly music sessions at a local hospital to enhance patient well-being – Collaborated with therapists to tailor sessions to individual patient needs

25. Museum Docent – Led educational tours, engaging visitors with the museum’s exhibits – Assisted in the development of new exhibit materials and interactive displays

26. International Volunteer – Taught English and basic computer skills in a rural community abroad – Assisted with the development of a local microfinance program

27. Volunteer Social Media Coordinator – Managed social media accounts for a nonprofit, growing the follower base by 500% – Created engaging content that increased audience interaction

28. Literacy Advocate Volunteer – Participated in reading programs at local schools, helping to improve literacy rates – Organized book donation drives to provide resources for underfunded libraries

29. Volunteer Research Assistant – Supported a university research project by collecting and analyzing data – Co-authored a paper on the project’s findings, which was published in a peer-reviewed journal

30. Homeless Shelter Volunteer – Assisted with daily operations at a shelter, providing meals and support to residents – Developed a job search workshop to help residents gain employment

How to Describe Your Volunteer Work

Use action verbs.

It’s important to use action verbs to describe your duties and accomplishments in your volunteer work. This helps create a strong impression on the reader and showcase your proactive nature.

Examples of strong action verbs:

• Collaborated
• Implemented
• Coordinated
• Facilitated

Quantify Your Impact

When describing your volunteer work, try to quantify your impact whenever possible. This helps provide more context and shows the impact of your contributions.

• Coordinated a team of 15 volunteers
• Raised $5,000 for a local charity
• Organized a charity event with over 200 attendees
• Contributed 120 hours of tutoring
• Assisted in the construction of three homes for low-income families
• Led a group of ten in weekly park cleanups
• Mentored 50 students in an after-school program
• Facilitated team-building exercises for 100 employees
• Developed and implemented a new training curriculum
• Served meals to over 500 people in need

Tailoring Your Volunteer Experience to the Job Description

Emphasize the relevant skills you gained during your volunteer experiences by relating them to the job you’re applying for. This helps demonstrate how your volunteer work has prepared you for the position.

• Improved interpersonal communication through tutoring sessions
• Developed leadership abilities as a team coordinator
• Strengthened problem-solving skills as a volunteer mediator
• Enhanced project management abilities by organizing events
• Acquired customer service experience through volunteer receptionist duties
• Gained public speaking skills through community outreach presentations
• Developed multitasking abilities in a busy office setting
• Improved teamwork skills through group collaborations
• Enhanced negotiation skills through sales fundraising efforts
• Strengthened event planning skills by leading committee meetings

Carefully read the job description and make note of the key requirements and skills the employer is looking for. You can then try to match these with your volunteer experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some ways to present volunteer work on my resume.

You can present volunteer work on your resume in a few different ways, depending on how closely it relates to your desired job and how much experience you have. For example,

• Create a separate Volunteer Work section: This approach is suitable if your volunteer experience is not directly related to your career goals but still demonstrates relevant skills and responsibilities.
• Include volunteer work within your Professional Experience section: If your volunteer experience aligns with your career goals or if you have minimal professional experience, present it alongside your paid positions.
• Highlight related volunteer work under your Skills section: If your volunteer experience helped you gain specific expertise, showcase those skills in your Skills section and mention the relevant volunteer work.

Can you provide a description for including volunteer experience in a resume?

When including volunteer experience in your resume, it’s important to provide details such as the organization’s name, your role or position, the dates you volunteered, and a brief description of your accomplishments and relevant responsibilities. For example:

Volunteer Work

• Provided tutoring in math and English to underprivileged high school students, resulting in improved grades of over 90% of participants.

How should a student with volunteer experience showcase it on their resume?

As a student with limited work experience, emphasizing your volunteer work can demonstrate your skills, initiative, and commitment to potential employers. You can:

• Include your volunteer work in a dedicated Volunteer Experience section, or even within your Work Experience section if it’s directly related to your career goals.
• Highlight key skills gained through your volunteer work in the Skills section, mentioning specific achievements where possible.
• If relevant, mention any leadership roles or significant responsibilities within your volunteer work.

In what manner can I detail my contributions in volunteer positions?

When detailing your contributions, focus on accomplishments and the impact you made through your volunteer work. To do this, use action verbs, quantify results, and emphasize outcomes. For example:

• Organized an annual charity event that raised over $10,000 for children’s educational resources, resulting in a 20% increase in funds compared to the previous year.

Is it beneficial to describe volunteer activities in a resume, and if so, how?

Yes, describing volunteer activities in a resume can be beneficial as it showcases your transferable skills, commitment to the community, and ability to collaborate. To describe your activities effectively:

• Focus on any tasks that demonstrate relevant skills for the position you are applying for.
• Be specific in describing your role, responsibilities, and accomplishments.
• If possible, quantify the impact of your activities, e.g., dollars raised, number of attendees, or percentage improvements.

Are there any specific words or phrases that effectively convey volunteer experiences?

To effectively convey your volunteer experiences, use action verbs and descriptive language that highlights your accomplishments and transferable skills. Examples:

These words can show potential employers that you were actively engaged in your volunteer work and achieved meaningful results.

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How to Write a Volunteer Resume [+Example for 2024]

You’ve found something you believe in.

You want to help as much as you can.

But first, you need a resume that highlights your best attributes. 

Well, allow us to help you with this resume guide for all volunteers!

• A job-winning volunteer resume example
• How to create a volunteer resume that hiring managers love
• Volunteer-specific tips and tricks to make your resume stand out

Now, before we move on, here’s a volunteer resume example, created with our very own resume builder :

Follow the steps in this guide to create a job-winning resume of your own! 

How to Format a Volunteer Resume

Here’s a fact for you:

Your resume isn’t the only one on the recruiter’s desk.

In fact, they have a TON to get through, which is why recruiters tend to skim-read as they go through the pile of resumes.

This means you need to make your information clear and concise. 

You can do this by using the best resume format for volunteer resumes. 

The most common resume format is “ reverse-chronological ”, so we’d recommend this format for your resume…

There are two other popular formats that you could try:

• Functional Resume – Choose this format if you have many skills, but don’t have any real experience. Essentially, this format is ideal for volunteers who are seeking a role they have never held
• Combination Resume – As the name suggests, a combination resume is a combination of “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological”. As such, this format is perfect for volunteers who have both skills and experience

Once you’ve decided on the format, you need to get your resume layout right.

For a professional resume layout, here’s what we recommend:

Margins - the margins are set automatically according to recruiters in the editor.

Font - Pick a font that stands out, but not too much. 

• Do: Ubuntu, Roboto, etc.
• Don’t: Comic Sans

Resume Length - Don’t go over the 1-page limit. If you’re having trouble fitting everything into one page? You may want to view these one-page resume templates .

Use a Volunteer Resume Template

You have a number of options when it comes to resume writing tools.

Now, Word may be your first choice, but we invite you to reconsider.

You see, building your own resume in a text-editing tool can result in massive formatting issues. 

The alternative is to use a volunteering resume template by choosing from one of the templates here .

This will ensure your resume looks professional at all times. 

What to Include in a Volunteer Resume

The main sections in a volunteer resume are:

• Contact Information
• Resume Summary or Objective
• Work Experience/ Volunteer Experience

For a resume that stands out, even more, try adding these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification
• Personal Projects

Interests & Hobbies

It’s now time to go through each of those sections, and explain how to write them...

Not sure which sections to use for your resume? Check out our guide to What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Write Your Contact Information

The tips in this guide will help with creating the best volunteer resume possible.

But those tips are worthless if mistakes are made in this section.

For your contact section, follow these rules:

• Title - Make this specific to the role you’re applying for
• Phone Number - Quadruple check this!
• Email Address - Make sure to use a professional email address ([email protected])
• Portfolio Link or personal website
• (Optional) Relevant Social Media - e.g.: LinkedIn, Twitter, Quora, etc.
• (Optional) Location - Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location.

Stephen Johnson, Volunteer. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

Stephen Johnson, Volunteering Viking. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write a Volunteer Resume Summary or Objective

The volunteer industry is just as competitive as any other employment opportunity.

In fact, most volunteering jobs have hundreds of applicants applying to become a volunteer for the greater good. 

As such, just telling the recruiter how passionate you are won’t cut it. 

So how do you catch the recruiter’s attention and stand out?

You need to show your value straight away!

You can do this with a resume summary or objective , which are attention-grabbing paragraphs that sit at the top of your resume. 

Although the two are very similar, there are a couple of differences… 

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences and achievements.

Experienced and passionate volunteer with 5+ years of experience in helping various foundations with their aspirations. Notable highlights include managing an event with 2,000 attendees, scoring 99.5% positive feedback rates, and raising $67,302 revenue when leading a bake sale.]

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of your professional goals and aspirations.

A hard-working volunteer seeks a chance to make a difference with The National Trust. Experience includes working as a temp events volunteer during the summer term. Able to handle a variety of tasks, including greeting the public, preparing activities, and operating POS systems.

So, which option should a volunteer in your situation pick? 

All volunteers have their own specific background, but generally, resume summaries are the best option for those who have a relevant job history, whereas an objective summary is the best option for those with little to no work experience. 

How to Make Your Work Experience Stand Out

Regardless of the type of charity you apply for, they all have one thing in common…

They want to see your work experience .  

Sure, your core skills are important too, but experience always wins. Start with your most recent experience, and then work backwards. Here’s a winning work experience structure…

• Position name
• Company Name
• Dates Employed
• Responsibilities & Achievements

Event Volunteer

National Trust

01/2019 – 03/2020

• Prepared for a 2,000 person event in 8 hours – this involved setting up trails, preparing craft activities, and ensuring complete information and signage
• Provided a warm and friendly welcome at all events, which resulted in a 99.5% positive feedback score
• In charge of running the cake sale, which resulted in $8.302 revenue for the foundation

As shown above, you want to show some impressive achievements, not minor tasks.

So, instead of saying:

“greeted visitors”

“Provided a warm and friendly welcome at all events, which resulted in a 99.5% positive feedback score”

So, what’s the difference between the two?

The second statement goes into more depth about how your presence had a positive impact on the event and the foundation. This clearly shows that you’re someone who should be hired immediately. 

What if You Don’t Have Experience?

Maybe you’re a recent university graduate with no job experience?

Or maybe you have worked many jobs, but never volunteered for a charity?

Don’t worry, we have the solution.

All you need are a few core skills and a desire to learn.

And this can be shown with school projects or experiences from related jobs. 

For example, if you’ve ever worked as a customer service representative, you can talk about any crossover skills and experiences. Just like a volunteer in a public-facing role, you were friendly and dealt with various concerns. 

If you’re a recent graduate , you might want to check out our guide on how to make a student resume !

Use Action Words to Make Your Volunteer Resume POP!

Flick through a bunch of volunteering resumes, and you’ll notice one thing.

They all include these same words. 

And since you want your resume to stand out, we recommend using power words instead.

Here is a list of power words to make your achievements stand out :

• Conceptualized
• Spearheaded

How to List Your Education Correctly

Welcome to the education section!

If your experience section isn’t the best, your education is where you need to shine.

Simply list out your education entries, like this:

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

B.A. Nursing Management  

University of Chicago

Courses: Anatomy and Physiology, Nursing Care, Mental Health, Sociological and Psychological Aspects of Healthcare, Approaches to Research

Before we conclude this section, here are some of the most frequent questions we get from volunteers (and their answers!):

What if I haven’t finished education?

• Whether you’re still a student, or finished school years ago, you should mention the years/courses studied so far in your life

Should I include my high school education?

• Only include your high school education if you haven’t gone on to further education

What is more important, education or experience?

• Experiences always come before education

Need more answers? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 10 Skills for a Volunteer Resume

When the recruiter is reviewing your resume, they want to see that you’re skilled enough to complete the work they require.  

You see, the resume reviewer will have been given a brief regarding the desired job skills. 

As such, the skills section should reflect the needs of the job.

Need some inspiration?

It’ll depend on the specific volunteering job that you’re applying for, but here are some of the most common and desirable skills:

Hard Skills for Volunteers:

• Point-of-Sale Systems
• Microsoft Office
• CPR Certified 
• Phone Desk Operation

Soft Skills for Volunteers:

• Communication
• Leadership 
• Strategic thinking

Looking for a more comprehensive list? Here’s a mega-list of 100+ must-have skills .

Other Resume Sections You Can Include on a Volunteering Resume

Now, there’s a good chance that the other candidates will have similar volunteering experiences to you.

But if this is the case, won’t your resume look the same as all the others?

Well yes. That’s why we recommend adding a few of the following sections to make your resume stand out. 

Awards & Certifications

Your volunteering work will impress the recruiter.

But don’t leave things there.

Have you completed any courses to improve your skills?

Have you ever been awarded for your duties?

Be sure to mention everything that you’re proud of. Well, only if it is relevant to the volunteering position. 

• Sales Training: Building Your Sales Career – Coursera Certificate
• Best Business Pitch Award – University of Texas
•  Learning How to Learn – Coursera Certificate
• CPR Certification

Your resume shows the assets you can offer to the foundation.

Even though being bilingual may not be an essential skill, it is another asset that your future employer can call upon.  

If this relates to you, and you have space in your resume, definitely include a languages section.

Make sure to split the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

The recruiter should now be interested in hiring you.

But before they do, they will want to know more about your personal side. 

As such, it can be a good idea to talk about your hobbies and interests.  

If you’re not sure which hobbies & interests to mention, you can read our guide! 

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

You’re a volunteer because you want to make a difference.

Resumes are great for showing your skills and experiences, but you want the foundation to know WHY you want to volunteer for them. 

Cover letters show that you want to work with THIS specific charity.

As such, a cover letter can significantly boost your chances of obtaining the position.

Here’s how to get the structure right:

And here’s what to write in each section:

Contact Details

Your personal contact information, including full name, profession, email, phone number, and location.

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

Your introduction should be strong enough to hook the hiring manager, so mention:

• The volunteering position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and top achievements as a volunteer (or most relevant)

Once you’ve got the hiring manager hooked, you can go through the rest of your background. Some of the points you can mention here are:

• Why you want to volunteer for this specific foundation
• Anything you know about the culture
• What are your top skills and how are they relevant for the job
• If you’ve ever volunteer before

Closing Paragraph

This is where you:

• Wrap up any points you missed in the body paragraph
• Thank the hiring manager for their time
• End with a call to action. Something like, “I’d love to further discuss how my experience as an X can help the company with Y”

Formal Salutations

Use a formal closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely.”

View our how-to write a cover letter guide for extra guidance.

Related Resume Examples

• No Experience Resume
• Social Worker Resume
• Internship Resume
• Office Assistant Resume
• Career Change Resume

Key Takeaways

Followed the steps in this guide? Then you’re in the best position to get that role you’re applying for.

Before we finish up, let’s quickly go through everything we’ve learned:

• Select the right formatting for your resume. Try the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the best practices in regards to the layout. Remember, keep your resume needs to look professional
• Use a resume summary or objective to immediately catch the recruiter’s attention
• For the work experience section, talk more about your achievements, instead of your daily responsibilities
• Write a compelling and convincing cover letter

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This Is Exactly How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume

When it comes to writing or updating your resume, you know you should include your relevant work history, education , and technical skills .

But what about your volunteer experience? Will hiring managers even care about the time you spent building homes in Central America or organizing that charity walk?

I’ll make this one easy for you: yes!

You should absolutely include volunteer experience on your resume. It’ll help you stand out, make you seem like a real-life, three-dimensional person, and give the hiring manager a better idea of what makes you tick. Plus, as more and more companies begin to embrace social responsibility, job seekers with demonstrated interest and experience in community involvement are even more valuable.

Here’s the right way to add volunteer experience on your resume, in three easy steps.

1. Choose the Right Format

You’ll usually want to feature your most relevant professional experience at the top of your resume, which means your volunteer experience should go toward the bottom (after your professional experience, but before your education and skills section). Don’t worry too much about your volunteer work getting missed—most recruiters scan resumes, looking at section headers, job titles, employers, and tenure first, so they’ll likely notice a clearly-labeled volunteer experience section.

If it’s directly relevant to the job you’re applying for or you have limited professional experience, you can include your volunteer work with your paid positions. Just be sure that you’re labeling it clearly by including “volunteer” in the job title (for example, “Volunteer Social Media Manager”) or in the job description (for example, “Managed social media for an emerging nonprofit as an experienced volunteer”).

2. Keep it Concise (But Make it Count!)

Space will likely be limited in this section of your resume, so be selective with your content. Think about what’ll be the most impactful and relevant to the role or company you’re targeting. If you don’t have a lot of room to spare, you can summarize your work for each organization you’ve volunteered for in a single sentence:

Fundraising Volunteer | Non-Profit Organization | San Francisco, CA | March 2017

Sourced $2K in donations in a single month through a cold calling, door knocking, and email campaign.

Volunteer Pet Pal | Animal Shelter | New York, NY | November 2016-July 2017

Cared for 100+ shelter animals awaiting adoption, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and a lizard.

If you have a little more room to work with, you can break your experience down into two to three bullet points , similar to the way you’d highlight a paid position.

3. Note the Exceptions

One minor, but important caveat: Volunteering for certain organizations may give away more personal information than you’re ready to share with a prospective employer.

For example, if you’re the vice president of the PTA, a recruiter will likely assume that you have children, while volunteering for a religious or political organization may reveal your spiritual or partisan beliefs. This could make you more vulnerable to unfair bias.

I know, it totally sucks. But, it is a reality (albeit a largely illegal one). So, you may want to consider leaving potentially-revealing volunteer work out.

Most recruiters only spend a few seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to read on in more detail. Including an impactful volunteer experience section will help you to grab (and hold) a prospective employer’s attention.

Plus, chances are you really care about the organizations you’ve given your time to. So why not give them a little love?

CVs & Résumés

• May 20, 2024
• 11 min read

How to Include Volunteer Work in Your Résumé (with Examples)

Done right, it makes you more employable.

Chris Leitch

Editor-in-Chief & Résumé Expert

Reviewed by Electra Michaelidou

Volunteering, as we all know, is a noble act. By dedicating your time and effort to a cause you care about, you’re essentially making a difference in people’s (or animals’) lives — and making the world a better place while you’re at it. It can also help you become a more well-rounded and happier person.

