how to include volunteer experience on resume

30 Examples: How To List Volunteer Work on a Resume

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

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

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

Identifying Your Volunteer Experiences

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

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

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

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

Where to Place Volunteer Work on Your Resume

Main experience section.

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

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

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

Separate Volunteer Section

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

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

Volunteer Work on a Resume: 30 Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Describe Your Volunteer Work

Use action verbs.

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

Examples of strong action verbs:

• Collaborated
• Implemented
• Coordinated
• Facilitated

Quantify Your Impact

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

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

Tailoring Your Volunteer Experience to the Job Description

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

Volunteer Work

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Volunteer Experience on Your Resume: Examples for 2024

If you are looking for a way to stand out on your resume or show that you are more than just your work experience, volunteer experience is a great place to start. In this article, we will define volunteer experience, discuss its importance in a resume, and provide examples of how to incorporate it effectively.

Volunteer experience is any work that is done willingly and without pay to help a person or organization outside of one’s family. This can include traditional volunteer work like serving at a soup kitchen or volunteering at a non-profit organization’s fundraising event, as well as other activities such as coaching a youth sports team, running a community garden, or participating in a beach cleanup.

Importance of Volunteer Experience in a Resume

While work experience is important, volunteer experience can show a potential employer that you have more to offer than just the skills required for a specific job. It can demonstrate that you are passionate about a cause, have leadership skills, are a team player, and are willing to take the initiative to make things happen. Additionally, volunteer work can help fill gaps in your work history or show that you have been actively involved in your community during times of unemployment.

Types of Volunteer Experience

When it comes to volunteering, there are multiple ways to get involved and contribute your time and skills. Here are some of the most common types of volunteer experience:

Direct Service Volunteer

Direct service volunteering involves hands-on work that directly impacts the people or cause served by the organization. Examples of direct service volunteering include serving meals at a homeless shelter, tutoring students, or providing care for animals at a shelter.

Volunteering in direct service roles allows you to see the impact of your work firsthand and gain valuable skills in working with people or tasks.

Indirect Service Volunteer

Indirect service volunteering refers to tasks that support the organization performing its mission, but do not involve direct interaction with the people or causes served. Examples of indirect service volunteering include data entry, mailings, or event planning.

Indirect service roles are crucial for the smooth operation of an organization and allow volunteers to contribute their skills and time in a way that suits their strengths.

Virtual Volunteer

Virtual volunteering allows individuals to contribute their time and skills remotely, through online platforms or digital platforms. Examples of virtual volunteering include data entry, social media management or writing.

Virtual volunteering options have increased in recent years due to technology advancements and allow volunteers to contribute their time and skills to organizations from anywhere in the world.

Volunteer Leadership

Volunteer leadership roles involve managing other volunteers and can include overseeing volunteer programs, organizing events, and coordinating efforts between volunteers and staff.

Volunteer leadership roles are crucial for the successful management of volunteers and require strong organizational and leadership skills.

Board Member

Board members provide leadership and governance for the organization, which includes making major decisions on the organization’s behalf, managing finances, and hiring staff.

Being a board member requires significant time commitment and leadership skills, and is often a high-level volunteer role for experienced professionals.

Understanding the different types of volunteer experience available can provide insights into the best way to contribute to an organization, and can also help you showcase your skills and experiences to potential employers when crafting a resume.

Incorporating Volunteer Experience on Your Resume

Volunteer experience can add depth and demonstrate your commitment to community involvement and social responsibility. Including volunteer experience on your resume is a great way to showcase your skills and interests outside of paid employment.

Where to Place Volunteer Experience on Your Resume

Volunteer experience can be included in the work experience section or in a separate section dedicated to volunteerism. If the volunteer work is relevant to the position you are applying for, it is best to include it in the work experience section. However, if the volunteer work is not directly related to the position, it can be listed separately in a Volunteer section.

How to Highlight Volunteer Experience on Your Resume

It is essential to highlight your volunteer experience effectively. When presenting your volunteer experience, include the name of the organization or group, the length of time you served, and the position you held. Use bullet points to describe the responsibilities you had and any accomplishments you achieved while volunteering. Be descriptive and quantify your achievements, linking them to concrete results.

How to Quantify Volunteer Experience on Your Resume

Quantifying your volunteer experience is crucial. It is not enough to state that you volunteered for a certain number of hours or held a specific position; you need to describe how you contributed to the organization’s progress or success. For instance, if you raised funds, specify how much you raised, and if you led a team, indicate how many team members you oversaw.

Here are some examples of quantifying volunteer experience:

Raised $5,000 for a local food bank in a month-long fundraising campaign.

Supervised and trained a team of eight volunteers, resulting in a 30% reduction in errors and increased efficiency.

Coordinated and executed 10 community outreach events, involving more than 200 volunteers and reaching over 2,000 participants.

By quantifying your volunteer experience, you are providing concrete evidence of your contribution and commitment, which will make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Incorporating volunteer experience on your resume can add value and demonstrate that you have a broader range of skills and interests. It is important to present your volunteer experience effectively by including it in the right section, describing your achievements in bullet points, and quantifying your impact.

Examples of How to Include Volunteer Experience on Your Resume

Volunteer experience is an excellent way to showcase your skills and demonstrate your commitment to giving back to the community. It can also help you stand out among other candidates when applying for a job. In this section, we will provide examples of how to include volunteer experience on your resume, tailored for different career stages.

Example 1: Entry-Level Candidate

If you are just starting your career, you may not have much work experience to showcase on your resume. However, you can highlight your volunteer work to demonstrate your transferable skills and passion for making a difference.

Here’s how to include volunteer experience on your resume as an entry-level candidate:

Include a volunteer section:  Create a separate section on your resume for your volunteer experience. This will make it easy for the hiring manager to see your involvement in the community.

Focus on transferable skills:  Highlight the skills you developed through volunteering that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you volunteered at a non-profit organization, you may have gained skills in event planning, fundraising, or social media management.

Quantify your impact:  Use numbers and figures to showcase the impact you made through your volunteer work. For instance, if you organized a fundraising event, you could mention the total amount of funds raised or the number of attendees.

Volunteer Experience

• Organized and executed a successful fundraising event that raised over $10,000 for the organization
• Managed social media accounts and increased followers by 30%
• Coordinated volunteer efforts and recruited 15 volunteers for various events

Example 2: Mid-Career Professional

As a mid-career professional, you likely have more work experience to showcase on your resume. However, you can still leverage your volunteer work to demonstrate your leadership skills and community involvement.

Here’s how to include volunteer experience on your resume as a mid-career professional:

Include a community involvement section:  Create a separate section on your resume to showcase your community involvement, including volunteer work, board membership, or pro-bono consulting.

Emphasize leadership roles:  Highlight any leadership roles you had in your volunteer work, such as serving as a board member, committee chair, or team leader.

