Creating the perfect resume takes time and effort. Unfortunately, you only get a few seconds to make a great first impression. In fact, most hiring managers spend less than 10 seconds reviewing each resume they receive.
With that in mind, how do you get yours to stand apart? There are many effective ways, including customizing your resume for each job you’re applying to, highlighting tangible results and achievements, not just tasks and roles, and properly formatting your resume so it’s easy to scan quickly.
Another way to set yourself apart from other candidates? Including your volunteer experience. According to a Deloitte Impact Survey, 82% of hiring managers prefer candidates with volunteer experience. Meanwhile, only about 30% of candidates actually include it. There’s a big gap there – one you can leverage.
Why Do Hiring Managers Like Volunteer Experience on a Resume?
Generally, hiring managers view volunteer work as a way for professionals to broaden their perspectives, enhance their knowledge base, and build vital skills, like leadership abilities. It also showcases a candidate’s willingness to give back and their level of compassion and commitment to their community. This all speaks volumes about their values and character, which is why most hiring managers like to see candidates with volunteer experience.
How Do You Include Volunteer Work on Your Resume?
Where you include your volunteer experience depends on its relevance. If the work is directly related to the position you’re applying for or the potential employer, then you can include it under your “Work History” section. It’s still a part of your professional experience, even though it was unpaid.
If, however, it’s not related to your career or the job openings you’re interested in, then create a section toward the end of your resume with “Volunteer Experience.” Then, list your role as a volunteer, the name of the non-profit organization, where they are located, and the length of time you’ve been volunteering there.
The bottom line is that today’s job market is highly competitive. If you want your resume to outshine others, it needs to be distinctive and compelling. One way to do that is by including volunteer experience.
So, if you think an employer won’t care about your volunteer work or that it’s not relevant in any way to your job search, think again! It could be one of the factors that helps you stand out from the crowd of other candidates – and land the job!
Get Job Search Help!
If you’d like help polishing your resume or cover letter, preparing for interviews, and finding out about job openings that are a fit for you, turn to PridesStaff. We’re one of Phoenix, Arizona’s top employment agencies, and we’re here to support you in your next career move. Search our jobs in Phoenix now!