But the benefits of volunteering don’t end there. In fact, completing volunteer work can do wonders for your career: it enhances your résumé and, as a result, your employability.

So, how do you include volunteer work in your résumé? Why should you? And where should it go?

We’ll answer those questions — and many more — in this article.

What is considered volunteer work?

Volunteer work is any activity where you offer your time and skills to help others or contribute to a cause without expecting financial compensation in return. It can come in many different shapes and forms — like helping out at your local soup kitchen on weekends, offering your legal expertise through pro bono cases, or even taking part in online volunteering .

Why include volunteer work in your résumé

Although not strictly necessary, featuring unpaid community-service experience in your résumé can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview. In fact, in a Deloitte survey , 82% of hiring managers said they were more likely to hire candidates with volunteer experience — and 85% would even overlook résumé pitfalls when candidates highlighted such experience.

And here’s why:

1. It demonstrates your transferable skills

Volunteer work often involves tasks and responsibilities that are transferable to the workplace, such as leadership, teamwork, communication, problem solving and time management . Including volunteer experiences on your résumé allows you to showcase these skills to potential employers.

2. It shows initiative and commitment

Volunteering demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impact in your community or in causes that you care about. It also showcases your initiative and willingness to contribute outside of paid employment, which can be attractive qualities to employers.

3. It highlights your values and interests

Volunteering often reflects your personal values, passions and interests. Including volunteer work in your résumé allows you to share these aspects of yourself with potential employers, helping to create a connection and alignment with organizational values and cultural fitness.

When to include volunteer experience

You should always aim to include volunteer experience in your résumé — especially if:

• It’s directly relevant to the job you’re applying for, and it would help you further showcase your job-specific skills and expertise
• It helps you bridge any gaps in your employment history , all the while signaling you’re a proactive person and that you spent your time wisely between jobs
• It demonstrates your transferable skills , particularly when you have insufficient work experience or when you’re changing careers

That said, there are some particular situations where you might want to reconsider listing your volunteer work altogether , including:

• You have limited space on your résumé and need to prioritize other experiences or qualifications that are more directly relevant to the job you’re targeting
• You would end up diluting the overall impact of your résumé by overemphasizing unrelated activities that don’t contribute significantly to your qualifications
• Your volunteer work involves political, religious, or otherwise sensitive or controversial issues that could alienate or perhaps even offend hiring managers

How to include volunteer work in your résumé

When you add volunteer work to your résumé, you should use the same format as the entries in your work experience section .

Essentially, this means including the following information:

• The position you held
• The organization you volunteered for
• The organization’s location
• Start and end dates (use “Present” as the end date if the experience is ongoing)
• Bullet points or a short sentence describing your experience

Where to list volunteer work on your résumé

There are two main places to include volunteer work in your résumé:

• In the work experience section
• In a separate section dedicated to your volunteer experience

We’ll explore both options below, including when and how to use each one.

Option 1: Work experience section

If you have volunteer experience that’s directly relevant to the job you’re applying for , and to your field more generally, you should add it to your work experience section alongside any previous and current positions.

For example, if you volunteered your web design skills to create a website for your local cat shelter, you should feature this experience among your “real” jobs, and use 3–6 bullet points to showcase key achievements and responsibilities.

Here’s what featuring volunteer work in the work experience section looks like:

WORK EXPERIENCE

Senior Web Designer Company ABC — Boston, MA | Sep 2019–Present

• Spearheading UX/UI design for a diverse range of websites, resulting in a 40% increase in user engagement.
• Leading a team of 8 in designing intuitive, engaging website interfaces using HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
• Developed 100+ responsive web designs, ensuring optimal user experience across various devices and browsers.

Web Designer (Volunteer) Purrfect Cat Shelter — Boston, MA | Jun 2019–Oct 2019

• Redesigned the shelter’s existing website, which decreased bounce rate by 30% and increased user engagement by 55%.
• Optimized website graphics and implemented performance enhancements, which improved overall website speed.
• Implemented a new SEO strategy, which increased organic search traffic by 45% and keyword rankings by 19%.

Option 2: Volunteer experience section

If you have unrelated volunteer experiences , on the other hand, you should set up a designated volunteer experience section for them.

Going back to the web designer example, say you volunteered at your local cat shelter again, but this time in a more hands-on role where you fed the resident cats, administered medications and cleaned their enclosures. As this isn’t relevant to your web design expertise, knowledge and skills, it’s best featured separately from your work experience.

In this case, you’ll put it at the end of your résumé , accompanied by a label like “Volunteer Experience”, “Volunteer Work” or “Community Involvement”, along with a short sentence briefly describing your experience — like so:

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Volunteer Purrfect Cat Shelter — Boston, MA | Oct 2023–Present

Caring for 200+ cats awaiting adoption and performing routine shelter maintenance.

Volunteer Retirement Home — Boston, MA | Aug 2022–Jan 2023

Organized monthly recreational activities and trivia nights for 75+ residents.

Tips for writing about your volunteer work

When writing your résumé , and about your volunteer work specifically, keep these pointers in mind:

1. Choose the right experiences

When adding volunteer work to your résumé, it’s important to choose the right experiences — in other words: the most impactful and relevant ones .

Start by drafting a list of all your non-profit experiences. It doesn’t matter (at this stage, at least) what they involved, how long they lasted or even how long ago they were.

Then, go through them all one by one, and think about what makes them worthy of a spot on your résumé and why hiring managers would even care — this will help you narrow your list down.

When choosing volunteer experiences , ask yourself:

• What skills, knowledge and insights did I gain from this experience, and how can they be transferred across to the role I’m applying for?
• How reputable is the organization I volunteered with? Would it add credibility to my résumé?
• What was the duration of this experience? Would it present me as a dedicated and committed person, or as someone who is unengaged or perhaps even disloyal?
• What impact did I make in this experience? What results and outcomes did I achieve? Did I make a meaningful difference?

2. Tailor experiences to job descriptions

Every part of your résumé needs to be tailored to the job you’re applying for , and your volunteer work is no exception. In fact, the more tailored your résumé is and the more aligned your experiences are to the job requirements, the better are your chances of getting shortlisted for the position .

Start by reading the job description, making note of important keywords and phrases, and then naturally incorporate these into your volunteer experiences (and throughout your résumé).

For example, if knowledge of InDesign is required for the position, you could allude to your practical application of the software when you designed that website for that cat shelter we talked about earlier — like so: “Designed website, logo and brochures for local cat shelter using Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign”.

On that note, when writing about your volunteer work, always make it a point to focus on the skills and knowledge you developed — especially when your experiences aren’t relevant to your target job. After all, hiring managers want to know that you didn’t complete volunteer work just to fill up your résumé but rather that you came away with something, something that will be of value to your potential employer.

3. Be honest

It can be tempting to embellish or even make up volunteer experience for your résumé, either to fill up the pages or in a bid to make yourself a more attractive candidate. But you will (if not immediately, eventually ) get caught out.

Remember: all it takes hiring managers is a quick phone call to verify the details of your résumé. And even the smallest of white lies can ruin your chances of landing the job . After all , an employer might think, if this candidate is comfortable lying about their volunteer work (or anything else, for that matter), how can I put my trust in them if I were to hire them?

Even if your volunteer experience is feeling light or isn’t particularly impressive, it’s always best to be honest and stick to the facts — at least for the sake of your professional reputation.

You can, however, still make your volunteer experience sound more impactful (without resorting to fabricating information or otherwise lying on your résumé ). Choosing the right action verbs (“supported” instead of “helped”, for example), as well as quantifying your achievements with numbers and statistics, are both excellent ways to achieve this.

Volunteer work on résumé examples

Need some inspiration? The following two examples will help you visualize how to feature volunteer work on your résumé:

Career break résumé example

If you’re returning to the workforce after a career break , it’s best to address it on your résumé and to explain what you did during that time, including any volunteering. The following example illustrates volunteer experience that’s directly relevant to the jobseeker’s industry:

Get the ATS-Friendly template →

Graduate résumé example

As a recent graduate , you likely won’t have much — or any — formal work experience to highlight on your résumé. In this case, focusing your résumé around the volunteer work you completed (along with your education) will help you compensate for that lack of experience — like so:

Get the Memorable template →

FAQs about résumé volunteer work

Still got questions about including volunteer experience in your résumé? We’ve got answers!

Q: How many volunteer work entries should I list?

There’s no hard rule for the number of volunteer experiences you showcase in your résumé, but you should be cautious of potential overcrowding. Typically, 2–4 experiences are enough to provide a well-rounded picture of your community involvement and skills .

It’s also important to consider their relevance to your target job and how much space you have available.

Q: I only volunteered for a few hours. Should I still include that experience?

If the volunteer work you did was a one-off event or not substantial enough to showcase meaningful skills or experiences, you might want to consider leaving it off your résumé , especially if you have more relevant experiences to highlight.

Q: What do I do if I volunteered at the same organization in two different capacities?

The best thing to do in this case is to combine the two experiences into one , especially if your résumé is already lengthy.

Say you’re an accountant, and you volunteered at your local soup kitchen to maintain the organization’s accounting systems. If you also occasionally served food to the homeless, you could simply mention this at the end of your bulleted list (while focusing the other bullet points around job functions related to your industry expertise).

Key takeaways

Highlighting volunteer work on your résumé is quite a straightforward process, but you still need to be strategic about it.

To sum up what we covered:

• Volunteer work is unpaid work that you do from the good of your heart, and it’s a great way to make yourself more attractive to hiring managers.
• You should always aim to add volunteer work to your résumé, unless you don’t have space for it or it would dilute your résumé’s impact.
• Experiences that are directly relevant to your target job should be featured in the work experience section, while unrelated experiences should be listed separately.
• Carefully choose 2–4 experiences that best align with the job requirements, showcase your skills and knowledge, and demonstrate your achievements .

Got a question or want to share your own tips? Drop us a comment below!

This article is a complete update of an earlier version originally published on August 16, 2016.

Volunteering

Résumé Writing

• Career Blog

Volunteer Resume Writing Tips and Examples for 2024

Volunteering is not only a noble way to spend your time, but it can also have a positive impact on your career. Many employers value volunteer work on a resume as it demonstrates a commitment to community involvement and can highlight relevant skills and experience.

The purpose of this article is to provide tips and examples for writing a volunteer resume that stands out to potential employers. Whether you are a seasoned volunteer or just starting out, a thoughtfully-crafted resume can help you showcase your abilities and differentiate yourself from other candidates.

In the following sections, we will provide an overview of volunteer resume writing tips, covering everything from formatting to wording, and emphasizing the importance of tailoring your resume to the specific opportunity you are applying for. By the end of this article, you should have a better grasp of how to effectively communicate your volunteer experience to potential employers and set yourself up for success.

Volunteer Work Section

Volunteer work can be a crucial aspect of a resume, showcasing one’s interests, skills, and philanthropic values. To make the most of your volunteer experience, it’s important to categorize your work and highlight the types of opportunities you pursued.

A. Categories of Volunteer Work

Broadly, volunteer work can fall under the following six categories:

Education: Volunteering in schools, universities, or any educational institution is a popular and meaningful way to give back to the community. People with teaching, mentoring, or tutoring experience can help students with academic challenges or provide support through extracurricular activities.

Healthcare: Healthcare volunteering can involve anything from assisting medical staff in hospitals, nursing homes or other healthcare settings, to helping nonprofit organizations to raise awareness about health issues and promote prevention and care.

Environmental: Taking up environmental volunteering can help you gain experience in maintaining and protecting the environment by participating in conservation and cleanup programs or educating others about the importance of ecological responsibility.

Social Services: Volunteering in social services means providing support services to people in need, such as the homeless, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and people facing other challenges in life. Examples include preparing and serving food, offering companionship or assistance in accessing resources and services.

Arts and Culture: Individuals with a passion for creative arts or cultural events can find volunteer opportunities in museums, art galleries or theatres, providing support in exhibition preparation, guide visitors or work as a part of event management.

Advocacy: Advocacy volunteering can involve working with nonprofit organizations to promote social, legal or political change. It could include canvassing, phone-banking, lobbying, and other forms of activism.

B. Types of Volunteer Opportunities

Within these categories, there are numerous types of volunteer opportunities available for people with diverse skills and interests. Depending on your career goals, your volunteer work could align with your professional development or provide opportunities for skill-building.

For instance, if you are looking for a career in healthcare, volunteering at a hospital or in different healthcare settings would provide hands-on experience and exposure to various medical practices. If you’re interested in event management, volunteering in arts and culture would help you build a strong network with industry professionals and gain relevant, hands-on experience.

Other types of volunteer opportunities include:

• Disaster Relief
• Fundraising and Development
• Animal Welfare
• Human Rights and Legal Aid

C. Why Volunteer Experience Matters on a Resume

Volunteer experience is a valuable addition to a resume because it shows employers that you are committed, hard-working, and interested in your community. Hiring managers recognize that volunteering requires dedication, organization, and responsibility, traits that transfer well into the workplace.

Volunteer work is also an excellent way to demonstrate transferable skills that employers value in candidates. For example, managing a restaurant fundraiser requires event coordination, marketing, communication, negotiation, and teamwork skills.

Information to Include in a Volunteer Resume

When writing a volunteer resume, it is important to include the right information to make it effective and impressive. Here are the key sections that should be included in a volunteer resume:

A. Most Important Information

The most important information in a volunteer resume should be at the top of the page and include your name and a headline that summarizes your skills and experience. This will give the recruiter an immediate sense of who you are and what you offer as a volunteer. You can also include a branding statement or a summary that highlights your strengths, skills, and passion for volunteering.

B. Contact Information

Make sure to include your contact information in your volunteer resume, including your email address, phone number, and physical address. You should also include a link to your LinkedIn profile or personal website if you have one.

C. Volunteer Experience Section

The volunteer experience section should list your past volunteer work, including details such as the name of the organization, your role or position, the duration of your service, and your responsibilities. This section should showcase your skills, achievements, and impact as a volunteer. Be sure to provide specific examples that demonstrate your skills, such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

D. Volunteer Accomplishments

In addition to listing your volunteer experience, it is important to highlight your volunteer accomplishments. This section can showcase the results you achieved, such as the number of people you helped, the money you raised, or the impact you made on the community. You can also include any recognition or awards you received for your volunteer work.

Your volunteer resume should be clear, concise, and focused on your volunteer experience and accomplishments. Use keywords and phrases that match the requirements and responsibilities of the volunteer position you are applying for. By following these tips, you can create a resume that stands out and impresses recruiters with your passion and commitment to volunteering.

Resume Structure and Organization

Creating a well-organized resume is crucial in the job application process, especially for volunteer positions. It can be the deciding factor in getting an interview or not. Therefore, paying attention to the structure and organization of your resume is a must. Here are some tips that can help:

A. Choosing the Best Resume Format

When it comes to resume formats, there are typically three kinds: chronological, functional, and hybrid. The chronological format is the most common as it highlights your work experience in reverse chronological order. The functional format is an option for those with gaps in their work history or those who want to emphasize their skills and achievements. The hybrid format, on the other hand, is a mixture of both chronological and functional formats.

Depending on your experience and qualifications, choosing the best resume format is essential. Ensure that the format you choose presents your skills and experiences in the most effective manner.

B. Order of Resume Sections

The order of sections can also impact the effectiveness of your resume. The standard order is usually as follows:

• Contact information
• Objective statement or summary
• Work experience
• Awards and recognition

However, if you have extensive experience, you may opt to place your skills section above your work experience section. Nonetheless, keep in mind that the order of sections should always be logical and easy to follow.

C. Importance of Keywords

Using relevant keywords throughout your resume can help make it stand out to recruiters and hiring managers. Many organizations nowadays use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes, and these systems usually look for specific keywords. Therefore, incorporating keywords from the job description is essential. However, avoid stuffing your resume with irrelevant keywords as this can do more harm than good.

D. Length of a Volunteer Resume

When it comes to the length of a volunteer resume, it’s best to keep it short and sweet. Typically, one to two pages will suffice. Focus on the most relevant experiences and qualifications and exclude any irrelevant information. It’s crucial to understand that recruiters and hiring managers do not have time to read long resumes. By keeping it concise, you increase the chance of your resume being read and considered.

Creating an organized and well-structured volunteer resume can significantly improve your chances of landing your desired volunteer position. By choosing the best format, maintaining a logical order of sections, using relevant keywords, and keeping it short but informative, you can create a standout application that showcases your skills and abilities.

Writing Volunteer Resume Headings and Subheadings

As a volunteer, crafting a well-written and organized resume can make all the difference in securing your next volunteer opportunity. Utilizing clear and concise headings and subheadings provides a streamlined and professional appearance to your resume. Here are some tips for writing effective headings:

A. How to Write Clear and Concise Headings

1. keep it simple.

Your headings should be kept brief and to the point, no more than a few words. Avoid using long-winded or convoluted descriptions that may be confusing for the reader.

2. Use Keywords

Incorporating keywords relevant to the position or organization will catch the reader’s attention and make your resume stand out. Use specific terms such as “Community Volunteer” or “Nonprofit Management” for more effective results.

3. Be Consistent

Maintaining a consistent format and style throughout your headings and subheadings will create a logical flow and easy-to-follow structure for the reader. Consistency also reflects attention to detail and a professional presentation.

B. Best Practices for Writing Bullet Points

Bullet points are essential in showcasing your volunteer experience and highlighting your accomplishments. Here are some best practices for writing effective bullet points:

1. Focus on Results

Your bullet points should clearly articulate your impact and results, rather than just listing your daily responsibilities or tasks.

2. Use Quantifiable Information

Incorporating quantifiable information such as numbers or percentages demonstrates the scale of your work and further emphasizes your achievements.

3. Prioritize Recent Experience

Organizing your bullet points in reverse chronological order (most recent first) emphasizes your most relevant and current experience and ensures that the reader sees your most current skills and abilities.

C. Using Action Verbs to Describe Volunteer Experience

Action verbs help convey the level of responsibility and impact of your volunteer work. Incorporating action verbs into your descriptions can make your accomplishments stand out. Here are a few examples of effective action verbs for your volunteer experience:

• Coordinated
• Facilitated

By utilizing these tips and examples, you can create a professional and effective resume that highlights your volunteer experience and makes a strong impression on potential organizations or employers.