Connect the dots:  Explain how your volunteer experience has prepared you for the job you’re applying for. Be explicit about the transferable skills you developed, such as project management, communication, or event planning. Volunteering can bring about numerous benefits that extend beyond helping others. It is a fulfilling activity that can help individuals gain a variety of skills that can be used in different areas of their lives. When it comes to adding volunteer experience to your resume, it’s essential to highlight the skills gained through such experience. Here are some of the skills you can acquire through volunteering:

Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are those abilities that can be applied to different jobs and settings. Volunteering can help individuals develop transferable skills that can be utilized in various professional and personal contexts. Some examples of transferable skills you can acquire through volunteering include:

• Time management: Volunteering requires planning to ensure that tasks are completed on time, regardless of how busy your schedule is.
• Communication skills: Volunteering provides opportunities to engage and work with people from different backgrounds and abilities, enhancing your communication skills.
• Adaptability: When volunteering, it’s crucial to be able to adapt to different situations, such as unexpected changes or challenges.
• Leadership skills: Depending on the volunteer role you take on, you may have the chance to lead group activities or manage people. Such experiences can help strengthen your leadership skills.

Niche Skills

Niche skills, also known as specialist skills, are relevant to specific professions or industries. Volunteering can afford individuals the chance to develop these skills or build on existing ones in a particular field. Here are some examples of niche skills that you can learn through volunteering:

• Event planning: Volunteering for events, such as charity galas, can provide opportunities to learn and develop event planning skills, such as managing budgets, scheduling, and coordinating with vendors.
• Fundraising skills: Volunteers in non-profit organizations can gain fundraising skills, such as donor prospecting, creating fundraising goals and strategies, and managing donor databases.
• Non-profit management skills: Volunteering in non-profit organizations can offer valuable exposure to non-profit management, including volunteer management, program development, and organizational operations.

Soft Skills

Soft skills, also known as interpersonal or emotional intelligence skills, are necessary social and emotional competencies that can help individuals interact effectively with others. Volunteering can enhance and develop soft skills, including:

• Empathy: Volunteering can help individuals build empathy and a deeper understanding of the struggles and challenges that others face, which can enhance their ability to relate to and communicate with others.
• Teamwork: Volunteering often involves working in teams, which can help develop collaborative and cooperative skills.
• Conflict resolution: Volunteering can provide opportunities to learn conflict resolution and problem-solving skills through diffusing disagreements and finding solutions that work for everyone.
• Patience: Volunteering can help cultivate patience, especially when working with individuals from different backgrounds with varying abilities or needs.

Volunteering is an enriching activity that provides immense opportunities to develop diverse skills that can boost both personal and professional growth.

Benefits of Volunteer Experience on Your Resume

Volunteer experience is not only a selfless act of giving back to the community, but it can also enhance your resume and increase your chances of being hired. Here are some benefits of including volunteer work on your resume:

Increased Employability

Volunteering shows your dedication and commitment to a cause, which translates into a positive work ethic. Employers appreciate individuals who have a track record of being dependable and passionate about what they do. Also, volunteering provides an opportunity to network with professionals in your industry or field of interest, which can lead to potential job opportunities or referrals.

Demonstrates Passion

In many cases, volunteer work is a reflection of your personal interests, values and passions. When you include it on your resume, it shows potential employers that you are more than just a set of skills and job experiences. You are a well-rounded individual who cares about things beyond the workplace. Your volunteer experience can also provide talking points during job interviews, allowing you to demonstrate your personality and character traits.

Highlights Transferable Skills

Volunteering often requires you to work with others towards a common goal, communicate effectively, manage your time, and take initiative. These are valuable transferable skills that can be applied to any job or industry. When you include your volunteer experience on your resume, you are showing employers that you possess these skills and that you are capable of working in a team-oriented environment.

Volunteering can provide many benefits when included on your resume. Not only does it show increased employability, it also demonstrates passion and highlights transferable skills. When employers see that you have volunteered, they may view you as a more well-rounded and desirable candidate. So, don’t shy away from including your volunteer experience on your resume – it could be the key to landing your dream job!

Common Questions About Volunteer Experience on a Resume

Volunteer experience can make a significant difference in your resume, especially if you have limited professional experience. However, knowing how to include it can be challenging. Here are some common questions about volunteer experience on a resume and how to make the most of it.

How to Include Volunteer Experience on a Resume with Limited Professional Experience?

If you are starting your career or changing fields, showcasing your volunteer experience can help you stand out. You can add a section called “Volunteer Experience” or “Community Involvement” to your resume and list your volunteer work. Another option is to integrate it into your work experience section by highlighting the transferable skills you gained from your volunteer experience that align with the job you are applying for.

When listing your volunteer experience, make sure to include the organization’s name, your role, dates, and a brief description of your responsibilities and accomplishments. Highlight the skills and achievements that can transfer to the job you’re applying for. Quantify your accomplishments and provide tangible examples.

Should You List Volunteer Experience Chronologically or Reverse Chronologically?

Listing your volunteer experience chronologically means listing them in the order you participated, beginning from the most recently completed volunteer activity. In contrast, reverse chronological order means listing your volunteer work starting from your earliest experience and ending with your latest.

The best way to list your volunteer experience depends on how relevant it is to the job you’re applying for. If your volunteer experience is more recent and matches the job requirements, list it in reverse chronological order. However, if your volunteer activity was several years ago, and your work experience is more relevant, list it chronologically.

Does Volunteer Experience Have to be Relevant to the Job You’re Applying For?

While it’s best to focus on experiences relevant to the job you’re applying for, volunteer experience does not always have to be directly relevant. Volunteer experience can demonstrate different soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and communication, which can be valuable in various industries.

However, if your volunteer experience is not directly relevant, it’s essential to highlight the transferable skills and how they relate to the job you’re applying for. By doing so, you can showcase how your volunteer experience can translate into valuable skills for the position.

Volunteer experience can enhance your resume, even with limited professional experience. Make sure to include it in a clear and concise way, highlighting your accomplishments and transferable skills. By doing so, you can demonstrate your commitment to your community and showcase the skills that make you a valuable asset to any employer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Including Volunteer Experience on Your Resume

When it comes to including volunteer experience on your resume, there are a few common mistakes you want to avoid:

Making Volunteer Experience Too Long : While it’s important to showcase your volunteer experience on your resume, it’s also important to remember that hiring managers often have limited time to review resumes. Therefore, make sure that you summarize your volunteer experience concisely.

Only Focusing on Duties and Responsibilities : When listing your volunteer experience, it’s easy to get caught up in listing out all of your duties and responsibilities. However, it’s important to also highlight the impact you made while volunteering. Use specific examples to show how your volunteer work made a difference.

Not Explaining the Impact : Your volunteer experience can be a powerful asset when it comes to standing out to potential employers. However, if you don’t explain the impact you made while volunteering, it can be difficult for hiring managers to understand the value you bring to the table.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your volunteer experience is presented in the best light possible and makes a strong impression on potential employers.

