sample resume with volunteer work included

30 Examples: How To List Volunteer Work on a Resume

By Status.net Editorial Team on April 26, 2024 — 10 minutes to read

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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Volunteer Work on a Resume: Examples and Templates

Here’s everything you need to know to effectively showcase volunteer work on a resume, including volunteer resume examples and templates.

9 months ago   •   6 min read

Volunteering isn’t just a great way to help out your community — it can also be used to build your resume. Whether you don’t have a lot of paid work experience yet or you’re trying to get experience in a specific niche, volunteer work is a great way to round out your resume, learn in-demand skills, and fill in any missing gaps.

Keep reading to learn how to effectively showcase volunteer work on your resume. In this article we will cover:

• Volunteer resume templates you can download
• Examples of volunteer resume accomplishments
• Essential volunteer-based skills to list on your resume

How to list volunteer work on a resume

• Start by creating a separate resume section. Give it a title like “Volunteer Experience” or “Community Involvement.”
• Alternatively, you can list volunteer work directly in the Work Experience section of your resume — just make sure to put “Volunteer” somewhere in your job title.
• List the organization and your dates of service (years or months).
• List your job title. If you had a specific job title, like “Fundraising Coordinator,” use that, but if not, “Volunteer” is fine.
• Choose 2-3 examples of things you accomplished during your role.
• List these in bullet points, starting with an action verb like Managed, Collaborated, or Organized.
• If possible, add some numbers to quantify each accomplishment — for example, “collected $15,000 in donations” rather than “collected donations.”
• Get instant feedback from our free resume scanner before you send it off.

Volunteer resume templates

Here’s an example of a resume you could use to show off your volunteer work for a nonprofit organization:

A template like this works well if you don’t have a lot of paid work experience, by taking your volunteer experience and letting it shine upfront.

Here’s another volunteer resume example:

This template is ideal if you have a mix of paid and volunteer experience that you want to showcase on your resume. You can download these volunteer resume templates — and more — from our ATS resume templates page.

I recommend uploading your resume to the tool below to check whether you have effectively highlighted your volunteer experience, along with any transferable skills gained from that experience.

Examples of volunteer work on a resume

Whether you start with one of the templates above or prefer to create your own resume from scratch, you’ll need some actual accomplishments to fill it out. Here are some volunteer resume examples you can copy and paste or use as a jumping-off point to write your own.

Nonprofit volunteer resume

Volunteer work looks great on a resume, whether you’re applying to work at a nonprofit organization or you just want to show off a few relevant accomplishments. Here’s an example:

XYZ Nonprofit Organization, June 2019 - Present Volunteer • Organized and executed fundraising events, resulting in over $15,000 in donations. • Coordinated with volunteers to collect and distribute donations to local families in need. • Provided support for various programs and initiatives, including outreach to underserved communities.

Community service volunteer resume

Community service isn’t just a nice thing to do — it’s also a great way to build skills and gain experience, especially if you’re just starting out. Here’s an example:

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE ABC Youth Center, September 2018 - May 2019 Volunteer Mentor • Mentored and provided support to a group of 10 at-risk youth, promoting positive behavior and academic success. • Coordinated activities and field trips, fostering teamwork and communication skills among youth participants. • Encouraged and guided youth in setting and achieving personal goals, resulting in increased self-esteem and motivation.

Student volunteer resume

If you’re a student or recent graduate, volunteer work is a valuable addition to your resume. This can include student activities and organizations. Here’s an example:

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Resume Worded Finance Society, September 2017 – May 2020 Head of Events • 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 universities in Boston. • Managed the launch of new booking system to improve organization of events; system now used across university.

Hospital volunteer resume

Looking to start your medical career? Adding some volunteer work alongside your studies is a great way to show that you’re committed to the field and passionate about your work.

Here’s an example:

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Resume Worded Medical Center, 2016 - 2018 Volunteer Emergency Medical Technician • Volunteered as an EMT for one night-shift weekly in one of the busiest areas in New York City. • Provided basic patient assessments to assess the severity of the patient’s condition, subsequently providing BLS to treat those conditions; 100% success rate in resuscitating emergency patients. • Worked as part of a 3-person team to treat patients & understand their medical and family histories.

Political volunteer resume

Political organizations can be contentious, but there’s a way to list them on your resume while staying professional. Instead of talking about a specific issue, keep the focus on the work you did and leave partisanship out of it. Here’s an example:

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Young Voters Society, June 2019 – April 2020 Poll Agent • Registered high school students to boost voter participation among 19-year-olds by 71%. • Partnered with a team of 12+ poll watchers to prepare election ballots within 30 minutes, establishing a 98% accuracy rate in counting votes.

Charity work resume

No volunteer work is too small for your resume. Remember to keep the focus on what you accomplished with some action verbs and metrics, like in this example:

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE XYZ Animal Shelter, August 2017 - December 2018 Volunteer • Assisted in the care and adoption of over 100 animals, including dogs, cats, and rabbits. • Coordinated with staff and other volunteers to organize successful adoption events, resulting in a 30% increase in adoptions. • Raised over $5,000 in donations through social media campaigns and community outreach efforts.

Resume-worthy skills gained through volunteer experience

Don’t have volunteer experience in the area you’re planning to work in? That doesn’t mean it isn’t relevant! When listing experience — volunteer or otherwise — on your resume that isn’t obviously related to the job you’re applying for, the key is to emphasize transferable skills. Some of the best soft skills to highlight on a volunteer resume include:

Communication

Problem solving.

• Organization
• Project management
• Customer service
• Relationship building
• Conflict resolution

But don’t rush to list these skills in your Skills section — transferable skills like these belong in your Work Experience accomplishments instead. For each skill that you want to highlight, choose an example of a time when you demonstrated that skill and turn it into a bullet point. Here are some examples:

• Collaborated with a team of volunteers to organize a successful fundraising event that raised $10,000 for a local charity.
• Worked in a team to implement a new system for tracking donations, resulting in a 25% increase in donor retention.

If you’re struggling to come up with things you accomplished, try thinking about what your whole team accomplished instead. Not only will this add some more achievements to your resume, it also shows that you’re a team player, which is something every employer wants.

• Provided excellent customer service as a volunteer at a community center, effectively communicating with diverse populations and resolving issues in a timely manner.
• Managed social media accounts for a nonprofit organization, creating engaging content and responding to inquiries from followers.

Instead of saying something vague like “communicated with members of the public,” try to focus on how you communicated — for example, working in a customer-facing position, calling donors, or managing a social media account.

• Created a system for organizing and distributing supplies to volunteers during a disaster relief effort, resulting in a more efficient and effective response.
• Identified and addressed issues with a nonprofit's website, improving user experience and increasing traffic by 30%.

If you’ve ever been in an interview, you’ve probably been asked about a time when you encountered a problem and how you solved it. That’s not just a good interview question — it’s also a great idea for a resume bullet point like the ones above.

• Led a team of volunteers in planning and executing a successful environmental conservation project, resulting in recognition from local government officials.
• Coordinated a group of volunteers for a charity event, delegating tasks and ensuring smooth operations throughout the day.

Applying for roles where leadership is a must but without formal management experience? Volunteering is a great way to help with that — any time you led a team, trained new volunteers, or spearheaded a project can be used to show your leadership skills.

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How to List Volunteer Experience On a Resume [W/ Examples]

Let’s face it - first impressions matter. And when it comes to job search, your resume will be the first impression a potential employer will have of you. 

This begs the question: how do you make your resume stand out in a pile of job applications? 

You try to make every section count. And a particularly beneficial one to have in this regard is volunteer experience.

A volunteer experience section can be a great way to showcase your skills if you’re just starting on your career, or even if you have a work experience gap on your CV. It is also an indicator that you are not just any other money-driven applicant, but also someone who cares about giving back to the community. 

But what is the best way - and time - to include volunteer experience in your resume? That’s exactly what this article will show you.

Read on to find out: 

What is a Resume Volunteer Experience Section?

• When to Include Volunteer Experience in Your Resume?
• How to Include Volunteer Experience in Your Resume?
• How to Get Your Volunteer Experience Section Right?

The volunteer experience section of a resume includes any unpaid work you’ve done that could be relevant to your application. In addition to being an effective way to showcase your professional skills, it also shows that you are a purpose-driven person. The studies speak for themselves - volunteering can open a new path to employment. 

You can list volunteer experience either under the work experience section or as a separate section entirely. Below, we’re going to explain how, exactly, you can do both.

But first, here’s an example of how volunteer experience (as a separate resume section) looks like: 

When to Include Volunteer Experience in Your Resume? 

While having a volunteer experience section in your resume can be an asset, it’s not always going to be useful. There’s value in knowing when volunteering can be relevant in improving your chances to get hired and when it can be dead-weight.  

Here’s our cheat sheet on when to and when not to include volunteer experience in your resume. 

• The company you are applying for emphasizes ‘giving’ as part of its identity. Employees at VMware, for example, are given volunteer hours which they can use instead of doing standard work.  
• You have recently graduated and have no work experience . 
• You have extra space on your resume or an employment gap. 
• You are applying for an NGO, non-profit, or charity organization . 
• The volunteer work is outdated. Volunteer work is awesome, yes, but you want it to be as time-relevant for the recruiter reviewing your application as possible. And experience from a decade ago rarely cuts it.
• You can fill up your resume with more relevant sections, such as paid work and education . As a rule of thumb, the first thing a recruiter notices in a resume is paid experience and education - volunteering experience is just a nice-to-have extra. This means you shouldn’t squeeze in volunteer experience if it means cutting out more important sections from your resume. 

How to Include Volunteer Experience In Your Resume

Now that we went over the whens, let’s go over the most important part - how to include volunteer experience in your resume in a way that highlights your skills and emphasizes your achievements. 

As we mentioned before, volunteer experience can be a section of its own or can count as work experience in some specific cases. 

DO include it as part of the work experience section if: 

• The experience is super relevant to the job you are applying for.
• You have otherwise little paid experience. 

For example, let’s say you’re applying for a job in Journalism, but you’ve never worked as a professional in the field. However, you have plenty of journalism experience from years of volunteering at your university’s newspaper. 

Journalism Experience 

Reading Owl Daily

2017 - 2019

• Volunteering experience as Reporter for the University’s daily newspaper. Covered the News section, as well as handled copy editing. 
• Kept track of the newspaper’s online presence and updated its WordPress site daily. 
• Wrote a total of 50 interviews for two years. 

Now, when your volunteering experience isn’t specifically related to the job you’re applying for, you’re better off creating a separate volunteer experience section and formatting it just like the work experience section:

• Volunteering Position
• Organization You Volunteered For
• Responsibilities & Achievements

If you want your unrelated volunteering experience to stand out, however, simply listing your responsibilities and achievements won’t do. Instead, you want to show how the volunteer experience ties you to the job you are currently applying for.   

Confused? Let us cover an example: 

Say that you have been helping at the local animal rescue center for a year, but now you’re applying for a marketing company. Your volunteer experience is not marketing-relevant, but it can be tailored as such.

Volunteer Experience 

• Helped develop an online platform for stray animals’ adoption that saved 100+ dogs and cats, on behalf of the Animal Rescue Center.
• Wrote copy for the online platform and created banners and brochures to advertise it.  

Keep in mind, though, that tailoring is not something that you have to do all the time - volunteering experience is going to help whether or not it’s related to your field.

If you can tailor it to the job, though, that is, for sure, a big plus.

Volunteer Experience Section Example

Looking for some inspiration? Look no further!

Here’s what a well-crafted volunteer experience section looks like on a resume: 

International Federation Red Cross, France

5/2016 - 5/2017

• Provided presentations about Red Cross programs in the community. 
• Assisted the fundraising team with writing grant proposals. 

Now, if you’re listing your volunteering experience as part of the work experience section, here’s how it could look like if you were applying for a job in the communications field:

Team London Volunteer 

Mayor of London Office

09/2018 - 08/2019

• Supported the implementation of a new external communications strategy.
• Created a new e-newsletter to share with a variety of stakeholders to keep them up to date with internal news and to gain new supporters.  
• Generated visual content for the organization’s social media platform. 

How to Get Your Volunteer Experience Section Right 

There’s more to creating a compelling volunteer experience section than just writing it out. Here are our top 3 tips on including volunteering in your resume the right way:

Tip #1: Follow the Format. 

As we mentioned before, there is a pretty straightforward format one can follow to list volunteering experiences.

Here’s what it looks like:

• Your position and/or title 
• Company/Organization name
• Achievements/Responsibilities 
• Volunteering timeframe 

Tip #2: List Achievements Over Responsibilities. 

When possible, you want to focus more on achievements as opposed to responsibilities in your resume (and this applies to volunteer experience, too).

Here’s what we mean by that:

Let’s assume that you have volunteer experience as a research assistant. The responsibilities are pretty obvious - i.e. compiling and distributing questionnaires, collecting and analyzing relevant data, doing statistical and analytical work, etc. 

The HR knows all this - they’re reviewed hundreds of similar resumes, all of which mention the same responsibilities.

If you, however, focus on showing how you concretely contributed to the research, by say, pointing out that 50% of the data analyzed by you was used to advance it, you’d have told the recruiter something completely new and compelling that makes you stand out. 

Focusing on your achievements, when relevant, is your best chance at giving your resume the upper hand. 

To give you a more concrete example, though, here’s a comparison of achievements done right: 

• Compiled and distributed qualitative questionnaires with a 90% response rate. 
• Completed 50% of the data analysis later used to advance the project’s research. 

However, in some industries, you might have fewer achievements to list than in others. If you volunteered at your local homeless shelter, your day-to-day goal probably wasn’t to distinguish yourself but help others. If that’s the case, listing responsibilities is OK. 

Here’s how that would look like in your resume: 

• Registering homeless people into the shelter.
• Unpacking and distributing food aids. 
• Oversee opening and closing of the shelter 2 times/week. 

Tip #3: Keep It Relevant

Only mention your volunteering experience if they’re recent and relevant .

For example, if you volunteered 5 years back, and since then you have worked several professional roles in your field, you don’t need to go back in time and mention that volunteering experience (even if it was an amazing learning experience).