Volunteer Resume Writing Tips

When it comes to writing a volunteer resume, having a great deal of experience doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll automatically stand out to potential employers. Customizing your resume to highlight your skills, experience, and achievements that are most relevant to the volunteer position you’re applying for is crucial. Here are some important tips to consider when crafting your volunteer resume.

A. Customizing Your Volunteer Resume

One of the most important things you can do when writing your volunteer resume is to customize it for every position you apply for. This means tailoring your resume to the specific skills and experience required for each particular volunteer opportunity. To do this effectively, you should carefully read the job description and highlight the most important keywords, which you can then incorporate into your resume.

B. Highlighting Transferable Skills

Another important tip for crafting an effective volunteer resume is to focus on your transferable skills. These are skills that you’ve developed in one area that can be applied in another. For example, if you have experience in event planning or public speaking, these skills are highly transferrable to many types of volunteer work. Highlighting these skills can demonstrate to potential employers that you have a wide range of applicable experience.

C. Emphasizing Relevant Skills and Experience

When crafting your volunteer resume, it’s important to focus on your most relevant skills and experience. This means highlighting past volunteer work, professional experience, education, and certifications that directly relate to the volunteer position you’re applying for. By doing so, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and experience necessary to excel in the role.

D. Including Professional Development

A volunteer resume shouldn’t just focus on past experience—it should also showcase your commitment to ongoing professional development. Including any courses, training programs, or workshops you’ve completed that are relevant to the position you’re applying for can demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow in your volunteer work.

E. Tips for Showcasing Diversity and Inclusivity

Lastly, when crafting your volunteer resume, it’s important to showcase your commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Volunteer organizations are often looking for people who can help them foster and support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. To demonstrate your commitment to these causes, consider highlighting any relevant experience or initiatives you’ve been involved in. This could include working with marginalized communities, volunteering at organizations that promote diversity and inclusion, or even language skills that could come in handy in a multicultural setting.

A great volunteer resume should be customized, focused on transferable skills and experience, include ongoing professional development, and show a commitment to diversity and inclusivity initiatives. By taking the time to craft a strong volunteer resume, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills, experience, and passion necessary to excel in the role.

Examples of Volunteer Resumes

As a volunteer, creating a good resume can be very important to help you stand out from other candidates and showcase your skills and experience. Here are three examples of volunteer resumes including a sample resume for a college student applying for a volunteer role, an example of a resume for an experienced volunteer seeking a supervisory position, and a sample resume for transitioning professionals.

A. Sample Resume for College Student Applying for Volunteer Role

Contact Information: Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email:  [email protected]

Objective: Highly motivated college student seeking a volunteer role to contribute to a meaningful cause and gain hands-on experience. Eager to utilize my skills in teamwork, communication, and organization to make a positive impact in the community.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology XYZ University, City, State Expected Graduation: May 20XX

Relevant Coursework:

• Introduction to Social Services
• Community Development and Engagement
• Nonprofit Management
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration abilities
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Volunteer Experience: Volunteer Tutor | ABC Youth Center, City, State | 20XX – Present\

• Assist students with homework assignments and academic subjects
• Provide guidance and support to enhance learning outcomes
• Collaborate with fellow tutors and center staff to create a positive learning environment

Additional Involvement:

• Member, XYZ University Volunteer Club
• Participant, Annual Citywide Community Service Day
• Volunteer, Local Food Bank

References: Available upon request

B. Sample Volunteer Resume for an Experienced Volunteer Seeking a Supervisory Position

Objective: Results-driven volunteer with 5+ years of experience seeking a supervisory role in a nonprofit organization. Committed to leading and motivating teams to achieve program goals and make a meaningful impact. Strong organizational and communication skills with a proven track record of success.

Experience: Volunteer Coordinator | XYZ Foundation, City, State | 20XX – Present

• Oversee recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers for various programs
• Develop and implement volunteer engagement strategies to maximize participation
• Coordinate volunteer schedules and ensure smooth program operations
• Establish and maintain relationships with community partners and stakeholders

Volunteer Experience: Volunteer Mentor | ABC Mentoring Program, City, State | 20XX – 20XX

• Provided guidance and support to mentees to foster personal and academic growth
• Developed and implemented tailored mentoring plans for individual mentees
• Conducted regular check-ins and monitored progress towards set goals

Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology XYZ University, City, State Year

• Leadership and team management
• Program coordination and logistics
• Effective communication and relationship building
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Data analysis and reporting

C. Sample Volunteer Resume for Transitioning Professionals

Objective: Results-oriented professional with a background in marketing seeking to transition into a volunteer role focused on community outreach and engagement. Passionate about making a positive impact and utilizing my skills in project management, communication, and strategic planning.

Experience: Marketing Manager | XYZ Company, City, State | 20XX – 20XX

• Developed and implemented marketing campaigns to promote brand awareness
• Managed social media platforms and analyzed campaign performance metrics
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to execute integrated marketing initiatives

Volunteer Experience: Community Outreach Volunteer | ABC Nonprofit Organization, City, State | 20XX – Present

• Conducted community needs assessments and developed outreach strategies
• Collaborated with local businesses and organizations to organize community events
• Engaged community members through educational workshops and initiatives

Education: Master of Business Administration (MBA) XYZ University, City, State Year

• Project management and strategic planning\
• Marketing and communication\
• Relationship building and community engagement\
• Data analysis and reporting\
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite
• Member, Local Business Networking Association
• Volunteer, Annual City Cleanup Campaign

Reviewing and Editing Your Volunteer Resume

As you craft your volunteer resume, it’s essential to remember that drafting and writing it is only the first step in the process. One mistake many applicants make is assuming that they can hit the “submit” button as soon as their resumes are complete. However, if you overlook errors or fail to make your content as impactful as possible, your resume may end up in the reject pile.

This section of the article will focus on the importance of proofreading, providing tips on how to edit your volunteer resume, and the common mistakes you should avoid.

A. Importance of Proofreading

Proofreading is essential in writing, whether for a job application, a blog post, or any other form of written work. It is the process of reviewing and correcting a finished document to ensure that it is error-free and polished.

One reason why proofreading is crucial for your volunteer resume is that it is the first point of contact between you and a potential organisation. A poorly written resume may give the hiring manager the impression that you are unprofessional or may not respect their time. Conversely, a well-polished resume may demonstrate to the hiring manager that you are thorough, efficient, and detail-oriented – qualities that are highly desirable in a volunteer.

B. How to Edit Your Volunteer Resume

To ensure that your volunteer resume is as polished and professional as possible, follow these tips:

• Give yourself enough time to review your resume: Create your resume early enough to allow ample time for proofreading. It’s best to take a break between composure and editing so that you’ll approach your content with fresh eyes.
• Read your resume out loud: Sometimes, our brain sees what we want to see when we read on the screen, and we may miss mistakes. Reading your content aloud helps you pick up on errors easier.
• Check grammar, spelling, and punctuation: Ensure that your grammar, spelling and punctuation are accurate, and there are no errors. You may use grammar checker tools like Grammarly to help you with this task.
• Get a second opinion from someone else: Sometimes, it can be helpful to get feedback from others to get a new perspective. A fresh set of eyes may notice errors or see things that you might have missed.
• Use keywords: Polish your content by including relevant keywords that highlight your experience, skills and knowledge.

C. Why You Should Avoid Common Mistakes

Making common errors in your volunteer resume can negatively affect your chances of landing your dream volunteer opportunity. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Spelling and grammatical errors: These errors can make a hiring manager question your attention to detail and professionalism.
• Neglecting to highlight your relevant experience: When writing about your past experiences, be sure to virtualize them to demonstrate their relevance for the role.

Cover Letter Tips for Your Volunteer Resume

As a volunteer, you may not think that a cover letter is necessary for your resume. However, including a well-written cover letter can set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate your communication and writing skills.

A. The Importance of Including a Cover Letter

A cover letter allows you to introduce yourself to potential volunteer coordinators and explain why you are interested in the organization and position. It also provides an opportunity to highlight any relevant skills or experiences that may not be immediately apparent on your resume. A personalized cover letter shows that you are invested in the volunteer opportunity and have taken the time to research the organization and its mission.

B. Best Practices for Writing an Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter

When writing a cover letter for a volunteer position, it is important to keep in mind that the goal is not to simply rehash what is already on your resume, but rather to showcase your writing skills and enthusiasm for the opportunity. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Address the cover letter to a specific person, if possible.
• Use a professional and concise format, and avoid using overly casual language.
• Customize the letter for each specific role and organization.
• Highlight your relevant skills and experiences, particularly those that align with the organization’s mission.
• Show your enthusiasm and passion for the role and the organization.

C. Cover Letter Example

Dear [Volunteer Coordinator’s Name],

As a longtime supporter of [Organization’s Name], I was thrilled to see the recent opening for a volunteer position as [Role Name] posted on your website. I have long admired the work that your organization does, particularly in the area of [Insert Organization’s Mission or Recent Accomplishment], and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your efforts.

After reviewing the requirements for the [Role Name] position, I believe that my background and skills make me an excellent fit for the role. As a recent graduate with a degree in [Related Field], I have gained experience in [Skill or Experience Relevant to Role or Organization]. Additionally, I have volunteered with [Related Field or Organization] over the past [Time Frame], where I have honed my [Skill or Experience Relevant to Role or Organization].

What sets me apart from other applicants, however, is my passion for [Organization’s Mission or Related Cause]. I have long been dedicated to [Specific Aspect of Organization’s Mission], and I have actively sought out opportunities to contribute to the cause. In my previous volunteer roles, I have [Specific Experience or Accomplishment], and I am eager to continue working towards [Specific Goal or Aspect of Organization’s Mission].

I would be honored to join the [Organization’s Name] team as a volunteer in the [Role Name] position.

Submitting Your Volunteer Resume

Volunteering is an excellent way to gain experience, build connections, and give back to your community. When submitting a volunteer resume, it is essential to follow these best practices to increase your chances of being accepted.

A. Reviewing the Job Description

Before submitting your volunteer resume, review the job description carefully. Make sure you understand the organization’s mission, the role’s duties and requirements, and the expectations for the volunteer position.

If possible, tailor your volunteer resume to the specific job description. Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the organization’s needs. This will help demonstrate your value and increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

B. Following Up After Submitting Your Volunteer Resume

After submitting your volunteer resume, it’s essential to follow up with the organization. Send a thank-you email within a few days of submitting your application, expressing your gratitude for considering you for the position. This will show that you are serious about the role and interested in the organization.

If you don’t hear back after a week or two, send a polite follow-up email or call to inquire about the status of your application. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the position.

C. Understanding Application Procedures

Each organization will have its unique application procedures. Some may require an online application form, while others may request a paper application or email submission. Follow the instructions carefully and ensure that you provide all of the necessary information.

Some volunteer positions may require a background check or reference checks. Make sure to submit any required documents promptly to expedite the application process.

Submitting a volunteer resume requires researching the organization, tailoring your resume to the role, following up after your submission, and understanding the application procedures. Following these tips will help you stand out to the organization and increase your chances of being selected for the volunteer position.

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How to Include Volunteer Experience on a Resume [+Examples]

Including volunteering in your resume is always a great idea. But once you've decided to do it, you unavoidably arrive at the question: how to include volunteer experience on your resume exactly?

If you do it well, it can completely elevate your resume above others. If not, it can make your resume more difficult to navigate. 

Above all else, the volunteering section of your resume is one of the few places where you can demonstrate your character . 

It shows what you care about and what you find important. It can make you look proactive, invested in your community, and even selfless. 

In other words, the volunteering section of your resume can make you irresistible to employers. So how do you make it stand out?

This guide will help you with it.

 It will also answer these pressing questions:

What is the resume volunteer experience section?

• Why should you list your volunteer experience on your resume?
• Where should you put your volunteer experience section on a resume?
• How to write one if you’re a student or a fresh graduate?
• How to write one as an experienced professional?

How to include volunteer work experience on a resume (video guide)

The volunteer experience section is the place on your resume where you mention any kind of work you do voluntarily and for free.

Not only does your volunteering work benefit your community, it also has the potential to benefit your career . It’s an excellent way to showcase those skills, strengths and motivations that would otherwise not find their way onto your resume.

For instance, are you caring and enthusiastic? These are excellent personal strengths that you might find difficult to place on a resume.

Well, now you don’t have to just write about them in your cover letter, your volunteering experience will speak for itself.

However, in order to truly nail it, you also need to know  why,  how  and  where  to write about your volunteering. And that very much depends on where you are in your career.

Why should you list volunteer experience on your resume?

So why should you include volunteering experience on your resume? Isn't having a good degree and extensive work experience enough?

There are two main reasons why you should consider volunteering and placing it on your resume. 

It will impress recruiters

For some, volunteering is  as valuable as paid work . About 41% of hiring managers consider volunteer work as valuable as paid work when evaluating candidates (according to a  LinkedIn survey ). 

Moreover, about 20% of hiring managers in the U.S. hired a candidate based on their volunteer experience.

It speaks volumes about your character

In addition to skills particular to every position, volunteer experience always shows an employer that you’re willing to get involved in your community, take initiative, and make things happen. 

In other words, volunteering shows qualities that are highly sought after in every industry.

What other personal qualities do recruiters associate with volunteering?  

• Being a people person 
• Leadership skills
• A service mindset
• Ability to work within a team 
• Being passionate about a cause
• Inner drive and motivation 
• Dependability

Where should you put your volunteer experience on a resume?

As we've already mentioned, that heavily depends on where you're in your career. When it comes to the order of the resume sections, the rule of thumb is quite simple —  the most relevant things come first. 

So if you have plenty of work experience, volunteering can be placed toward the end of your resume. However, if most of your experience so far comes from volunteering, then feel free to list it at the beginning of your CV. 

• Are you a student or a fresh graduate?  In this case, you probably lack years of work experience. This means that you should treat your volunteer experience as regular work experience. Feel free to even include your volunteer work in your work experience section.
• Are you an experienced professional?  Then you should create a separate section dedicated exclusively to your volunteer work. But if you had a volunteer job that’s highly relevant to the job you’re applying for, consider mentioning it in your work experience section.

So, how to list it on your resume in both scenarios?

How to list volunteer experience if you’re a student or a fresh graduate?

Most recruiters see volunteer experience similarly to paid  work experience  anyway. Just because you didn’t get paid, it doesn’t mean you didn’t do a good job.

And since you don’t have extensive paid work experience to lean on, treat your volunteering just like a job that you got paid for doing. 

List your volunteering role/s as you would full-time paid jobs:

• Place it in the section towards the beginning of your resume , right beneath your  education section . 
• If you have more volunteering experiences,  list them in reverse-chronological order  (place the newest experience at the top). 
• Include details about each volunteering gig : place, organization, dates, relevant tasks you undertook, and skills you’ve learned. 

Pro tip:  Be specific rather than vague. Don’t only list your responsibilities, but also mention your accomplishments. Instead of writing  “Volunteered for a university magazine” , say  “Wrote 28 articles for a university magazine” . See the difference?

Below is a great example.

Student resume volunteering sample

Look at how the following student resume sample incorporates volunteering. Pay attention to how Gia, even though she was still a student, managed to fill her whole resume with valuable experiences. 

She correctly included internships in the work experience section. And as she had plenty of them, she wisely placed volunteering in a separate section for it to stand out.

The rest was easy — all she had to do is fill in the dates, location, name of the organization she volunteered for, and responsibilities she’s had. 

How to list volunteer experience if you’re a seasoned professional?

Volunteering is a great addition to your resume even if you’re a seasoned professional.

• This is true  especially if the volunteering experience is related to the job you’re applying for , it lasted for a while, or majorly shaped your personality or professional path in a major way. In this case, you may want to highlight the volunteering section or place it closer to the top of the resume. Alternatively, you can place the most prominent volunteering experience in the work section.
• On the other hand,  even if the volunteering experience wasn’t as extensive or didn’t relate to your career , it’s not a problem. In this case, you may want to consider placing it near the end of your resume. 

Either way, when describing volunteering, try to be specific and list your  key achievements  in the same way you do with your work experience. 

For instance, if you volunteer as a Blood Bank Officer, instead of writing  “Administration and control of the blood bank” , write  “Administered 7 blood drives with 350+ donors for the Red Cross and Armed Services Blood Programs.”

Alternatively, you can just briefly mention where you volunteer and what you do.

Take a look at the resume sample below to see how! 

Seasoned professional volunteering resume sample

Volunteer work: one more piece of resume advice

• Relate it to your skills.  If you gained or improved some skills through your volunteer work, include these in the description. Pay special attention to those skills that match the job description.
• Use action verbs.  Make your volunteer section even more powerful and appealing. This helps the hiring manager understand your skillset and see you as a dedicated member of the team.
• Stay positive.  Focus on how you’re helping the community rather than the negative aspects that you’d like to change.
• Use quantifiable achievements , if possible. It always makes you look more accomplished. 
• Use volunteering to fill in the gaps.  If you found yourself jobless for a while, volunteering during this period can easily cover the unwanted resume gap. 
• Be careful when writing about religious or political volunteering , you may be unfairly rejected if the recruiter isn't fond of your values.
• Put it in context. Explain the issues or challenges the community or organization you volunteered with was facing, and how your role contributed to addressing these. This gives potential employers a clearer picture of your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
• Don't underestimate soft skills. Volunteering often helps individuals develop interpersonal, communication or leadership skills. Highlight these soft skills as they are valued by employers and can set you apart.
• Personalize your experiences. Instead of simply listing your volunteer activities, share a brief story or specific instance where you made a significant impact. This humanizes your experiences and can make your resume more memorable.

Find out your resume score!

Do you have a LinkedIn profile filled with all the important details, including your academic background, skills, experience, and qualifications? You can easily  turn it into a polished resume with just one click.

What to avoid when writing about your volunteering experience on your resume?

Don’t include information that's too outdated. If you’re in your 30s and write about volunteering that you did during your high school years, the recruiter will know that you have no new experiences to lean on. In other words, keep your resume relevant and up to date. 

What are the most common forms of volunteering found on resumes?

Fundraising, followed by teaching and serving food.

Should I talk about church volunteering on my resume?

This topic requires some delicacy. In general, it's advised not to disclose information about your race, religion, or orientation on your resume in order to avoid being discriminated against.

This means it's better to think twice before openly disclosing your church activities. On the other hand, there's a chance that you're applying for a position that's affiliated with the church, or a position that requires volunteering experience. In that case, be the judge of the situation and include everything that you think could give you an advantage over other candidates.