Ways to Showcase Volunteer Experience Outside of Your Resume

In today’s job market, simply listing your previous job experiences might not be enough to catch the recruiter’s attention. Employers are looking for candidates who possess qualities like leadership, team-working, problem-solving, and dedication. And what better way to demonstrate those qualities than through your volunteer experience?

However, some individuals might find it challenging to capture their volunteer work on their resume. Fortunately, there are various digital platforms that you can utilize to showcase your volunteer experience outside of your resume. Here are three ways you can do so:

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional networking, and it can help you create a strong online presence. Utilize LinkedIn to highlight your volunteer experience by adding it to your profile. This will make it easier for hiring managers to see your involvement and dedication to your community. Additionally, you can join groups related to your causes, which will lead to new connections and potential career opportunities.

Personal Website

Having a personal website that showcases your volunteer work can give you an edge in your job search. Use your website as a platform to tell your story, showcase pictures of your volunteering experience, and explain the impact that you’ve made in your community. Your site will not only demonstrate your dedication to contributing to society but will also give the interviewer a unique insight into who you are as a person.

Cover Letter

While your resume is your ticket to getting your foot in the door, your cover letter is where you can truly shine light on your volunteer experience. Use your cover letter to tell a story about your experiences, how it has affected you and how it integrates with the position you are applying for. In your cover letter, you can also take the chance to show your passion for the cause and how it aligns with the organization’s mission.

Volunteer work can be an indication of your willingness to go above and beyond to make a difference in your community. Using digital media platforms such as LinkedIn, your personal website and your cover letter are great ways to help you stand out and demonstrate your qualifications as a candidate. Highlighting your volunteer experience demonstrates not only your character but also sets you apart from others in a competitive job market.

Additional Tips for Incorporating Your Volunteer Experience into Your Job Search

If you’re looking to leverage your volunteer experience in your job search, there are a few additional steps you can take beyond simply listing it on your resume. Here are some tips for how to make the most of your volunteer work:

Network with Fellow Volunteers

One of the best ways to make your volunteer experience work for you in your job search is to network with other volunteers. Many of your fellow volunteers may be professionals in your industry or know people who are. By building relationships with them, you can expand your professional network and potentially find job leads.

To network effectively, be sure to attend volunteer events and functions, and make an effort to connect with other volunteers. Exchange contact information and follow up with them via email or LinkedIn after the event. Be clear about what you’re looking for and how your volunteer experience relates to your job search.

Mention Volunteer Experience During Your Interview

When you’re interviewing for a job, be sure to mention your volunteer experience. Rather than just listing it on your resume, describe it in more detail and explain how it has helped you develop skills relevant to the position you’re interviewing for. For example, if you volunteered with a nonprofit and helped organize fundraising events, you could describe how that experience developed your project management and event planning skills.

Make sure to tie your volunteer experience back to the job you’re interviewing for. This will show the interviewer that you understand the skills necessary for the position and that you are actively seeking ways to develop them.

Follow-Up and Mention Your Volunteer Experience

After the interview is over, be sure to follow-up with a thank you note. In this note, you can reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention your volunteer experience again. This will help keep your volunteer work top-of-mind for the interviewer and show them that you are serious about incorporating it into your job search.

If you are not selected for the job, you can still keep the conversation going by mentioning your volunteer experience in your follow-up email. Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration, and reiterate your interest in the company. Mention that you would love to stay in touch and continue to learn about the organization’s efforts in the community. By doing so, you’ll maintain a positive relationship with the company and potentially open doors for future job opportunities.

Incorporating your volunteer experience into your job search can be a powerful way to demonstrate your skills and stand out from other candidates. By networking with fellow volunteers, mentioning your experience in your interview, and following up afterwards, you can make your volunteer work an integral part of your job search strategy.

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This Is Exactly How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume

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

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

I’ll make this one easy for you: yes!

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

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

1. Choose the Right Format

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Note the Exceptions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Add Volunteer Experience to Your Resume

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

1. Identify the Relevant Volunteer Work

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

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

Sample Resume Entry:

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

2. Decide Where to Place It on Your Resume

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Format Your Volunteer Experience

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

Example: Volunteer event coordinator for a local charity

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

4. Highlight Your Achievements and Skills

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

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

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

5. Provide Context Where Necessary

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

Example: Volunteered abroad to teach English

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Should You List Volunteer Work on Your Resume?

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

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

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

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

Enhance Your Resume with Volunteer Experiences

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

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

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

Transform your career and beat the odds!

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How to Check if My Resume is ATS-Friendly for Free

8 min read · Updated on May 21, 2024

Is your resume ATS friendly?

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

How can I tell if I have an ATS-friendly resume?

“How can I test my resume for ATS readability?” — Quora user

Before you determine if your resume would pass the test for its “ATS readability” during the job search, first make sure you're applying these resume-writing best practices to your document:

Avoid placing important details like your contact information in the header or footer of your resume document.

Less is more when it comes to your resume format. Stick to a simple, clean resume design that doesn't include embedded charts, images, or unusual fonts .

Steer clear of right-hand columns. If you plan to use a resume design that incorporates columns, opt for a left-hand rail or column. Unfortunately, resumes with a right-hand rail or column do not always pass through the ATS.

Customize your resume with relevant keywords. Identify the important resume keywords found in the specific job listings that interest you and incorporate them throughout, particularly in the “ Key Skills ” and “ Work Experience ” sections.

Save your resume as a Word document file type. Unfortunately, there are still some ATS resume scanning platforms that cannot convert PDF, HTML, Open Office, or Apple Pages documents and will discard resumes that are saved in such document formats.

An ATS resume checker designed to elevate your resume above the rest

What our ATS resume checker scans

Our free ATS resume checker scans the following:

File type: ATS scans convert file uploads - and not all file types are convertible. Learn if your resume file type is ATS-friendly. 

Section headings and layout: Information is parsed by an ATS using section headings (i.e. Work Experience and Education ). If you use a non-standard layout or section headings, the ATS might not be able to translate your resume accurately. 

• Date formatting: It's necessary to use the correct formatting for dates on your resume. Doing so allows the ATS scanner to correctly calculate your years of experience for each position you list. 
• Font type and size: When an ATS can't read your font, it won't be able to parse the information on your resume correctly. This could mean you'll lose out on showing up in employer keyword searches. 
• Alignment: An ATS can't read left-aligned columns or text alignment that goes against the norm. Find out if your resume's alignment passes an ATS.  
• Graphics, images, charts, and tables: ATS checkers can't properly analyze embedded images, graphics, charts, or tables. Our free ATS resume checker highlights any unusual formatting or media that needs to be removed. 
• Keywords: Keywords help your resume to show up in keyword searches. Learn if the right keywords are being read by the ATS. 
• Scannability: There are some regions of a resume, like the header and footer areas, that an ATS checker can't read. You'll learn if there are sections of your resume that aren't scannable with our free ATS resume scanner. 