In such a case, your volunteering experience is neither recent (it happened 5 years ago), nor relevant (you probably learned a lot more from your recent positions).

Key takeaways 

And we’re done! By now, you should know everything on how to include volunteering experience in a resume.

Now, let’s recap all the main points we’ve covered:

• Volunteer experience can be a huge plus to your job application, especially if you are a recent graduate, have a gap in your resume, or are applying to an NGO.  
• List volunteer experience either as a separate section or as work-related experience (if your volunteering experience is related to the job you’re applying for). 
• When listing your volunteering experiences, when possible, include achievements over responsibilities. Responsibilities are what put you on the same plate as all other applicants - your achievements are what set you apart! 

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How to List Volunteer Work Experience on a Resume (With Examples)

Want to crush your interview.

Learn how to ace your interview with superior confidence.

Thinking about putting volunteer work on a resume? Is it going to be helpful for hiring managers? Volunteer work could sound like a great way to show the hiring manager that you're a passionate and heartfelt person who can collaborate with others.

Though, maybe it's not the right idea to list it on your resume.

Here is what job seekers should know about including a volunteer position on their resume.

What is the volunteer work section on a resume?

A volunteer work section is similar to any other section that's listed on the resume.

What you'll see are these sections:

• Contact information.
• Work experience/professional experience.
• Certifications.

Volunteer work can be included as one of these sections. Or, another way to format the work is to include it as part of your work experience.

Before deciding which is best, understand that volunteer work can be a section that you can list on your resume. It's entirely optional.

A standard resume format is chronological. Or hybrid format. In this format, you'll see multiple sections on your resume.

When to include volunteer work on a resume

Volunteering experience could be best suited for those who are applying to non-profit positions, science positions, or educator roles.

This is when key skills that come from volunteering experience can be more valuable to the job title.

It is not a way for the traditional job seeker to make their resume stand out.

Volunteer experience should only be included in the resume when it will benefit the hiring manager in evaluating your passions and key skills.

Great volunteer work to include is:

• Nursing home work. Which can show teamwork, record keeping, and compassion.
• Homeless shelter work. That can show great collaboration and communication skills.
• Library volunteer work. Can show strong organizational skills.
• Church volunteer work. Shows project management, leadership, and verbal communication skills.

How to include volunteer work on your resume

Here's how to include volunteer work on a resume.

Examples of volunteer work in the experience section

For certain positions, it's okay to list the volunteer work in the work history/work experience section of the resume.

Most commonly, the types of jobs where volunteer work is acceptable to place into the work history section is:

• When applying for a non-profit position.
• If applying for an academic position.
• When the job description specifically mentions desiring to see volunteer work.

To do this, this is how your work history section should look:

Work history

Marketing Assistant

John Marketing Company - September 2010 to October 2011

• Assisted with general marketing procedures.
• Produced more than 100 marketing campaigns.

Brothers and Sisters of America - January 2010 to February 2010

• Volunteered as part of the big brother program.
• Worked closely with 3 children, providing mentorship and leadership.

As you can see in this example, volunteer experience is part of your work history.

Create a separate section on the resume

If the job application doesn't specify wanting to see volunteer experience, then it means that you can create a separate section on your resume to include your resume volunteer work.

This could include community service, church work, fundraising, and other related experience.

To put volunteer resume experience on your resume in a way that can impress the hiring manager, make it a new section.

Here is what it will look like:

Volunteer Experience

• Plan and execute a monthly fundraiser for children with disabilities.
• Work closely with animal shelters once a month.

In this example, the volunteering work is unrelated to the job. Meaning, it is not directly relevant toe the application documents that the employer has asked for.

This does not mean it is not valuable to list.

Connect volunteer work with soft skills

When your volunteer work isn't related to the job. Or isn't specifically requested to have listed in the job application, it can still be useful to reference.

Primarily, listing volunteer work as part of your professional story, alluding to relevant skills that's required of the position.

Here's how you should do that:

• Donate time once a month to the brothers and sisters of America program.
• Offer mentoring and guidance to young adults.

Other types of volunteer experiences could include church volunteer work and planning/executing successful fundraising events.

Both of these show leadership capacity. And passion or drive.

Some volunteering work can show great problem-solving skills, planning, coordination, verbal communication, written communication, and more.

For example, basketball coaches who voluntarily work with the youth can show great leadership, training skills, and work ethic.

Volunteer work on a resume samples

Here are more specific examples of listing resume volunteer experience.

Resume samples for related experience

Boys and Girls of America

May 2015 to June 2018

• Assisted with the software development of the website. As part our volunteer work we coordinated with marketing teams, other engineers, and designers to produce a higher quality web experience.
• Provided monthly and quarterly business reviews of all software, iOS applications, and more.
• Customized the web application to track form submissions.

In this example, you are including your volunteer experience as part of your paid positions/paid experience.

Pro tip: Only 32% of job seekers choose to put volunteer experience on their resume. Though, many hiring managers appreciate this section being included in their resume.

Resume samples for unrelated experience

Volunteer Work

• Provided time each month to work with children who lost their parents.
• Reviewed profiles of the children and offered counseling.

Volunteer resume samples as bullet points

Doctors Without Borders, Volunteer

June 2015 to June 2018

• Provided patient care overseas.
• Helped to treat infections, provide antibiotics, and more.
• Assisted with educational programs that showed proper hygiene.

How not to list it on your resume

Do not include your volunteer work as part of your additional activities section .

Here is what that could look like:

Additional Activities

• Part of a weekly bicycle group.
• Volunteer at a local animal shelter.
• Am part of a weekly investment club.

Listing all volunteer work under one section

It's always best to go into detail, describing your volunteer experience and how that volunteer experience applies to the job you're trying to get hired for.

When listing related volunteer work on your resume, do not format it as the following:

• Peace Corp, May 201o to June 2010
• Brothers and Sisters of America, June 2012 to June 2013
• Food Bank/Food Shelter, March 2019 to May 2020

In this format, the bullet points should not list each of your volunteer work experiences. Instead, make sure that you write the format exactly like you're listing your work experience .

This way, it can be perceived as relevant experience to your resume. And you can use that space to speak to why it's relevant through the bullet points.

When to leave it off the resume

You shouldn't list volunteer work when you're trying to enter into a new industry, when you're trying to compensate for a lack of experience, or when you simply want to stand out.

If you don't think it will be useful in getting a job offer, then it won't be useful to the hiring manager, either.

Here is when you should leave volunteer work off the resume:

• When you're a recent graduate and you want to fill your resume with more text.
• If the related volunteer work doesn't speak to a specific skill that the job description is mentioning.
• Or when you're trying to enter into a new career/new industry (transitioning careers) and you're using this as a way to stand out or fill your resume with information.
• Simply wanting to stand out from other candidates.

Expert Tips

Here are tips for listing volunteer experience on your resume.

Revise your resume for each job

Always customize your cover letter and resume for each job application.

Never use the same application more than once. Review each of the job descriptions related to the job you want. And customize your sections based on the duties and responsibilities.

If you're looking for the perfect cover letter template, try these . Or the perfect resume template, try these .

All cover letters and resumes should get customized to the employer, the job title, and the job listing.

Include keywords from the job posting

Carefully read the job postings that you're trying to apply to. Throughout the listing, you should see keywords and references to key skills that are required to succeed in the position.

Mark each keyword that you see.

When considering the volunteer experience to list, consider which skills and keywords that these experiences apply toward.

Use the section to fill in any gaps related to key skills that you could be missing from your other resume sections.

Only include volunteer work when it's helpful

Are you making a career change? Or is this section going to be useful to the HR representative who reads it?

It's important to understand which objective we're trying to meet.

If the objective is to stand out, it could be a better option to focus on these sections instead:

• Career objective.
• Career achievements/career success.

Choose the right resume format

Listing any volunteering work on a resume can certainly lead to more interviews. Make sure that you're using the correct resume format for your application.

Most job seekers will use a chronological resume. Rather than a functional resume .

Both resume formats allow you to list volunteering work using the formats provided above.

Make sure you're using the correct resume format for the type of job you're applying for.

Pro tip: Not sure what to do? Consult a resume expert, resume writing service, or a mentor to help determine what should go on your resume and what shouldn't.

Similar resources

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About the author

Patrick Algrim is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), NCDA Certified Career Counselor (CCC), and general career expert. Patrick has completed the NACE Coaching Certification Program (CCP). And has been published as a career expert on Forbes , Glassdoor , American Express , Reader's Digest , LiveCareer , Zety , Yahoo , Recruiter.com , SparkHire , SHRM.org , Process.st , FairyGodBoss , HRCI.org , St. Edwards University , NC State University , IBTimes.com , Thrive Global , TMCnet.com , Work It Daily , Workology , Career Guide , MyPerfectResume , College Career Life , The HR Digest , WorkWise , Career Cast , Elite Staffing , Women in HR , All About Careers , Upstart HR , The Street , Monster , The Ladders , Introvert Whisperer , and many more. Find him on LinkedIn .

Fact checked: Our small and dedicated team rigorously evaluates every article, guide, and reference to ensure the information is accurate and factual. Learn more .

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Our world thrives on the compassion of volunteers. Whether you're donating your time to serve food to the homeless or your talents and expertise to a non-profit organization, volunteers provide a valuable service to communities across the United States. In recent years, many larger charities and non-profit organizations have asked would-be donors to submit a volunteer resume with an application.

A volunteer position has changed significantly over the past decade. In years past, if someone wanted to donate their time to an organization, they could show up to an event, put on the charity's t-shirt, and help whenever possible.

Nowadays, non-profits and community organizations need to pre-screen and qualify volunteers to ensure they are reliable and will represent their brand with ethical behavior.

Creating a resume with volunteer experience is a good idea if you're looking to volunteer your time. This is what we'll outline today. In the information below, we'll provide a detailed guide on how to write a resume for volunteer work.

Our team of professional resume writers has created two volunteer work resume examples that showcase the candidate's expertise, qualifications, compassion, and dedication to serving their communities. So – if you'd like to review a few practical volunteer resume samples with a detailed guide on creating content in each section, let's get started.

Volunteer Resume Sample

Volunteering can include remedial tasks such as collecting tickets, fundraising, community service, assisting with healthcare, signing people up for activities, or serving food. It can also require a candidate to have professional skills, such as being a construction worker, a certified professional, or having strong technical skills.

The two resume examples with volunteer work we've selected showcase what professional non-profits or community groups seek in their candidates. Let's take a closer look at two volunteer resume samples.

Volunteer Construction Worker

In recent years, many non-profit organizations focusing on providing resources for military veterans and first responders have significantly grown. Many groups build custom homes for those who have been wounded during their time of services, such as Homes for Heros, Tunnel for Towers, and others.

The volunteering resume examples below are an excellent example of how the finished project should look. It is from our mythical candidate Danny Jackson, a former US Navy Veteran with electrical and general construction expertise, hoping to volunteer for a hypothetical non-profit we're calling The Homes 4 Heros Foundation.

A professional yet laid-back or conversational tone should be used when creating a volunteer resume. It should be a one-page document with relevant employment history, a good volunteer resume description (or resume objective), relevant skills, reputable references, and any required education.

It's clear to notice that this is what Danny has done with his resume for volunteer work. The organization builds custom homes for disabled veterans who require unique enhancements to their homes to help them live a higher quality of life. His resume format is clean, easy to scan, has a relevant experience section, and flows from start to finish.

As a former Navy Veteran, who worked on advanced weapons systems and currently works as a commercial construction foreman, it's clear that Danny has the required expertise to provide valuable service to this group.

His resume includes his personal contact information, making it easier for the Homes 4 Heros Foundation to contact him directly. It continues with a well-written resume objective, highlighting his desire to join this non-profit. It outlines his qualifications, previous military experience, and dedication to supporting fellow veterans.

Further in the resume is his work history section, which supports the professional qualifications required to volunteer for this non-profit home-building company. Specifically, he has listed his current employment as a commercial construction foreman, focusing on electrical work.

He also mentions his military career, whereas a CIWS weapons system operator provided him with the technical training to become a certified electrician apprentice. However, the military experience also gives him the work ethic, team building, and problem-solving skills to help the project.

One of our professional resume writers wrote it to give you a great baseline and practical examples of the type of language you should include in the resume. Take some time to review the entire resume. When you're finished, continue reading the article. We'll discuss each section and provide tips for tackling this project later in this article.

Red Cross Volunteer Resume

Download This Resume Example

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The American Red Cross is one of the most valuable non-profit organizations. They serve communities throughout the globe during times of crisis, including wars, natural disasters, and global pandemics. However, they are also the world's most prominent collector of life-giving blood donated by compassionate people worldwide.

The people who complete blood draws are known as phlebotomists. Our volunteering candidate is Susan Smith, who currently serves as a Certified Phlebotomist for a medical office in her hometown of Thornton, Colorado. She hopes to join the American Red Cross to volunteer her time during select weekends to assist with mobile blood drives in the Greater Denver Metro area. She has written a community volunteer resume sample for us to review.

You'll need to go above and beyond with your resume to stand out among a sea of other competent volunteer applicants. Susan achieves this in the first line of her resume objective area. She has prepared this document primarily for the Red Cross office in Denver.

A phlebotomist's workday is never the same since offices range from modest solo practice to huge, high-volume hospitals. Because of this vastness, a phlebotomist's profession may vary significantly. Check-in patients, taking phone calls, performing complete venipuncture or capillary puncture blood draws, and collecting other bodily fluid samples are all part of the job.

When you read the phlebotomist's resume, you'll notice that she has included:

• A work history section (second serving as a volunteer of a mobile clinic).
• Her education.
• Three excellent references.
• Her top skills relevant to the job.

Now that you've reviewed two exceptional volunteer resume examples let's explore how to write, structure, and edit each of the primary sections included.

How to Write a Good Resume for Volunteer Work: Full Guide to Successful Volunteer Resumes

Reviewing most volunteering job postings will make it 100 percent clear how to build and structure your resume. The job description will often include the skills, relevant job experience, and education or certifications for the specific volunteer position. However, many non-profit organizations are looking for general volunteers – to complete office duties, help with warehousing, or other operational tasks.