Should I include one-time volunteering activities on my resume or only long-term commitments?

It largely depends on the nature of the activity. If it was a meaningful, one-time event where you gained or demonstrated significant skills or made a notable impact, it might be worth including. However, a long-term commitment generally demonstrates dedication and sustained interest, which can impress employers.

If I have extensive volunteering experience, should I create a separate section for it on my resume or include it in my work experience section?

If you have considerable volunteering experience, it's recommended to create a separate 'Volunteer Experience' section. This allows you to showcase your social responsibility, leadership, and other skills obtained from volunteering. If the volunteering experience is limited, it's acceptable to include it under 'work experience' or 'additional experience'.

Kaja Jurčišinová

Kaja Jurcisinova is a fresh graduate and a junior copywriter at Kickresume. Kaja completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of St Andrews in 2018 and graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen in 2021. She was an intern at multiple cultural institutions across Europe, including the Dutch Museum Association in Amsterdam, the Matter of Art Biennale in Prague, and the European Cultural Centre in Venice. At the moment, she resides in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

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Tips for Adding Volunteer Work on Your Resume (With Examples)

Posted on 15 jan 2024, updated on 15 jan 2024.

Understanding how to put volunteer work on a resume can transform your job application from standard to standout. It's a strategic approach to showcase your skills and dedication beyond the workplace. Whether you're a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional, adding volunteer work is an excellent way to differentiate yourself from other applicants. It speaks volumes about your character and values, providing a fuller picture of who you are as a candidate.

In the competitive job market, the goal is to get your resume notice d. Embrace the opportunity to highlight these volunteer experiences, and watch as they open doors to new and exciting career possibilities! In this guide, we offer insights on how to effectively incorporate this experience and outline the do's and don'ts to make sure your resume makes a strong impression.

How to Add Volunteer Experience to Your Resume

Integrating volunteer work into your resume requires a thoughtful approach to ensure it complements your professional experiences and skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add this valuable experience:

1. Identify the Relevant Volunteer Work

Start by reviewing your volunteer experiences and identifying those most relevant to the job you're applying for. This relevance could be in terms of the skills used or developed, the industry, or the role’s similarities to your target job.

Example: If you're applying for a marketing position and you've managed social media campaigns for a non-profit, this experience is highly relevant.

Sample Resume Entry:

Volunteer Literacy Tutor, Community Center, Sep 2019 - Jun 2021Volunteer Social Media Manager, Local Animal Shelter, Jan 2020 - Dec 2020 Developed and implemented social media strategy, increasing Facebook and Instagram followers by 40%

2. Decide Where to Place It on Your Resume

Deciding the optimal place for your volunteer work on your resume is crucial. If it's closely related to your career goals, include it in the work experience section, formatted similarly to your other professional experiences. For less-related volunteer work, a separate volunteer experience section towards the end of your resume is more suitable.

If you're unsure how to include community service on your resume, considering resume writing services can be of great help. These services have expertise in resume structuring and can guide you in highlighting your volunteer work to complement your professional narrative.

Example if Related to Career Goals: Applying for a teaching position and you've volunteered as a literacy tutor

Conducted weekly one-on-one reading sessions, improving students' reading levels by an average of two grades

Example for Unrelated Volunteer Work: Volunteer work at a food bank, while applying for a tech job

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE May 2018 - Aug 2019 | Volunteer City Food Bank Coordinated food distribution to 200+ families weekly, enhancing organizational and teamwork skills

3. Format Your Volunteer Experience

Whether you're including it in the work experience section or as a separate entity, format your volunteer experience like any other job. Include the position title (adding 'Volunteer' before the title if necessary), the organization's name, the dates of your involvement, and a few bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements.

Example: Volunteer event coordinator for a local charity

Volunteer Event Coordinator, Health Charity, Mar 2019 - Present Managed annual fundraising events, raising over $50,000 and increasing attendance by 25%

4. Highlight Your Achievements and Skills

How do you write about charity work on your resume? Rather than just listing duties, focus on what you’ve accomplished in your volunteer role. Did you organize events, raise funds, or lead a team? These achievements demonstrate your initiative and leadership skills. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments where possible, such as the number of event attendees or the amount of funds raised.

Example: Led a team of volunteers in a community clean-up project

Team Leader, Neighborhood Clean-Up, Jul 2019 Spearheaded a team of 15 volunteers, collecting over 500 pounds of litter, demonstrating leadership and organizational skills

5. Provide Context Where Necessary

Sometimes, a brief explanation of your volunteer work can enhance its impact. For instance, if you volunteered abroad, a sentence about the skills and cultural understanding you gained can be very insightful.

Example: Volunteered abroad to teach English

English Teacher Volunteer, Thailand, Oct 2018 - Dec 2018 Taught English to a class of 30 students, enhancing cross-cultural communication and adaptability skills

Do’s and Don’ts When Adding Volunteer Experience To Your Resume

Now that you know how to put charity work on a resume, let's focus on key do's and don'ts. These are crucial for fine-tuning your resume's volunteer section, polishing your presentation, and making your volunteer experience stand out effectively.

● DO Connect Volunteer Work to Job Relevance. Always tie any volunteer experience to the job you're applying for by emphasizing the skills and experiences gained that align with the role.

● DO Quantify Your Achievements. Whenever possible, use numbers and data to quantify your impact.

● DO Format Correctly. Follow the same format as your work experience, with clear titles, organization names, dates, and concise descriptions of your roles and achievements.

● DON’T Overload Your Resume with Irrelevant Volunteer Work. If the volunteer experience doesn’t add any value or skills to the job you're applying for, it's better to leave it out.

● DON’T Misrepresent Your Role. Honesty is crucial. Overstating your role can lead to credibility issues if cross-checked by employers.

● DON’T Include Volunteering That Conflicts with the Job's Values. Align your volunteer work with the company's culture, since incompatible volunteer experiences can raise concerns about fit. That being said, consider applying only to organizations that align with your values.

Why Should You List Volunteer Work on Your Resume?

Volunteer work isn't just a noble pursuit; it's a treasure trove of experiences that can significantly enrich your resume. When considering whether to include volunteer work on your resume, look at the benefits it offers. Volunteer experiences show potential employers that you're community-minded and possess a range of transferable skills.

For individuals with limited work experience, learning how to include community service on a resume is an opportunity to demonstrate your involvement in organizational goals. It reassures hiring managers of your practical capabilities, such as punctuality and reliability, even without an extensive formal work history.

Moreover, volunteer work can effectively bridge employment gaps, showcasing continuous engagement and skill development even during periods of formal unemployment. It's also an opportunity to highlight skills that are not evident from your paid employment. For instance, an accountant known for working with numbers might demonstrate excellent writing skills through volunteer activities, such as drafting donation thank-you letters.

The bottom line is that including volunteer work on your resume can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview by presenting a well-rounded, skill-diverse, and socially responsible profile.

Enhance Your Resume with Volunteer Experiences

Learning how to put volunteer work on your resume can be a powerful tool for showcasing your skills, values, and commitment to potential employers. By thoughtfully selecting, formatting, and tailoring your volunteer experiences, you create a resume that not only reflects your professional qualifications but also your character and societal contributions. Remember, a well-rounded resume opens doors to new opportunities and helps you stand out in a competitive job market.

For more practical resume-boosting advice, continue exploring career tips that help you navigate your professional path with confidence!

• 7 seconds: this is how long your resume has either to impress or be ignored by the recruiter
• 300+: average number of applications one corporate job opening posted online receives
• 3%: number of sent resumes that result in interviews

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How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume

Volunteer work can be a great addition to a resume. Here’s how to showcase your volunteering experience to give you the edge in your job search.

3 years ago   •   9 min read

Common job-seeking wisdom holds that volunteering can be a great way to gain experience in your chosen field. And it is — as long as you know how (and when) to show it on your resume.

Everything on your resume should be about showing why you’re a good fit for a job. If volunteer work strengthens your candidacy, then by all means, you should include it. If it doesn’t, it’s okay to leave it off, even if it feels relevant.

Should you include volunteer work on a resume?

The short answer is yes — volunteer work can absolutely belong on your resume. Volunteer experience shows that you have a genuine interest in a particular field or issue. It also shows initiative and the willingness to go above and beyond what’s required, which employers love. If the volunteer work is in the same industry as the one you’re applying to, even better!

If you’re a student, recent graduate, or career changer, you may not have a lot of relevant paid experience. Volunteer work gives you the opportunity to highlight your skills, whether these are common transferrable skills or a specific skill set that your paid experience doesn’t show.

Think outside the box when it comes to volunteer work. This could include working with startups and non-profits, or even unpaid internships. If it demonstrates relevant skills or experience, it belongs on your resume.

How to include volunteer experience on a resume

Here are three different ways you can include volunteer work on a resume:

In your work experience section

• Create a section for work experience at the top of your resume.
• Title the section clearly , e.g. 'Work and Volunteering Experience' or 'Professional and Volunteer Experience.'
• List all of your experience — both paid and volunteer — in chronological order, with the most recent experience first.
• List your job title as 'Volunteer', or by using the standard job title and adding (Volunteer) at the end.
• List 3-6 accomplishments in bullet point format.
• Don't worry if your volunteer experience and paid experience overlap — if you've labeled your volunteer work, employers will understand that this was something you did part-time while you were also working.

Here's an example of what that might look like when you're done:

In a separate volunteer experience section

• Create a section titled 'Volunteering Experience.'
• Include this section above your work experience section if your volunteer work is your most recent and relevant experience, or below your work experience section if it's just an additional section you want to highlight.
• List the name of the organization you volunteered for as the employer .
• List your job title as 'Volunteer [Position Name]' or simply 'Volunteer.'
• Include the dates that you volunteered. You can specify if this was part-time, but you don't need to.
• List your experience chronologically, with the most recent role at the top.
• Include 1-2 bullet accomplishments in bullet point format. If you don't have a lot of paid work experience and volunteer work makes up the bulk of your resume, you can increase that to 3-6 bullet points.

Once you're done with the above steps, here's what the volunteering section could look like on your resume:

In an additional information section

• Create a section at the bottom of your resume.
• Title the section 'Other' or 'Additional Information.'
• Create a 'Volunteering' subheading (optional).
• List your volunteer experience briefly on a single line.

An additional information section is short — here's an example of what it could look like if you have followed the above steps:

Want to see what volunteer work on your resume should look like in action? Keep scrolling for a sample resume and text-based examples you can copy and paste.

Sample volunteer resume

Here's an example of a resume of someone who has predominantly completed volunteering roles during her career.

A simple way to indicate that the roles involved volunteering is to use the word, "Volunteer," in the job titles itself.

Volunteer experience examples for your resume

Stuck on what accomplishments to list under your volunteer work? Here are a few examples.

• Founded the first ever 'Business Series' to organize finance training for 500 students.
• Organized and advertised 10+ quarterly networking events with 300+ participants in 3 cities in California.
• Introduced online platform enabling donations from city residents; secured $10,000 additional funding.
• Presented pitch to XYZ; awarded Frist Prize out of 50+ teams.
• Designed, executed, and optimized digital marketing campaign on Google AdWords; led to 20% increase in ROI.
• Created content and copy for social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) and email newsletter; assessed customer response to create targeted messaging and inform future content; social media following grew 125%+ organically.
• Generated 12,000 unique users, 30,000 page views, and 2000+ newsletter signups in 3 weeks by successfully leveraging social media advertising (Facebook and Instagram).
• Organized and conducted monthly meetings with city council executives and other community leaders to raise funds for opening schools and disabled children.
• Generated 50+ donors through cold call sales and systematic email outreach; qualified leads based on industry and location.
• Managed the launch of a new booking system to improve organization of events; system now used across university.

Related : How To Add Volunteer Experience to LinkedIn

When to include volunteer work in your resume

If you don’t have a lot of work experience.

If you’re new to the workforce , your resume may still be under one page even with all of your paid work experience and internships . In that case, including volunteer work is a good way of demonstrating your skills and work ethic . In this case, it’s best to list your volunteer experience alongside your paid work experience, rather than in a separate section, as it’s likely to make up a decent chunk of your work history.

If you don’t have enough relevant paid experience

Volunteer work can be a great way to break into a new field, especially as a career changer . It shows that you’re serious about making the move and can give you relevant experience to talk about in a cover letter or interview. If your volunteer experience is more relevant to the new industry than your professional experience, you’ll want to include it in the main body of your resume, with your most recent experience on top.

If you have gaps in your resume

Rightly or wrongly, a lot of employers see gaps of more than a few months in a resume as a red flag. If you’ve spent part of this time volunteering, it’s a good idea to include that work chronologically on your resume to show how you’ve been spending your time.

If you want to highlight your volunteer experience

If you have extensive volunteering experience with different organizations and you want to showcase that, you might want to create a separate section on your resume for volunteer work.

If you do this, you should structure your volunteer work in the same way you would any paid experience, with clear bullet points focusing on achievements rather than responsibilities . “Raised $5,000 for wildlife rehabilitation” is specific and measurable; “ responsible for fundraising activities” is too vague.

If you want to find out if your volunteer experience is structured the right way on your resume, upload it to the tool below . It’ll also let you know if your bullet points are action oriented and show quantifiable achievements.

What if your volunteering experience isn’t relevant?

Highlight transferrable skills.

There is still an argument for including volunteer experience on your resume if it isn’t strictly relevant but still fits one of the above criteria. Volunteer work can be used to demonstrate transferrable skills, so look for ones that are particularly relevant or desirable. For example:

• Working at an event might require organizational skills , time management , teamwork, and public speaking.
• If you led a team or organized an event, even better. Leadership , project management, and communication skills are always in high demand.
• If your work was more backstage, you may have experience in data analysis, budgeting, or even marketing and social media outreach.

If you have experience in data analysis, budgeting or marketing but aren’t sure how to highlight these skills or which of these skills to highlight, use the tool below to get a list of skills and keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Focus on results

Just like paid work experience, any volunteer experience you include on your resume should be summarized in well-structured bullet points. These bullet points need to be action-oriented, start with strong action verbs , and, if possible, demonstrate concrete results. For example:

• Led fundraising event for [XYZ charity] and raised over [$amount] for [benefit]
• Created social media strategy for [organization] resulting in [X amount of new followers]
• Taught [subject] to [x amount of students] with [% pass rate on final exams]
• Organized a public awareness campaign for [issue] resulting in [X amount of people attending event] and coverage in [X and Y media]

For more samples of bullet points, visit Resume Bullet Points .

When you shouldn’t include volunteer experience

Just because volunteer work can be a great thing to showcase on a resume, that doesn’t mean you always need to include it. Think of your resume like a highlights reel instead of a complete biography — everything on it needs to serve a purpose.

If it isn’t doesn’t add anything to your resume

Rule number one: Everything on your resume needs to be relevant to the job you’re applying for. If your volunteering experience isn’t relevant but you really want to include it anyway, put it in a short ‘other’ section below your work experience.

If you have extensive paid experience

Paid work experience will always have more weight than volunteer work. If you already have plenty of recent work experience that’s relevant to the position you’re applying for, there’s no need to add volunteer experience on top of that. You want the hiring manager to focus on the strongest parts of your resume, which sometimes means leaving off other things that aren’t as impressive.

If the experience is controversial

Vounteering for political or religious organizations might not matter to most employers, but to some, it could make a difference. If you're applying for a paid or volunteer position in the same field — for example, to work on a political campaign or at a related nonprofit — relevant volunteer experience can work in your favor, as it shows you have a genuine dedication to the cause. On the other hand, it might not be such a good idea to emphasize your church volunteer work if you're applying to a secular organization, or your animal rights activism if you want to work at a steakhouse. When deciding whether to list volunteer work that involves religion, politics, or protesting (especially if you've ever been arrested as a result), use your best judgment and err on the side of discretion if it doesn't feel particularly relevant.

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• • Provided counseling and support for about 50% of the displaced persons
• • Assessed the food security situation and daily dietary intake of 100+ refugee households
• • Collaborated and coordinated a group of 10 volunteers in organizing 3 events, raising a total of $20,000

4 Volunteer Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your volunteer resume should highlight your commitment to the causes you care for. It must reflect your passion and the skills you've acquired. Showcase the impact of your work and quantify it whenever possible. Don't forget to include any leadership roles or initiatives you've taken.

Resume Guide

What you’ll learn here, how to write a volunteer resume, volunteer resume formats, build an attention-grabbing header, coherent summary section & secret formula, objective that is straight to the point, volunteer experience focusing on action & contribution, must-have volunteer skills & strengths for a resume, education section in a volunteer resume, volunteer resume certificates worth mentioning, cohesive day of my life section offering authenticity, key takeaways, community organizer, hospital volunteer.

Do you want to gain volunteer experience? Or maybe you found something you believe in and desire to contribute to a cause?

Despite your selfless intentions, recruiters do not return the calls?

Don’t get upset!

Some positions require specific qualifications and an extraordinary approach. That’s why we are here to help you in your journey! Here you will learn to build a top-notch resume that highlights your best attributes and catches attention.

Follow this ultimate 2022 volunteer resume guide and achieve your goals!

• how to list volunteer work on your resume
• where to put related volunteer work for the best effect
• how to include volunteer experience using bullet points and prove to be perfect for the job
• how to choose between resume summary or objective
• what other sections will fit the volunteer resume, and how to build them

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

William Shakespeare

Remember this quote because it’s the basis of what we are about to discuss here.

The idea of the volunteer resume is to show how you can give away your:

Yes, you might want to volunteer to add experience to your resume when applying for college or else. And that’s okay!

However, you should take a human-centered approach and prove to the recruiters that you can indeed:

• help people be one step closer to their dreams
• contribute to a specific cause that will make the world a better place

How are you going to do it? 

Firstly, you have better tailor all resume sections to the volunteer position.

That’s a must!

Secondly, you should prove to recruiters that you could apply all you’ve learned from college or professional experience.

Focus on skills and strengths like empathy and communication that directly benefit people.

Describe how you will contribute to the cause you chose.

It’s needless to point out that self motivation is crucial. 

After all, your desire to leave your mark on someone’s life is a driving force!

Continue reading and learn what volunteer resume formats will earn you extra points!

