6 Volunteer Resume Examples & Writing Guide
Volunteering can be a powerful addition to your resume. See 6 real-world examples that show you how to list volunteer work to boost your job application. Get expert tips for strategically incorporating community service to highlight in-demand skills and fill in employment gaps. Make your volunteer experience work for you and stand out to hiring managers.
A strong resume is a must-have when applying for volunteer positions. Even though you're giving your time for free, organizations still want the best people on their team. That's where a great volunteer resume comes in.
Your volunteer resume is a chance to highlight your skills, experience and passion for the cause. But knowing what to include and how to structure it can be tricky, especially if you don't have much paid work experience.
Don't stress! This article breaks down exactly what you need to create a volunteer resume that will get you noticed. We'll walk you through the key sections to include, share tips on language and formatting, and provide real-world examples to inspire you.
By the end, you'll have all the tools to write a resume that showcases your unique value and helps you land the volunteer role of your dreams. So let's dive in and start building your standout volunteer resume!
Common Responsibilities Listed on Volunteer Resumes
- Assisting with event setup and cleanup
- Greeting and providing information to visitors/guests
- Distributing materials or resources
- Serving food or beverages
- Providing administrative support (data entry, filing, etc.)
- Conducting outreach or raising awareness for a cause
- Tutoring or mentoring individuals
- Participating in fundraising activities
- Maintaining facilities or grounds
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How to write a Resume Summary
Welcome! If you're a volunteer seeking to formulate a powerful summary/objective section for your resume, you're in the right place. A well-written summary/objective section can be transformational for your resume by condensing your skills, experiences, and goals into a neat and insightful package. This section forms a platform to communicate your capabilities and aspirations to potential employers or organizations. Before diving in, remember that being honest and specific about your goals and skills is of paramount importance.
Understand the purpose
Considering the purpose of the summary/objective section is step one. Are you seeking to display your skills or outline your professional aspiration? If the aim is to showcase your capabilities and experiences as a volunteer, creating a professional summary is the way to go. On the other hand, if your intention is to highlight your career goals, writing an objective will serve you best.
Showcase the Skills and Experiences Relevant to Your Goals
When articulating your skills and experiences, it's essential to identify and emphasize those that are relevant to your goals. Whether you've spent time teaching underserved children, organizing community clean-ups, or aiding initiatives within healthcare, explain these experiences in a concise manner.
Moreover, remember to highlight your acquired skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and initiative taking. This enables the reader to gain immediate insights into your capabilities as a volunteer.
Be Precise, Be Impactful
Use concise and compelling language that encapsulates your experiences and skills in a precise way. Avoid using fluffy or over-the-top language. Instead, use plain, straightforward language that communicates your value proposition effectively. Imagine a busy hiring manager only has a few seconds to scan your resume; those few lines of summary/objective can make all the difference.
Show Progress and Impact
While explaining your volunteering experiences, it's not just about what you did, but also the impact of your actions. Your goal is to illustrate your growth, learnings, and how you left a positive impact through your volunteer work.
The takeaway here? A well-structured and thought-out summary/objective section can be the distinguishing factor that persuades a potential employer to contact you. By being clear, concise, and real, you can demonstrate your expertise, authority, and trustworthiness on paper and set the foundation for a successful career in volunteering or any other field of your choosing. Good luck!
Strong Summaries
- Passionate volunteer with more than 5 years of experience in various community-based projects. Skilled at organizing events, coordinating teams, and managing fundraising activities. Strong communicator with the ability to motivate individuals towards achieving common goals.
- Dedicated and empathetic individual with a strong commitment to serve society. Has served in various volunteering capacities in the last 3 years, including disaster response, tutoring underprivileged children, and supporting nonprofit fundraising events. Looking forward to using these experiences to make a positive impact in wider communities.
- Highly enthusiastic and resourceful volunteer with experience in both domestic and international charity work. Known for impeccable organizational skills and the ability to manage challenging situations. Seeking an opportunity to leverage these skills to reach more individuals in need.
- Dependable volunteer bringing forth an excellent track record of over 10 years in helping community organizations, particularly in the health and education sectors. Accomplished in identifying community needs and supporting program objectives.
- Dynamic volunteer with a knack for aligning individual efforts towards the mission and goals of non-profit organizations. Equipped with outstanding leadership and problem-solving skills from volunteering for a number of local community services and international outreach programs.
Why these are strong?
These examples are good because they all convey unique strengths and capabilities, and also highlight the individual's depth and breadth of experience in volunteering. They provide a solid understanding of the kind of volunteer work the individual has undertaken and their approach towards it. Each summary is result-oriented and enables the prospective organization to understand how the individual can bring value to them. They highlight important characteristics such as dedication, passion, organizational skills, and leadership skills that are valuable traits for volunteering roles. Furthermore, the summaries provide an inkling of the individual’s character, showcasing a strong commitment to serve society.