The key is to research what your charity, community organization, or non-profit might be seeking before creating a resume for them. In many cases, if you are a specialist, such as our two hypothetical volunteering candidates above, you can fine-tune your existing professional resume to make it for a volunteer position.

Best practices for writing volunteer resumes suggest including the following primary sections.

Personal Contact Info:  Always provide your complete legal name, mailing and email address, and cell phone number. Keep it basic unless asked otherwise; there's no need to include social media connections like LinkedIn unless requested.

Professional Summary:  A volunteer's resume summary, often known as a volunteer resume objective, is a four- to a five-sentence elevator pitch. This is your first chance to make an impression.

Work History:  List out your professional experience or previous volunteering jobs. You should include job specifics as well as a few standout accomplishments.

Education:  A GED certificate or a high school diploma is required for most volunteer jobs. However, if the specialist or professional licensing you possess is requested by the organization looking for volunteers, list your highest degree in the education section. No need to add your GPA or core course study, unless it’s applicable to your position.

Skills:  Including five to seven features in the volunteer abilities resume part is essential. Many jobs recruiting firms use applicant tracking software to search for these action words, so it's best to include them in the skills portion.

References:  Choose two or three thorough references, including two professional or previous employers and one personal that can support your job search.

The most important aspects of the resume are represented by these primary sections noted above. If a future employer asks for more information on your resume, you should provide it. Including certifications such as CPR or First Aid in one section is better if that's what you need.

For this article – we will focus on the primary sections displayed in the sample resumes. The following areas below will help you build out the content for each.

Section #1 – List Your Contact Information

The first item on your resume will always be contact information. While it's more than likely that you'll fill out an official job application, the resume should be a supporting document that further supports your candidacy. However, one essential item for future employees is consistency with their applicants.

To ensure that you have the best chance of success, ensure that the contact information listed on your application matches 100 percent of your resume. For example, some people will write generic resumes for volunteer positions and submit them to every job. However, they may move or change their mobile phone number – and not update their resume.

Let's review Susan's resume for this section. You'll notice that her contact information is easy to see. This will make it easier for prospective volunteer organizations to contact you directly.

How to Format this Section

We recommend that you use a resume builder or template to format each part of your resume so that it appears polished and professional. It will guarantee that the document looks professional while ensuring that important information is easy to remember. Remember that the contact information you provided on the application should be used for the resume (including name, mailing address, address, city, state, zip code, email, and phone number).

Section #2 – Professional Summary 

A professional summary or resume overview is your best opportunity to provide a general overview of the information posted below. Consider it like a written elevator pitch, where you introduce your candidacy, explain what you want, showcase your experience and qualifications, and why you're the right person for the job.

Let's provide two different examples of writing this section.

Volunteer Resume Summary for Non-Profit Organization

This sample is from Danny's resume. He is applying for a construction volunteer position with a non-profit organization called Homes 4 Heros Foundation. You'll notice that he has written this section for this specific volunteering position.

What makes this summary different from others is that Danny frequently mentions attributes that showcase his passion for people served by the Foundation – former US Military and First Responders who require custom-built homes. It's crucial to many non-profit organizations that volunteers have a personal connection to support those they serve.

Volunteer Resume Summary for General Organizations

When you're writing a resume for an organization that doesn't serve a specific demographic, you can approach your resume summary differently.

You can see this in Susan's resume summary posted above. She focuses on her expertise as a phlebotomist – the service provided by the American Red Cross during their mobile blood drives.

The professional summary of a perfect resume should be less than 200-words. It's intended to be a short yet persuasive paragraph written in a conversational yet professional tone. You'll want to sprinkle your hard and soft skills into the section to convince the reader to learn more about you.

Section #3 – Employment History

Having the right work experience is another vital component to gaining a job interview for a volunteer position. Many employers search for candidates with the right skills and who previously served in this capacity. It's due to this fact that listing relevant employment history should be your top priority.

For a volunteer position, showcasing the skills and experience you possess that fit with the needs of the organization seeking volunteers is essential. For example, in Susan's sample resume below, you'll notice that she has listed two relevant jobs – both serving as phlebotomists. The first is her "day job," – where she completes blood draws in a medical office.

The second job listed is a previous volunteer position, working with a mobile clinic in the City of Denver. This gives the Red Cross a practical example of providing phlebotomy services in a remote environment – such as the blood drives they provide onsite.

The data you enter in your work history must be correct to the application. When choosing roles, keep track (and remember) of the dates you worked there and your job title and key responsibilities.

It's critical to choose two of your most recent relevant employment. When presenting them, do so in reverse chronological order — or from the newest to the oldest. Always include your employer's name, address, start and end dates of employment, occupation, and a few bullet points on essential duties or achievements.

Section #4 – Education

Specific educational requirements may be necessary depending on the work you're looking for. Most volunteer jobs will need a high school diploma or GED certificate. However, the education section of your volunteer resume is an opportunity to demonstrate the highest level of education you've obtained. While it's always up to the hiring manager to make that decision, having a college degree might be a tiebreaker in certain situations.

Susan has listed her Certification as a Phlebotomist in the sample resume above, which is relevant for this profession. If you have only a high school diploma, include it here. However, if you are currently enroll in college, do not list it on your resume. Instead, include this information in your cover letter, which should always be attached to each resume submission.

How to Format This Section

It's as simple as it sounds. Simply state the school's name, location, dates, and degree received. Make sure to match your application information and other completed documents to the volunteer position you're applying for.

Section #5– References

The best references are those who can testify to your previous work ethic, ability to complete tasks as assigned, and your teamwork ability. They are typically selected to maintain a professional relationship (even if they were in a previous job). This would be called a professional reference, a mentor, previous employer, or manager who speaks credibility and has years of experience in their position.

The other type of reference is a personal one – such as a family friend or personal mentor who serves in a professional career (like a banker, lawyer, or business owner). They are submitted to resumes to speak on your interpersonal skills or character. Recruiters love seeing high-profile careers as references for volunteers.

Let's go back to Danny's resume sample for an example of the type of references he's listed. You'll note that he selected the owner of the construction firm he works for – along with a former commanding officer during his time in the Navy. Since he is applying for a volunteer position with a non-profit that builds homes for military veterans who are disabled, both references are exceptional.

When listing references on a volunteer resume, please include the first and last name of your reference, their place of work, and the phrase "available upon request." Unless requested by the organization you are applying to, this will keep their contact information private. Check out some of our resume templates to see how they arrange the reference section on resumes.

Section #6 – Skills

A good volunteer will be adaptable at writing and oral communication, conflict resolution, multitasking, maintaining an upbeat demeanor, time management, attention to detail, compassion, and completed tasks as assigned. As a volunteer is typically not paid for their efforts, the candidate must choose organizations that help a community or strongly support a mission they believe in.

The skills section is more critical with volunteering positions that will focus on a specific task. Let's look at Danny's resume for the example in this case. As a former US Navy veteran and current construction foreman, he's focused on industry-specific skills such as carpentry, being an electrical apprentice, maintaining OSHA compliance (for safety), and having a solid work ethic.

The skills section is a bulleted list of your future employer's needs. It describes five to seven bullet points demonstrating where you excel in the future. When using a resume builder or template, we recommend dividing the skills into a sidebar for organization and space efficiency.

Final Points on Crafting Effective Volunteering Resumes

The ideal volunteers have the appropriate expertise, hard and soft skills, and a work ethic to follow through on tasks as required. During an interview, they'll be able to show their personality, but they must first obtain an invitation. An excellent volunteer resume submitted together with a correct application, and well-written cover letter is always a great idea.

You've arrived at the right location if your objective is to obtain a well-written, detailed, and exciting resume. We've made a simple road map to guarantee that your resume is polished, clear, and engaging. All you must do now is follow the steps outlined above. Here are a few quick reminders for those who need them.

• Make sure your volunteering job resume flows from start to finish.
• Always write your resume on a plain white background with black font.
• Edit your written content through Grammarly – or another online grammar editing tool that will save you time.
• Ensure it's well-spaced, organized, and professional.
• Finally, read it aloud a few times before you're ready to paste the content into a resume builder or template.

Finally, there is one more thing to think about. Ask a few pals to review or edit your resume afterward, especially those who are now volunteers for the organization you wish to join. Have them go through it carefully and offer any helpful insights you may have missed.

Having a second or third set of eyes review a volunteer resume before submitting it to the hiring manager is an excellent approach to ensure it's as polished as possible.

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Ask Amanda: How Do I Add Volunteer Experience to My Resume? (Examples)

5 min read · Updated on October 12, 2022

Each week, TopResume's career advice expert, Amanda Augustine, answers user questions like the one below from Quora and the Ask Amanda form. A certified professional career coach (CPCC) and resume writer (CPRW), Amanda has been helping professionals improve their careers for over 10 years. Have a question for Amanda? Submit it here .

Q: What's the right way to add volunteer experience to my resume?

Someone told me it's OK to add volunteer experience to my resume, especially since I've been unemployed. What's the right way to do that? — Gary H.

Volunteer experience is a great way to pad your resume when you find yourself in any of the following situations:

You recently graduated and don't have a lot of professional experience to share.

You're currently unemployed and looking to fill the employment gap on your resume while you job hunt.

You want to change careers and are looking for ways to demonstrate a skill set you weren't able to use during your regular 9-to-5 job.

What type of volunteer experience should you include on your resume?

The best volunteer experience you can add to your resume is skill-based volunteer (SBV) experience. These volunteer opportunities are considered very valuable for your resume because they allow you to donate your time — and more importantly, the professional skills employers care about — to a worthy cause. Take a look at VolunteerMatch , Idealist , Catchafire , and Points of Light's HandsOn Network to find the right volunteer opportunity for you.

However, you might not have to seek out a new charity in order to find a skill-based volunteer opportunity to boost your resume. If you're already involved in a networking group or other professional association, consider taking a more active role within your chapter. This could be anything from volunteering to manage the group's social media presence to becoming treasurer of the group, to heading up a new committee.

Where should you place volunteer experience on your resume?

There are a few different places where you can include volunteer experience on your resume – the placement will really depend on what the rest of your professional experience looks like and your current job goals.

Nine times out of 10, the best place to include your volunteer experience on your resume is within the “Professional Experience” section. This is especially helpful if you're trying to fill an employment gap on your resume or you're currently employed and trying to draw attention away from this fact.

Sample resume: How to add volunteer experience to mid- or senior-level resume

If you're about to graduate from college and you possess internship experience that is relevant to your job goals and employers will find attractive, you may be better off creating a section for “Relevant Work Experience” and then adding another section called “Volunteer and Leadership Experience” for your volunteer and other club activities.

Sample resume: How to add volunteer experience to an entry-level resume

If you're currently employed, you don't have any employment gaps to fill on your resume, and you're not trying to parlay your volunteer experience into a new career, then your relevant volunteer activities can be placed in a separate section toward the bottom of your resume, either right before or just after the “Education and Professional Development” section on your resume. This is the only instance where you don't necessarily need to include many details about your volunteer work; it's enough to simply state the organization and your role within the group. 

How do you list volunteer experience on a resume?

Write out your volunteer experience as you would any other position on your resume by including a blurb that describes your role within the organization and then calling attention to your main contributions and relevant achievements in a bulleted list.

If necessary, you can get a little creative when it comes to selecting a “Job Title” for your volunteer experience. Select something that reflects your responsibilities, while incorporating terms that prospective employers will be sure to understand. This is especially useful if your organization doesn't have an official title for the work you've taken on for the group. In the spirit of transparency, I recommend adding the term “Volunteer” at the end of whatever job title you decide to use. 

Can you add activism and protests to your resume? 

Your activism can take many forms, from volunteering at certain organizations and leading protests to aiding a particular politician's campaign, or fundraising for your place of worship. Whether you put it on your resume or not depends on what you're looking for.   

When you should add it to your resume

If your activism is an integral part of your identity and you can't imagine working for a company that doesn't share those values, then you should include your experiences on your resume. Whether it's championing racial justice issues, LGBTQ+ rights, or something else, including them on your resume will be a good test to see if the company is the right fit. 

Adding your activism experience is also a good idea if it shows off any relevant skills, like organizing, leading, community building, or fundraising. 

When you shouldn't 

If you don't want a recruiter or hiring manager using your activism experience against you in the job search, then it will be best to leave it off your resume. Also, if you are looking for a job to help you pay your bills, then you don't want a prospective employer deeming you unfit for the job because they don't agree with your beliefs. 

Instead let your resume focus on your skills and achievements that will impress. 

Need help positioning your volunteer experience on your resume? Let a TopResume pro help !

This article was updated in September 2020 by Danielle Elmers .

Recommended Reading:

How to Handle Gaps in Your Employment History

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How to Include Volunteer Work on Your Resume

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Should you include volunteer work on your resume?

How to include volunteer work on a resume, template for including volunteer work on a resume, volunteer work on resume example.

Mentioning your volunteer work experience on your resume can increase your chances of getting hired. It can also create a positive impression of your personality and bring added-value to your skills and qualifications. This article explains why it can be beneficial to list volunteer work on your resume and how you can include it with the help of a template and an example.

Volunteering can be time well-spent as a method for developing your skills while benefiting the community. The main objective of volunteer work is to unify with others towards the common good for an important cause or some other form of beneficial activity. Some people engage in volunteer work to establish connections in their community while others simply enjoy offering their time and talents in service to a particular cause or organization. Mentioning volunteer work on your resume can leave a positive impression about your skills and personality on an employer.

The following steps can be followed to specify volunteer work on resume effectively:

1. Firstly, select the right section to display the volunteer work

Placing the volunteer work effectively on your resume is extremely important to create the right impression. You may display the volunteer experience next to your work experiences for the continuity and flow of information. If, however, you place the volunteer work experience before the actual work experience, it may create an adverse impression on your employer.

2. Secondly, make a selective list of your volunteer work

You shouldn’t mention an excessive number of volunteer work roles on your resume. The employer likely has minimal time to review your resume. You should include volunteer work that best projects your personality and interests. You can select up to two to three of your best volunteer experiences to list on your resume. You can then create a positive impression about the volunteer work mentioned on your resume, and you can discuss them further if you are asked about them in an interview. 

