Volunteer experience can be just as valuable as paid work, especially when it highlights skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. Whether you’ve led projects, managed teams, or contributed to a cause, the experience you’ve gained can strengthen your resume and catch the attention of hiring managers.
The key is knowing when and how to include volunteer work effectively. This guide will walk you through the best ways to list volunteer experience on your resume, when to feature it, and how to use it to your advantage in the job market. Let’s dive in!
Why Volunteer Experience on Resume Matters?
Your resume isn’t just a list of jobs you’ve held—it’s a showcase of your skills, experiences, and the value you bring to potential employers. Including volunteer work on your resume can be a game-changer, especially if you’re switching careers, re-entering the workforce, or don’t have much paid work experience.
Hiring managers value candidates who take the initiative to gain skills, even outside of traditional jobs. Volunteer roles can highlight transferable skills, leadership abilities, and your dedication to a cause. In fields like nonprofit work, education, and healthcare, listing volunteer experience can even make you a stronger candidate. If your volunteer work has helped you grow and develop key skills, it deserves a place on your resume.
The Right Time to Highlight Volunteer Work on Your Resume
Knowing when to include volunteer experience on your resume can make a big difference. Here are some situations where it adds the most value:
You Don’t Have Much Job Experience Yet
If you’re a recent graduate, a stay-at-home parent returning to work, or someone with employment gaps, volunteer work can fill in those blanks. It shows employers that you’ve been actively building skills and gaining experience, even outside of a paid job.
It Matches the Job You Want
If your volunteer work is similar to the job you’re applying for, include it. For example, if you managed social media for a nonprofit and are applying for a digital marketing role, that’s hands-on experience that proves you have the right skills.
You’ve Built Skills That Employers Want
Many volunteer roles help you develop teamwork, leadership, communication, and project management skills. If these match what the job requires, highlight them on your resume to show you’re a strong fit.
You’re Taking Your Career in a New Direction
Switching industries can be tough, but volunteer work can help bridge the gap. If you’ve gained relevant hands-on experience in a new field, listing it can prove that you’re ready for the transition.
You Want to Show You Care
Some companies appreciate candidates who give back to their communities. If you’ve volunteered for causes that align with the company’s mission or values, it can help show that you’d be a great cultural fit.
When It’s Best to Leave Volunteer Experience Off Your Resume
While volunteer work can strengthen your resume, there are times when it’s better to leave it out:
- It doesn’t relate to the job – If the experience isn’t relevant, use that space for more applicable skills or roles.
- It’s controversial or polarizing – Political or religious volunteer work may not align with every company’s culture, so include it only if it adds value.
- You have plenty of paid experience – If your work history is strong, a volunteer section may not be necessary.
- It was a one-time event – Short-term volunteer work without significant responsibilities might not be worth mentioning.
- It creates more questions than answers – Too many short-term or unrelated volunteer roles may raise concerns about your work history.
- It takes up too much space – If your resume is already packed with relevant details, prioritize what’s most impactful.
Types of Volunteer Work You Can Include
Not all volunteer work carries the same weight on a resume. The best experiences to include are those that highlight transferable skills, leadership, and relevant expertise. Here are some strong examples:
Industry-Specific Volunteer Work
Volunteering in your field can make your resume stand out. If you’re in healthcare, assisting at a hospital or clinic demonstrates hands-on experience. If you’re in marketing, managing social media or campaigns for a nonprofit showcases your expertise.
Leadership and Organizational Roles
Taking on a leadership role, such as a team leader, event coordinator, or committee chair, shows initiative, problem-solving, and the ability to manage people and projects effectively.
Teaching and Mentoring
Tutoring, mentoring, or training others highlights strong communication and leadership skills. Employers value candidates who can explain complex ideas, guide others, and foster learning environments.
Administrative or Project-Based Work
Tasks like organizing events, managing budgets, handling social media, or coordinating projects for a nonprofit demonstrate planning, time management, and professional skills that translate well to many jobs.
Fundraising and Community Outreach
Planning charity events, securing sponsorships, or coordinating volunteer teams shows teamwork, organization, and the ability to engage with a community—qualities that are valuable in many industries.
