Crafting an Impactful Resume- Best Practices for Describing Volunteer Experience

How to Describe Volunteer Experience on Resume

Volunteering is a valuable addition to any resume, as it demonstrates a candidate’s commitment to community service, leadership skills, and teamwork. However, it is essential to effectively describe volunteer experience on a resume to make the most impact. Here are some tips on how to describe volunteer experience in a way that highlights your strengths and achievements.

1. Start with a clear heading

Begin by creating a clear and concise heading for your volunteer experience section. Use a bold or slightly larger font to make it stand out. For example, “Volunteer Experience” or “Community Service.”

2. Use a reverse chronological format

List your volunteer experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. This format allows employers to quickly see your most recent volunteer activities and any ongoing commitments.

3. Include the organization’s name and location

Mention the name of the organization and its location. This provides context and shows the employer that you are familiar with the organization and its mission.

4. Describe your role and responsibilities

In a bullet point format, outline your specific roles and responsibilities within the organization. Be concise and focus on the most relevant tasks. For example:

– Organized and led a team of volunteers to assist with community clean-up events.
– Provided tutoring services to underprivileged children, helping them improve their reading and math skills.
– Managed the organization’s social media accounts, increasing online engagement by 30%.

5. Highlight your achievements

Quantify your achievements with numbers and percentages, where possible. This demonstrates your impact and the value you brought to the organization. For example:

– Increased volunteer participation in the organization’s annual fundraising event by 25%.
– Raised $1,200 for the local food bank by organizing a charity run.
– Trained and mentored new volunteers, resulting in a 20% decrease in training time.

6. Use action verbs

Use strong action verbs to describe your volunteer experience. This will make your resume more dynamic and engaging. For example, “led,” “organized,” “trained,” “mentored,” and “managed.”

7. Tailor your description to the job

Tailor your volunteer experience description to align with the job you are applying for. Focus on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. For example, if you are applying for a marketing role, emphasize your experience with social media management and fundraising events.

8. Include any awards or recognitions

If you have received any awards or recognitions for your volunteer work, include them in your resume. This showcases your dedication and commitment to the cause.

In conclusion, describing volunteer experience on a resume effectively requires highlighting your roles, responsibilities, achievements, and the impact you made. By following these tips, you can create a compelling and impactful section that sets you apart from other candidates.