Comprehensive keyword analysis: Discover the power words that resonate with hiring managers

You should incorporate keywords into your resume based on the job posting for the position you're applying to. Our comprehensive keyword analysis highlights whether or not your resume includes the right type and number of keywords that not only get past an ATS but also grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.

In-depth formatting feedback: ensure your resume's layout and design are ATS-optimized

Every detail on your resume matters when your goal is to make it past an ATS and into the hands of a hiring manager. Our ATS resume checker scans everything from font size, font type, and file type to section headings, date formatting, and text alignment to ensure it adheres to standard practices that meet ATS requirements.

Tailored skill highlighting: Pinpoint the skills that matter most for your desired role

How our ATS resume checker works

Our TopResume professional resume-writing service offers job seekers a free ATS scan review as part of its free resume review . Here's how our free ATS scan works:

1. Show us your current resume

Simply upload your current resume to be reviewed. It's easy - just drag and drop!

2. Give us 48 hours

Allow us up to 48 hours to review your resume and provide you with customized feedback. 

3. View your results

Finally, view your actionable results!

Our ATS resume checker will tell you:

If an ATS will be able to read your resume

What information an ATS will pull from your resume

What information the ATS won't be able to identify and retrieve

The top keywords and skills your resume currently ranks for

How the ATS interprets your skills, experience, and the industries where have expertise

If the ATS resume scanner is unable to identify any of this important information, or thinks you're a fit for a job that you're not, then your resume did not pass the ATS readability test and runs the risk of not getting in the hands of hiring managers or recruiters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ats resume checker.

In most instances, before your resume reaches the hands of a human, it passes through an ATS or Applicant Tracking System . An ATS is a type of resume-reading software employers and recruiters use to collect, scan, sort, and rank the job applications received for job postings. A qualified candidate could be passed over if their resume isn't written with an ATS in mind. 

TopResume's ATS resume checker analyzes a job candidate's resume to identify if it's ATS-friendly. The results allow you to make necessary adjustments and optimize your resume to pass an employer's ATS, increasing your chances of getting an interview and landing the job.

How does our checker differ from others on the market?

Our free ATS resume scanner is similar to the ATS used by most job boards. As a result, you get feedback that's relevant to the majority of job applications you submit online. 

Also, as part of our paid resume service, we offer a detailed critique with expert writers who show you step-by-step guidelines for getting past an ATS. 

What specific elements does our tool evaluate in a resume?

TopResume's ATS checker evaluates the formatting and readability of your resume to determine if it's ATS-friendly. These checks include font type, font size, alignment, images, tables, headers and footers, margins, and more. You'll learn how the ATS interprets your skills, work experience, the industries you have expertise in, and whether it identifies you as a best fit for the types of jobs you seek. 

How can I ensure that my resume is both ATS-friendly and appealing to human recruiters?

What's great about an ATS-friendly resume is that it's appealing to both Applicant Tracking Systems and human recruiters. An ATS-friendly resume should use a standard layout and formatting, which human resume readers prefer. 

Relevant keywords and skills from the job description should also be incorporated into your resume to help you pass the ATS scan and catch the attention of hiring managers. 

It's also advisable to save your resume in a .docx Word file, since some ATS resume checkers still can't convert file types like PDF, HTML, Apple Pages, or Open Office versions.  

Do most companies use ATS systems in their hiring process?

Applicant Tracking Systems are used by nearly all Fortune 500 companies and 75% of recruiters to scan job applications. An ATS helps to streamline an employer's recruiting and hiring process by collecting job applicant documentation from the various job boards they use. By using an ATS, recruiters are able to more efficiently collect a high volume of applications and filter candidate information by experience, skills, location, and more. 

Find out if your resume will pass that ATS test with flying colors and help you land more interviews. Request a free review from TopResume today !

Read Amanda Augustine 's answer to "How can I test my resume for ATS readability?" on Quora. 

This article was originally written by Amanda Augustine and has been updated by Ronda Suder. 

Recommended reading:

The Top 10 Resume Mistakes That Could Cost You the Job

A Qualified Candidate Finally Gets the Resume That Shows Her Off

Ask Amanda: How Can I Make My Resume Beat the ATS?

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

From Bland to Beautiful: How We Made This Professional's Resume Shine

See how your resume stacks up.

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How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume

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

3 years ago   •   9 min read

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

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

Should you include volunteer work on a resume?

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

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

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

How to include volunteer experience on a resume

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

In your work experience section

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

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

In a separate volunteer experience section

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

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

In an additional information section

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

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

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

Sample volunteer resume

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

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

Volunteer experience examples for your resume

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

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

Related : How To Add Volunteer Experience to LinkedIn

When to include volunteer work in your resume

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

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

If you don’t have enough relevant paid experience

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

If you have gaps in your resume

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

If you want to highlight your volunteer experience

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

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

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

What if your volunteering experience isn’t relevant?

Highlight transferrable skills.

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

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

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

Focus on results

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

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

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

When you shouldn’t include volunteer experience

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

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

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

If you have extensive paid experience

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

If the experience is controversial

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

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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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• How to List Volunteer Experience on Resume (with examples)

The purpose of writing a resume is to show potential recruiters that you are the most suitable candidate for a particular job. Professional experience, skills, education details, and work-related achievements are some of the things you can include in your CV to make it stand out in a pile. 

While not many job seekers know this, another section you might consider including to make your application stand out is the volunteer one. With that said, you might now be wondering, “Well, but does volunteering count as work experience?” The answer is, “it does.” Especially if the experience you gained is relevant to the job you are applying to. 

However, you will increase your chances of sending a successful application only if you understand where to put volunteer work on a resume. So, take the time to learn about all that right below. 

When to Put Volunteering in Resume Experience Section

You must include your volunteer information under the Work Experience section if the following three conditions are met: 

• Your volunteer experience is relevant to the position that you’re applying
• You lack work experience
• You have employment gaps

Volunteer Resume Samples with Related Experience

If you applying for a nursing position and you have minimal paid experience, here’s how you can put your volunteer experience on resume:

Nursing Experience

Better Health Center, Baltimore, MD

• Held a volunteer nursing role at Better Health Center. Provided nursing care, health evaluations, health guidance, health education, and referral services to patients and institutions. 
• Administered prescribed drugs and emergency services to patients.
• Assessed and monitored the physical and mental states of patients. 
• Tracked the progress of care plans.
• Conducted home visits and rendered preventive solutions. 

Penning your volunteer section like so shows that you really have relevant nursing experience. As such, you can be sure that you will impress the hiring executive. 

No matter what, never write this section as below. It is wrong.

Additional Activities

• Volunteered at Better Health Center, Baltimore, MD.
• Penned nursing blog articles regularly.
• Member of a mountain climbing charity group.