You can use these three resume formats:

• Reverse-chronological resume
• Functional resume
• Hybrid resume

The following two factors will define your choice of a resume format:

• Years of experience
• Industry experience
• Reverse-chronological resumes are a good option for candidates with a couple of years in the niche.
• Functional resumes match professionals that change careers or job seekers. However, this format is not widely popular among recruiters
• Hybrid resumes combine the best of both worlds, as they are suitable for all types of professionals-beginners and seniors.

Pay attention to the style and layout ! Here are some resume tips:

• Utilize the 12p resume font size
• Use 10’ resume margins
• If you have under 10 years of experience-use one-page resume , otherwise- two-page resume
• Check your grammar and spelling
• Focus on the PDF format

If you want to get the interview call, you should add References and Languages !

Top resume sections:

• The Summary section introduces you as an individual, lists your qualities and skills and reveals the cause you believe in
• Your expertise is a clear sign of whether you will fit a specific volunteer position
• Skills and strengths show how you could contribute to the volunteer program
• Decent education is a bonus
• References from reputable figures also add more credibility to your resume

What recruiters want to see:

• What do you believe in? How can you make the world a better place?
• How could you put your knowledge acquired from school/college into practice?
• What are your personality traits? Does helping people give you pleasure?
• What are your goals? Do you apply to be a volunteer to add experience to your resume? Or do you have other motives?
• Are you a self-motivated person? How do you act in difficult situations? Are you capable of working in a team?

It’s unbelievable how many people build their resume header wrong.

They rush to skip the “no brainer” section and focus on the content.

However, if you do not introduce personal information and contacts, you might miss the train to success.

Here are some tips on what to include in your header to make a positive impression on recruiters:

• Try to use the same name on all your social platforms: if you put Jonathan in your resume, avoid writing “Johnny” in your LinkedIn profile
• Always write down your job title: try to add volunteer positions that are relevant to the one you are applying for
• List the phone number that you use most
• Include a professional email address: it’s preferable to contain your first and last/middle name
• Web portfolio address or LinkedIn profile that will provide evidence of your previous volunteer experience
• Accurate location: do not lie about your address because this might cause only troubles

These are two examples: one wrong and one right. Analyze them carefully and build an attention-grabbing header!

2 Volunteer resume header examples

It is scientifically proven that people always remember the first and the last sentence of each discussion, monologue, or text.

Therefore, the Summary section is worth your attention.

Your introduction should convey the feeling of confidence, self motivation and empathy.

Thus, you can describe your skills and experience and outline how they will help you contribute to your cause.

You can follow this simple but quite effective formula when building your volunteer summary section:

• Mention the years and field of experience supported with favorable adjectives
• Use quantitative data to describe your duties and responsibilities
• Add skills that you excelled in, tailored to the job description
• Include achievements, awards, or similar recognitions from authoritative institutions and people
• Finish the summary with a sentence saying what you are looking for

If you follow these steps, you can expect a return call from recruiters soon!

Take notes and be careful when writing yours!

2 Volunteer resume summary examples

The following sample is not that bad, but it’s far from impressive.

There is no quantitative data and nothing specific at all.

Such a wrong approach might cost you the job interview, so avoid:

• Mediocre sentences like starting with “I”
• Vague and general information without proven facts
• Adding skills or duties irrelevant to the job offer

The volunteer summary above is 10 out of 10! Nothing short of success! Don’t try to be “extravagant” and follow the steps we provided for you! You will be mesmerized by what simplicity might do for you!

Let’s set the difference between volunteer summary and objective:

In the summary section, you can include achievements, education, skills and an explanation of why you are the right candidate.

On the other hand, the objective is more straight to the point.

It is a brief statement that communicates your career goals: the job and the skills you want to acquire.

It’s preferable also to add your experience backed up with facts and quantitative data.

Here is a coherent example of an objective that speaks volumes:

Believe it or not, you should treat the volunteer experience just like a job!

You don’t have the right to describe irrelevant details that offer no value.

Your bullet point should show determination and self motivation.

That’s how you will prove to recruiters that you are on the right track.

To take the right approach and prove your contribution, you should:

• Describe your duties using proven facts, action verbs and numbers
• Emphasize activities and projects that you personally led and organized
• Mention what soft/hard skills you acquired and how you utilized them
• Use high-performance metrics and do not hesitate to add references or recognitions

It’s essential to follow these 4 to describe your volunteering efficiently.

Do not forget to tailor all the bullet points to the job description!

Recruiters search for candidates with relevant expertise to maximize the project outcomes.

If you lack creativity now, ask yourself questions and answer them:

What were my responsibilities? How did I excel in them?

How did I manage to cope with stress in the dynamic environment?

How did communication and empathy help me build trust in people?

Was I recognized for my contributions? Did I get positive feedback? By whom?

Follow this advice and show to recruiters admirable volunteer resume experience!

Volunteer resume experience examples

• • Provided patient education
• • Received positive feedback and praises
• • Participated in fundraisers and organized events
• • Monitored a lot of patients

One word, 8 symbols:

Unfortunately, this applicant has no idea how to list and describe their previous experience.

Thank God you ran into our volunteer guide and learned how to write it!

Prove us right and take notes from the following well-built Experience section!

• • Provided patient education sessions twice per week
• • Received 98% positive feedback from patients and was highly praised by the hospital manager
• • Participated in 3 fundraisers and organized 3 events to raise funds to support hospital’s innovative cancer treatment program
• • Monitored 60+ patients and ensured all medications were administered on time

Attention! If your volunteer experience is relevant to the position you are applying for, include it in the Experience section. Otherwise, if you mention it to fill the resume gaps, use it as a separate Volunteering section.

Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.

H. Jackson Brown Jr., American Author

The meaning behind this quote should be your maxim.

Yes, you should balance your soft and hard skills and tailor them to the job description.

Nevertheless, if your abilities do not correspond to giving value, they are useless.

Remember that volunteering is all about the people you help.

Then, you should offer skills that match these vital criteria.

5 Volunteer Hard Skills:

• Microsoft Office
• Physical Fitness
• Good Memory
• Foreign Languages
• Basic Computer Skills

5 Volunteer Soft Skills:

• Interpersonal Skills
• Self-Motivation
• Customer Service

The Strengths section is an amazing opportunity to stand out from the competition .

Here you could list your talents or the skills you excelled.

Then, you can back them up with examples or quantitative data.

Of course, it’s crucial to focus on strengths related to the job description and focus on positive personality traits.

If you are a skilled professional with deep expertise, there is no need to add bullet points in the Education section .

However, if you are a freshman or a youngster with little to no experience, you need to stand out.

You must show how your school/college prepares you to apply your skills in a real-life situation.

Here are 4 vital steps to follow when describing your education:

• Write down what skills you acquired and how you applied them in your experience
• Mention some high-performance metrics you achieved and back them up with numbers
• Show self motivation and positive personality traits: volunteering focuses on helping people
• Add GPA (higher than 3.5), references from your tutors, or other achievements 

Below are listed the most common volunteer certifications in the USA.

It’s easy to declare that all of them indicate self motivation.

However, try to include these certificates only if relevant to the job offer.

Thus, you increase your chances of getting hired by at least 50%.

Top volunteer certificates for your resume:

• ManageFirst
• Learn2Serve
• Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)
• Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (cHAP)

Time management is crucial when it comes to taking serious responsibilities.

The “Day of My Life” section is a cohesive way to prove you are an organized and dedicated candidate.

However, many applicants repeat the same mistake.

They build the diagram without including the time they would spend on volunteering.

Such action would make the whole section pointless.

Take your time, decide how much of your time you could give away on volunteering and add it to the diagram.

• Use action verbs and quantitative data to support every section of your resume, especially your experience
• Focus on positive personality traits and describe how you want to contribute to the cause you believe in
• Tailor your soft and hard skills to the volunteer position. Emphasize self motivation, communication and organization
• Add a Day of My Life section, References, or Strengths to build trust in recruiters

Volunteer resume examples

Explore additional volunteer resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Looking to build your own Volunteer resume?

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5 Volunteer Resume Examples That Got the Job in 2024

Volunteer Resume

• Volunteer Resumes by Role
• Write Your Volunteer Resume

You’re compassionate, determined, and dedicated. As a volunteer, you offer up your skills and your time to improve other people’s lives, be it by assisting them during a difficult time or by helping nonprofits change the world.

Volunteering can be a fulfilling experience and a great way to learn if you’re new to a particular job or industry. However, to improve your chances of being picked, you’ll still need an effective resume.

We’ve analyzed hundreds of listings and applications to craft our secret recipe for the perfect resume. Check out our volunteer resume examples and resume tips to accurately highlight your many qualities. While you’re at it, try our AI cover letter generator for a complete application.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• In this volunteer resume, John proves his compassion for serving the homeless and the hungry. You also want to take this path and prove how much you have participated in helping the vulnerable in society.

Hospital Volunteer Resume

• For example, Emily’s hospital volunteer resume shows how involved she was in the physical and mental well-being of patients: helping in their fitness journeys, offering companionship, educating them on medical conditions, and contributing to their holistic healing. Follow this example; it is a sure way to stand out as an applicant.

Volunteer Coordinator Resume

• For instance, this volunteer coordinator resume revealed how the applicant conducted satisfaction surveys to ensure both parties were satisfied. Be sure to prove how well you can manage both groups to enhance contentment from everyone involved.

Church Volunteer Resume

• Clever accentuations in your church volunteer resume ensure recruiters don’t miss those feats that loudly speak for your prowess. As for the how, bold and underline a phrase per bullet point group. If underlining doesn’t tickle your fancy, italicizing fits the bill.

Community Volunteer Resume

• Suppose you’ve served as a tutor and a volunteer. Let your career objective enlighten how these stints equipped you for the community volunteer role. You must also affirm your aspirations for the role, but not without exploring the job ad or the hiring company’s website to learn the employer’s needs.

Related resume examples

• Production Assistant
• Research Assistant
• Administrative Assistant
• Office Assistant
• Virtual Assistant

Adjust Your Volunteer Resume to Impress the Target Audience

Volunteering comes in many shapes and forms, but the one universal thing that unites all volunteers is empathy. In a busy world filled with problems, you’re willing to dedicate your time and care to the benefit of others, free of charge, and that’s impressive. However, simply listing “empathy” on your resume will not do the trick—we need to go deeper than that.

Make sure to tailor your application to each job description . For instance, if you’re a healthcare administrator applying to volunteer at a hospital, you might want to emphasize skills like knowledge of various EMR systems or database management. 

On the other hand, if you want to volunteer at an animal shelter, skills like sanitation protocols or dog training techniques will come in handy. 

Need some inspiration?

15 popular volunteer skills

• Cultural Awareness
• Ethical Decision-Making
• Microsoft Office
• Google Workspace
• Fundraising
• Problem-Solving
• Volunteer Management
• Event Coordination
• Data Management
• Social Media

Your volunteer work experience bullet points

Approaching the “ work experience ” section can be done in two ways if you’re applying for a volunteer position. 

First, focus on relevant experience in the field you’re applying to. For instance, if you want to volunteer as a paralegal, talk about your background in law. Second, if the position is less specialized, it’s a great idea to mention instances of volunteering or working with people regardless of the industry.

Regardless of the type of volunteering you’re applying for, make sure to add some metrics to this section to quantify your impact. This is especially impressive in a volunteer position because everything you do serves a great purpose.

• Express your ability to help others by discussing things like satisfaction ratings or the number of people under your care.
• Emphasize your effective fundraising efforts by mentioning campaigns and donation drives, the amount of money raised, or improved audience engagement.
• Include metrics that are relevant to your industry; for instance, if you’re a psychologist working with people with substance abuse disorders, include the number of patients who are in recovery.
• Discuss the overall success of your efforts with metrics such as raising awareness, improving inventory tracking, or streamlining volunteer coordination.

See what we mean?

• Developed and maintained a database of homeless individuals using Salesforce, improving tracking of services provided and outcomes achieved by 48%
• Conducted Zoom video calls for patient consultations and achieved a 97% satisfaction rate from patients
• Offered compassionate support to hospital patients, enhancing the quality of their stay by 78%
• Recruited, trained, and managed a team of 16 volunteers, ensuring consistent and reliable support for senior companionship

9 active verbs to start your volunteer work experience bullet points

• Coordinated
• Spearheaded

3 Tips for Writing a Volunteer Resume With No Prior Experience

• Volunteering almost always involves working with people to some extent, and sometimes, all you may need is a smile on your face. Discuss any and all instances of working with people to prove that you’re a joy to be around.
• Even the most minor experiences in volunteer work can be helpful when applying for a new volunteer placement. Perhaps you used to visit the local shelter to walk the dogs, or you’ve helped a senior neighbor with groceries every week? Include these work experiences to emphasize your empathy.
• Certain volunteer jobs may have legal requirements, and if you’re able to meet them right off the bat, you’ll be one step ahead of other candidates. As an example, working in a soup kitchen will call for ServSafe certification. Do some research and check whether the job needs any certification, and if you have it, display it in your resume.

3 Tips for Writing a Volunteer Resume if You Have an Extensive Background

• Lending your specialized skills and knowledge to an organization can often be life-changing, so don’t be afraid to discuss your professional background in a relevant field. For example, if you’re applying to volunteer as a caregiver to people with dementia, discuss how you used to care for patients with Alzheimer’s in the past.
• Volunteering often involves some form of fundraising or getting the community fired up to join and help. If you’re an experienced volunteer, talk about times when you organized successful donation events, charity auctions, or donations of services and goods to help the cause.
• If you have a background as a volunteer coordinator, make sure to include it in your resume. Similarly, if you’ve previously worked in managerial roles, this is a great thing to mention, as coordinating groups of volunteers is an invaluable skill for many nonprofits.

Keep your resume concise—a single page will suffice. Focus on past work experiences and job skills that are most relevant to the job and volunteering in general, such as customer service or caregiving.

That’s alright—everyone has to start somewhere. Fill your resume with instances of working with people, be that at school, at a part-time gig, or a full-time job. 

Including a career objective can be a good way to do this. It lets you mention the organization, foundation, or company by name and express why you’re a good fit for this particular volunteer opportunity.

The Best Way to Write Up Your Volunteer Work on Your Resume

When you write a resume , you’re doing it to show your potential employer why you’re perfect for the role.

When you include details like your skills , education , and professional experience you’re showing exactly why you should get invited in for an interview.

• How do we handle voluntary roles on a resume?
• How to add volunteer experience to a resume?
• Where does this valuable experience end up?

Stress no more, we’ve got all the answers you’re looking for.

Check out these tips and examples we’ve put together so you can be confident listing your amazing volunteer work, and even learn why it’s a valuable addition to your document.

What is classed as volunteer experience?

If you’ve worked or given your time for free , then it’s volunteer experience that you can include on your resume.

Maybe you’ve organized a local blood drive or offered support services at a local homeless shelter, or you’ve done pro bono work in your professional capacity, or completed internships in international volunteer programs.

It all counts, and the more altruistic the cause, the better it’s going to look on your resume volunteer experience.

You can even use volunteer experience to show your achievements that match the job you’re applying for.

So you can see the diverse range of activities that count as volunteer experience, check out this list of examples:

• Volunteering at your local church’s child care group or outreach programs demonstrates leadership and ability to organize people
• Caring for animals at a local shelter means that you are compassionate, responsible, and good-natured
• Helping people at a nursing home will let a hiring manager know you’re a kind, responsible person who can come to the aid of a colleague, show patience, care and the ability to show organizational skills
• When you serve food or provide practical support at a homeless shelter you’re demonstrating that you are responsive, kind, stress-resistant and executive person
• Running a kid’s reading club or organizing a book circle at your community library proves that you’ve got organizational skills

Get ahead of the game and prepare your resume in minutes. Find a template and fill in your details; it’s that simple. We’ve got plenty of resume templates that are good to go to get your professional resume whipped into shape in short order. Select template 👈

Why include volunteer work on a resume?

You might be wondering, do you need volunteer experience on a resume ?

To start with…

Including your volunteer experience could mean the difference between you or the next candidate landing the job

No matter how much high-level, professional experience you’ve got under your belt, voluntary work is always a great addition to your story. These activities can allow your personality and ethics to shine through.

If you need more convincing, here are more reasons why your volunteer positions belong on your resume:

• You can highlight your transferable skills being put into action when you’re moving across industries
• Gaps in your resume can be given some meaning and detail when you’ve taken a break to travel and volunteer at a local humanitarian organization or charity
• Add skills and real-world experience even when you’ve not had paid work, like when you’re fresh out of high school or college
• When you’ve been a community leader but not led a workforce, you can still show what you’re capable of by showing your volunteer work

Think of it like this…

When you add your volunteer work to your resume, future employers can get a more rounded picture of you, what you’re interested in and what you’re able to do , as well as see you’re willing to work hard even without having prior professional experience.

As well as showing you’re engaged in your community and the world around you, there are piles of other benefits associated with being a volunteer. You can make your soft skills shine, like leadership, compassion, motivation, teamwork, and plenty more besides.

Pro-Tip If you’re looking to establish a career in academia or in the nonprofit sector, volunteer roles will demonstrate your commitment and are highly valued in these areas.

Where does volunteer experience go on a resume?

Now you know why you should be writing about your volunteer experience, now it’s time to understand how to display volunteer experience on a resume . Here’s what you need to know…

There’s no hard and fast rule about where this information can go in your resume. You need to think about what your professional experience looks like and what your current career goals are, too.

• For students and those who are freshly graduated , and without much work experience, treat your voluntary work the same as your paid work. You can list it all in your work experience section.
• When you’re an experienced professional with strong work history, make a separate section on your resume to cover your volunteer work. If you’ve volunteered in a role that relates directly to the role you want, you can add it to your work experience section.

Pro-Tip The vast majority of the time, the right place for your volunteer experience is under your “Professional Experience” section. This works great to cover gaps in employment or if you want to pull attention away from your current job role.

Listing volunteer work on your resume

Your volunteer experience should be written just like any other entry on your resume, that is with a couple of sentences explaining what you did or do at the organization and pulling out the main contributions you’ve made and big achievements in a list of bullet points.

The format for your volunteer work will look just like how you’ve structured things for your previous jobs. It’s important to note your role as a “ volunteer ” and also include any position titles like being a coordinator or leader.

