how to write a resume for volunteer position

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

You’ve found something you believe in.

You want to help as much as you can.

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

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

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

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

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

How to Format a Volunteer Resume

Here’s a fact for you:

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

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

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

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

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

There are two other popular formats that you could try:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Use a Volunteer Resume Template

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

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

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

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

This will ensure your resume looks professional at all times. 

What to Include in a Volunteer Resume

The main sections in a volunteer resume are:

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

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

• Awards & Certification
• Personal Projects

Interests & Hobbies

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

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

How to Correctly Write Your Contact Information

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

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

For your contact section, follow these rules:

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

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

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

How to Write a Volunteer Resume Summary or Objective

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

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

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

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

You need to show your value straight away!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Make Your Work Experience Stand Out

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

They want to see your work experience .  

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

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

Event Volunteer

National Trust

01/2019 – 03/2020

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

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

So, instead of saying:

“greeted visitors”

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

So, what’s the difference between the two?

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

What if You Don’t Have Experience?

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

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

Don’t worry, we have the solution.

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

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

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

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

Use Action Words to Make Your Volunteer Resume POP!

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

They all include these same words. 

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

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

• Conceptualized
• Spearheaded

How to List Your Education Correctly

Welcome to the education section!

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

Simply list out your education entries, like this:

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

B.A. Nursing Management  

University of Chicago

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

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

What if I haven’t finished education?

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

Should I include my high school education?

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

What is more important, education or experience?

• Experiences always come before education

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

Top 10 Skills for a Volunteer Resume

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

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

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

Need some inspiration?

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

Hard Skills for Volunteers:

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

Soft Skills for Volunteers:

• Communication
• Leadership 
• Strategic thinking

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

Other Resume Sections You Can Include on a Volunteering Resume

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

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

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

Awards & Certifications

Your volunteering work will impress the recruiter.

But don’t leave things there.

Have you completed any courses to improve your skills?

Have you ever been awarded for your duties?

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

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

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

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

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

Make sure to split the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

The recruiter should now be interested in hiring you.

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

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

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

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

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

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

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

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

Here’s how to get the structure right:

And here’s what to write in each section:

Contact Details

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

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

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

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

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

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

Closing Paragraph

This is where you:

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

Formal Salutations

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

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

Related Resume Examples

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

Key Takeaways

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

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

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

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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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• • 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

How to Answer "What Motivates You?" Interview Question (With Examples)

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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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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:.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This guide will help you with it.

 It will also answer these pressing questions:

What is the resume volunteer experience section?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why should you list volunteer experience on your resume?

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

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

It will impress recruiters

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

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

It speaks volumes about your character

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

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

What other personal qualities do recruiters associate with volunteering?  

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

Where should you put your volunteer experience on a resume?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Below is a great example.

Student resume volunteering sample

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seasoned professional volunteering resume sample

Volunteer work: one more piece of resume advice

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

Find out your resume score!

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

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

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

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

Fundraising, followed by teaching and serving food.

Should I talk about church volunteering on my resume?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kaja Jurčišinová

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

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Volunteer CV example

Volunteering is a great way to give back, boost your skills, meet new people and broaden your horizons.

But to land a rewarding role, you’re going to need a compelling CV.

Your volunteer CV should highlight your enthusiasm, compassionate nature and relevant skill-set, all whilst being well-presented.

To help you land those job interviews, I’ve created this step-by-step writing guide, along with an example volunteer CV.

Guide contents

• Structuring and formatting your CV
• Writing your CV profile
• Detailing work experience
• Your education
• Skills required for your volunteer CV

CV templates 

Before you begin writing your own CV , take a look at the CV example above.

It should give you a good idea of how to display your skills and experience in a professional and visually-pleasing way.

Volunteer CV structure & format

The structure and format of your CV are equally as important as what you write on it.

Charities are busy places and often have limited resources, so they won’t have much spare time to read your CV.

So, to get in their good books, you need to make it as easy for them as possible to read and navigate through your application.

Formatting Tips

• As an unwritten rule, your CV shouldn’t be longer than 2 pages of A4 . Try to keep everything as short and succinct as you can.
• It’s generally best to keep the design of your CV simple. Stick to a plain colour scheme, such as black text on a white background, and use the same font throughout.
• Avoid long paragraphs and unbroken chunks of text. Break up your information by using plenty of bullet points, lists and columns.
• Ensure your CV is easy to navigate by clearly dividing the individual CV sections – using bold text for headings is a good way to do this.
• Send your CV off as a word document, attached to an email. Paste your cover letter into the body of the email.