3. Thirdly, select related volunteer work

Select the volunteer work that is related to your application. Similar volunteer work can improve your resume’s impression on the recruiter. It also shows your experience in activities that are related to the job. An essential addition to your resume can be any volunteer work you have done in the institution itself. If you have a previous volunteer work experience at the same organization you’re applying to, you may include the experience to create a positive impression on the recruiter. 

For example, if you are applying for a hospital-based job, it is recommended that you include any hospital-related volunteer work. Or, if you are applying for an event management job, you can mention a the details of organizing a fundraiser to add to your skills and qualifications.

4. Fourthly, follow a particular format

You may choose any format that suits your requirements. It is, however, recommended that you select a format that is generally used to mention volunteer work on resumes. An example of the format may include specifying the volunteer work category at the top. You can then add one line, with the name of the work/experience and the address where the activity occurred. 

This information can be followed by one or two points elaborating your part in the activity, the results and the benefit of the experience. You may tailor a format that suits your purpose yourself. You may also add or reduce sections or points to the format mentioned above as per your requirements.

5. Next, mention one or two unrelated roles in volunteer work

Mentioning unrelated volunteer work on the resume can help the recruiter in seeing the diverse range of activities that you have contributed to. Unrelated volunteer work may include any activity that is not directly related to the vacancy. It may also include volunteer work done in a different industry or formal environment.

6. Then, diversify the categories that you mention

Volunteer work can belong to five categories: formal, governance, non-formal, social action and project-based. It is essential that on a general resume, you portray a combination of these volunteer works you have done. If, however, your resume targets a specific job, it is better to mention volunteer work that relates to the job category only. If you are applying for the job of a project manager, you may include details of any volunteer work where you have managed or assisted with a project.

7. Finally, only include work you have done

You should only mention the volunteer work that you have actually performed. Mentioning volunteer work experience that is not real can create a negative impression on the employer if they find out. It may become one of the reasons for your application to get rejected.

Use the following template as guidance for including volunteer work on a resume:

[Title of first related (formal) volunteer work]

[Name of event/position title]

• [A one-line summary of your role in the activity]
• [A one-line description of the results of the volunteer activity]
• [Brief description of your experience]

[Title of second related (formal) volunteer work]

• [Brief description of your experience or a particular thing that you learned from your experience]

[Title of first unrelated (any category) volunteer work]

[Title of second unrelated (any category) volunteer work (if any)]

Here is an example of what volunteer work could look like on your resume:

Related Volunteer Work

Rosemount Volunteer Fundraising, 24 Community Complex

• Worked as a senior assistant in fundraiser management, directly under the main event manager 
• Collected $150,000 from 2,000 tickets, sold for the concert exceeding the target by $25,000
• Learned promotional methods and gained top-level event management experience

Hospital volunteering

Member of the Hospital Management Committee, Great Grand Hospital

• Worked in the hospital management department in coordinating weekly management activities 
• Managed the daily routine works of both the administration and domestic staff 
• Learned time-based and everyday management processes and methodologies

Neighborhood cleaning

Cleaning crew, 24th Grand Street

• Engaged with a group of friends in cleaning the excessive waste in the landfill site near our home street
• Gained group working experience

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

• Career Advice

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 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.

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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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How to Put Volunteer Work on a Resume (With Examples)

Nothing makes a better first impression on a human resource officer or an executive than showing you go above and beyond - and that you care. It is critical to learn how to put volunteer work on a resume to show that you are that person.

Applicants with volunteer experience are more likely to be hired. A federal study found that unemployed people – across indicators of gender, ethnicity, job markets or geography – were 27% more likely to find a job if they were volunteering or volunteered the year prior. 

Everything is about marketing, however. You should be communicating your volunteer work in an effective way with future or current employers through your resume. You can also take advantage of new tech platforms for volunteers, like Golden volunteer management software , to showcase your skills. 

Five reasons to put volunteer experience on a resume 

Too often we overlook the soft and hard skills we apply through volunteering and underestimate their value. They can be great tools for filling in gaps in resumes and strengthening your case for an employer. Here are some of the top reasons people put volunteer experience on a resume. 

• Soft skills used in volunteer work may be relevant to a position. 

Job posts list requirements. These are the qualities they seek in a new hire. Sometimes, our volunteer work is more demonstrative of a particular skill or quality than our history of paid work or education.

For instance, maybe you work at a desk by yourself, as a research analyst or in a similar position. Yet a new position to which you are applying wants to know about your management skills. In this case, you might showcase your volunteer work organizing the fundraising club for your daughter’s soccer team.

You can show an example of how you managed people in this context, in a way that will resonate with an employer. “I organized 8 people with different job roles to run a weekend event with 300 attendees, raising $2,580. The project took 2 months of planning and coordination of people with widely different skill sets.”  

2. You are a work novice, but you have volunteered. 

High school students or recent graduates may not have much, or any, work experience. In these cases, it’s imperative to maximize your marketable skills gained through volunteer work in your community. Employers might give you credit for work experience even if you were not being paid, especially if the position is entry-level or requires a particular skill you have. It can help to ask your volunteer manager for a letter of recommendation for volunteers .  

3. You are looking to change careers but lack experience. 

Your resume might look strange to a potential new employer if you cannot show any relation to their field. For example, maybe you dream of being a writer, but you have been plucking away as a computer programmer.  You have no practical writing experience. Try volunteering for a writing position first, for an online blog or a charity site that needs a content writer. This way, you can build up a portfolio and gain some experience on professional projects first.

4. You may want to cover up a work gap. 

People have work gaps for a myriad of reasons. We have children, we travel, we take care of sick relatives, we are laid off from work, or maybe we suffer from illness or mental health concerns.  Unfortunately, an employer might overlook you because of the gap. It can seem unproductive, that you weren’t working “towards something”. Volunteer work can help you circumvent this hiring pitfall. You can list something you were doing in the community during that time in place of paid employment. Employers might ask you why you were volunteering, but at least you get to the interview this way! 

5. You have more skills that are not evident from your paid work. 

Most of us are multi-faceted, which is why we volunteer in the first place. We want to develop new skills or practice skills we do not use in our day job. Showing that capacity on your resume can make you appear three-dimensional, and also help you move up a corporate ladder.  For instance, maybe your volunteer training required certification, such as in first aid and first response. This can be a real asset in the workplace regardless of your job title, and it shows you can handle pressure. 

A few more benefits of volunteer experience on a resume

Depending on the type of career you seek, volunteer experience may have an intrinsic value in and of itself.  If you plan to work in the nonprofit sector, you probably want to show that you volunteer in a number of ways to give back to your community. The skills are less important in this case. The employer is looking to see that you volunteer, in general, and enjoy doing so. 

Another example is for people who may seek political work or other jobs in civic life. Volunteer work can show that you care about the community and can be trusted. A school may be more inclined to hire a teacher who volunteers with sick children at the hospital than one with no listed volunteer experience, for example. The former has already been vetted by another trusted community institution helping the same demographic.

Best practices for adding volunteer work on a resume 

You should include volunteer work when it demonstrates necessary skills, when it is relevant to the work role, and when you have no other paid experience to make your case.  You also want to include volunteer experience when it is relevant in general, because of the organizational culture (as in when you’re applying to a nonprofit, or when the corporation stresses volunteering as important). 

When inclusion is relevant, you want to make sure you are following best practices.

• Use the name of the volunteer organization you supported or support. 
• Include the timeframe and the number of hours you worked. 
• Emphasize accomplishments, with real examples. 
• Link accomplishments back to job skills (hard skills like writing, researching, accounting, and fundraising; and soft skills like management, teamwork, and leadership).  

How to put volunteer work on a resume

Here’s the tricky part. How do you actually put volunteer work on a resume to make it an effective tool to boost your career chances? We can lay out the work in three segments. 

Weave volunteer work into your professional experience section. 

This section is critical to your resume. It shouldn’t show gaps, and it should demonstrate that you can meet all of the job requirements - both technical and soft skills. You can use volunteer work strategically to strengthen your overall capacity. 

If you have a stellar job record but want to connect volunteer experience in relation to professional skills, add a small section under your professional experience section with “relevant volunteer work”. You can add one or two roles that exemplify complementary skills in different settings this way.

2. Link examples of volunteer work with necessary skills. 

Too often, we make the mistake of listing volunteer work as opposed to describing it and how it shows you are capable. Study the job description and use keywords from their desired skills section to highlight your relevant capacity. 

3. Add “unrelated” volunteer experiences that help set you apart at the end of your resume. 

This may be the best way for most people with extensive work histories to add volunteering to their resume. At the end, add a small section highlighting your recent volunteer work and accomplishments. If you have special certifications from volunteer training, this is a great place to put them. 

Examples of how to describe your volunteer work

We want to show, not tell, and use volunteer experience strategically. This is difficult! Here are a few examples of how to write effectively. 

To fill a gap in work experience.

Like many people, the person in the example below probably missed some work time because of Covid. But they can show that they used that time meaningfully and gained new experience through volunteering.

• 2022 to present, Manager, Sissy’s Coffee Shack. Responsibilities in this role include human resources, payroll and management of 12 staff; tracking inventory and ordering supplies; handling cash and credit intakes for annual revenue of $575,000. Accomplishment: Since my employment, the Shack has improved its revenues every quarter and seen its smallest staff turnover in history. 
• 2020 to 2022, Volunteer Tutor , Get ‘Em on Track Literacy Project. Responsibilities included dedicated tutoring of 3 students monthly, with 3 weekly virtual sessions. Accomplishments: 85% of students showed literacy proficiency after working with me; I completed 264 sessions and only missed 3 due to absenteeism or conflicts. 
• 2017 to 2020, Barrista, Starbucks. Responsibilities included customer service and training on equipment use. Accomplishments: Only missed one shift in three years, highest customer service rating in the store for 2 years, and matched a sales record during the 2019 holiday season. 

To show a skill set unseen in work experience. 

In this example, the resume owner wants to demonstrate that they have high level presentation skills, leadership skills, and networking skills.

2018 to 2022, Board Secretary, Carolina’s Health Solutions. Served 2 consecutive terms on the board of a nonprofit helping 3,500+ mothers without insurance access health resources in our city annually. Responsibilities included designing and giving presentations to board members and staff at quarterly meetings; writing monthly e-newletters for 5000 donors and community stakeholders; and recruiting new board members (6 during my term). 

Frequently asked questions - if you still have them! 

The question of whether to add volunteer experience or not to add it is a difficult one to answer. In short, you should add it if you need to, to improve the depiction of your capacity, and also if it adds relevance to your case for a new job or role. 

In many instances, especially for higher level professionals, you might consider showcasing your volunteer work on a platform instead of focusing on a resume. Golden is the world’s most awarded platform, used by hundreds of nonprofits, schools, organizations, and corporations. You can upload a profile seamlessly with other systems and with your social media accounts. You will be able to request endorsements from charity partners and from people you have helped and also highlight your best skills. 

If you’re wondering how to put volunteer work on a resume if you don’t have much volunteer experience, Golden is also useful. Volunteer recruitment features enable charities, schools and other organizations to look for you and find you, based on your current skills and your desired opportunities. This can help you build up your resume and connect with meaningful events in your community! 

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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?

• Resume Examples

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6 Volunteer Resume Examples for Your 2024 Job Search

Volunteers are known for their adaptability and dedication, always ready to step in where they're needed most. Similarly, your resume should mirror the versatility and commitment of a volunteer, demonstrating your ability to adapt to different roles and situations. In this guide, we'll explore X examples of volunteer resumes that effectively showcase this adaptability and dedication.

Resume Examples

Resume guidance.

• High Level Resume Tips
• Must-Have Information
• Why Resume Headlines & Titles are Important
• Writing an Exceptional Resume Summary
• How to Impress with Your Work Experience
• Top Skills & Keywords
• Go Above & Beyond with a Cover Letter
• Resume FAQs
• Related Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Volunteer Resumes:

• Assist in organizing events: Volunteers may be tasked with helping to plan and execute various events. This could include setting up for the event, managing registration, and helping with clean up afterwards.
• Provide support to staff: Volunteers often assist staff members with their daily tasks. This could include administrative work, such as filing paperwork or answering phones, or more hands-on tasks, such as helping to maintain facilities.
• Fundraising: Many organizations rely on fundraising to support their work. Volunteers may be asked to help with fundraising efforts, such as organizing a charity event or helping to solicit donations.
• Community outreach: Volunteers often play a key role in reaching out to the community. This could involve representing the organization at community events, distributing informational materials, or speaking to groups about the organization's work.
• Mentoring or tutoring: If the organization works with children or young people, volunteers may be asked to provide mentoring or tutoring services. This could involve helping with homework, providing career advice, or simply being a positive role model.
• Provide specialized skills: If a volunteer has a particular skill, such as graphic design or carpentry, they may be asked to use this skill to benefit the organization. This could involve designing promotional materials or helping to maintain facilities.
• Research: Volunteers may be asked to conduct research to support the organization's work. This could involve gathering data, conducting surveys, or researching potential funding sources.
• Social media and marketing: Many organizations

You can use the examples above as a starting point to help you brainstorm tasks, accomplishments for your work experience section.

Volunteer Resume Example:

• Assisted in organizing a charity event, resulting in a 30% increase in funds raised compared to the previous year.
• Provided support to staff by managing administrative tasks, such as filing paperwork and organizing schedules, resulting in improved efficiency and productivity.
• Conducted research to identify potential funding sources, resulting in the organization securing a grant worth $10,000.
• Played a key role in community outreach by representing the organization at local events and distributing informational materials, resulting in a 20% increase in community awareness and engagement.
• Mentored and tutored children in math and science, leading to a 15% improvement in their academic performance and increased confidence.
• Utilized graphic design skills to create promotional materials for fundraising campaigns, resulting in a 25% increase in donations.
• Assisted in the planning and execution of a large-scale event, managing registration and ensuring a smooth flow of attendees, resulting in a 10% increase in event attendance compared to the previous year.
• Provided specialized skills in carpentry to help maintain facilities, resulting in a 20% reduction in maintenance costs and improved facility appearance.
• Managed social media accounts and implemented marketing strategies, resulting in a 50% increase in followers and improved online engagement.
• Event planning and organization
• Administrative support
• Research and grant writing
• Community outreach and engagement
• Mentoring and tutoring
• Graphic design
• Large-scale event management
• Carpentry and facility maintenance
• Social media management
• Marketing strategy implementation
• Fundraising
• Communication skills
• Time management
• Leadership skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability
• Initiative and self-motivation
• Empathy and understanding.

