Volunteer work is more than unpaid labor. It proves your skills, leadership, and ability to make an impact. This guide shows you how to list volunteer experience on your resume so employers immediately see your value.
You'll learn: Why volunteer work matters, where to put it on your resume, and how to describe results with numbers and clear examples.
Why Volunteer Experience Matters?
Volunteer work shows real experience and initiative. It builds transferable skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication. It also helps:
Listing volunteer work shows you can achieve results, adapt, and contribute to your community.
💡 Read more: New People CV; learn how to make your first resume stand out.
When to Include or Skip Volunteer Work
Include volunteer work when:
- It relates to the job you want
- You have limited paid experience
- You're changing careers
- You're explaining a resume gap
Skip it when:
- It's unrelated or outdated
- It duplicates skills already shown in paid jobs
- It may introduce bias (political or religious roles)
Ask yourself: Does this add value to my application? If yes, include it confidently.
Where to Put Volunteer Work
The right placement depends on how relevant it is.
1. Inside Your Experience Section
If your volunteer work aligns with your career goals, list it with paid roles.
Habitat for Humanity | Volunteer Coordinator | Austin, TX | 2022–Present
Recruited 50+ volunteers, raised $25,000, improved event efficiency by 20%
2. In a Separate "Volunteer Experience" Section
Use this when your volunteer roles add value but differ from your main experience.
Volunteer Experience
Community Food Bank | Volunteer Manager | 2021–2023
Led 18 volunteers, distributed 2,400 meals monthly, raised $12,000
3. Under Skills or Projects
Mention volunteer contributions briefly to highlight key abilities.
Skills: Social Media Management — grew Habitat for Humanity engagement by 35%
Consistency in formatting is key. Use the same font, bullet style, and structure as your paid jobs.
How to Format Volunteer Entries?
- Write the organization name, role, city/state, and dates.
- Use specific role titles like Volunteer Tutor or Event Coordinator.
- Start each bullet with a strong action verb.
- Include numbers that show impact.
- Keep it consistent and concise.
Example
Volunteer Tutor | Youth Center | Denver, CO | 2022–Present
Tutored 25 students weekly, improved math scores by 20%, guided 3 to college admission
Best Action Verbs for Volunteer Work
| Type of Work | Verbs to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Events | Organized, Managed | Organized 3 charity events for 500 attendees |
| Leadership | Led, Mentored | Led 12 volunteers, reduced turnover 25% |
| Fundraising | Raised, Secured | Raised $30,000 for local causes |
| Technical | Built, Optimized | Built WordPress site, increased donations 40% |
Avoid vague terms like helped or assisted. Use direct, measurable language.
Volunteer Work Examples
Marketing Volunteer
Managed social media for Habitat for Humanity, boosted engagement 35%, and increased donations 20%.
Tutor or Mentor
Created lesson plans for 20 students, raised average test scores by 25%.
Fundraiser or Event Planner
Coordinated a donor event for 300 guests, raised $50,000, cut costs by 30%.
Web Developer Volunteer
Improved nonprofit website performance, increasing online donations by 40%.
How to Quantify Volunteer Impact?
Numbers help prove value. Track what you accomplished.
| Metric | Example |
|---|---|
| Volunteers supervised | Led 15 volunteers |
| Hours served | Logged 200+ hours |
| Funds raised | Collected $10,000 for programs |
| People helped | Supported 500+ community members |
If you lack exact data, estimate responsibly and round clearly. Example: "Managed 10–12 volunteers, improved event turnout by 30%."
Tailoring Volunteer Work for Different Roles
Nonprofits and Healthcare
Highlight mission-driven results like patient care or fundraising.
Technical Fields
Show tools and outcomes: "Used Google Analytics to improve site traffic 40%."
Career Changers
Treat volunteer projects as hands-on training. Use role titles that fit your new industry.
Students
Show leadership and measurable impact. Include certifications like Red Cross or Google Analytics.
What to Leave Out?
Remove entries that:
- Are one-time events without results
- Repeat the same skills shown elsewhere
- Don't relate to your job goals
- Could cause bias
Keep your volunteer work relevant and professional.
Volunteer Work for Employment Gaps
If you've taken time off, volunteer work shows you stayed active and skilled.
Volunteer Program Assistant | 2022–Present
Coordinated 8 community workshops, managed attendee database using Excel
It proves initiative and continuous development.
💡 Read next: Is It Illegal to Lie on a Resume? Stay transparent about your volunteer history.
Sample Volunteer Section Template
Volunteer Experience
Big Brothers Big Sisters | Youth Mentor | 2021–2023
Guided students through college prep, improved test scores 25%, hosted mentorship events for 50 participants
Local Food Bank | Volunteer Coordinator | 2020–2022
Supervised 18 volunteers, distributed 2,400 meals monthly, raised $12,000
Use clear formatting and short, results-focused bullets.
Key Takeaways
💡 Also read: How Many Years of Experience Should Be on a Resume?
FAQ
How should I list volunteer work on a resume?
Use the same layout as paid jobs. Include the organization, your role, city/state, dates, and 2–4 bullet points showing results.
Why is volunteer experience important?
It demonstrates leadership, teamwork, and community involvement, valuable qualities in any field.
Where should volunteer work go on a resume?
Include it under Experience if relevant or in a separate Volunteer Experience section if it adds complementary value.
Can volunteer work fill employment gaps?
Yes. It shows continued learning and engagement while between jobs.
How do I match volunteer work to a job posting?
Use keywords from the job description and highlight measurable results that align with employer needs.
Summing Up
Volunteer experience adds credibility and character to your resume. List it strategically, focus on outcomes, and keep your tone clear and professional. With strong formatting and real results, your volunteer work will stand out and show employers you're ready to make an impact.
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