Structuring your CV

Organise your information into the following CV sections:

• Contact details – Always start with your basic contact details.
• Profile – A short, punchy paragraph which sums up your skills, experience and other selling points.
• Work experience / Career history – List your volunteer and work experience, starting with your most recent role.
• Education –  Note down any qualifications, whether they’re academic or vocational.
• Interest and hobbies – An optional section, which you can use to discuss hobbies that display relevant skills.

We’ll go through each of these sections in more detail, so you know exactly what you need to  include in your CV.

CV Contact Details

If a charity wants to invite you in for an interview, they’ll need an easy way to contact you.

So, always start your CV with your basic contact details:

• Phone number  – Opt for a mobile phone that you take with you on-the-go.
• Email address  – Use a professional-sounding email address, with no nicknames – make a new one if you need to.
• Location – You don’t need to include your full address – your town or city will do.

Volunteer CV Profile

Next, you need to write a short, compelling and enthusiastic CV profile .

You should think of this as an introduction, which summarises why you’d make a great volunteer for the organisation you’re applying for.

Talk about any relevant experience you have, your skills, your qualifications and/or relevant training and why you’d like to help the charity.

As charity recruiters are often short on time, this might be all they read before deciding if you’d suit the role – so you really need to grab their attention!

Tips to consider when creating your profile:

• CV profiles should be succinct, with a length of around 5-10 lines. This gives just enough detail to show your suitability, whilst leaving the reader keen to find out more about you.
• Tailor your profile to the charity and role you’re applying to. Take a look over the role description to see what skills or personal attributes the organisation are looking for. Try to include these in your profile and throughout your CV.
• I’d normally recommend leaving motives and objectives for your cover letter, but volunteer roles are an exception. In your profile, briefly mention why you’d like to work for the charity, why you care about their cause and how you think you could help.

Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional templates and pre-written content for every industry.

What to include in your volunteer CV profile?

• Experience – If you have any previous volunteering experience, make sure to mention it. You can also mention non-volunteer work experience, especially if you can draw upon transferable skills which could be a benefit to the role you’re applying for.
• Skills or knowledge  – What skills are listed in the role description? If you can match them, include them in your profile. Otherwise, do some volunteer role research and figure out what skills charities are looking for.
• Qualifications  – There are normally no entry requirements for volunteer roles, but that’s not to say they won’t play to your advantage! Mention your highest qualifications, whether that’s a degree, A-Levels or GCSEs. If you’ve completed any fundraising or charity-related courses/training, make sure to highlight them, too.
• Motives  – Charities are looking for passionate and motivated team members, so briefly mention why you care about their cause and how you could help them reach their goals.
• Achievements –  Have you raised money for a charity, volunteered in an emergency situation or helped towards fundraising initiatives? Share your best charity results, achievements and accomplishments to prove to recruiters that you’re serious about giving back.

Core skills section

To add even more impact, create a bullet-pointed list of your key skills , to sit right underneath your CV profile.

As you did with your profile, try to match the skills listed in role requirements as closely as possible.

This will help busy charity recruiters to quickly and easily see what you could bring to the team.

Quick tip: Many charities have web pages dedicated to their volunteer roles, such as this one for  shop volunteers at Cancer Research . You might be able to find additional information, including their desired volunteer skills and characteristics, to include in your profile and core skills section.

Work experience/Career history

Starting with your most recent (or current) role/volunteer role, begin listing your work experience.

If you work in paid roles alongside volunteering , you might want to split your experience section up into a ‘volunteering experience’ and a ‘career history’ section.

However, charities will be most interested in your volunteering experience, so it’s best to prioritise space for them.

Never volunteered or worked for a charity before? That’s okay – just list your other work experience, making sure to highlight any transferable skills that could benefit you in the role you’re applying for.

Structuring your roles

Your CV needs to be easy to navigate, but your work experience section can easily become overwhelming.

Start with a summary of your role, the type of organisation you worked for and who you reported to.

“Volunteering for a busy high-street charity shop, I reported to the shop manager and was responsible for processing sales and providing excellent customer care to customers.”

Key responsibilities

Next, create a bullet-pointed list of your day-to-day duties and responsibilities.

• Ensuring the shop floor was kept in immaculate condition.
• Manning the till and processing cash and card transactions.
• Setting up seasonal window and promotional displays to maximise sales.

Key achievements

Round up the role description by sharing 1-3 stand out results, accomplishments or achievements .