Weak Summaries
- Looking for a volunteering opportunity where I can use my time off. Have some past experience in different fields, but not sure where to utilize it.
- I'm a strong team player who can also work independently. I have good communication skills, good at multitasking and enjoy working with different kinds of people.
- I want to volunteer because I have nothing better to do with my time. In my downtime, I usually watch TV or play video games. I'm hoping this volunteer work will keep me occupied.
- An experienced professional seeking a volunteering role to fill my spare time. Eager to give something back to the community but will need some wriggle room to fit around my other commitments.
Why these are weak?
The above examples illustrate the common mistakes in the Professional Summary section of a Volunteer resume. The first example does not articulate the skills that the applicant can bring to the role, and does not express any real commitment or passion for the cause. The second example gives general qualities but fails to specify the relevant experiences or achievements that showcase these qualities. The third example shows a lack of motivation and throws a negative light on the applicant, making them appear as though they are only volunteering due to boredom. The last example while stating the intention to contribute, makes it seems as if the candidate views their volunteering role as less important than their other commitments.
Showcase your Work Experience
Understanding the importance of the Work Experience section in a resume is fundamental. This section is where you demonstrate what you have accomplished, providing clear evidence of your skills and abilities. Those hiring want to see that you have hands-on experience relevant to the role you're applying for, and the Work Experience section is where you show that. Especially for a volunteer, this section can exhibit your character, commitment, and social awareness.
Evaluate Your Experience
Every volunteer experience has key projects, challenges, and achievements. The first step in crafting the Work Experience section is reviewing those experiences and identifying essential elements. What tasks were you primarily responsible for? Were there any unique initiatives you undertook, or specific results achieved? Keep in mind, each experience has its own share of positive contributions.
Focus on Relevant Details
In the absence of paid employment, the skills you have garnered as a volunteer hold immense weight. Be sure to detail the skills you've obtained and how they transferred into successful outcomes. Focusing on relevancy is key. If you're applying to a healthcare role and your volunteering experience involved supporting elders, talking about how you managed medical records or assisted with physical therapy sessions becomes relevant.
Quantify Achievements
Wherever possible, quantify your achievements. For example, if you coordinated a charity event, indicating how much funds were raised provides a perceptible scale of your accomplishment. Similarly, if you assisted in class as a volunteer tutor, mention the group size you serviced or the improvement in grades achieved. It lends credence to your accomplishments and adds a tangible dimension.
Quantify your achievements and impact using concrete numbers, metrics, and percentages to demonstrate the value you brought to your previous roles.
Use Action Verbs and Specifics
Communicate your work history detailing what you did, and how you did it, using action verbs. For instance, 'Coordinated a team of volunteers for a city-wide clean-up drive' gives a decisive snapshot of your role and responsibility.
Ensure Readability
Employ concise language, crisp structure, and bullets to improve readability. A busy hiring manager appreciates a resume that's comfortable to scan through but still leaves a lasting impression.
Highlight Soft Skills
Volunteering typically implies dedication, enthusiasm, and team-playing abilities. Don't shy away from highlighting these soft skills that you have cultivated. Transferrable skills such as these are often highly valued by employers, regardless of the industry.
Properly utilized, a solid Work Experience section on your resume, including volunteer experience, can be an exceptional tool in making a strong impression and achieving your career goals.
Strong Experiences
- Helped organize the annual charity event, resulting in a 20% increase of donations compared to the previous year
- Managed volunteer team coordination and scheduling for local food bank, serving over 10,000 meals to the community
- Participated in various initiatives focused on environmental conservation, including beach clean-ups and planting trees
- Developed skills in leadership and team management by heading a fundraising event for a local school
- Improved English literacy among local immigrant populations by providing weekly tutoring services
Why these are strong?
The above examples demonstrate good practice as they provide clear, specific details about the responsibilities or tasks undertaken in the volunteer role. Each bullet paints a picture of the applicant's abilities, achievements, and the impact of their work. They focus on skills developed, leadership roles, or positive outcomes resulting from volunteer efforts. This is beneficial as it allows employers to see the value of the voluntary experience and how these skills may be translated to a workplace setting.
Weak Experiences
- Helped with stuff
- Did volunteer things
- Worked a lot
- Did some tasks
- Participated in some activities
Why these are weak?
The examples provided are bad practices for bullet points in a work experience resume section, especially for a Volunteer resume. These examples are vague, non-specific, and fail to provide any detail or context about the nature of the volunteer work or the responsibilities and tasks that were carried out. They do not quantify the work, mention any accomplishments, highlight learned skills or explain the impact of the work. Using such simplistic, generic phrases does not help in showcasing the applicant's potential contribution to prospective employers and can reflect unfavorably on their professional image.