So, what is the problem here? You are diluting your relevant experience by putting it together with entirely unrelated activities. As you might already have picked up, the trick here is to mention the specific experience that relates to what you want to apply for.

Note, when putting volunteer work on resume as work experience, always name it correctly. For example, in the above sample, it is “nursing experience” and not “additional activities.” Likewise, if you are applying for a manager’s position, write “managing experience.” 

When to Put Volunteering in Resume Special Section

You must write your volunteer information under a Volunteering section when it is not related to the position you are applying for. In another case – you do so when you have many paid and related work-related experiences.

Volunteer Resume Samples with Unrelated Experience

If you are applying for a receptionist job and your volunteer experience has no relation to it, here is the right way to do it.

Volunteer Experience

• Did fundraising for the protection of dolphins;
• Participated in a community service week;
• Supported team-mates and assisted in various activities.

All told, volunteering shows that you give back to the community. You can convert this noble course into something that helps with your career development by incorporating other useful strategies for improving your job-seeking efforts. One among them is  organizing your job search from scratch . 

How to Put Volunteer Work on Resume to Wow the Recruiter

The point of tweaking your resume in different ways is to please the hiring executive. When it comes to volunteering activities, writing more detailed bullet points can go a long way in impressing a recruiter. Take a look at these two volunteer resume samples.

The wrong way:

• An administrative assistant at St. James Parish.
• Volunteer at Rescue Earth.
• A frequent volunteer at Red Cross.

The proper way:

• Volunteer administrative assistant at St. James Parish. Supervised four $30,000 building projects, always achieving an 8% budget saving. 
• As a volunteer at Rescue Earth, was in charge of 15 workers to enforce a zero-plastic initiative. 
• Launched three IT solutions as a volunteer at Red Cross.

In addition to learning how to write the volunteer section correctly, you have to learn about the  things you should never put on your resume . Failure to do this can water down your overall efforts of coming up with that perfect application.  

Useful Tips for Listing Volunteer Work on a Resume

Here are some useful things to do when writing your volunteer section.

• Tailor your application

Always ensure that your volunteer skills and qualifications match the role you are applying for by examining the vacancy announcement thoroughly. Moreover, you can gather some information on the organization you want to work in to find out the qualities required for the employees. 

• Include keywords from the vacancy description

Identify essential keywords from the position’s description. Then, ponder on your volunteer work to see how you can phrase the skills you have gained from it using the keywords that are present in the description. 

We all tend to be mistaken; thus, do not forget to proofread or find someone to help you out.

When Not to Include Volunteer Work on Resume

According to LinkedIn research, 41% of recruiters prefer to hire people with volunteering experience on resume.

So never leave your volunteer information off of your resume completely. Even if it’s not related to your job, it’ll be wise to include your pro bono work under the Additional Activities section, especially if you have lots of impressive accomplishments you to add to your resume.

Check out the following example to see how to include unrelated volunteer experience on resume:

• Coordinated fundraisers for various non-profit organizations.
• Volunteered as a celebrity’s giving back team. 
• Supervised a project for feeding the homeless.

That said, note that apart from showing that you are involved in your community,  volunteering comes with tons of benefits . Best of all, it showcases some of the  soft skills  that recruiters look out for in applicants such as leadership, teamwork, compassion, and so forth. 

In conclusion, adding volunteer work to resume is sure to make your application stand out among others. However, before you go on with providing this information, take time to evaluate how your volunteering activities show the skills that the hiring company has communicated in the vacancy announcement.

Is there any other concern regarding how to include volunteering gigs in your CV? Feel free to drop in your queries or comments below. 

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How to Include Volunteer Experience on Your Resume

• Include Volunteering on Your Resume

Related Volunteer Work

Unrelated volunteer work, volunteer resume example.

• Are You Looking to Volunteer?

Is it acceptable to include volunteer work on your resume when you're applying for jobs? Adding volunteering to your resume can help you get hired—especially when you don't have a lot of paid work experience to include.

Volunteer work can be an excellent way to  showcase key skills  such as event planning, fundraising, or problem-solving and can be integrated with your other paid work experiences or listed separately.

How to Include Volunteering on Your Resume

Including volunteer work on your resume is an especially important tactic for any of these reasons:

• You're a student without much (or any) formal work experience.
• You are a recent college graduate with limited professional experience.
• You're considering a career change to a different occupation or industry.
• You have taken a significant amount of time away from the workplace to raise young children or to care for a sick family member.
• You have experienced a lengthy period of unemployment due to a depressed economy in your state or region.

The goal is to incorporate your volunteer experience into your resume to highlight the skills that help qualify you for a job. The way to accomplish this will depend, to some degree, on how related your volunteer experience is to your career target. 

Related volunteer work can be combined with related work experience under a category heading like "Related Experience." If the volunteer work demonstrates a critical skill area, then it could be placed within a category with a functional heading like "Fundraising Experience" or "Event Planning Experience." 

In either case, the volunteer experience should be  listed just like a job  with a title that captures the essence of your role and a description that highlights  skills applied  and any accomplishments.

As you list your accomplishments, it is also a good idea to quantify these contributions with tangible numbers (dollar amounts) or percentages.

Here's an example:

Example of a Related Experience Section

Fundraising Experience

Volunteer Fundraiser , The United Way, Montclair, NJ, Fall 2019 to Present

• Recruited, coordinated, and trained 14 volunteer fundraisers.
• Planned and promoted three successful fundraising events, including a silent auction, dinner, and concert, which generated over $80,000 in pledges.
• Increased contributions by 25% over the previous campaign. 

If the volunteer work is unrelated to your job goal, you can incorporate it under a separate category like "Community Service" or "Volunteer Work." Most organizations look favorably upon staff who contribute in a positive way to the surrounding community—not only does it reflect well on the company, but volunteering can also be an opportunity for staff to network with potential new clients for the organization.

Here's an example of how to include volunteer work on your resume when it isn't directly related to your career or industry: 

Example of a Volunteer Experience Section

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, Birmingham, AL, Fall 2018 to Present

• Coordinated and led work parties that constructed 15 homes for low income families in need of housing.
• Conceptualized and successfully launched an initiative that collected contributions of gently used furniture and other household items to sell in the Habitat for Humanity store.
• Directed preparation of Labor Day parade float to increase community awareness of organization’s presence and contributions. 

Here's an example of a resume that includes both work and volunteer experience:

William Applicant 123 Main Street • New York, NY 10036 • (123) 456-7890 • william.applicant@email.com

WEBSITE MANAGEMENT

Building and maintaining websites that increase traffic and revenue Experienced web designer builds and maintains sites with professional and engaging content.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

TREMAINE AND MILLER COMMUNICATIONS, Sarasota, FL WEB EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE (January 2020—Present) Skillfully facilitate design and maintenance of company’s website.

Notable accomplishments:

• Within 12 months of hiring, increased daily website visits by 50%.
• Sourced third-party provider of images that lowered costs by 15%.