Here’s an example for you to check out:

• Managed a team of 12 volunteers that groom and exercise dogs held in ASPCA Adoption Center
• Led a recruitment drive to bring in new volunteers, with voluntary hours increasing by 17% within three months
• Directed a schools outreach program to donate toys and supplies to the shelter, raising awareness of animal welfare and increasing the comfort of dogs in our care

Be sure to show the skills that you’ve earned and honed during your volunteering and make sure you tell recruiters how you’ve developed in your role.

Look at the job description and the skills they’re looking for. Organized a city event and the role is looking for you to coordinate across departments? Let them know you’ve got the experience they want!

Check out another powerful volunteer experience listing for a resume:

• Created and led activities for a troop of 15 scouts, including camping trips and community events
• Planned and executed fundraising drive through bake sales and car washes, raising over $10,000 over the six-month drive
• Supported two scouts to become troop leader within the community

Be creative!

You can think outside the box a little when you’re assigning a job title to the voluntary work that you’ve done. Make sure that you show off the work that you did whilst also omitting jargon - keep it clear for recruiters.

Maybe you showed visitors around your local wetland conservation area and you’re applying for a role in hospitality, “Volunteer Tour Guide” shows your skills and relates to the industry.

Pro-Tip When you’ve volunteered far outside the industry you work in or want to move over to, you can add a Volunteer Work section at the end of your resume if you still think your volunteering is going to differentiate you from everyone else or give a more rounded picture to hiring managers.

Hints and Tips for Listing Volunteer Work on a Resume

When you’re writing up your volunteer section, keep these things in mind:

• Make your application specific and make sure that everything you’re including directly relates to the job. Go through the job ad really carefully so you know what they want and match your skills to it. Even research more about the company and learn what they value in their team
• Pick out the important words in the job description and think about how your volunteering can match the skills they want. Using the same words as in the advert is a great way to target your application
• Proofread your work to catch any minor typos or details. They’ll be noticed by a friend as well as a recruiter, and you’re not asking a friend to hire you so get their feedback.

Pro-Tip As well as learning about your volunteer experience on a resume, you should also learn how to format other parts of your resume. Here’s an interesting article about adding your hobby and interests to your resume .

Transferable skills are easy to show off when you add your volunteering experience to your resume. It’s also a great conversation starter when you land the interview, too; you can really get into what value you can add and how driven you are.

Now you should be well versed in how to write volunteer experience on a resume and know exactly what section to put volunteer experience on a resume.

To keep things fresh in your mind, let’s cover the key takeaways one more time…

• A volunteering experience is something you’ve done for free to help others and make a contribution to the community
• Your volunteering experience is important to include on your resume; it shows off your personality, which may contribute to the role you’re applying to, as well as the skills you’ve gained during your volunteering experience
• It makes sense to include your volunteer work if it’s relevant to your job application - the hiring manager is definitely going to be impressed
• Even if it feels irrelevant to the field your applying in, it can still show off your soft skills so it can still be worth mentioning it
• Include volunteering experience in your work experience section if you’re a student or don’t have much-paid experience yet. If you’ve got a strong professional background make a separate section for volunteer work underneath the work experience section
• Don’t underestimate the power of keywords and add some relevant ones from the job advertisement to your volunteering experience description
• Make sure your volunteering experience section is well-structured, use bullet points to make it easier to read and proofread it before adding to your actual resume

Take full advantage of this chance to make a great impression and put yourself head and shoulders above everyone else on the shortlist.

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18 Résumé Writing Tips to Help You Stand Out

By  Allison Pohle

Updated May 11, 2021 2:15 pm ET

• A résumé isn’t just a list of every job you’ve ever had. It should demonstrate your accomplishments.
• Mirror language used in the job posting so your résumé isn’t discarded by an applicant tracking system.
• Use a clean and simple format. 

Companies increasingly  rely on software  to sort through applicants, which is why it is essential to tailor your résumé to ensure it makes the cut. Applicant tracking systems sort, scan and rank applicants by looking for keywords in applications. Although these programs can save time and money for employers, about 60% said such tools cause them to miss some qualified candidates, according to a 2016 survey of 1,200 job seekers and managers by CareerArc, a human-resources technology company, and Future Workplace, a research firm. Here’s how to make your résumé stand out to robots and humans alike. 

1. Highlight your achievements in your résumé. 

A common mistake job seekers make is believing a résumé is a recap of your career, when in reality, it should convey what you have accomplished, says Christy Noel, a career expert and author of “Your Personal Career Coach.” 

“I always say, spend less of your real estate describing your job, and more time describing your results,” says Ms. Noel.  

2. Customize your résumé.

Read over the job posting, and think about the work experience you have had that is most directly relevant to the position you are pursuing. You can leave out some past jobs and internships if the experience you had wasn’t related. Whatever you do: Don’t submit a generic résumé to dozens of postings. “Even if you have the best experience, if your résumé isn’t speaking directly to the position in which you are applying, there is a strong chance you’ll never even get an interview,” says Demisha Jennings, a certified professional résumé writer and founder and owner of She Assists LLC.  

The same applies to your cover letter. It is your chance to provide more detail on how your experience will help you succeed in the job.  Read our cover letter guide  for how to write one that makes you stand out.

3. Decide how to format your résumé.

Most of the time, a chronological résumé will work well for communicating your past experience. But, in some cases, a functional or hybrid résumé might be more appropriate.  Read more about résumé formats here.

4. Make your contact information easy to find.

Include your name, phone number, email address, city and state. It may also be appropriate to include the URL to your LinkedIn profile. You want it to be easy for hiring managers to reach out.

In addition to making it easy to connect with you, it is important to your job search that you grow your network.  Read our networking guide  for tips on how to do so.

5. Consider adding a summary. 

Many résumé templates leave space for an objective statement, outlining career goals, but that approach is outdated, says Ms. Jennings. Instead, consider a carefully worded summary. The summary is often the first place a hiring manager will look, and gives you an opportunity to introduce your skills high up on the page. You can also work in relevant keywords from the job description. “Recruiters are looking for what you can bring to the table and what you’ve done, rather than you saying, ‘I’m seeking a position,’” Ms. Jennings says. 

6. Great résumés should stand out to skim readers.

Most recruiters spend just a few seconds skimming through a résumé—with an average in one study of  7.4 seconds.  

To have the best chance of making an impression, ensure your job titles, company names and dates of employment are easy to read. The sections of your résumé should be adequately spaced, too, says Dana Leavy-Detrick, founder and director of Brooklyn Resume Studio. 

For additional ways to make a good impression on recruiters and headhunters, read  our guide on how to work with headhunters .

7. Make your résumé robot-friendly. 

Structure your résumé to meet the requirements of an applicant tracking system to give yourself the best chance of having it reach an actual human. Ms. Leavy-Detrick suggests the following:

• Optimize keywords.  Use the same words and language that are in the job description. For example, three different companies might describe the same role as “programmer,” “developer” or “software engineer.” 
• Use a straightforward format.  Avoid tables and text-based graphics, which might not get picked up by a scan of the résumé. Sans-serif fonts such as Arial or Helvetica are also best to ensure readability.
• Think about order.  When formatting each line item of work experience, list the company name first, followed by the job location (city, state), your job title, and your start and end dates. Some résumés can get lost if the dates are listed before the job title. 

8. Prioritize relevant keywords. 

Tailoring your skills to include language from the job posting is an important way to let both the applicant tracking system and, eventually, a hiring manager, see how your prior qualifications tie into the job requirements. But just because you have a résumé full of keywords doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get an interview. “The ATS isn’t there to help the job seeker, it is there to help the employer review your skills against their most important qualifications,” says Ashley Watkins, a career coach and résumé writer with Write Step Résumés LLC. 

9. Craft compelling and concise bullet points.

The goal of a résumé is to list your accomplishments, rather than every duty you performed in the role. Résumé-writing experts recommend including no more than five bullet points per prior job listed. 

• Don’t focus on tasks.  Many job seekers describe what they did every day, such as answering phones or creating marketing materials, Ms. Watkins says. “Simply copying and pasting the job description doesn’t account for the things you did great, that you did above and beyond your peers,” she says.
• Instead, explain what those tasks achieved.  Emphasize your results. Ms. Watkins suggests asking yourself “Did I save [the employer] money? Did I save time? Did I improve a process? Did I build a relationship?” These will help you format your bullet points.
• Use metrics.  Say what you achieved, then contextualize it—with figures if possible. You might not be able to put a monetary value on every accomplishment, but you can frame it by sharing details like the time it took or how many people were involved. “If you raised sales 50% in two months, that means a whole lot more than ‘I’m in charge of sales,’” Ms. Watkins says. 
• Don’t omit accomplishments that aren’t quantifiable.  Not every achievement will have metrics to show success. If there are figures, you might not always have access to them. But that shouldn’t stop you from including them, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. Perhaps you had a positive impact on the culture of an organization, or improved a struggling relationship with a client. These efforts could help to demonstrate your  soft skills.

10. Focus on transferable skills if you lack experience.

If you are applying for a job in a new field or you are an entry-level applicant and don’t have much direct experience, don’t worry. Highlight transferable skills you have developed in the past that will serve you well in the position, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. For example, you could play up leadership skills you developed participating in an extracurricular activity or time-management skills you learned in a prior job.

11. Go beyond your work history, and include all relevant experience.

If you are new to the workforce, or are job-hunting after being laid off, you could also include related experience that was outside of a traditional full-time job, says Ms. Watkins. For example, you can highlight volunteer work, consulting projects or educational training, all as part of making the case for your unique value, she says.

12. Don’t worry too much about gaps in your résumé.

The Covid-19 pandemic economy resulted in many people being laid off or furloughed. Ms. Watkins says the 2020 job market reminds her of 2008, when she worked as a recruiter. The expectation at that time, she says, was that candidates would have  gaps  on their résumés or list more short-term positions. While it isn’t necessary to directly address the gaps in your résumé, you should be  prepared to talk about them in an interview . “The focus should not be centered on the fact that you were furloughed or laid off, it should be focused on you and your skills and what you do that impacts the company’s bottom line in a positive way,” Ms. Watkins says.

While it is common to list the months and years you started and ended positions in the job history section, you could just use years. This will draw less attention to a six- or eight-month gap, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. 

13. Highlight relevant skills.

It is common to  add a skills section to your résumé , outlining expertise relevant to the position. You can include languages you speak, technical skills or courses you have done. If you lack experience, you can also complete some trainings, which you can find on LinkedIn and elsewhere, related to the job you are applying for and add the courses in this section, says Ms. Jennings.

14. Prioritize work experience over education.

The professional experience you have had is often more relevant to the position than your education history, which is why the work experience should be listed first. In the “Education” section, you should list where you attended college, if applicable, or the highest level of education you have attained. If you graduated with honors, you can flag that, but it isn’t necessary to list your GPA.

15. If you are early on in your career, a key résumé tip is to limit it to one page. 

If you are early on in your career, you should limit your résumé to one page. It is OK to start spilling onto a second page after you have eight to 10 years of experience, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. 

16. Add some color for a stylish résumé that sets you apart. 

Your résumé should look clean and professional and you should keep applicant tracking systems in mind when formatting the document. But, if it is appropriate, you can add subtle accents of color in the section headings or in bars that separate sections as a way to differentiate your résumé. Ms. Leavy-Detrick doesn’t overstress the need for good design with her clients. “But it can definitely help,” she says. “When I say design, I don’t mean crazy graphic design. I mean having a polished application,” she says. “Think of it the same way you would coming dressed to an interview, it is part of your presentation, and so many people overlook this on the résumé.”

It may be appropriate to incorporate a more creative and graphic-based layout depending on the field in which you work and where you are applying. If you are applying for a position in a creative field, and you are emailing your résumé directly to a hiring manager, then it can be appropriate to use more designs, says Ms. Jennings. But if you are applying to a large company that uses an applicant tracking system or job portal, she says it is best to avoid using graphics unless you are working with a résumé writer who can help you get your resume through the system.

17. Proofread and double-check the formatting.

You may be eager to send your résumé or submit your application, but you should take the time to first check for typos and grammatical errors. You could also have a friend or family member look over it. When you are checking for errors, be sure to double-check the formatting. Sometimes the spacing can get thrown off when you save the file, so check how it looks as a saved document and, if you can, save it as a PDF before sending. 

18. Make sure the saved file name includes your name. 

Make less work for the hiring manager by including your full name in the file name of the résumé document.

What to read next

• How to Prepare for a Job Interview
• What Questions to Ask During a Job Interview
• Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
• How to Dress for a Job Interview
• How to Write a Thank-You Email After a Job Interview  
• How to Negotiate and Counter a Job Offer
• How to Negotiate Salary for a New Job: The Do’s and Don’ts
• Severance Pay: What It Is and Why You Should Negotiate a Package Before Accepting a Job

Corrections & Amplifications Ashley Watkins is a résumé writer with Write Step Résumés LLC. An earlier version of this article incorrectly said Write Steps LLC. (Corrected on Nov. 20)

Copyright ©2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Appeared in the November 23, 2020, print edition as '11 Résumé Tips to Help You Get Noticed

Scholarship Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Scholarship Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)

Most popular scholarship resumes.

• College Student
• High School Student
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Scholarship Resume

• Athletic Scholarship
• Student Scholarship
• College Scholarship

College Student Resume Example

High School Student Resume Example

10 Student Resume Examples

Scholarship Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Anthony Gentile (123) 456-7890 [email protected] Detroit, MI 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

An All-American student athlete with a strong history of success in high school football and basketball. A dedicated team captain with a proven track record of leading championship teams. Seeking the John Atkins Athletic Scholarship at the University of Michigan to pursue a college football career and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy.

Professional Experience

Quarterback , Ithaca High School, Ithaca, MI | August 2021 – December 2024

• Completed 229 of 315 pass attempts, achieved a 68% completion rating, and generated 3,210 passing yards, 490 rushing yards, and 37 total touchdowns during the 2024 season
• Led the Ithaca Warriors to a 13-2 regular season record and a state championship, resulting in recognition as an All-American Athlete
• Served as a team captain for the varsity football team from 2021 to 2024, which included mentoring junior athletes and increasing team morale throughout the season

Point Guard , Ithaca High School, Ithaca, MI | November 2021 – March 2022

• Acted as a team captain for the junior basketball team during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, contributing to a semi-final appearance in the state tournament
• Generated 17 points per game (PPG), 13 PPG, and five offensive rebounds PPG as a point guard
• Attended charity events with the team to raise funding for community initiatives such as food drives and Toys for Tots
• Team leadership

High School Diploma Ithaca High School, Ithaca, MI | 2024

• All-American Football Award | 2024

This scholarship resume is effective because it highlights the candidate’s athletic achievements using impactful numbers and hard data. The bullet points also convey who the applicant is as a team leader, which strengthens their overall application.

Aliya Jackson (123) 456-7890 [email protected] Philadelphia, PA 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

A high school student with a 3.97 GPA and a proven track record of performing community service and supporting social justice issues. Seeking the William Morris Scholarship at Temple University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work.

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer, Youth Volunteer Corps, Philadelphia, PA| September 2021 – June 2024

• Collaborated with diverse teams of student volunteers and coordinators to execute a wide range of community service projects within the Greater Philadelphia Area, including building a new youth recreation center
• Performed over 500 hours of community service, which included volunteering at food pantries, mentoring grade school students, and supporting charity events

Student Volunteer , North Philadelphia High School | June 2020 – June 2024

• Served as a student volunteer for over 40 public service initiatives at North Philadelphia High School in support of equitable causes, including cancer research, social justice awareness campaigns, and food drives
• Community service
• Communication
• Relationship building
• Fundraising

High School Diploma North Philadelphia High School, Philadelphia, PA | 2024

In this scholarship resume example, the applicant showcases their commitment to community service. Highlighting the number of hours they volunteered and the types of initiatives they supported helps to paint a compelling image of their background for the reader.

Hideo Araki (123) 456-7890 [email protected] Seattle, WA 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

A college student with a 3.96 GPA and two consecutive years on the dean’s list. A proven track record of executing innovative academic projects within the computer science field exploring AI and ML. Seeking the Morgan Technology Scholarship to continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington.

Academic Experience

Computer Science Major, University of Washington, Seattle, WA| September 2022 – June 2024

• Achieved recognition as a finalist in the Technovation Competition for a project exploring novel methods for training AI using deep learning and semi-supervised learning techniques
• Executed an academic project to build a calendar management mobile application with a UX design centered on improving accessibility for senior citizens
• Achieved a 3.96 GPA over four semesters and two dean’s list awards

High School Student , Seattle Central High School | September 2018 – June 2022

• Achieved a 760 score in the Silver Division of the USA Computing Olympiad in 2022
• Maintained a 3.92 grade point average, served as a member of the National Honor Society, and led the Seattle Central High School Computer Science Club
• Software development
• Application development
• Technology innovation

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science University of Washington, Seattle, WA | Expected 2026

• Dean’s list | 2022 – 2024

High School Diploma Seattle Central High School, Seattle, WA | 2022

• USA Computing Olympiad Silver Division | 2022

This scholarship resume is effective because it explores the candidate’s unique academic achievements within the computer science field at both the high school and college levels. The document shows that the applicant has a genuine passion for technology and has continually gone above and beyond to excel.

To write an effective scholarship resume, start by organizing your academic accomplishments, extracurriculars, and volunteer experience. Scholarship applications are evaluated based on a wide range of factors, but highlighting these aspects of your background is the best way to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Below, we’ll walk you through each step of the resume writing process.

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications

With the sheer number of candidates applying for scholarship programs, it’s essential to make a strong first impression on the reader. Introduce yourself and explain your academic goal. In the subsequent sentences, emphasize impressive accomplishments that demonstrate why you’re deserving of this opportunity.

For example, if you consistently achieved high grades, start by featuring your grade point average and academic awards. If you excelled in an extracurricular activity such as sports, theater, or music, display these achievements in your summary.

Strong Profile Example

A college student with a 3.96 GPA and two consecutive years on the dean’s list. A proven track record of executing innovative academic projects within the computer science field exploring artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Seeking the Morgan Technology Scholarship to continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington.

Weak Profile Example

A college student with an excellent GPA and a strong work ethic. Passionate about computer science and academia. Seeking the Morgan Technology Scholarship.

2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section

In a scholarship resume, your content needs to be centered around your most impressive academic achievements, extracurriculars, and community service contributions. It’s impossible to know the exact preferences of any individual scholarship review board, so focus on emphasizing key aspects of your high school and college career that can help you stand out from other applicants.

