How can volunteering help me build my resume?

Benefits of Volunteering for Your Resume:

One of the key benefits of volunteering for your resume is skill development. Volunteering allows you to develop both soft and hard skills that can be valuable in the workplace. Soft skills are personal attributes that enable you to interact effectively with others, such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. Hard skills are technical skills that are specific to a particular job or industry, such as programming, marketing, or accounting. By volunteering, you can develop and demonstrate these skills to potential employers.

Another benefit of volunteering for your resume is networking opportunities. Volunteering can help you build professional connections and expand your network. By volunteering, you can meet people who work in your industry or who share your interests. These connections can be valuable when you are looking for a job, as they may be able to provide you with job leads or recommendations.

Volunteering can also provide you with relevant experience. Even if your volunteer work is not directly related to your desired career field, it can still be valuable. For example, if you are interested in a career in marketing, volunteering at a local nonprofit can provide you with experience in event planning, social media management, and fundraising, all of which are relevant skills for a marketing job. Volunteer experience can also demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility and community involvement, which can be appealing to employers.

Types of Volunteer Opportunities to Consider:

There are many different types of volunteer opportunities to consider. One type is community service. This can include volunteering at local organisations such as food banks, homeless shelters, or community centres. Community service can provide you with the opportunity to give back to your community while also developing valuable skills.

Another type of volunteer opportunity is professional associations. Many industries have professional associations that offer networking events, conferences, and other opportunities for professional development. Volunteering with these organisations can provide you with connections and experience in your desired field.

Finally, you may want to consider international volunteering. This can provide you with a unique experience and the opportunity to work in a different culture. However, it’s important to be cautious when choosing an international volunteering opportunity, as there are many organisations that are not reputable. Be sure to do your research and choose an organisation that is reputable and that aligns with your values and interests.

Tips for Highlighting Volunteer Experience on Your Resume:

When including volunteer experience on your resume, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, consider creating a separate section for volunteer experience. This will make it clear to potential employers that you value volunteer work and that it is an important part of your professional experience.

Next, emphasise relevant skills and experience. When describing your volunteer work, focus on the skills and experience that are most relevant to your desired career field. For example, if you are interested in a career in event planning, emphasise your experience in organising events for a local nonprofit.

You should also quantify your impact. When describing your volunteer work, be sure to include specific details about what you accomplished. For example, if you organised a fundraiser, include details about how much money was raised and how many people attended.

Finally, tailor your resume to the job. When applying for a job, review the job description and tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job. This can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting an interview.

Volunteering can be a valuable way to build your resume and stand out to potential employers. By volunteering, you can develop skills, make connections, and gain relevant experience that can help you in your career. When including volunteer experience on your resume, be sure to create a separate section, emphasise relevant skills and experience, quantify your impact, and tailor your resume to the job. With these tips, you can make your volunteer experience work for you and help you land your dream job. So why not consider volunteering today? You never know what opportunities it may lead to in the future.