DOLAN ASSOCIATES, Sarasota, FL WEB ASSISTANT (June 2018—January 2020) Brought on board to optimize organization’s web presence and independently handled all website maintenance tasks, including content editing, photo editing, and publishing.

• Consistently completed web page development projects within challenging production deadlines.
• Incorporated Ad Sense program to website that triggered a 30% increase in site revenue.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

SARASOTA ROWING ASSOCIATION (January 2017—Present) Leverage professional expertise to design and maintain organization’s first-ever website.

RESCUE OUR STRAYS (July 2017—Present) Ensure quality creation and timely distribution of newsletter and email communications with staff, volunteers, and applicants; oversee and manage website.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA , Gainesville, FL Bachelor of Arts in English literature, 2018

Are You Looking to Volunteer? 

Not only is volunteering good for your community, but it also has the potential to  benefit your career . A volunteer position can be a networking opportunity, help you sharpen your skills, and serve as a low-risk way to explore a new industry.

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Should you include volunteer experience on your resume.

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Part of the series “Creating Your Own Career Breakthrough”

Including volunteer experience on your resume can help you move forward

As a career and leadership coach, part of my work involves helping professionals uplevel their LinkedIn profiles and resumes to share the most compelling information they can about their work, values and accomplishments.

Painting a full and compelling picture of who you are in totality, including what you care about (both in your professional life and personal life) along with the types of outcomes you’re excited to support, helps you land thrilling roles. It also assists in building a robust support network that can open doors for you that you can’t open on your own.

Many people have asked the question, “Should I include my volunteer experience on my LinkedIn profile and resume? From my view, both the short and long answers to that question are a resounding “yes!”

What is considered volunteer experience?

Volunteer experience encompasses non-paid work you’ve done that not only demonstrates your skills and capabilities but also showcases causes and endeavors that mean something to you personally— initiatives that you are willing to dedicate your time to.

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As this helpful Mac’s List article touches on, volunteering can move you forward in important ways, including:

• Building a great support network of mentors and sponsors
• Offering the opportunity to apply (and grow) your skills and talents in new and rewarding ways
• Allowing you the opportunity to “ try on and explore ” a new career direction before committing to it
• Helping you focus your personal time in meaningful ways that enrich your life
• Expanding your toolbox and collaborating with a diverse group of people whom you may not otherwise have the chance to connect with and learn from

As an example, I’m a singer on the side, and have performed for over 40 years in various groups and choirs. In my 20’s, I performed at the United Nations with a small group of vocalists singing backup for Liza Minnelli, of her new single “ The Day After That ,” in honor of the first World AIDS Day . It was truly unforgettable. And for the past 16 years, I’ve been a member of a community vocal group The Wilton Singers, and currently serve on the Board of Directors as well as support a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee for the group. Interacting and performing with individuals of all ages and demographics, and traveling to Europe to perform with the group, has enriched my life culturally. And serving in a DEI capacity for the group helps me learn key information and strategies that support my professional endeavors as well.

Tip: Write down all the volunteer and non-paid work you have engaged in over your lifetime that has added meaning, value, skill-building and networking opportunities to your life. What skills did you employ for what outcomes? What have these experiences given you that contributed to your personal and professional life? How have they impacted and changed you?

When should you include volunteer experience on your resume?

Include volunteer experience on your resume when it helps add perspective and richness to your professional story and sheds important light on what matters to you as a person, as well as additional skills that your paid work may not demonstrate.

This is particularly helpful for new and recent graduates who may not yet have established work experience in their field of choice, as well as for those who have been out of the paid workforce for some time. Adding volunteer information can help hiring managers understand your transferable skills. In addition, the outcomes you’ve helped support through volunteer work may be just those types of accomplishments that employers are looking for.

Finally, obtaining great LinkedIn endorsements and recommendations from individuals you’ve worked with in your volunteer roles can be very helpful in landing your next paid role.

I would avoid, however, including just a laundry list of volunteer roles that weren’t substantive or important to your development.

How to list volunteer work on your resume?

There are a number of ways you can list your volunteer work on your resume, based on the degree of work experience you have, and how related it is to the next direction you want to take.

If you have extensive professional experience:

In this case, where you’ve worked for a number of years and that work has a clear connection to what you want in the next chapter of your professional life, consider listing your volunteer experience in a separate section labeled “Volunteer Experience.”

Share about these volunteer roles in the same way you would if listing out your paid work, with these elements:

• A brief line about the overall core aims and scope of the organization and your role
• Key skills you’ve applied to achieve success in the role
• Areas you’ve overseen and important outcomes you’ve helped the organization achieve—with metrics, scope and data to illustrate the impact

Remember, stating clearly the impact of your work is key. Share the instrumental “needles” you’ve moved and the growth or success you’ve helped the organization achieve through your direct work or your supervision of others.

If you don’t have many paid work experiences to share:

In this situation, you can add in the volunteer roles in your Professional History section, indicating clearly that the role is a volunteer job .

Highlight the skills and capabilities you’ve leveraged in your volunteer roles that connect directly with the skills you wish to be hired for. Brainstorm the ideal role you wish to land, and find job descriptions online that appear to be a strong fit for where you want to go.

Wherever you can (when it fits the facts), incorporate the key words and qualifications that are listed in those paid job descriptions within your volunteer work description, to illustrate clearly your transferable skills.

Remember, though, that whenever and wherever you are communicating about your work or volunteer experience, it’s critical to share only the truth about what you’ve done. Never lie about or embellish your experience. Countless people have lost out on great job opportunities because they’ve “stretched” or misrepresented the truth on their resumes or LinkedIn profiles. Lying is never the way to go.

In the end, does volunteering count as work experience?

In my view, yes. When we volunteer, we typically engage in the same types of skills and behaviors that paid professional work entails.

For instance, your volunteer work can support:

• Community awareness and engagement
• Fundraising and sales goal achievement
• Team participation and leadership
• Resource management
• Marketing, Communications, PR and public relations
• Strategic planning
• Budgeting and financial oversight
• Training and development
• Project management and execution

… and more.

In the end, don’t let yourself believe that volunteer work has less intrinsic value than paid work. It’s not true. Millions of people around the world who’ve volunteered their time for important causes and movements have shaped life as we know it, and have had crucial impact on the success, health, wellbeing and progress of humanity and our world.

Kathy Caprino is a women’s career and leadership coach , trainer, Finding Brave podcast host, and author of The Most Powerful You .

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Free High School Resume Templates

Creating a resume for the first time is a significant milestone for high school students, marking the beginning of a new academic and professional journey. This comprehensive guide details what to include on your resume, the importance of each section, and offers examples to assist you. Additionally, we provide a collection of free, customizable resume templates specifically designed for high school students, ensuring your resume is polished, professional, and stands out in the college application process.