Strong Academic Experience Example

Computer Science Major, University of Washington, Seattle, WA | September 2022 – June 2024

• Executed an academic project to build a calendar management mobile application with a user experience (UX) design centered on improving accessibility for senior citizens

Weak Academic Experience Example

• Completed difficult computer science courses and projects on time
• Maintained a high GPA over four semesters
• Worked well with professors and fellow students in the computer science program

3. Include relevant education and academic awards

Feature your high school degree and any relevant academic awards you’ve garnered on your scholarship resume. Be sure to mention your GPA and any other academic distinctions that can bolster the strength of your application. You could also feature memberships in extracurricular clubs, organizations, or honor societies in this section.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science
• University of Washington, Seattle, WA | Expected 2026
• Dean’s list | 2022 – 2024
• High School Diploma
• Seattle Central High School, Seattle, WA | 2022

4. List pertinent key skills

It’s unlikely that a university or scholarship board will be using an applicant tracking system (ATS) to identify candidates during the selection process, so you won’t need to optimize your document for keywords. That said, still provide a list of your most impressive skill sets on your scholarship resume. Below, you’ll find a range of different key skills to consider adding to your document:

How To Pick The Best Scholarship Resume Template

To send the right message to the scholarship board, you need a professional resume template that organizes and presents your information effectively. Avoid formats that are overly reliant on visual elements, as this might draw the reader’s eye away from your academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Opt for a straightforward template with a top-down structure that displays each section of your scholarship resume in a sequence.

Frequently Asked Questions: Scholarship Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for scholarship resumes -.

Incorporating action verbs can add a unique and engaging element to your bullet points. That said, it’s easy to use the same words repeatedly during the resume-building process. We’ve compiled a list of action verbs to diversify your language and enhance the impact of your resume content.

How do you align your resume with a scholarship description? -

Adjusting your resume to match the scholarship you’re applying for is the best way to strengthen your application. As you begin building your content, start by researching the organization and what they’re looking for in a scholarship recipient. Feature key aspects of your background that match that description.

For example, if a university values students with extensive community service experience, emphasize these projects and initiatives heavily on your scholarship resume. If an organization is primarily interested in extracurricular activities, make those the focal point of your document. By tailoring your resume to each application, you’ll maximize your odds of receiving the scholarship.

What is the best scholarship resume format? -

A combination format is generally best suited for a scholarship resume, as it’s unlikely that your work history will be a key factor in the application. This allows you to reorder your education, volunteer experience, skills, and academic achievements depending on the scholarship. A reverse chronological approach can be considered if you have an impressive internship or relevant work experience you think is valuable.

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Most scholarship applications will require a matching cover letter. To make a strong impression on the reader, explore unique aspects of your background that you wouldn’t normally include on a resume. For example, you could explore your cultural background and personal challenges you’ve overcome. You might also convey why you’re passionate about a particular academic field, sport, or extracurricular activity. For additional information, visit our internship cover letter guide .

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

Check out Related Examples

College Student Resume Examples and Templates

High School Student Resume Examples and Templates

Student Resume Examples and Templates

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• How To Include Extracurriculars on an Entry-Level Resume Learn More
• How To Include Personal and Academic Projects on Your Resume Learn More
• Should You Include Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume? Learn More

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• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
• Resignation Letter Examples Learn More

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Why volunteer?

Benefit 1: volunteering connects you to others, benefit 2: volunteering is good for your mind and body, benefit 3: volunteering can advance your career, benefit 4: volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life, how to find the right volunteer opportunity, getting the most out of volunteering, volunteering and its surprising benefits.

Volunteering can help you make friends, learn new skills, advance your career, and even feel happier and healthier. Learn how to find the right volunteer opportunity for you.

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. The right match can help you to find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.

Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness.

Benefits of volunteering: 4 ways to feel healthier and happier

• Volunteering connects you to others.
• Volunteering is good for your mind and body.
• Volunteering can advance your career.
• Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life.

One of the more well-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need. And volunteering is a two-way street: It can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.

Make new friends and contacts

One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.

Increase your social and relationship skills

While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests. Once you have momentum, it’s easier to branch out and make more friends and contacts.

Volunteering as a family

Children watch everything you do. By giving back to the community, you’ll show them firsthand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help other people and animals and enact change. It’s also a valuable way for you to get to know organizations in the community and find resources and activities for your children and family.

Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health.

Volunteering helps counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety. The social contact aspect of helping and working with others can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being. Nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person. Working with pets and other animals has also been shown to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.

Volunteering combats depression. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against depression.

Volunteering makes you happy . By measuring hormones and brain activity, researchers have discovered that being helpful to others delivers immense pleasure. Human beings are hard-wired to give to others. The more we give, the happier we feel.

[Read: Cultivating Happiness]

Volunteering increases self-confidence. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.

Volunteering provides a sense of purpose. Older adults, especially those who have retired or lost a spouse, can find new meaning and direction in their lives by helping others. Whatever your age or life situation, volunteering can help take your mind off your own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and add more zest to your life.

Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy. Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not. Older volunteers tend to walk more, find it easier to cope with everyday tasks, are less likely to develop high blood pressure, and have better thinking skills. Volunteering can also lessen symptoms of chronic pain and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Speak to a Licensed Therapist

BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.

I have limited mobility—can I still volunteer?

People with disabilities or chronic health conditions can still benefit greatly from volunteering. In fact, research has shown that adults with disabilities or health conditions ranging from hearing and vision loss to heart disease, diabetes or digestive disorders all show improvement after volunteering.

Whether due to a disability, a lack of transportation, or time constraints, many people choose to volunteer their time via phone or computer. In today’s digital age, many organizations need help with writing, graphic design, email, and other web-based tasks. Some organizations may require you to attend an initial training session or periodical meetings while others can be conducted completely remotely. In any volunteer situation, make sure that you are getting enough social contact, and that the organization is available to support you should you have questions.

If you’re considering a new career, volunteering can help you get experience in your area of interest and meet people in the field. Even if you’re not planning on changing careers, volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management, and organization. You might feel more comfortable stretching your wings at work once you’ve honed these skills in a volunteer position first.

Teaching you valuable job skills

Just because volunteer work is unpaid does not mean the skills you learn are basic. Many volunteering opportunities provide extensive training. For example, you could become an experienced crisis counselor while volunteering for a women’s shelter or a knowledgeable art historian while donating your time as a museum docent.

[Read: Finding the Right Career]

Volunteering can also help you build upon skills you already have and use them to benefit the greater community. For instance, if you hold a successful sales position, you can raise awareness for your favorite cause as a volunteer advocate, while further developing and improving your public speaking, communication, and marketing skills.

Gaining career experience

Volunteering offers you the chance to try out a new career without making a long-term commitment. It is also a great way to gain experience in a new field. In some fields, you can volunteer directly at an organization that does the kind of work you’re interested in. For example, if you’re interested in nursing, you could volunteer at a hospital or a nursing home.

Your volunteer work might also expose you to professional organizations or internships that could benefit your career.

When it comes to volunteering, passion and positivity are the only requirements

While learning new skills can be beneficial to many, it’s not a requirement for a fulfilling volunteer experience. Bear in mind that the most valuable assets you can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to pitch in wherever needed, and a positive attitude.

Volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore your interests and passions. Doing volunteer work you find meaningful and interesting can be a relaxing, energizing escape from your day-to-day routine of work, school, or family commitments. Volunteering also provides you with renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal and professional life.

[Read: Building Better Mental Health]

Many people volunteer in order to make time for hobbies outside of work as well. For instance, if you have a desk job and long to spend time outdoors, you might consider volunteering to help plant a community garden, walk dogs for an animal shelter, or help out at a children’s camp.

There are numerous volunteer opportunities available. The key is to find a position that you would enjoy and are capable of doing. It’s also important to make sure that your commitment matches the organization’s needs. Ask yourself the following:

• Would you like to work with adults, children, animals, or remotely from home?
• Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
• Are you better behind the scenes or do you prefer to take a more visible role?
• How much time are you willing to commit?
• What skills can you bring to a volunteer job?
• What causes are important to you?

Consider your interests

You will have a richer and more enjoyable volunteering experience if you first take some time to identify your goals and interests. Think about why you want to volunteer. What would you enjoy doing? The opportunities that match both your goals and your interests are most likely to be fun and fulfilling.

What are your volunteering goals?

To find a volunteer position that’s right for you, look for something that matches your personality, skills, and interests. Ask yourself if there is something specific you want to do or achieve as a volunteer.

For example, you might want to:

• Improve your neighborhood.
• Meet new people with different outlooks or experiences.
• Try something new.
• Do something rewarding with your spare time.
• See new places or experience a different way of living.
• Try a new type of work that you might want to pursue as a full-time job.
• Expand on your interests and hobbies.

Consider several volunteer possibilities

Don’t limit yourself to just one organization or one specific type of job. Sometimes an opportunity looks great on paper, but the reality is quite different. Try to visit different organizations and get a feel for what they are like and if you click with other staff and volunteers.

Where to find volunteer opportunities

• Community theaters, museums, and monuments.
• Libraries or senior centers.
• Service organizations such as Lions Clubs or Rotary Clubs.
• Local animal shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife centers.
• Youth organizations, sports teams, and after-school programs.
• Historical restorations, national parks, and conservation organizations.
• Places of worship such as churches or synagogues.
• Online directories and other resources (see below).

How much time should you volunteer?

Volunteering doesn’t have to take over your life to be beneficial. In fact, research shows that just two to three hours per week, or about 100 hours a year, can confer the most benefits—to both you and your chosen cause. The important thing is to volunteer only the amount of time that feels comfortable to you. Volunteering should feel like a fun and rewarding hobby, not another chore on your to-do list.

You’re donating your valuable time, so it’s important that you enjoy and benefit from your volunteering. To make sure that your volunteer position is a good fit:

Ask questions. You want to make sure that the experience is right for your skills, your goals, and the time you want to spend. Sample questions for your volunteer coordinator might address your time commitment, if there’s any training involved, who you will be working with, and what to do if you have questions during your experience.

Make sure you know what’s expected. You should be comfortable with the organization and understand the time commitment. Consider starting small so that you don’t over commit yourself at first. Give yourself some flexibility to change your focus if needed.

Don’t be afraid to make a change. Don’t force yourself into a bad fit or feel compelled to stick with a volunteer role you dislike. Talk to the organization about changing your focus or look for a different organization that’s a better fit.

If volunteering overseas, choose carefully. Some volunteer programs abroad can cause more harm than good if they take much-needed paying jobs away from local workers. Look for volunteer opportunities with reputable organizations.

Enjoy yourself. The best volunteer experiences benefit both the volunteer and the organization. If you’re not enjoying yourself, ask yourself why. Is it the tasks you’re performing? The people you’re working with? Or are you uncomfortable simply because the situation is new and unfamiliar? Pinpointing what’s bothering you can help you decide how to proceed.

VolunteerMatch  – Find opportunities that match your volunteer interests, from location to type of work. (VolunteerMatch)

Idealist  – Find volunteer opportunities in your local area or internationally. (Idealist)

National and Community Service  – Federal organization offering volunteer positions across the U.S. (National Service)

Volunteer  – Directory of environmental volunteer opportunities. (Volunteer.gov)

U.S. Peace Corps  – Offers volunteer opportunities overseas and includes a  50 Plus  division. (Peace Corps)

American Red Cross  – Volunteer in any of the Red Cross’s key service areas. (Red Cross)

More Information

• Simple Changes, Big Rewards - A Practical, Easy Guide for Healthy, Happy Living. (Harvard Medical School Special Health Report)
• The Health Benefits of Volunteering: Recent Research (PDF) - Research on the benefits of volunteering, especially for seniors. (Corporation for National and Community Service)
• The many ways volunteering is good for your heart - Includes resources for finding volunteer positions. (Harvard Health Publications)
• 10 Tips on Volunteering Wisely - Tips to make the most of your volunteering experience. (Network for Good)
• Carr, D. C., Kail, B. L., & Rowe, J. W. (2018). The Relation of Volunteering and Subsequent Changes in Physical Disability in Older Adults. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B , 73(3), 511–521. Link
• Kim, E. S., Whillans, A. V., Lee, M. T., Chen, Y., & VanderWeele, T. J. (2020). Volunteering and Subsequent Health and Well-Being in Older Adults: An Outcome-Wide Longitudinal Approach. American Journal of Preventive Medicine , 59(2), 176–186. Link
• Lawton, R. N., Gramatki, I., Watt, W., & Fujiwara, D. (2021). Does Volunteering Make Us Happier, or Are Happier People More Likely to Volunteer? Addressing the Problem of Reverse Causality When Estimating the Wellbeing Impacts of Volunteering. Journal of Happiness Studie , 22(2), 599–624. Link
• Okun, M. A., Yeung, E. W., & Brown, S. (2013). Volunteering by older adults and risk of mortality: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging , 28(2), 564–577. Link
• Salt, E., Crofford, L. J., & Segerstrom, S. (2017). The Mediating and Moderating Effect of Volunteering on Pain and Depression, Life Purpose, Well-Being, and Physical Activity. Pain Management Nursing , 18(4), 243–249. Link

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How to Write an MBA Resume

Read Time Estimate: 9 minutes

August 29th, 2024

Are you ready to head off to your university of choice and obtain your MBA? It’s not as easy as you may think. For the fall of 2023, the average acceptance rate was 49.7% among 124 universities that provided data, and your chances of getting accepted decrease as you apply to tougher programs. 

However, that doesn’t mean you should give up hope. It does mean that you need to hit the ball out of the park with your MBA resume. 

It’s not as simple as just throwing some data on a Word document, so join us as we explore crafting MBA resumes. 

What’s the Difference Between an MBA Resume and a Traditional Job Resume?

An MBA resume differs significantly from a traditional job resume. While both highlight your skills and experiences, an MBA resume is tailored specifically for business school applications. It focuses on the following and more:

• Academic achievements
• Leadership roles
• Professional growth

In contrast, a traditional job resume emphasizes work experience and accomplishments related to specific positions. For MBA degree applicants, showcasing your potential as a future leader is key.

How Important Is an MBA Resume?

An MBA resume is crucial for anyone looking to elevate their career. It’s your first impression and can set the tone for future opportunities. Admissions committees sift through countless applications, so yours needs to stand out.

Your resume for MBA programs showcases your work experience and your potential as a leader and innovator. A well-crafted MBA resume highlights relevant skills and achievements that demonstrate why you’re an ideal candidate.

It also helps with networking; prospective employers often request resumes during informational interviews or recruitment events. Your MBA resume is a tool that can open doors to conversations about exciting opportunities ahead.

Is it Okay to Use AI to Help Write an MBA Resume?

AI is a hot topic right now, and some people may recommend having programs like ChatGPT write your resume for you. There’s no denying that using AI to help craft your MBA resume can be a valuable tool. 

It offers suggestions for wording and structure that can elevate your presentation. Many candidates find it helpful in brainstorming or overcoming writer’s block.

However, it’s essential to remember that personal touch matters. An AI-generated resume may lack the unique insights into your experiences and achievements that only you can provide.

Make sure any content generated accurately reflects your voice and brand. Use AI as a supplementary resource rather than a crutch, and allow your personality to shine through in every line of text. Balancing technology with authenticity is key to standing out.

What Should You Include in an MBA Resume?

Now we’re really digging in. We know that an MBA resume is important and that it’s not the same as a job resume. However, knowing what to include in your MBA resume is also important. 

Some of our recommendations include the following: 

• The Basics 
• Job Experience 
• Skills and Rewards
• Volunteer Experience

Let’s explore each of these areas more in-depth. 

The Basics:

When crafting your MBA resume, start with the basics. Clearly include your name and contact information at the top. Make it easy for admissions committees to reach you.

Next, choose a professional format that highlights your accomplishments without overwhelming details. A clean layout helps with readability and allows key points to shine through.

Keep the length to one page if possible. Admissions officers often skim resumes due to time constraints. You’ll capture their attention quickly by maintaining brevity while showcasing what makes you stand out as an MBA candidate.

If you have extensive experience or accomplishments, you can go to two pages. However, do so with caution. 

Job Experience:

Highlighting your job experience is crucial for an MBA resume. The job experience section showcases your professional journey and the skills you’ve gained. Include relevant positions that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities clearly and concisely. Focus on achievements rather than just tasks. This gives a more vivid picture of your contributions. For example, mention if you led a project that increased sales or streamlined processes.

Remember to tailor this information to align with the MBA programs you’re interested in. Emphasizing experiences related to business management will make your resume stand out even more!

When detailing your education on an MBA resume, start with your most recent degree. Clearly include the following information:

• Institutions name
• Degree type
• Graduation date 

If you graduated with honors or earned a notable GPA, be sure to include that. Also, mention any relevant coursework or certifications you have completed. Highlighting specialized courses can demonstrate your commitment to advancing in particular business areas.

For candidates with advanced degrees, it’s often best to keep undergraduate details brief. Just listing your degree and major can suffice unless something exceptional is worth showcasing, like leadership roles or impactful projects during that time.

Skills and Rewards:

Focus on both hard and soft skills that are relevant to the business world. Think about what makes you unique and sets you apart. This could include the following and more:

• Leadership abilities
• Analytical prowess
• Exceptional communication skills 

Don’t forget to include any awards or recognitions you’ve received. These accomplishments speak volumes about your dedication and capabilities. Whether it’s a scholarship, an employee of the month award, or accolades in competitions, showcasing these achievements adds credibility.

Volunteer Experience:

Including volunteer experience on your MBA resume can set you apart from other candidates. It showcases your commitment to community service and leadership skills. Admissions committees value applicants who demonstrate a well-rounded character.

When detailing your volunteer work, focus on roles that highlight transferable skills relevant to business settings. For instance, managing a team or organizing events shows initiative and teamwork capabilities.

Be specific about the impact of your contributions. Quantify your achievements using numbers where possible, such as the number of people you helped or the funds raised.

Structuring and Formatting Your MBA Application Resume

Structuring your MBA resume is key to making a great impression. Start with clear sections, such as:

• Contact information
• Work experience
• Additional activities

Clear organization helps admissions committees easily navigate your accomplishments.

Formatting should be clean and professional. Use consistent fonts and sizes throughout the document. White space is crucial; it makes your resume easier to read while drawing attention to important details.