Church Volunteer Resume Example:

• Organized and executed a successful church fundraiser, raising $10,000 for a local charity and exceeding the initial fundraising goal by 25%.
• Collaborated with church staff to revamp the church's social media presence, resulting in a 50% increase in online engagement and a broader reach within the community.
• Implemented a new volunteer training program, resulting in a 20% increase in volunteer retention and improved overall volunteer satisfaction.
• Managed the setup and operation of audio/visual equipment for weekly church services, ensuring smooth and high-quality audio and visual experiences for attendees.
• Assisted in the organization and management of church records, implementing a digital filing system that improved accessibility and reduced search time by 30%.
• Participated in church outreach activities, visiting the sick and elderly, providing emotional support and companionship to those in need.
• Assisted with the setup and cleanup of church services, ensuring a welcoming and organized environment for attendees.
• Provided support to church staff in various administrative tasks, including data entry, scheduling, and correspondence, improving overall efficiency and productivity.
• Assisted with the collection and counting of donations, implementing a new system that increased accuracy and reduced processing time by 20%.
• Fundraising and financial management
• Social media management and digital marketing
• Volunteer training and management
• Audio/visual equipment operation
• Record keeping and digital filing
• Community outreach and support
• Event setup and management
• Administrative support and data entry
• Donation collection and processing
• Emotional intelligence and empathy
• Team collaboration and coordination
• Problem-solving and innovation
• Time management and organization
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership and initiative
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Conflict resolution and mediation
• Proficiency in office software (Microsoft Office, Google Suite)

Community Involvement Resume Example:

• Developed and implemented a comprehensive community engagement strategy, resulting in a 30% increase in community participation and a 25% increase in brand awareness within the target demographic.
• Established strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations, leading to a 40% increase in sponsorships and donations for community events and initiatives.
• Managed a team of 50 volunteers and implemented a volunteer recognition program, resulting in a 20% increase in volunteer retention and a 15% increase in volunteer satisfaction.
• Created and executed a successful community outreach campaign, reaching over 10,000 community members and increasing attendance at community events by 50%.
• Developed and implemented a community education program, delivering workshops and seminars to over 500 individuals and increasing knowledge and awareness of key community issues by 40%.
• Managed social media campaigns, resulting in a 50% increase in online engagement and a 20% increase in website traffic.
• Developed and managed a community survey, gathering feedback from over 1,000 community members and using the data to inform strategic decision-making and program development.
• Successfully secured grants totaling $100,000 through effective grant writing and management, enabling the organization to expand community programs and services.
• Developed and managed budgets for community involvement initiatives, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and achieving a 10% cost savings while maintaining program quality.
• Community engagement strategy development
• Partnership building
• Volunteer management
• Community outreach campaign creation and execution
• Community education program development
• Social media campaign management
• Survey development and management
• Grant writing and management
• Budget development and management
• Strategic decision-making
• Program development
• Resource allocation
• Brand awareness strategies
• Sponsorship and donation acquisition
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Digital marketing
• Event planning and management
• Leadership and team management
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Understanding of community issues and needs
• Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity
• Fundraising strategies
• Project management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Community Volunteer Resume Example:

• Assisted with the planning and execution of a community event, resulting in a 30% increase in attendance compared to the previous year.
• Developed and implemented a community program focused on providing support to elderly community members, resulting in a 25% decrease in social isolation among participants.
• Served as a mentor to five youth in the community, helping them improve their academic performance and increase their confidence levels.
• Participated in community outreach activities, reaching out to 500 individuals and providing them with information about available resources and services.
• Helped with fundraising efforts, organizing a successful charity auction that raised $10,000 for a local nonprofit organization.
• Assisted with the maintenance of community facilities, ensuring a clean and safe environment for community members, resulting in a 15% increase in facility usage.
• Assisted with the organization of community meetings and workshops, ensuring smooth logistics and high attendee satisfaction.
• Helped to create and maintain a positive public image of the community by managing social media accounts and generating engaging content, resulting in a 20% increase in followers and engagement.
• Assisted with the development of community resources and services, conducting research and gathering data to identify gaps and propose new initiatives, resulting in the implementation of a new after-school program for at-risk youth.
• Event planning and coordination
• Program development and implementation
• Mentoring and coaching
• Community outreach
• Fundraising and resource mobilization
• Facility maintenance and management
• Meeting and workshop organization
• Social media management and content creation
• Research and data analysis
• Service and resource development
• Public speaking and communication
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Empathy and understanding
• Cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness
• Volunteer coordination and management
• Budgeting and financial planning.

School Volunteer Resume Example:

• Assisted teachers in the classroom by providing one-on-one support to students, resulting in a 10% improvement in their academic performance.
• Organized and set up classrooms for activities, creating an engaging and conducive learning environment for students.
• Supervised students during recess and lunch, ensuring their safety and promoting positive behavior, leading to a 20% decrease in disciplinary incidents.
• Assisted with field trips and other school activities, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for students, parents, and staff.
• Helped with library duties such as shelving books and helping students find books, contributing to a 15% increase in library usage and student reading levels.
• Assisted with office duties such as filing, copying, and data entry, improving administrative efficiency by 25% and reducing backlog.
• Tutored students in specific subjects, resulting in a 15% improvement in their grades and academic confidence.
• Assisted with after-school programs, providing support and guidance to students in extracurricular activities, leading to a 10% increase in student participation and engagement.
• Helped with fundraising activities, contributing to a 20% increase in funds raised for school programs and resources.
• Classroom management
• One-on-one student support
• Academic tutoring
• Organizational skills
• Supervision and safety awareness
• Library management
• Data entry proficiency
• After-school program support
• Fundraising skills
• Positive reinforcement techniques
• Ability to engage and motivate students
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Patience and empathy
• Knowledge of child development and psychology
• Time management skills
• Flexibility and adaptability.

Student Volunteer Resume Example:

• Assisted with the organization of student events, resulting in a 30% increase in attendance and a 25% increase in funds raised for the organization.
• Developed educational materials for student programs, leading to a 15% improvement in student engagement and understanding of the content.
• Coordinated student activities and events, ensuring smooth execution and high satisfaction rates among participants.
• Recruited new volunteers for the organization, resulting in a 40% increase in volunteer participation and support for various initiatives.
• Assisted with the development of student mentorship programs, leading to a 20% increase in student satisfaction and successful mentor-mentee matches.
• Coordinated student service projects, resulting in the completion of 10 impactful projects and a positive impact on the local community.
• Assisted with the development of student leadership initiatives, resulting in the establishment of a student leadership program and a 50% increase in student leadership opportunities.
• Organized student workshops and seminars, attracting over 100 participants and receiving positive feedback on the quality of the content and delivery.
• Developed student advocacy initiatives, leading to increased awareness and support for important causes among the student body.
• Volunteer recruitment and management
• Educational material creation
• Student engagement and advocacy
• Leadership development
• Workshop and seminar organization
• Community service coordination
• Mentorship program development
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Ability to work with diverse groups
• Conflict resolution and negotiation
• Budgeting and financial management.

High Level Resume Tips for Volunteers:

Must-have information for a volunteer resume:.

Here are the essential sections that should exist in an Volunteer resume:

• Contact Information
• Resume Headline
• Resume Summary or Objective
• Work Experience & Achievements
• Skills & Competencies

Additionally, if you're eager to make an impression and gain an edge over other Volunteer candidates, you may want to consider adding in these sections:

• Certifications/Training

Let's start with resume headlines.

Why Resume Headlines & Titles are Important for Volunteers:

Volunteer resume headline examples:, strong headlines.

• Dedicated Volunteer with 5+ years of experience in community outreach and event coordination, passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others.
• Results-oriented Volunteer Leader with a proven track record of successfully managing and motivating teams of volunteers to achieve fundraising goals for non-profit organizations.
• Compassionate Volunteer with expertise in providing support and assistance to individuals in need, recognized for exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Why these are strong:

• These resume headlines for Volunteers are strong because they highlight key qualities and experiences that are highly relevant to the role. The first headline emphasizes the candidate's dedication and passion for community service, while the second headline showcases their leadership skills and ability to achieve tangible results. The third headline highlights the candidate's compassionate nature and their ability to provide support and create a positive environment, which are important attributes for volunteers.

Weak Headlines

• Dedicated Volunteer with Experience in Community Outreach
• Passionate Volunteer Committed to Making a Difference
• Skilled Volunteer with Strong Communication and Organizational Abilities

Why these are weak:

• These resume headlines need improvement for Volunteers as they lack specificity and fail to highlight the unique skills, experiences, or accomplishments that the candidates possess. The first headline mentions experience in community outreach but doesn't provide any details about the impact made or specific projects undertaken. The second headline emphasizes passion and commitment but doesn't showcase any specific volunteer roles or achievements. The third headline mentions skills but lacks context or examples of how those skills were utilized in a volunteer capacity.

Writing an Exceptional Volunteer Resume Summary:

Resume summaries are crucial for Volunteers as they provide a concise yet impactful way to showcase their skills, experience, and unique value proposition. A well-crafted summary can immediately capture the attention of hiring managers, setting the tone for the rest of the resume and positioning the candidate as an ideal fit for volunteer positions.

For Volunteers specifically, an effective resume summary is one that highlights their passion for making a difference, their commitment to serving others, and their ability to contribute to the mission of the organization.

Key points that Volunteers should convey in a resume summary include:

Passion for Service: Clearly express your passion for volunteering and your desire to make a positive impact in the community. Highlight any previous volunteer experiences or personal initiatives that demonstrate your dedication to serving others.

Relevant Skills and Experience: Mention any specific skills or experiences that are relevant to the volunteer role you are applying for. This could include skills such as communication, organization, leadership, or specific knowledge related to the cause or organization you are interested in.

Adaptability and Flexibility: Volunteer work often requires individuals to be adaptable and flexible in various situations. Emphasize your ability to work well in diverse environments, collaborate with different teams, and handle unexpected challenges with a positive attitude.

Commitment and Reliability: Volunteers are relied upon to fulfill their commitments and be dependable. Highlight your track record of reliability and your ability to consistently meet deadlines and fulfill responsibilities.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Volunteering often involves interacting with diverse groups of people. Showcase your ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, and work collaboratively with team members, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders.

Initiative and Problem-Solving Abilities: Demonstrate your ability to take initiative and proactively identify and solve problems. Highlight any instances where you have gone above and beyond to contribute to the success of a volunteer project or organization.

Tailor your resume summary to align closely with the specific volunteer role you are applying for. Remember, your resume summary will be one of the first things that a potential organization will see about you and your commitment to volunteering.

By crafting a compelling resume summary that showcases your passion, skills, and dedication, you can make a strong impression on hiring managers and increase your chances of securing meaningful volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer Resume Summary Examples:

Strong summaries.

Dedicated and compassionate Volunteer with 5 years of experience in community outreach programs, providing support to underprivileged individuals. Skilled in organizing and coordinating events, managing volunteers, and delivering impactful services that have positively impacted the lives of over 500 individuals in need.

Detail-oriented Volunteer Coordinator with a proven track record of successfully managing and overseeing volunteer programs for non-profit organizations. Experienced in recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers, resulting in a 30% increase in volunteer retention and a more efficient and effective program.

Highly motivated Volunteer Teacher with a passion for education and a strong background in tutoring and mentoring. Skilled in developing engaging lesson plans, fostering a positive learning environment, and tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of students. Recognized for improving academic performance and confidence levels of students, resulting in a 25% increase in test scores.

• These resume summaries are strong for Volunteers as they highlight the candidates' relevant experience, skills, and impact in their respective roles. The first summary showcases the candidate's dedication to community outreach and their ability to positively impact the lives of individuals in need. The second summary demonstrates the candidate's expertise in volunteer program management and their success in increasing volunteer retention. Lastly, the third summary emphasizes the candidate's passion for education and their ability to make a measurable difference in the academic performance of students. These summaries effectively communicate the value and potential of the candidates as Volunteers.

Weak Summaries

• Dedicated volunteer with experience in various community service projects, seeking opportunities to make a positive impact and contribute to the betterment of society.
• Enthusiastic volunteer with a passion for helping others and a track record of organizing successful fundraising events, looking to utilize my skills and experience to support a nonprofit organization in achieving its mission.
• Compassionate volunteer with strong interpersonal skills and a background in mentoring and tutoring, eager to continue making a difference in the lives of individuals in need.
• These resume summaries need improvement for Volunteers as they lack specific details about the candidate's accomplishments, skills, and the impact they have made in their volunteer roles. The summaries are too general and do not effectively highlight the unique value that the candidates can bring to potential volunteer opportunities. Adding specific examples of successful projects, quantifiable results, or specific skills and expertise would make these summaries more compelling to hiring managers.

Resume Objective Examples for Volunteers:

Strong objectives.

Compassionate and dedicated individual with a strong desire to make a positive impact in the community, seeking a Volunteer position to contribute my time and skills to support the needs of underserved populations and promote social change.

Detail-oriented and organized individual with excellent communication skills, seeking a Volunteer position to assist in event planning and coordination, utilizing my ability to multitask and work effectively in a team environment to ensure successful execution of community outreach initiatives.

Enthusiastic and adaptable individual with a passion for environmental conservation, seeking a Volunteer position to contribute my time and efforts towards sustainability projects, leveraging my knowledge of eco-friendly practices and willingness to learn and grow within a conservation-focused organization.