Written by:

Dr. Moina Rauf

Dr. Moina Rauf, fluent in English and Dutch, is a distinguished writer and editor with a PhD in Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Economics. With extensive experience in both academia and industry, she excels in elucidating complex concepts about business management, human resources policies, legal documentation, employee leaves, appointments, contracts, and workplace culture. Her proficiency in analyzing and simplifying intricate documents ensures comprehensive understanding for her audience. Published in academic journals, Dr. Rauf’s authority in her field is well-established.

For high school students, creating a resume for the first time is an exciting accomplishment that marks the beginning of a new chapter in their academic and professional lives. This is a unique opportunity to showcase their achievements and set themselves apart in the college application process.

A well-structured resume not only highlights your skills and experiences but also provides admissions committees and potential employers with a clear picture of your potential. It is a crucial part of the college application process and offers a comprehensive view of your skills, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and other experiences. It also helps you showcase your achievements and potential in a well-rounded manner.

This comprehensive guide will explain to you what to include on your resume, why each section is important, and provide examples to help you along the way. To make this process even more accessible, we’ve created a collection of free, customizable resume templates designed specifically for high school students. These templates are tailored to help you present your qualifications in a polished and professional manner and make sure that your resume stands out. Each template includes placeholders for every section and ensures your document is neat and organized.

As you begin this exciting new chapter of your life, these templates will make sure your resume stands out and highlights your special strengths and experiences, whether you are applying for college, internships, or part-time jobs.

• The Ultimate Guide to High School Resume: What to Include and How to Stand Out

Creating a comprehensive and well-organized college resume is crucial for showcasing your achievements and skills, especially if you’re a high school student creating a resume for the first time. Here’s a detailed guide on what to include, why each section is important, and examples for each.

Contact information

Your contact information is essential, as it allows potential employers or admissions committees to reach you easily. Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile (optional), and personal website or portfolio (if applicable) in this section.

John Smith 555-123-4567 [email protected] linkedin.com/in/johnsmith

Objective or summary statement

An objective or summary statement provides a brief overview of your career goals and what you bring to the role. It sets the tone for the rest of your resume. Write a brief statement (2-3 sentences) summarizing your career goals and key strengths in this section.

Objective: An enthusiastic high school student with strong organizational and leadership skills, seeking to apply my academic and extracurricular experiences in a summer internship or college program.

This section highlights your academic background, which is particularly important for students and recent graduates. Write the name of the institution, expected graduation date, GPA (optional if it’s impressive) , and relevant coursework or academic achievements in this section.

Education: Lincoln High School, City, State Expected Graduation: June 2025 GPA: 3.8 Relevant Coursework: AP Biology, Honors English, Algebra II

This section demonstrates your practical experience and how it relates to the job or program you are applying for. Include your job title (if applicable), organization name, location, dates of involvement, and bullet points detailing your responsibilities and achievements. For high school students, this can include part-time jobs, internships, volunteer work, or significant school projects.

Camp Counselor, Sunshine Day Camp, City, State June 2023 – August 2023

• Led a group of 15 children in daily activities, including arts and crafts, sports, and educational games.
• Ensured the safety and well-being of all campers.
• Received “Counselor of the Month” award for outstanding performance.

Listing your skills helps employers quickly see what you can do and whether you match the job requirements. Include a list of relevant hard and soft skills. Technical skills, language proficiency, and interpersonal skills are all possible categories.

• Technical Skills: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Basic HTML
• Language Skills: Fluent in Spanish
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication, Team leadership, Time management

Awards and honors

This section highlights your achievements and recognitions, showcasing your excellence and dedication. Include the name of the award, granting institution, and date received here.

Awards and Honors: Honor Roll, Lincoln High School, City, State Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022 Science Fair Winner, Lincoln High School, City, State March 2023

Including projects allows you to demonstrate hands-on experience and your ability to apply your knowledge in practical settings. You can write the project title, your role, dates of involvement, and a brief description of the project and your contributions.

Projects: School Website Redesign, Project Lead January 2023 – April 2023

• Led a team of three students in redesigning the school’s website using HTML and CSS.
• Improved website navigation and updated content to enhance user experience.
• Presented the new design to school administrators, receiving positive feedback and approval for implementation.

Volunteer experience

Volunteer work shows your commitment to community service and can provide valuable skills and experiences. Mention the organization name, your role, dates of involvement, and a brief description of your contributions.

Volunteer Experience: Volunteer, Local Food Bank, City, State September 2021 – June 2023

• Assisted in organizing and distributing food donations to families in need.
• Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coordinating volunteer activities.
• Contributed to community outreach efforts by participating in local events and fundraisers.

Certifications and licenses

Certifications and licenses demonstrate your specialized knowledge and qualifications in specific areas. You can write the name of the certification or license, the granting organization, and the date received.

Certifications and Licenses: CPR and First Aid Certified, American Red Cross, July 2022

List educational qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.

• How To Use Resume Templates Effectively

Choosing and customizing a resume template can significantly streamline the process of creating a professional and impactful resume. Here’s how you can effectively use resume templates to your advantage:

• Choosing the Right Template for Your Field: Select a template that matches your career interests. While traditional fields like finance or law require clean, straightforward designs, creative roles benefit from unique design elements.
• Customizing the Template to Reflect Your Personal Brand: Start by adding your name and contact information in a clear, prominent section. Customize the color scheme and fonts to match your professional persona and ensure consistency with other professional materials, like your LinkedIn profile or personal website. Personal branding is about showcasing your unique strengths and personality, so make sure your resume reflects that.
• Keeping Information Clear and to the Point: Use bullet points to make your experiences and skills easy to scan. Be sure to focus on clarity and readability when writing.
• Tailoring Your Resume to the Job Description: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to increase your chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) .
• Using Metrics and Action Verbs: Highlight your accomplishments using specific metrics and strong action verbs to make your achievements tangible and impressive.
• Ensuring No Spelling or Grammatical Errors: A polished resume shows attention to detail. Make sure to double-check for any errors to maintain a professional appearance.
• Free Templates

Expert ADVICE

Use a professional, easy to read font (e.g. Arial, Times New Roman) with a font size of 10-12 points.

• What Counts As Professional Experience? What To Include In The Experience Section

As a high school student, it’s common to have limited or no traditional job experience . However, you can still create a compelling resume by highlighting other activities and achievements that demonstrate your skills and abilities. Think about internships, even if they were unpaid, as valuable experience in a professional setting. Jobs that are part-time, such as retail work or tutoring, also qualify. Don’t forget about volunteer work that relates to what you’re applying for—it’s all professional experience. Leadership roles in school clubs or community groups also show off skills that matter in the working world. Have you ever done any freelancing work involving writing or graphic design? Professional experience also includes that. Even school projects that demonstrate relevant skills can be included. Plus, any workshops or training programs you’ve completed show your commitment to learning and growing professionally. 

Expert Advice

Write your name in a larger font and your contact information in a standard font size. Make sure your email address in professional.