• Organised a local charity event single-handedly, which raised over £5,000.
• Exceeded sales targets for 6-months running.
• Regularly volunteered to carry out street fundraising, which raised an average of £3,000 per month.

Next up is your education section. It’s here that you’ll discuss your qualifications and any relevant training or courses you’ve completed.

Don’t worry if you don’t have many qualifications. There’s no barrier to entry for volunteer roles – it’s the mindset that matters!

Just list your highest qualifications, along with the dates of study – for example, ‘ 10 GCSEs A-D’.

If have any vocational qualifications, such as First Aid training , make sure to include them, too.

Quick tip: If you’re volunteering for a skill-specific role as a graduate or professional, include your sector-specific qualifications here. For example, if you’re a marketing graduate volunteering to run a charity’s social media accounts, list your degree and discuss your social media module in detail.

Interests and hobbies

This CV section is completely optional, but it can be handy for volunteer roles.

If you have any interests or hobbies which are related to the role you’re applying for, then it’s well worth discussing them. For example, if you’re applying to volunteer at an animal shelter and have a blog about animals, it makes sense to note this on your CV, as it shows your passion for the sector.

Additionally, if you’re part of a sports team, play a musical instrument, are learning a language or have another creative pursuit, adding your hobby to your CV will show charities that you’re a committed, dedicated and driven individual.

However, generic hobbies like  ‘listening to music’  or  ‘going out with friends’ don’t say anything about you and should be left off your CV.

Essential skills and characteristics for your volunteer CV

As volunteer roles vary so widely, so do the skills that are required for the role. However, the following soft skills and characteristics a must for any charity CV:

Passion for the cause – Supporting the charity in question and having a clear passion for the cause.

Good communication  – Communicating with colleagues, customers and those needing support in a friendly, calm, reassuring and empathetic manner.

Teamwork  – Working well as part of a team.

Empathy  – Showing empathy, patience, consideration and a caring nature.

Fundraising  – Contributing to or building upon fundraising initiatives and strategies.

Writing your volunteer CV

Charities are always looking for passionate, kind-natured and driven individuals to volunteer to help their mission.

If you follow my CV guide, you’ll be able to create a CV that proves you have all these qualities and more.

Make sure to double-check your spelling and grammar before sending off your application.

Best of luck with your job search!

10 tips to write an impressive resume

I n the highly competitive job market, a captivating resume serves as your golden ticket to leave a lasting impact on potential employers. With the evolution of more sophisticated hiring processes, it's imperative to transcend the fundamentals and compose a resume that distinguishes you from the masses. Here are 10 expert suggestions to guide you in creating an impressive resume that effectively showcases your skills and experiences:

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Customize your resume for each job

Tailoring your resume is paramount. Scrutinize the job description and align your resume with the specific prerequisites of each position you pursue. Spotlight the skills and experiences most pertinent to the job, underscoring your suitability for the role.

Commence with a robust summary or objective

Initiate your resume with a succinct and impactful summary or objective statement. This segment should offer a snapshot of your professional background, accentuating your key strengths and career objectives.

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Opt for a clean and professional format

Ensure your resume is visually appealing and easily digestible. Adopt a clean and professional format featuring consistent fonts and bullet points. Contemplate utilizing a contemporary template to impart a polished appearance to your resume.

Highlight achievements, not just responsibilities

Rather than merely cataloguing job duties, concentrate on quantifiable achievements. Illuminate specific accomplishments, employing metrics when feasible, to demonstrate your impact in prior roles.

Prioritize relevant experience

Position the most pertinent work experience prominently in your resume. Tailor the details of each job entry to underscore how your previous roles have equipped you for the specific position you are seeking.

Spotlight key skills

Devote a dedicated section to list both hard and soft skills relevant to the job. Integrate keywords from the job description to ensure your resume successfully navigates applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Integrate professional development and certifications

Manifest your commitment to continuous improvement by incorporating relevant professional development courses, certifications, or workshops. This signifies your dedication to staying abreast of developments in your field.

Quantify your achievements

Numbers carry weight. Whenever feasible, quantify your achievements to furnish tangible evidence of your impact. Whether it involves increasing sales, reducing costs, or enhancing efficiency, numerical figures bolster credibility.

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Showcase volunteer work and extracurricular activities

Infuse pertinent volunteer work and extracurricular activities to underscore your commitment to community involvement and your adeptness at managing diverse responsibilities.

Proofread and edited rigorously

A polished resume reflects your meticulous attention to detail. Scrutinize your document meticulously to catch any grammatical errors or typos. Enlist the input of peers or mentors for additional perspectives on refining your resume.

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