How to List Volunteer Experience On a Resume
When adding volunteer experience to your resume, structure it strategically to highlight your skills and contributions. Here are five key tips to do it effectively:
1. Integrate it into your work experience.
If your volunteer role is relevant to the job you’re applying for, list it alongside your paid positions. Treat it like professional experience by emphasizing responsibilities and achievements that align with the role.
2. Create a dedicated volunteer section.
If you have both paid and volunteer experience, adding a separate section labeled “Volunteer Experience” or “Community Involvement” keeps your resume organized. This is useful when you want to highlight contributions outside of traditional employment.
3. Use a clear format.
Structure your volunteer experience just like a job entry:
Organization Name – Volunteer Position
Location | Dates of Service
- List key responsibilities and accomplishments.
- Highlight relevant skills.
- Use bullet points for readability.
4. Tailor it to the job.
Customize the description based on the job you’re applying for. Focus on skills and experiences that match the employer’s needs. For example, if you manage a nonprofit’s social media, emphasize content creation, audience engagement, and analytics.
5. Quantify your contributions.
Numbers make your experience stand out. Instead of saying “helped organize fundraising events,” say “coordinated three fundraising events that raised $20,000 for community programs.” Providing measurable results makes your impact clearer to potential employers.
Volunteer Work on Resume Examples
Including volunteer work on your resume can highlight valuable skills and experiences. Here are seven examples of how to format and present different types of volunteer roles:
1. Marketing & Social Media
Habitat for Humanity – Social Media Coordinator
Austin, TX | 2021 – Present
- Managed social media accounts, increasing engagement by 35% in six months.
- Created content to promote fundraising campaigns and volunteer events.
- Analyzed social media metrics to improve outreach strategies.
2. Teaching & Mentoring
Big Brothers Big Sisters – Youth Mentor
Denver, CO | 2020 – 2023
- Provided mentorship to at-risk youth, fostering personal and academic growth.
- Organized weekly educational activities to enhance leadership and communication skills.
- Assisted students with homework and college application preparation.
3. Event Planning & Fundraising
American Cancer Society – Fundraising Volunteer
Los Angeles, CA | 2018 – Present
- Organized charity events that raised over $50,000 for cancer research.
- Coordinated volunteer teams and managed event logistics.
- Developed donor outreach strategies to increase community engagement.
4. Administrative & Project Management
Local Food Bank – Volunteer Coordinator
New York, NY | 2019 – 2022
- Recruited, trained, and scheduled 100+ volunteers for food distribution efforts.
- Managed inventory and coordinated logistics to ensure efficient food distribution.
- Assisted with grant writing to secure funding for community programs.
5. Healthcare & Crisis Support
Red Cross – Emergency Response Volunteer
Chicago, IL | 2019 – Present
- Assisted in disaster relief efforts, demonstrating crisis management skills.
- Coordinated logistics for emergency response teams.
- Provided emotional and logistical support to individuals affected by natural disasters.
6. Environmental Conservation
Sierra Club – Environmental Volunteer
Seattle, WA | 2020 – Present
- Led tree-planting initiatives that restored over 200 acres of land.
- Organized community clean-up events to promote environmental awareness.
- Collaborated with local officials to develop sustainable conservation programs.
7. Animal Welfare
Humane Society – Animal Shelter Volunteer
Miami, FL | 2017 – Present
- Provided daily care and socialization for rescued animals, improving adoption rates.
- Assisted in coordinating adoption events and fundraising activities.
- Educated the community on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare issues.
Leverage Your Volunteer Experience to Land Your Next Job
Volunteer work is more than just a way to give back—it can be a valuable addition to your resume, showcasing your skills, dedication, and hands-on experience. Whether you’re filling employment gaps, switching careers, or highlighting transferable skills, strategically listing volunteer roles can make your application stand out. By tailoring your resume to emphasize relevant volunteer work, you can demonstrate initiative, leadership, and expertise that align with your target job.
Need help crafting a compelling resume that highlights your strengths? Resume Professional Writers specializes in creating expertly written resumes that showcase your skills and experiences effectively. Let our team help you position yourself as a strong candidate—get started today and take the next step in your career!