• These resume objectives are strong for up and coming Volunteers because they showcase the candidates' passion, relevant skills, and desire to make a positive impact. The first objective highlights the candidate's compassion and dedication, which are important qualities for a Volunteer. The second objective emphasizes the candidate's organizational and communication skills, demonstrating their ability to contribute effectively in a team setting. Lastly, the third objective showcases the candidate's enthusiasm and knowledge in a specific area (environmental conservation), making them a promising fit for volunteer opportunities in that field.

Weak Objectives

• Seeking a volunteer position where I can contribute my time and skills to make a positive impact in the community.
• Aspiring volunteer with a passion for environmental conservation, looking to gain hands-on experience and contribute to sustainability initiatives.
• Recent graduate with a background in social work and a strong desire to support marginalized communities through volunteer work.
• These resume objectives need improvement for up and coming Volunteers because they lack specificity and fail to highlight the unique value or skills the candidates possess. The first objective is generic and doesn't provide any information about the candidate's specific interests or areas of expertise. The second objective mentions a passion for environmental conservation, but it doesn't mention any specific skills or experiences that would make the candidate stand out. The third objective, although it mentions a background in social work, doesn't elaborate on the candidate's specific skills or any particular area of volunteer work they are interested in, which would make their profile more appealing to potential organizations.

Generate Your Resume Summary with AI

Speed up your resume creation process with the ai resume builder . generate tailored resume summaries in seconds., how to impress with your volunteer work experience:, best practices for your work experience section:.

• Highlight the specific organizations or causes you volunteered for, emphasizing the relevance to the position you are applying for.
• Describe the tasks and responsibilities you undertook as a volunteer, showcasing your ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Quantify your impact by including the number of hours you volunteered, the number of people you served, or the amount of money you helped raise.
• Showcase your adaptability and flexibility by mentioning any diverse roles or projects you took on as a volunteer.
• Demonstrate your ability to collaborate and work as part of a team by describing any group projects or partnerships you were involved in.
• Highlight any leadership roles or responsibilities you held as a volunteer, such as leading a team or organizing events.
• Include any training or certifications you obtained as a volunteer, especially if they are relevant to the position you are applying for.
• Share any positive feedback or testimonials you received from the organizations or individuals you volunteered with.
• Use action verbs and specific examples to convey your skills and accomplishments, such as "organized," "managed," or "implemented."
• Tailor your language and terminology to match the needs and expectations of the organizations or industries you are applying to.

Example Work Experiences for Volunteers:

Strong experiences.

Coordinated and led a team of 20 volunteers to organize a community clean-up event, resulting in the removal of over 500 pounds of trash and the beautification of the neighborhood.

Developed and implemented a training program for new volunteers, resulting in a 30% increase in volunteer retention and improved overall volunteer satisfaction.

Collaborated with local businesses to secure donations and sponsorships for a fundraising event, raising over $10,000 for a nonprofit organization.

Assisted in the planning and execution of a summer camp for underprivileged children, providing them with educational and recreational activities, resulting in improved self-confidence and academic performance.

Volunteered at a local food bank, sorting and distributing food to families in need, serving over 500 individuals per week and ensuring their access to nutritious meals.

Provided emotional support and companionship to elderly residents at a nursing home, organizing engaging activities and fostering a sense of community, resulting in improved mental well-being and reduced feelings of loneliness.

• These work experiences are strong because they demonstrate the volunteer's ability to lead and coordinate teams, develop and implement programs, and collaborate with external stakeholders. The quantifiable impact achieved in each experience showcases the volunteer's dedication, initiative, and ability to make a positive difference in the community.

Weak Experiences

Assisted in organizing and coordinating fundraising events, including soliciting donations and managing event logistics.

Provided support to program participants by offering guidance and assistance with daily activities.

Collaborated with team members to develop and implement strategies for volunteer recruitment and retention.

Assisted with data entry and administrative tasks, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.

Participated in community outreach initiatives, promoting the organization's mission and services.

Supported the coordination of volunteer schedules and assignments, ensuring smooth operations.

• Contributed to the development of social media content and campaigns, increasing online engagement.
• Assisted in the planning and execution of community service projects, fostering positive relationships with partner organizations.
• Provided direct assistance to clients, offering emotional support and resources to meet their needs.
• These work experiences are weak because they lack specific details, quantifiable results, and strong action verbs. They provide generic descriptions of tasks performed without showcasing the impact of the individual's work or the benefits brought to the organization. To improve these bullet points, the candidate should focus on incorporating specific examples, measurable outcomes, and more powerful action verbs to highlight their contributions and the positive outcomes achieved through their volunteer work.

Top Skills & Keywords for Volunteer Resumes:

Top hard & soft skills for volunteers, hard skills.

• Fundraising and donor management
• Grant writing and proposal development
• Data entry and database management
• Research and report writing
• Marketing and promotional skills
• Budgeting and financial management
• Technical skills (e.g., proficiency in Microsoft Office, graphic design software, website development)

Soft Skills

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
• Time Management and Organization
• Empathy and Compassion
• Leadership and Initiative
• Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity Awareness
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy
• Self-Motivation and Proactivity
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• Active Listening and Feedback Incorporation

Go Above & Beyond with a Volunteer Cover Letter

Volunteer cover letter example: (based on resume).

As a Volunteer, you understand the importance of making a positive impact and going the extra mile to contribute to a cause you believe in. Just like your dedication to volunteering, submitting a cover letter along with your resume can make a significant difference in your application and increase your chances of securing an interview. A cover letter is an extension of your resume, allowing you to showcase your passion for volunteering and personalize your application to stand out from the competition. Crafting a compelling cover letter doesn't have to be a daunting task, and the benefits far outweigh the effort required.

Here are some compelling reasons for Volunteers to submit a cover letter:

Personalize your application: A cover letter gives you the opportunity to express your genuine interest in the organization and the specific volunteer role you are applying for. It allows you to tailor your application to the organization's mission and values, demonstrating your commitment and enthusiasm.

Highlight your relevant experience: While your resume provides a summary of your skills and experiences, a cover letter allows you to delve deeper into your volunteer experience and highlight the specific skills and qualities that make you a great fit for the role. You can showcase your previous volunteer work, any relevant training or certifications, and how these experiences have prepared you for the position.

Demonstrate your understanding of the organization's needs: A cover letter enables you to communicate your understanding of the organization's goals and needs. You can explain how your skills and experiences align with their mission and how you plan to contribute to their cause. This shows that you have taken the time to research and understand the organization, making you a more attractive candidate.

Share impactful stories: Your cover letter provides an opportunity to share specific stories or achievements from your volunteer experiences that couldn't be accommodated in your resume. You can highlight the positive impact you have made, the challenges you have overcome, and the lessons you have learned. Sharing these stories helps the hiring manager understand your dedication and the value you can bring to the organization.

Showcase your communication skills: Effective communication is essential for volunteers, as it allows you to connect with the organization, fellow volunteers, and the community you serve. A cover letter allows you to demonstrate your writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to articulate your thoughts and ideas. This showcases your ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others.

Stand out from other applicants: While some volunteers may choose not to submit a cover letter, taking the extra step to include one sets you apart from the competition. It shows your commitment, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond. By submitting a cover letter, you demonstrate that you are serious about the volunteer opportunity and are willing to invest the time and effort to make a strong impression.

In summary, pairing your resume with a cover letter as a Volunteer can personalize your application, highlight your relevant experience, demonstrate your understanding of the organization's needs, share impactful stories, showcase your communication skills, and differentiate yourself from other applicants. By taking the time to craft a compelling cover letter, you significantly increase your chances of securing an interview and making a lasting impression on the organization.

Resume FAQs for Volunteers:

How long should i make my volunteer resume.

A Volunteer resume should ideally be one page long. This length is considered appropriate for most resumes, including those of Volunteers. Here's why: 1. Concise and focused: A one-page resume allows you to present your most relevant and impactful information concisely. Volunteers typically have limited professional experience, so it's crucial to highlight the most relevant skills, qualifications, and volunteer experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the role. 2. Easy to read and scan: Recruiters and organizations often receive numerous resumes, so they appreciate a resume that is easy to read and scan quickly. A one-page resume ensures that your key information is easily accessible and doesn't get lost in lengthy paragraphs or unnecessary details. 3. Time-efficient: By keeping your resume to one page, you demonstrate your ability to prioritize and communicate effectively. It shows that you can present your qualifications and experiences succinctly, which is a valuable

What is the best way to format a Volunteer resume?

When it comes to formatting a Volunteer resume, it's important to keep it clear, concise, and well-organized. Here are some key tips to consider: 1. Start with a strong header: Begin your resume with your name, contact information, and a professional email address. Make sure it's easily visible at the top of the page. 2. Write a compelling summary or objective statement: This section should briefly highlight your passion for volunteering, relevant skills, and the specific causes or organizations you have worked with. Tailor it to the volunteer role you're applying for. 3. Emphasize your volunteer experience: Since volunteering is the main focus, create a dedicated section to showcase your experience. Include the name of the organization, your role, the duration of your service, and a concise description of your responsibilities and accomplishments. 4. Highlight transferable skills: Even if your volunteer experience might not

Which Volunteer skills are most important to highlight in a resume?

When it comes to highlighting volunteer skills on a resume, it's essential to focus on those that are relevant and demonstrate your abilities and experiences in a volunteer setting. Here are some important volunteer skills to consider emphasizing: 1. Communication: Effective communication skills are crucial for volunteers as they often interact with diverse groups of people. Highlight your ability to listen actively, express ideas clearly, and adapt your communication style to different individuals or situations. 2. Teamwork: Volunteering often involves collaborating with other volunteers, staff members, or community members. Showcase your ability to work well in a team, contribute ideas, and support others to achieve common goals. 3. Leadership: If you have taken on leadership roles within your volunteer work, such as coordinating events or leading a team, emphasize your leadership skills. This includes demonstrating your ability to motivate others, make decisions, and take initiative. 4. Problem-solving: Volunteers often encounter challenges or unexpected situations. Highlight your problem-solving skills by showcasing instances where you successfully resolved issues, adapted to changing circumstances, or implemented creative solutions. 5. Organization and time management: Volunteers often juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities. Demonstrate your ability to prioritize, manage your time effectively, and stay organized to ensure tasks are completed efficiently. 6

How should you write a resume if you have no experience as a Volunteer?

When writing a resume with no prior volunteer experience, it's important to focus on highlighting your skills, qualities, and any relevant experiences that can demonstrate your potential as a volunteer. Here are some steps to help you create an effective resume: 1. Start with a strong objective or summary statement: Begin your resume with a concise statement that highlights your enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment to volunteering. Emphasize your willingness to learn and contribute to the cause you're interested in. 2. Showcase transferable skills: Even if you haven't volunteered before, you likely possess skills that can be valuable in a volunteer role. These skills can include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, organization, leadership, or any other relevant abilities. Provide examples of how you've utilized these skills in other areas of your life, such as school projects, extracurricular activities, or part-time jobs. 3. Highlight relevant experiences: While you may not have volunteer-specific experience, you can still include other experiences that demonstrate your commitment

Compare Your Volunteer Resume to a Job Description:

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Volunteer job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Related Resumes for Volunteers:

More resume guidance:.

• Resume Writing
• Resume Examples
• Cover Letter
• Remote Work
• Famous Resumes
• Try Kickresume

How to Write a Resume: The Only Resume Guide You’ll Need in 2024

• Kaja Jurcisinova , 
• Updated January 16, 2024 16 min read

Your resume is arguably the most important document you'll create during a job search. So taking the time to learn how to write a resume properly can make a job hunt much quicker and easier.  

What would otherwise take you hours of hard work and research can be done in a few minutes. All you have to do is follow our simple step-by-step guide on how to write the perfect resume. 

In the end, a good resume gives you a chance to make a great first impression and ultimately decide if you'll be invited for an interview. 

What makes a great resume?

• Clear division of resume sections
• Prioritizing relevant information
• Tailored for a specific position
• Typo-free and well-written
• Usage of bullet points

There's more to it, though.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is a resume?

Before you start writing your resume, how to write a resume, step 1: choose the right resume format, step 2: add contact information and personal details, step 3: begin with your professional summary, step 4: list relevant work experience, step 5: summarize your education , step 6: highlight your soft and hard skills , step 7: add optional resume sections.

• Step 8: Wrap it up with a cover letter 

Final tips before you click “Send”

Let's cover the basics first. Before we learn how to write a good resume, we should know what a resume even is. 

The word resume comes from French, meaning “summary” . This is the perfect word because that’s exactly what a resume is: a short, straight-to-the-point summary that details your professional achievements, skills, qualifications, education, work experience, and past employers. It's also known as a curriculum vitae (CV) .

The aim of a resume is to get invited to a job interview . It should aim to convince an employer that you're a good fit for the job. 

Because of that, your resume should be adjusted and tailored to each job vacancy.

TL;DR Here's a step-by-step video guide on how to write a professional resume in 2024

If you’re already familiar with what should be on your resume and just want a quick and informative recap, or if your time is limited, just check out our 5-minute step-by-step video guide .

Before we move on to how to write a resume, we recommend setting a few minutes aside for research. These few minutes can save you hours of frustration and ultimately make your job search that much easier.

Here’s what we recommend to research before you write your resume: 

• Research the company, specifically the “About Us” page. This is a great place to search for keywords you can use in your resume or cover letter. What are their mission statement and their values?
• Research the position you’ll be applying for. Great resumes are tailored to a specific job opening. You can do this by asking these three questions as you go through the job post: “ What are the essential keywords? What adjectives, nouns, and phrases occur repeatedly? What language does the company use?”
• Discover your strong points , as this will make it easier to pinpoint the qualities you want to highlight in your resume. Ask people around you: “What are my skills and abilities, and what are my weaknesses?” Also, look at your past accomplishments. What were the skills and abilities that helped you succeed in the past?

Another way of preparing for writing your resume is by looking at these well-researched, specifically tailored, and properly formatted resume examples in our database. You can even filter them by your job title.

Not enough time?

Let your resume write itself. All you’ll have left to do is edit the draft.

We'll walk you through nine essential steps to help you create a standout resume.

Different resume formats cater to different types of job seekers, depending on the experience level and career goals. The  three most commonly used  resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination (hybrid).