In conclusion, crafting a college resume as a high school student is a significant step towards your future academic and professional endeavors. You can make your resume stand out to admissions committees and potential employers by using the free, editable templates. Do not forget to tailor your resume to the specific job or program you’re applying for, highlight your achievements with metrics and action verbs, and ensure it’s error-free before submission. You will be well-equipped to write a remarkable college resume that makes you stand out from the competition with these tips and advice.

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How to list sorority experience on your resume

If you spent time in a sorority during your college years, you know firsthand how enriching the experience can be to both your personal and professional journey. You gained valuable experience as a leader and developed teamwork and communication skills that translate directly to the workplace. The question is, what’s the right way to list your sorority in resumes? Here’s how to put a sorority on a resume.

Why include sorority experience on your resume?

Your time in a sorority can be incredibly enriching. Listing these experiences on your resume showcases leadership abilities gained through roles like president or committee chair. These positions often involve organizing events, managing budgets, and leading groups of people. All of these achievements are impressive to potential employers.

You also engage in frequent collaboration with people from all walks of life during your time in a sorority. Working with a diverse group of members on projects and events reflects your ability to integrate into a team.

Sorority involvement also includes event planning and community service. These activities highlight your organizational skills and commitment to giving back to others. Employers value candidates who can plan and execute events successfully and show a sense of social responsibility. 

Additionally, being active in a sorority requires excellent time management and organizational skills. Balancing sorority duties with your academic responsibilities is no small feat. It shows you can prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Employers value all of these skills.

Expert Tip:

Focus on specific achievements and roles that demonstrate your leadership and organizational skills rather than just listing the sorority name.

Listing your sorority experience on your resume

Here are the steps you need to follow when listing sorority experience on a resume outside of the declaration statement. 

Choose the right section

Choose the right resume format that includes key sections like “Leadership” and a declaration statement. 

Next, choose where you’ll list sorority on your resume. You can include it in the aforementioned leadership section or under “Experience” or “Volunteer Work.” There aren’t any hard and fast rules here. Choose a section title that best aligns with your experiences as a sorority member.

For example, if you engaged in lots of volunteer work, list your sorority experience there. Conversely, if you held an important leadership position, mention your sorority under that section. Focus on keeping your resume and the details about your experience organized. 

Use action verbs

Elaborate on your sorority experience using a bulleted list. Start each point with a strong action verb to convey your responsibilities and achievements. Words like “organized” and “led” are impactful. 

Quantify what you achieved

Don’t be vague. Provide hard numbers to support what you accomplished as part of the sorority. For example, if you planned a successful fundraising event and raised $10,000, say so. Prospective employers want specifics, especially if you are claiming that sorority membership taught or sharpened valuable skills like leadership or collaboration. 

Be specific 

Detail your roles and responsibilities within the sorority. Mention specific committees you led, events you organized, and initiatives you spearheaded. Don’t ramble, but give enough detail to generate interest in the minds of your audience. You’ll have plenty of time to elaborate after you’ve landed an interview. 

For more insights about how to list “sorority” in resumes, explore Jobseekers’ resume articles .

“Your time in a sorority can be incredibly enriching. Listing these experiences on your resume showcases leadership abilities gained through roles like president or committee chair.”

Examples of listing sorority experience

Now, let’s look at some examples of how to put “Greek Life” on resumes.

Leadership Section

President, Alpha Beta Gamma Sorority August 2020 to May 2021

• Led a team of 25 members in organizing events and managing sorority operations
• Coordinated annual charity gala, raising $10,000 for local shelters 

Volunteer Work Section

Volunteer Coordinator, Alpha Beta Gamma Sorority August 2019 to May 2020

• Organized monthly volunteer activities for 30+ members
• Partnered with local food banks to provide 500 meals to families in need

Experience Section

Vice President, Greek Life– Alpha Beta Gamma Sorority August 2020 to May 2021

• Managed a team of 30 members to plan and execute charitable events
• Coordinated weekly meetings and gained insights from members with diverse backgrounds
• Implemented a mentorship program, pairing new members with senior leaders

There are many different ways to frame your sorority involvement on a resume. The key is to do so in a way that makes you a more appealing candidate. 

Key skills to highlight from sorority experience

Don’t just mention that you were in a sorority. Link that experience to tangible skills that will add value to the employer’s team. Here are some abilities to showcase when mentioning your sorority involvement. 

Leading committees and organizing events are key aspects of sorority life. If you participated in any leadership position, make sure to elaborate on those experiences. 

Emphasize experiences where you worked with others to achieve common goals. This could include planning events or participating in group projects. Show off your teamwork skills and let prospective employers know you’ll fit right in. 

Communication

Effective communication can bring value to any business. Detail your experience in public speaking, conflict resolution, or any other communication-related activities. 

Time management

Balancing sorority duties with academic responsibilities requires excellent time management. Highlight your ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. 

Event planning 

If you helped plan any major events, share this experience with prospective employers. Detail your involvement in planning and executing these activities. 

Best practices and mistakes to avoid

There are right and wrong ways to list your sorority experience. 

If you are going to list “sorority” in resume documents, make sure to mention it in your cover letter , too. Consistency across your cover letter and resume showcases that you carefully prepared your application documents. Some other to-dos include:

• Focusing on achievements
• Being specific
• Using action verbs

It’s also important to avoid common mistakes like:

• Being too vague
• Not quantifying achievements
• Overloading your resume with unnecessary details 

Make sure to align your mention of sorority experience with the skills and traits mentioned in the job description. Doing so shows that you read the posting while also helping the hiring team see how your sorority journey makes you a good fit. 

Want some help avoiding the aforementioned mistakes while leveraging our best practices? Check out cover letter templates and fillable resume documents from Jobseeker. 

Debunking misconceptions 

Some might think your sorority experience simply isn’t relevant to a resume. That’s simply not the case. It’s all about how you frame your time in a sorority and link those experiences back to skills the employer values. 

Devoting several years of your life to a sorority while also succeeding academically showcases your versatility and work ethic. Likewise, your ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and take on a leadership role can demonstrate to an employer that you thrive under pressure. 

If you spent time in a sorority and believe that experience made you a more skilled and versatile worker, don’t be afraid to share that part of your story with a prospective employer. Highlight your specific roles and achievements to make yourself a more well-rounded and appealing candidate. 

Does Phi Theta Kappa look good on a resume? 

Absolutely! When hiring teams see “Phi Theta Kappa” on resumes, they understand that you’ve been a part of something larger than yourself. Including similar phrases, like “Phi Beta Kappa,” on resumes is also appropriate. The same rule applies when hiring teams see “sorority” in resume declaration statements. 

No matter what sorority you’ve been a part of, it’s a good idea to mention it on your resume. Check out Jobseeker and our resume examples for inspiration on where and how to include sorority in your job application forms. 

Make sure to explore our cover letter examples , too, as these documents are a great place to elaborate on your sorority experience. 

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