Keep it concise, and remember to aim for one page if possible. Bullet points can help highlight achievements without overwhelming the reader with text.

Tips for Crafting MBA Resumes

Ready to impress potential employers with a standout MBA resume? Let’s dive into the key components and tips to create a document that showcases your qualifications and achievements.

We’ll cover the following MBA resume tips: 

• Be Concise 
• Use an Easy to Read Format 
• Put the Most Important Information at the Top 
• Demonstrate Leadership 
• Quantify Your Achievements 
• Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Be Concise:

Admissions committees sift through countless applications, making every second count. Being concise helps you stand out and prevents information overload.

Focus on using clear language and straightforward descriptions. Avoid jargon or overly complex phrases that may confuse the reader. Instead, use strong action verbs to convey your achievements succinctly.

Remember, less is often more. Limit your resume to one or two pages while showcasing relevant experiences and skills. Highlight what truly matters to maximize impact and keep the reviewer engaged. 

Use an Easy to Read Format:

An easy-to-read format helps the admissions committee quickly grasp who you are and what you bring to the table. Use a clean layout with ample white space; this invites the reader’s eye to flow naturally through your accomplishments.

Choose a simple font style, like Arial or Calibri, and maintain consistent formatting throughout. Bullet points can effectively highlight key achievements without overwhelming text blocks.

Don’t forget about section headings! They act as signposts that guide readers through your story. Headings also help keep it straightforward and ensure every detail shines in its best light while keeping everything organized for maximum impact.

Put the Most Important Information at the Top:

When structuring your MBA resume, think like an admissions professional. They often skim through resumes quickly, and placing the most important information at the top captures their attention right away.

Start with your key achievements and skills that align with the program’s values. This gives them a snapshot of what you bring to the table without diving deep into every detail.

First impressions matter! By prioritizing essential details, you increase your chances of making a positive impact from the get-go.

Demonstrate Leadership:

Business schools value candidates who can inspire and guide others. Think about times you’ve taken charge of projects or initiatives.

Include specific examples of how you led a team to success. Describe the challenges faced and how your leadership made a difference. Use action verbs to help truly show what you did. Details like this add depth to your experiences.

Remember, it’s not just about titles; the impact matters. Highlight instances of motivation and collaboration within teams. Demonstrating leadership qualities will make your MBA application stand out among others vying for admission.

Quantify Your Achievements:

When crafting your MBA resume, numbers speak volumes. Quantifying your achievements  helps potential schools visualize your impact. Instead of saying you led a team, mention that you supervised a project with ten team members that delivered a 20% increase in efficiency.

By adding figures, you’re not just sharing what you’ve done; you’re showcasing the value you bring. For instance, if you managed budgets or increased sales, provide those percentages directly to illustrate success. 

Using this method transforms vague descriptions into compelling stories of achievement. It creates an immediate impression and sets you apart from other candidates who may overlook this crucial detail.

Proofread, Proofread, Proofread:

Does one minor spelling or grammar mistake really matter? After all, typos happen to even the best writers. However, it does matter. 

In just the job search field, spelling and grammar errors on a resume will cause around 77% of hiring professionals to reject a candidate. If you get down into the details and the only difference between you and another candidate is a typo, you don’t want that one mistake to make the decision for you. 

Your MBA resume is a reflection of your professional self. A single typo can undermine all your hard work and achievements. Take the time to proofread every section meticulously.

Read through your resume multiple times, and consider asking a friend or colleague to review it as well. Fresh eyes often catch errors you might have overlooked. They can also provide valuable feedback on clarity and impact.

Don’t forget that formatting matters, too! Ensure consistent font sizes, bullet points, and spacing throughout the document. A polished presentation enhances readability and shows attention to detail – an essential quality in any MBA candidate.

Should You Change Your MBA Resume for Every Business School?

Yes, you should tailor your MBA resume for each business school. Different programs have unique values and cultures that they prioritize. By customizing your resume, you can highlight experiences and skills aligning with the school’s needs.

Take time to research each school’s mission statement and core competencies. This information will help you understand what qualities they appreciate in candidates. Adjusting your resume accordingly shows commitment and genuine interest.

Additionally, showcasing specific achievements relevant to the program can set you apart from other applicants. A personalized approach makes a lasting impression on admissions committees, who are looking for candidates that fit their community.

Start Your Notre Dame de Namur University MBA Application

Starting your MBA application at Notre Dame de Namur University is an exciting step toward advancing your career. As you prepare your MBA resume, remember that it’s your chance to showcase who you are and what you’ve accomplished.

Are you ready to get started? Notre Dame de Namur University has been helping students build their desired future for over 170 years. Our diverse and inclusive learning community will challenge you to be your best personally, professionally, and publicly. 

Start your path toward a more fulfilling career with the right education. Get in touch with our admissions team to get more information today by filling out the form below. 

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Magellan Solutions USA launched under the visionary leadership of Mark A. K. Dee, Chief Executive Officer – a consultant and service provider for healthcare administrative support, IT development, energy, call center, and business process outsourcing. Mark has served in various multi-level management positions in his 21 years of service in the United States Air Force (USAF). He performed as Immunology and Microbiology department manager, Medical Laboratory Assistant Director, Facility and Security Manager, and finally retiring in the military in 2008 as Superintendent/Assistant Chief of Operations of 330 personnel Medical Group. Mark has experiences in the services industries since he retired, including running a restaurant chain as the CEO. He has also developed other businesses in the Martials Arts studio and 3d-printing industries. He has a BS in Health Sciences and Hospital Administration, Board Certified in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Graduated in the Senior Executive Leadership School from the USAF, Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master’s of Science in Systems Management at Notre Dame De Namur University.

Chosen Cheng

Chosen Cheng is owner of CMC Group, a privately held engineering and marketing consultancy for small business startup ventures. He currently works with project teams developing patented award-winning solar roofing systems and patent pending drone-based augmented reality geological and thermal mapping solutions. He was formerly a Silicon Valley marketing and innovative corporate training manager. As an avocation and a way to “pay it forward” he enjoys teaching and career coaching college and graduate MBA students many of whom are pioneering first generation college students from underserved communities. He and his wife, a Notre Dame alum, celebrated their wedding reception at the Ralston Mansion in the 70’s and have two stupendously successful, married adult children who between them have four stupendously adorable grandchildren.

Arthur Chait

Entrepreneur, Executive, Engineer, Investor, Professor, Mentor. Founder & CEO EoPlex Inc. ($31 million VC funded startup acquired by ASTI Singapore). President Stanford Research Institute (SRI) Consulting Division (800 staff worldwide). SVP Flextronics (responsible for $8 Billion in global accounts). President Zitel Software. Principal Booz Allen. R&D Director Halliburton. Adjunct Professor Menlo College, Visiting Professor Universidad Francisco Marroquin (Guatemala), Mentor Draper University, Judge Startup Chile. BS Engineering Rutgers, MBA Strategy University Pittsburgh.

Kelly Cansler

Kelly completed both her BS (Finance/Economics) and MBA from NDNU. She utilized her business education to launch an insurance agency in 2008 with Farmers Insurance. It’s grown into multi-million-dollar agency, organically and through acquisition. She has been recognized by Farmers Insurance being ranked within the top 10% of agents nationwide, but also as a speaker, trainer, and mentor within the Farmers Insurance Community. Kelly is extremely connected with local businessowners through several networking channels.

Cliff Burnette

Cliff is the senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Rambus, a global chip and IP provider that advances data center connectivity and solves the bottleneck between memory and processing. Cliff has over 20 years of experience leading global human resources operations for publicly traded companies with expertise in employee relations, organizational development, and compensation strategy. Prior to Rambus, Cliff worked for several other high-tech companies in the semiconductor and medical device space and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Texas State University and a master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Organization Development from the University of Texas at Austin.

Memo Morantes

Memo Morantes has been a San Mateo County resident for more than 45 years. He has been a three-term San Mateo County Board of Education incumbent, a Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce board member, a Sequoia Hospital Foundation member, a co-chair of the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo, and a civic/community activist. 

Sheryl Young

Sheryl serves as a director for Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, which provides $10M each year for innovative teachers and social entrepreneurs throughout the Bay Area. Prior Sheryl served as CEO of Community Gatepath and AbilityPath.org. She has over 30 years of managerial experience in operations, finance, and marketing. Young is a graduate of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders, earned an M.A. of Public Health from UC Berkeley, an M.A. in Special Education from Ball State University and a B.A. in Political Science from Purdue University.

Brian Schumacker

Brian manages South San Francisco-San Bruno’s wastewater treatment plant and with a dedicated staff of over 40 professionals who safeguard community health and protect the fragile San Francisco Bay ecosystem. Brian holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, both from Notre Dame de Namur University. Brian has also earned the highest levels of professional certifications in wastewater treatment.

Mario Rendon

Mario Rendon serves as District Director for State Assemblymember Kevin Mullin. He develops the communications, public relations and constituent service strategy for the office and supervises a small team that represents Mr. Mullin in the 22nd Assembly District within San Mateo County. He has over twenty year’s experience working with elected officials at the local, state and federal level developing public policy.

Jerry’s public service started with his local neighborhood association that progressed to the California State Assembly and Senate where he authored legislation resulting in laws on issues related to consumer protection, utility safety, coastal protection, public health, education and the environment. Jerry was born and raised in San Francisco, receiving his BA from the University of California, Berkeley and a Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University.

Magda Gonzalez

Magda was most recently the City Manager for the City of Half Moon Bay, California. Prior she was the City Manager of East Palo Alto, California and Assistant City Manager, Redwood City. Magda was President of Cal-ICMA, representing the Local Government Hispanic Network and serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo County. Magda is also a member of ICMA and the State Bar of California and received several awards and recognitions, including Career Excellence Award (WLG) and the Ethical Hero Award from Cal-ICMA.

Jeremy Dennis

Jeremy currently serves as Portola Valley Town Manager. Previously, he’s worked for elected officials at all governance levels, including twice as District Director for local assemblymembers. He worked as the Palo Alto Long Range Planning Director, and for San Mateo County in management roles. Jeremy has a Masters in Urban Planning from the London School of Economics, and graduated from UC Davis studying US History/Political Science.

Kate Comfort-Harr

Kate is Executive Director of HIP Housing, a nonprofit specializing in creative affordable housing solutions throughout San Mateo County. Kate is a frequent speaker on a wide array of affordable housing topics and is passionate about the cultivation of collaborations between the private, public and social sectors. She serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and was awarded the Chamber San Mateo County’s 2020 Business Woman of the Year Award.

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Jerome nadel.

Jerome Nadel is Internationally experienced design-led marketing executive (CMO and GM) with a track record of improved market position, revenue growth, and M&A. He is an advance degreed psychologist and user experience product/service design expert, board member and advisor. Jerome recently retired from Rambus as where he was CMO and GM of the security software division that he led the sale to Visa. He has had a variety of chief marketing officer and chief user experience officer roles at companies including Human Factors International, SLP InfoWare, Gemplus, and Sagem. He started his career in the IBM Human Factors Labs. He is also an avid cyclist with National and multiple California State Champion titles.

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• How to Write a Short Bio?...

How to Write a Short Bio? (With Examples)

7 min read · Updated on August 28, 2024

A short professional biography is a great tool to have in your career marketing toolkit.

As you progress through your career, there will likely come a time when someone wants you to provide them with a professional biography. It could be that your boss wants to include something on the team page of the company website or perhaps you need to write a blurb about your biggest achievements for a social media page. 

Regardless of the reason, you should always have one ready to go. Many people have quite a few questions about writing short professional bios, though, including

What is a bio?

How to write a short bio?

What voice to use in a short bio – first person or third person?

What is the format of a short biography?

What is a good bio example?

Let's just say that you're in the right place to find out.

What is a short bio?

Have you ever heard the phrase “elevator pitch?” Well, that's what a bio is. It's about 200 words that define who you are, what you do, what you've accomplished, and what your goals are. If that seems like a lot to put into a couple hundred words, you're right. 

This isn't the time to go on and on about everything you've ever done. Since the purpose of a short professional bio is to introduce you to whoever is reading it, it's best to worry about only hitting the high notes. 

Think about what you say when someone asks you the following:

What do you do?

How long have you done it?

What do you like most about it?

Have you ever won an award ?

Why do you want to keep doing what you do?

Your answers to those questions will help you craft your biography, though you'll probably have to pare down the wording to keep it within the requisite word count. Always remember KISS – Keep it Short and Simple. 

How to write a short professional bio?

Just like with your resume, a short professional bio should contain key details. Those details should also appear in a predictable order. 

Your name and current job title

Your professional philosophy

Some of your best skills

Career achievements

What you have your sights set on for the future

You could also include things like links to online portfolios or your contact information, depending on where the bio is going to be used. For example, if you're adding the short professional bio to a web page that already has your contact info, then you don't need to add it to the bio itself. 

First-person vs third-person for your short professional bio

Before you start writing, you have to decide which voice you're going to use for your biography. Meaning, are you going to write it using first-person or third-person?

First-person writing involves using pronouns like “I,” “me,” and “my”

Third-person writing is when you avoid using personal pronouns and stick to possessive pronouns or possessive adjectives like "he," "she," "his," and "her"

It all depends on your audience. You'd choose to write your short professional bio in the first person if you're using it for personal websites, social media profiles , and networking events. It's better to use the third person when you're writing for company websites, professional directories, or other formal settings. 

Short professional bio examples: Your name and current job title

This may seem like a given, but because it's such a simple thing, a lot of people try to overdo it. You literally only need to write something like this

Third-person: Janet Plunder is the Head of Marketing for We Are Creatives, Inc. 

First-person:   My name is Jeff Safeport, and I am the Network Manager for BitBytes.

Short professional bio examples: Your professional philosophy

Have you ever thought about the values and ethics you possess and how those shape your work and interaction with others? That is the basis of your professional philosophy. Prospective employers and future clients want to know how you distinguish yourself from others. The way you come up with your professional philosophy is through a little self-assessment. Ask yourself

What do I believe in?

What am I committed to?

What values are most important in my professional life?

How do I approach challenges?

Have I made any type of impact in my field?

This is what the philosophy statement could look like in your short bio:

• Third-person: She is known for leading with integrity, fostering collaborative environments, and continuously seeking innovative solutions that drive success. 
• First-person:   I am committed to prioritizing client satisfaction. Also, by embracing the idea of lifelong learning, I consistently strive for excellence in everything all projects I undertake.

Short professional bio examples: Your skills and qualifications

Going back to the concept of KISS, you want to avoid trying to include a laundry list of every skill you possess. The idea here is to focus on the abilities that set you apart in your field. You need to be specific not only about what you excel at but also how the particular skills you choose for your short professional bio have helped you be successful. 

For example:

• Third-person: Jane is known for creating digital marketing strategies, with a particular focus on SEO and content marketing. She has a proven track record of increasing online visibility, brand awareness, and consumer engagement for countless globally branded companies. 
• First-person :  One of my strong suits is the ability to streamline processes in a way that improves productivity across international teams. I do this through full lifecycle project management and deep-dive data analysis.

Short professional bio examples: Your career achievements

Back when you were writing your resume, you probably heard over and over again how important career achievements are. There are millions of articles out there that tell you how to quantify the things you've accomplished in past jobs because that's how prospective employers know you'll be a benefit to their team. 

The same holds true for your short professional bio. Your readers will be able to tell how you can help them by getting a glimpse into your career wins. Focus on notable awards and major projects that point to you achieving milestones.

Here's what that could look like:

• Third-person: Recently, she led a rebranding project that increased revenue by more than 20%, earning her the Innovator of the Year award. 
• First-person :  In my last position, I ascended to the prestigious President's Club after overhauling project processes and saving the company $10M. 

Short professional bio examples: Your professional goals

The one thing that distinguishes a short professional bio from your other career marketing documents is that it not only showcases your history but it's also future-facing. This gives you a great opportunity to talk about your aspirations and which direction you are heading in your career. 

You can show prospective employers and future clients that you're going to be around a while by talking about things like being “forward-thinking” and emphasizing your “commitment to growth,” as examples. 

Here are a couple of short professional bio examples you can use as inspiration for your own professional goals :

• Third-person: Jane is looking forward to developing leadership skills to transition into an executive management role so that she can foster innovation at the corporate level.   
• First-person :  Since the beginning of my career, I've focused on expanding my expertise in cybersecurity and am poised to move into a Chief Information Officer position. 

Leave a lasting impression

No matter what type of document you're writing for your career, the object is always to leave a lasting impression. That holds true even for a short professional bio. It may only be a couple hundred words, but they're very important words. Keep it concise, relevant, and engaging, and the right doors will open to propel you along your career journey.

The best way to get the right details into your short professional bio is to use information from your resume. Does your resume say what you need it to say about your skills, qualifications, and achievements? Upload it for a free review and find out. 

Recommended reading:

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10 Things Every Job Seeker Should Know Before Starting Their Search

Why the Handshake May Go Away — and Options to Replace It

Related Articles:

7 Best Personal Skills for Your Resume (With Examples)

Great Jobs for Teens: Top Picks for 16-Year-Olds

Functional Resume: Writing Guide, Examples, & Template

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Handshake: Should I List My Summer Job on My Resume?

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If you spent your summer working in retail, scooping ice cream, or answering front desk calls, you may not think about including that on your resume. But don’t worry, you can use any work experience to build out your resume, if you do it the right way.

Highlight transferable skills

Start with the  the job description . Once you have an understanding of all the required skills, think about which ones you used at your summer job. Many of the skills you learned at your summer job can be transferred to a position that is more directly to your career path.

Show off soft skills

Every job will require that you have so-called soft skills like communication and time management.  Highlight the soft skills you learned —for example, managing multiple tasks simultaneously or communicating with a challenging customer.

Talk about your impact

Megan Malcolm, an Early Career Recruiter at Handshake, says, “Focus on the impact you made in bullet points, not the day to day activities of the job.” In addition to the skill-based bullet points, include some examples of an impact or unique contribution you made in your role.

Talk about it in your cover letter

Keep your  cover letter  short (2-3 paragraphs) and put your experience in context with your other work. For example, you could say, “As a member of the debate club, I thought I had great communication skills, but I didn’t learn to apply them at work until I worked as a summer camp counselor.” Keep these stories in mind for your interviews, too!

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