Your resume should include your contact/personal information right at the top, in a so-called resume header. A resume header is  more than just your name and contact details . Depending on your career path, there's a lot more that can (and should) be included in this section. To find out what to include, what to skip, and how to format it keep on reading.

A professional summary (also called resume profile or resume summary) is a short paragraph that summarizes your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Think of it as a teaser for the rest of your resume.

This is the most important section of your resume. You need to include key information like : names of companies, locations, job titles, positions held, dates of employment, responsibilities you've had. Then: - list the jobs in reverse-chronological order - write in bullet points - include your quantifiable achievements - avoid buzzwords - use action verbs and keywords from the job description

The education summary section, though important, varies in significance based on your career stage . As an experienced professional, prioritize work history and skills, placing education after. Keep it concise, including university, degree, and graduation year.

Skills fall into two categories: hard and soft. 1. Hard skills are teachable and measurable, acquired through training, and include computer proficiency, language abilities, project management, etc. 2. Soft skills , linked to personality traits, can enhance both work and personal life, encompassing communication, leadership, and time management, among others.

These can include: achievements and awards, certifications and licences, language skills, publications, references, hobbies, social media, volunteering, or custom sections.

A good cover letter should answer the following questions: 1. Who are you?  2. Why are you interested in working for their company? 3. Why are you the best fit for the job opening? 4. How can you enrich their company?

In the following chapters, we look at each step in more detail and give you helpful tips and examples.

Once you know what the company and job require and you’ve identified your strengths and weaknesses, you should be ready to pick the right resume format.  

Make this choice depending on the stage of your career: 

• Are you a seasoned professional ? Then you should pick a resume format that emphasizes your experience.
• Are you a fresh graduate? Then your resume should highlight any transferable skills you’ve acquired during your studies.
• Are you changing careers? Then a combination of the two will produce the best results.

Pick the best option for your career from the three dominant resume formats that are in use today:

• Chronological resume format. Probably the best choice for experienced professionals. Lists the candidate’s jobs and accomplishments in chronological order. Main resume section : Work Experience.
• Functional resume format. Great for fresh graduates, IT professionals, or other skill-based professions. Emphasizes skills instead of experience. Main resume section: Skills.
• Combined resume format . A combination of the previous two.

Let's take a look at what these resume formats look like in practice:

Chronological resume format

Functional resume format, combined resume format.

The resume format you choose will determine how you organize the information on your resume. It will also attract attention to some things and away from others. 

Take time to understand your strengths and weaknesses and choose accordingly.

You want the recruiter to read the strongest and most relevant parts of your resume at the start. For more, check out a guide on how to choose the right resume format .

Your contact/personal information should always be at the top of your resume in a so-called resume header .

Compared to the other resume sections, filling in the contact information section may seem super easy. That's until you start asking more questions.

Should you put your address on the resume? How to include social media , and should you? And what about the date of birth? 

Well, let’s see: 

• Name. Absolutely necessary. Put your first name first and surname last. Middle name is optional.
• Title. Optional. If you’re applying for a position in a traditional or specialized field, it's good to add your Ph.D., MBA, or other titles to it.
• Email address. Absolutely necessary, even when you’re sending your application by email. Your email address should look professional (e.g. [email protected] , NOT [email protected] ). Always use your personal email address, not the email address with the domain of your current employer. 
• Home address. Somewhat problematic. Your neighborhood can say a lot about you in some cases, disclosing living in a certain area can lead to discrimination. On the other hand, if you’re located in the same city as the company, it may help you to get the job, as it saves the company that they'd have to spend on a relocation package (of course, only if the job isn't remote).
• Phone number. Necessary. Many employers will call you by phone to arrange an interview, instead of doing it by email.
• LinkedIn. Recommended. And if you don’t have a LinkedIn profile yet, consider creating one. Make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date.
• Social media. Optional. Include it only if it’s related to your job. GitHub, Behance, and even your Facebook or Instagram profile will do (if you regularly post content that has to do with your profession). Here are a few tips on how to include your social media . 
• Blog/website. Optional. Similar to social media. If you have a blog , website, or digital portfolio related to your chosen profession, don’t be afraid to show it off.
• Photo. Problematic. It depends on the country. In most English-speaking countries, they don’t add a photo. See this guide to know if you should put a picture on your resume .

Your professional summary should be a list of about 4-5 bullet points or a short paragraph that summarizes your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements.

You can think of it as a teaser for the rest of your resume. Make sure it’s interesting enough to hook the hiring manager right in.

But how do you write a good professional summary?

• Write your professional summary last. It’s surprisingly easy to do if you’ve already finished other sections of your resume.
• The first bullet point should describe your professional title. Don’t forget to add the number of years of experience. Write it in bold if the number is especially impressive.
• Pick the most impressive parts of your resume and rewrite them into snappy bullet points. Tease your potential employer into reading further.
• Pack your professional summary with relevant keywords. Think of ATS. This will help you get through automated pre-screenings.
• Quantify every achievement if possible. This will make you look even more professional. 
• Tie every bullet point to the requirements introduced in the job offer.

If you do everything right, you should end up with something like this:

The work experience section is what most people picture when they think “resume” .

The trick is to focus on your past achievements , not your responsibilities. 

Hiring managers are likely to know what your responsibilities were supposed to be. In most cases, your job title says it all.

If you want to stand out, you should tell them how you excelled in your previous job instead. 

And there’s hardly a more effective way to do that than by mentioning your achievements.

But how do you list your work experience on a resume?

• Put your work experience section in the right spot. If you can boast a lot of professional experience, put your work experience section right under your resume summary. If you don’t have enough experience yet, put it just below your education section. Finally, if you prefer to highlight your skills instead of experience, put your skills section first.
• Give it a proper heading. Keep it simple and stick to “Work Experience” or “Employment History” as other headings might not be understood by applicant tracking systems (ATS) .
• List your jobs in reverse-chronological order. Start with your most recent experience and work your way back from there. Based on your level of experience, decide how far back should your resume go .
• Don’t include the job description. Instead of listing what you were supposed to do, try to tell your potential employers what positive results you had.
• Write in past tense. This will help you focus on your past achievements instead of responsibilities. It also sounds better.
• Show your problem-solving skills. In the end, hiring managers want to know how effective you’re going to be in solving real problems. There’s no better way to show your problem-solving ability than to briefly describe how you solved difficult problems in the past. Follow the PAR scheme: What was the (P)roblem? What (A)ction did you take? What was the (R)esult?
• Quantify results. Hiring managers love measurable results. Because of that, a single number often speaks more than a thousand words. Don’t say that you “increased the company’s revenue significantly.” Instead, don’t be afraid to brag about “increasing the company’s revenue by 20%.”
• Use bullet points. Bullet points help you structure each subsection. Try to limit yourself to about 5 bullets per job.
• Avoid buzzwords. People used some phrases in their resumes so much, these words have become meaningless. Everybody seems to be an out-of-the-box creative thinker with a knack for innovation nowadays. But in reality, only very few people really are those things. See what other 10 buzzwords you should stop using on your resume
• Use action verbs . Unlike buzzwords, action verbs carry the weight you need to persuade an employer to hire you. Just to mention a few, these are words like “developed” , “increased” , “facilitated” and others. For more action verbs, check out our resume cheat sheet .
• Keywords. Reread the job description and carefully pick the most important keywords. These are the words that best describe the position you’re applying for, and that will attract the attention of the ATS system. 

In the end, your work experience section should look a bit like this:

The education summary section is where you list your degrees and relevant academic accomplishments.

Based on your degree and where you're in your career, it can be either the least or the most important part of your resume.

Are you an experienced professional?

Once you become more experienced, the education section takes a back seat to your work history and hard skills.

In other words, your education section should come after your work experience section, not the other way around. It also shouldn't be too long. For instance, your grades are no longer relevant.  

It’s enough if you include the name of your university, the name of your degree, and the year you graduated.

Here’s an example:

Are you a fresh graduate?

Then your degree is still one of the strongest cards you have to play.

In practical terms, it means that you should place your education section at the top of your resume — right between your professional summary and work experience section.

It should also be a bit longer. 

These are the things you should add to your education section if you’re a student or a fresh graduate:

• Academic awards. AP scholar, Duke of Edinburgh award, National Merit Award, President’s Award, school subject-based awards, dean’s list, etc.
• Scholarships. Athletic scholarships, scholarships for women, creative scholarships, etc.
• Academic conferences and symposia. Don’t forget to mention the scope and name of the paper you presented at a conference.
• Relevant student societies. Debating or programming clubs. If you were on a student committee of any kind, mention that too.
• GPA. Only include your GPA if it was higher than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. If your overall GPA was lower, mention your overall GPA. Alternatively, mention your summa cum laude or magna cum laude .
• Academic publications. Producing an academic work worth publishing is impressive no matter the context.

In the end, your education section can look like this:

Before you start writing, you should know there are two types of skills : hard skills and soft skills.

1. Hard skills can be learned, taught, and most importantly — measured. Acquiring them requires deliberate effort, training, and time.

Hard skills can be, for instance: computer skills, language skills, manual skills, mathematics, project management, etc.

2. Soft skills are tied to your personality traits. These skills can come as part of your upbringing, or you can acquire some later in life through self-improvement. These skills can bring value to any job, as well as your private life.

Examples of soft skills include: communication, leadership, time management , creativity, decision-making, etc.

But how to make your skills stand out?

• Focus on what’s most relevant. Do you have any of the skills mentioned in the advertisement for your desired job? Good. Make sure to include them in your resume’s skills section.
• Organize your skills into subcategories. Divide your skills section into several subsections like computer skills, soft skills, languages, and others.
• Don’t underestimate soft skills. 67 percent of HR managers said they’d hire a candidate with strong soft skills even if their technical abilities were lacking. On the contrary, only 9 percent would hire someone with strong technical credentials but weak soft skills.
• There are skills you shouldn’t include. Never include any skills you don’t have, skills that have nothing to do with the job, skills everybody should have, or skills that have become obsolete.

Apart from the standard resume sections we just mentioned above, are also optional sections. 

A good rule of thumb is to add an optional section only if it's relevant to the job you're applying for. If done properly, these sections can help you:

• Fill the gap when lacking experience
• Highlight additional skills and expertise 
• Let an employer know more about who you are

Pro tip: Optional resume sections can be especially important to companies that prioritize hiring candidates who fit their workplace culture. 

Here are some of the most common optional sections: 

Technical skills

This section can be a nice addition when applying for (surprise!) technical jobs. 

Some examples of technical skills are: programming languages, software proficiency, project management, and data analysis.

Technical skills are usually measurable, so if you decide to include them in your resume, use a graph or a scale to illustrate how strong they are. Adding visual elements to your resume not only looks nice but also shows your ability to be precise and analytical.

Achievements and awards

Scholarships, competitions, work-related awards, or even promotions to leadership positions in your job — all of these can be considered important professional achievements. 

Either distribute them across other parts of your resume or put them in a dedicated section. The latter allows you to truly highlighted them. 

And if you choose to include them in a separate resume section, don't forget to mention the dates and the name of the company/institution at which you've accomplished the achievement. 

Professional references

In today's competitive job market, strong professional references can be a game-changer. Consider including a ' Professional References ' section in your resume to provide potential employers with easy access to these valuable resources.

How to format references on resume? Here's what you should list for each reference:

• Their full name
• Their current job title and organization
• Their contact details (email and phone number will do)
• Your relationship with them (e.g., Former Supervisor)

Ensure you have their permission and inform them when actively job searching.

Once you decide who you want your references to be, it's time to ask them if they agree. Here's how to ask someone to be a reference via email .

Certifications and licenses

Listing the certificates and courses that you've successfully completed on your resume is never a mistake.

However, keep in mind that they should be related to the role that you're applying for. 

If you'd like to add a certificate to your CV but you're unsure about where to find the best course for you, check out this carefully curated list of the best online courses that will help you to get a job. 

Publications

In this section, you can mention all the relevant conferences, presentations, and written publications. 

This section is most useful if you're working in academia, marketing, or journalism. 

However, include it in your resume also if you're applying for a position that requires you to be an expert on the topic that you've written about.

Volunteering

This section lists your volunteer work . It should be treated similarly to a work experience section. The reason is that whether your work was paid or not, it still translates to real-life experience. 

This is true especially if you find yourself at the beginning of your career. In that case, feel free to place the volunteering section towards the start of your resume. 

On the other hand, if you're a seasoned professional, locate this section more toward the end of your document. 

This is the part of your resume that's the most personal. Here, let a little loose and let your personality shine through. List you hobbies and interests, even the quirky or unique ones.

Hobbies serve as a great way for a hiring manager to see you more as a person and less as just a name written on a paper. They can also break the ice during the interview stage.

Christy's word of advice

Really, it sounds so simple, but one of the best ways to stand out with your resume is to apply for jobs you’re a close fit for. So many people apply ‘just in case they’ll consider me if even I only meet some of the requirements’, then feel deflated when they’re rejected. The company has spent time figuring out exactly what they need and are paying their staff or a recruiter to find that. Look closely at the minimum/essential requirements, apply for jobs you’re a great fit for, and you’ll have much better luck!

Christy Morgan, Resident HR Expert

Step 8: Wrap it up with a cover letter  

Phew! Almost done with how to write a resume. Just a little bit of editing and proofreading, picking the right resume template , and you should be able to click send, right? 

Well, not quite. At least we wouldn’t recommend you sending it —  yet. 

The truth is that resumes are often put aside when not accompanied by a cover letter. It would be a shame if this happened to you, especially after all the time you’ve spent creating it. 

A good cover letter is a way to stand apart from the competition. It’s where you can show your hiring manager you mean business. 

And, if you're fresh out of college or changing career this step-by-step guide on  how to write a cover letter with no experience  will show you what to focus on instead. 

Here are 4 questions to guide you while writing your cover letter: 

• Who are you (professionally)? 
• Why are you interested in working for their company?
• Why are you the best fit for the job opening?
• How can you enrich their company?

When all it’s said and done, your cover letter should look something like this:

Cover letter example

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

Want more inspo? Browse another 1,250+ cover letter examples by your profession.

And if you really want a memorable cover letter, we’ve got you covered. In fact, we’re certain it will be the only cover letter guide you’ll ever need . 

• The older the job, the fewer the details. In other words, don’t have 13 bullet points on a job from 5 years ago.
• Use off-peak hours for maximum attention , especially if you’re reaching out to an employer directly. Hiring managers are busy people and you want them to receive your resume when they have enough time to carefully read through it.
• Check your resume for typos. If English isn't your first language, employers might be inclined to overlook any grammatical mistakes that you make in your resume. Typos, on the other hand, are unforgivable. Your computer’s spell-check feature can help you fix that.
• Customize your resume for each job application. Every employer is different. And any hiring manager can tell if you’ve just sent them the same generic resume as to everyone else. So make sure you tailor your resume to each individual employer to increase your chances of getting hired.
• Get the introductory email right. It doesn’t matter that you have the best resume ever if nobody gets to read it. Attach it to an email that catches the employer’s attention from the get-go. Pay particular attention to the subject line that will make them read the full email, including the attachments.

FAQ: How to write a resume

One to two pages is the ideal. If you're at the junior stage of your career, one page is more than enough. Similarly, make sure that your resume isn't longer than three pages (and this may be stretching it already), even if you're a CEO.

Generally speaking, content is superior to form when it comes to resumes. However, a nice design is the first thing that catches the recruiter's attention — and that's precisely what you want. Moreover, if you're looking for a job in marketing, art, or design, the design of your resume naturally becomes your selling point, too.

Typos, being too general and not specific enough, not including relevant information, not using action verbs, and writing about duties instead of accomplishments.

The best format for sending a resume is PDF, as it keeps the visuals of the resume unchanged once the document is opened by the recruiter.

1.  Include standard resume sections.  Contact information, resume summary, work experience, education, skills. 2.  Include optional resume sections.  Awards, references, certifications, publications, projects, etc. 3.  Choose a resume format.  The three standard are: chronological, functional, combination.  4.  Use bullet points.  Use bullet points to make your resume easier to scan and highlight important information quickly.  6.  Think about the  margins .  Strike a good balance between not leaving too much white space and making your resume seem cluttered.  7.  Keep it to  one-two pages .  Unless you have extensive work experience, you should generally aim to keep your resume to one page.  8.  Consistency is key.  In all aspects of your resume, including the spacing, font, margins, etc. 9.  Use a professional resume   template  or layout which helps to structure the information effectively and makes it easy to read. 

Good job, you made it! If you still need more information on how to write a resume. You can go further in-depth in our section-by-section resume guide .

This article was recently updated. The original article was written by Noel Rojo in 2019.

Kaja Jurcisinova is 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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How To Include Your Accomplishments On Your Resume (With Examples)

• How To Write A Resume
• Resume Skills Section
• Resume Objective Section
• Career Objective Section
• Resume Reference Section
• Resume Summary Section
• Resume Summary Example
• Resume Interests Section
• Address On Resume
• Relevant Work Experience
• Anticipated Graduation Date On Resume
• Education Section On Resume
• Contact Information On Resume
• Statement Of Qualifications
• How To List Publications On Resume
• Accomplishments On Resumes
• Awards On Resume
• Dean's List On Resume
• Study Abroad On Resume

Resumes showcase how you’re the best choice for the job, which means that you need to include your accomplishments. Usually you want to avoid bragging , but a resume is somewhere you want to make an exception. Your resume should tell your potential employer about where you exceeded expectations and the things you’re best at.

Accomplishments and achievements should be worked into your skills and your description of your duties at your job. If you want to know what sort of accomplishments to include, or are wondering if your resume doesn’t have enough of them listed, then keep reading.

Key Takeaways:

Accomplishments you should include on your resume include honors, awards, exceeded goals, certifications, and improvements made for previous employers.

Place accomplishments in related sections.

Accomplishments should be relevant and quantifiable if possible.

Do not provide outdated accomplishments.

Brainstorm a list of accomplishments longer than you can include on your resume when trying to come up with accomplishments.

What are accomplishments on a resume?

Accomplishments you should include on your resume, how to include accomplishments on your resume, accomplishments example by resume section, accomplishments examples by industry, accomplishments to avoid in your resume, resume accomplishments faq.

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Accomplishments are any achievements that highlight your abilities. They can be found in your professional, personal, or education experiences. Accomplishments can either be something you achieved for yourself or something you did on behalf of an organization, a previous employer, or another individual.

The best accomplishments to include when writing your resume are:

Relevant. Your achievements should directly relate to the job you are applying to. Anything else is just a waste of precious space on your resume and can be a distraction.

Quantifiable. Quantifiable achievements back up your qualifications by providing credibility. Employers also like to see specifics because it provides them with more context.

Show improvement and/or success. Achievements should be ones that show some sort of growth or positive benefit. Not only do you want to show you did something, but you did something that had meaning and purpose.

Contributed to a previous employer. Employers will like to see how you helped out your previous employers because it will shows what you can offer.

Unique. Your achievements should be ones that stand out and are unique to you. This way you can be sure that your resume looks like no one else’s.

The types of accomplishments you should include in your resume are honors or awards, goals you reached, and certifications you’ve obtained. Of course, employers are more interested in certain types of achievements than others, and it’s best to focus on ones that are relevant and show off your value.

Honors and awards. The most obvious accomplishments you should include in your resume are the awards and honors you’ve received. If you’re a recent graduate , this might be graduating summa cum laude or receiving your department’s outstanding student award.

Reached or exceeded goals. If you met a personal goal to do something like increasing sales or speeding up a process’s completion time, include that on your resume .

Certifications. If you earned a certification from a class or training, you could include that on your resume as well. Just make sure you’re only mentioning the ones that actually have something to do with your work:

Problems you solved. If you came up with a creative solution for a problem, especially if you went above and beyond and did it without being asked, hiring managers want to know about it.

Improvements you made to the company. Along with your problem-solving skills , recruiters want to see that you’re willing to find ways to improve the organization actively.

Excellent work. Include any significant positive results of your work, even if they didn’t necessarily break any records. Employers want to see that you know what you’re doing and do it well, so mention anything you’d like to point out and say, “See? I did that.”

Volunteer work. Especially if you’re a recent graduate or have a short employment history , you should include any volunteer work you’ve done. Hiring managers like seeing this on a resume, as it shows that you aren’t afraid of hard work and are a well-rounded individual.

There are several ways to add accomplishments to your resume, but the best way is to sprinkle them throughout the various sections of the resume . You do want to show off your achievements, but you want to do it in a way that’s organic. So, when describing your skills or duties, add in where you exceeded expectations or solved problems.

Start with a list of accomplishments longer than you can include on your resume. It’s always better to have too many options than not enough, so before you begin to add anything to your resume, write out as many achievements as you can think of. This way, you can pick and choose which ones you want to include.

Adjust them to fit the job description you’re applying for. Once you have your list of accomplishments, compare them to the job description, and start noting which ones match it. Include those on your resume and save the rest for later applications.

Demonstrate the impact of your accomplishment. Saying that you “redesigned processes” isn’t enough. You need to help hiring managers understand what you did by including the data that paints a picture of the fruits of your labors.

So, a better way to word the previous example would be something like, “Streamlined data collection processes while increasing number of projects completed by 10% and decreasing errors by 15%.”

Sprinkle them throughout your resume. In order to prevent it from feeling like you’re stuffing accomplishments into your resume, it’s often best to sprinkle them in in the relevant places. Depending on the nature of your achievements and how impressive they were, you can include them in a few different places:

Summary statement. Work your one or two most notable achievements into your summary statement. This is just a short intro, so don’t go overboard, but you want to make sure you catch the reader ’s attention when they start off.

Work history. Most of your accomplishments should go here, in the bullet points describing each job. Make sure to reference the ones in your summary statement as well, because ATS will make a bigger note of skills or experience that’s mentioned more than once on a resume.

Education . If you’re a new graduate or have done post graduate work, then you can include academic achievements. It’s best to not include achievements that happened too long ago, but if you did something noteworthy in your academic career recently – that’s relevant – don’t forget to mention it.

A dedicated accomplishments section. If your accomplishments don’t fit neatly into your job experience, or you have a long career and want to highlight a list of things you’ve achieved, then you can add an accomplishments section.

Summary An elementary school teacher with eight years of experience in both public and private schools. Won Outstanding Teacher award for three years in a row for implementing new teaching and communication methods. Relocating and looking to use my skills to further a school that values both excellence and relationships. Work Experience Third Grade Teacher Woodridge Elementary, 2014-2020 Chicago, IL Implemented a new parent communication system, increasing parent satisfaction by 7%, according to end-of-year surveys. Won Outstanding Teacher award each year from 2018-2020 for excellence and innovation. Led committee to improve parent drop-off and pickup systems, reducing both times by 15 minutes. Accomplishments and Achievements Organized fundraiser for a local food pantry, raising over $8,000 in one month. Established summer sports camp program for the school district, which had 150 attendees its first year. Volunteered at Piedmont Tutoring Center for 2015-2020. Received special education certification in 2018.

Student/Recent Graduate Led five-person senior project team to complete working flight simulator. Volunteered at a local homeless shelter once a week. Worked full-time and graduated with a 3.9 GPA in four years.

Administrative Created and implemented a new electronic filing system, allowing all branches to access the same files and cutting down the number of faxes sent between branches by 20%. Became certified administrative professional (CAP) in 2018. Onboarded and trained 15 employees over four years.

Education Established teacher support group for the school district’s having approximately 350 teachers. Improved class standardized test scores by 10% during the first year at Richmond High School and increased average by 3% more over the next four years. Reorganized classroom filing system, which administration implemented throughout the rest of the school.

Design Designed logos for 52 clients each year. Individually recognized by CEO for outstanding work at the company conference in 2019. Negotiated materials pricing with vendors, reducing average project costs by 5%.

Engineering Coded automated filing system for the design team, reducing average project time by 15%. Managed four teams of five people, seeing projects through from design to the final product. Inspected 104 designs for auto parts division in 2020.

Finance/Accounting Created and implemented an invoicing system to automatically sort documents by vendor and date instead of just date. Managed 14 different grants and kept them within budget for all five years of working at the organization. Worked with 25 department heads to get their expense reports finished correctly and on time each year.

Marketing Implemented SEO marketing techniques on the website, increasing page views by 15%. Created and managed company social media profiles, amassing 12,000 total followers in two years. Expanded reach to new demographic, increasing sales by 20%.

Sales Maintained status as the top salesperson for four years. Set a personal goal to exceed sales quota by 50% in 2018, cold-called 20 additional clients a month, and reached a goal, earning the company over $200,000 in addition to regular sales. Trained and mentored six junior sales representatives who eventually became top salespeople in their teams.

Customer Service Fielded over 200 calls per day while maintaining over 90% of customer satisfaction from 2017-2019. Created reference handbook for new team members to use. Managed 35 employees and handled their more difficult calls.

IT Solved over 115 help desk requests in 2020. Implemented a company-wide single sign-on system to increase security and cut down the number of password-related requests by 10%. Created a new web form system that cut average student registration time in half.

Restaurant Organized 15 employee schedules to ensure every shift was fully staffed. Developed new seating and bussing system to increase table turnover speed by 5%. Trained 30 new employees over five years.

You shouldn’t put achievements on a resume that are exaggerated or untrue, irrelevant to the job you’re applying for, or outdated. Adding these to your resume can end up making you look unprofessional or deceitful, neither of which make you attractive to employers. Here are some types of accomplishments to avoid putting on your resume.

Fake or stretched achievements. You should never lie on any section of your resume , including when you’re talking about your accomplishments. Yes, make sure you communicate the full weight of what you did, but don’t stretch the truth in an attempt to make yourself look better.

Proprietary information. Never share industry secrets or any other sensitive company information on your resume .

Offensive or polarizing accomplishments. If you have any inkling that achievement could come across as offensive to anyone, leave it out. It isn’t worth driving a potential employer away for no good reason. Instead, keep your accomplishments professional and applicable.

Outdated achievements. Your resume should grow along with you , so if you’re four jobs into your career and still have your high school awards listed, it’s time to let those go. (If you’re just starting your career and need some filler , though, those can be beneficial.)

Irrelevant accomplishments. If you won the best knitter award at your Tuesday night class, good for you, but most hiring managers won’t care about that when they’re reading your resume. Use that space for something more applicable to the job you’re applying for instead.

What’s the difference between accomplishments and responsibilities on a resume?

The difference between accomplishments and responsibilities is that responsibilities are what you’re required to do for your job, and accomplishments are places where you exceeded expectations or improved a process. Accomplishments also don’t have to be limited to what you did at work.

If possible, you want to incorporate accomplishments into your list of responsibilities. Accomplishments are typically quantifiable, meaning that where you improved efficiency or exceeded quotas count as accomplishments.

How do you make your accomplishments stand out on a resume?

The best way to make your accomplishments stand out on a resume is to use strong action words, put them in the relevant sections, and make them unique to you. While this doesn’t make them stand out in the sense of drawing immediate attention, it does show how they’re relevant and what makes you valuable as an employee.

It’s important to select achievements that are relevant to the job you’re applying to when possible. However, showing that you’re a go-getter are able to make the company you work for money can make you attractive even if it doesn’t directly relate to the duties you’ll be performing at the job you’re applying to.

What types of personal achievements can you put on a resume?

You can put personal achievements on your resume if they showcase your dedication or contributions — such as volunteering. As a rule, it’s best to stick with professional achievements, but if you’ve devoted a lot of time to volunteering or to a personal project that is either relevant or shows that you’re dedicated and persevere, then you can include them.

The point of your achievements is to show how you’d be an excellent addition to the team. So try to think like the recruiter . If you saw this accomplishment on a resume, would it make you more likely to hire the person? Or would it just feel like filler?

How many accomplishments should you put on your resume?

There isn’t a hard and fast rule in terms of many accomplishments you should put on your resume. The number can end up varying depending on the job you’re applying to and what you’ve accomplished. Try to select achievements that are relevant, impressive, and seem a natural fit.

Harvard Business Review – How to Write a Resume that Stands Out

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Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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