Skills, Keywords & ATS Tips
Volunteering can be a rewarding experience that enriches your life and also enhances your resume. However, publicizing the skills you adapted from volunteering can be a bit tricky. This article will guide you on how to weave in both hard and soft skills relevantly and discuss the significant role of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and keywords in your resume.
Your Hard and Soft Skills
Hard skills involve technical or specific abilities that relate directly to the task at hand. These are often associated with a particular knowledge or practical know-how, such as language proficiency, computer programming, or operation of specific equipment. These skills are more quantifiable and can be easily shown on your resume.
On the other hand, soft skills are less tangible but not any less important. These are the non-technical skills relevant to how you work. Examples of these include communication, time management, problem-solving, or teamwork. When volunteering, handling a variety of roles and responsibilities can permit you to develop a host of soft skills.
Both types of skills are essential in your resume. Hard skills often catch the recruiter's eye. Yet, soft skills can cause them to visualize how you can fit into their team setup.
Keywords, ATS and Matching Skills
Now, we come to the critical matter of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and keywords. ATS is a software used by many companies to filter and rank resumes. It scans your resume for certain keywords that match the job description. If you miss these keywords, your resume might never reach a human reader.
As you look into various volunteer positions, you'll often come across keywords or phrases that recur frequently which hint towards the hard and soft skills the recruiters are looking for. So when editing your resume, make sure you include these recurring skills. This will make your resume ATS-optimized and increase the chances of getting a call for an interview.
But remember, you must only use keywords to showcase skills that you indeed possess. Making false claims might land you an interview but it won't lead to success in the long run.
The success of your resume often hinges on your ability to effectively communicate your hard and soft skills and use the right keywords. So put time into understanding which skills are valued for the volunteer roles you're interested in and learn how to present them efficiently on your resume.
Top Hard & Soft Skills for Full Stack Developers
Hard Skills
Soft Skills
Top Action Verbs
Use action verbs to highlight achievements and responsibilities on your resume.
Education & Certifications
Adding your education and certificates to your resume is a simple and critical step. Start by creating a separate section labeled 'Education' or 'Certifications'. List your education background or certificates in descending order, beginning with the most recent. Include the name of the institution, degree/diploma/certificate obtained, and the date achieved. For a volunteer, also mention any training you've undergone. Be sure to highlight the relevance of your education and certifications to the job you are applying for, showcasing your expertise.
Some of the most important certifications for Volunteers
The CVA credential demonstrates a commitment to the field of volunteer resources management.
This program provides training in coordinating and supervising volunteers in various settings.
Resume FAQs for Volunteers
What is the ideal length for a volunteer resume?
A volunteer resume should typically be one page in length. However, if you have extensive volunteer experience or relevant certifications, it can extend to two pages.
What format should I use for a volunteer resume?
The most common and recommended format for a volunteer resume is the reverse-chronological format. This format lists your volunteer experiences in reverse chronological order, with the most recent experience first.
How do I highlight my volunteer work on a resume?
To highlight your volunteer work, create a separate section titled 'Volunteer Experience' or 'Community Involvement.' List each volunteer role with the organization name, your position or role, the dates you volunteered, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements.
Should I include volunteer work from many years ago on my resume?
It's generally recommended to include relevant volunteer work from the past 10-15 years on your resume. However, if you have significant or highly relevant volunteer experience from further back, you can include it as well.
How can I quantify my volunteer achievements on a resume?
To quantify your volunteer achievements, use metrics such as the number of hours volunteered, funds raised, events organized, people served, or any other measurable outcomes. This helps demonstrate the impact of your volunteer work.
Volunteer Role: Greet and assist attendees at community events with a friendly demeanor. Handle administrative duties like registration, distributing materials, and responding to inquiries. Requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively. To craft an effective resume, highlight relevant experience that demonstrates organizational abilities, customer service skills, and a willingness to support causes. Prominently feature volunteer work, community involvement, and any event planning or administrative roles. Quantify accomplishments like "Coordinated 10+ events for 200+ attendees." Emphasize transferable skills valued by nonprofits.
Dedicated and compassionate volunteer with a strong commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people and adapt to various roles and responsibilities. Skilled in project coordination, event planning, and effective communication.
- Coordinated a team of 20+ volunteers to deliver meals to homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities, ensuring timely and efficient service.
- Developed and implemented a volunteer training program, resulting in a 30% increase in volunteer retention and satisfaction.
- Collaborated with local businesses and organizations to secure food donations and sponsorships, reducing program costs by 25%.
- Organized and led monthly volunteer appreciation events, fostering a strong sense of community and teamwork among volunteers.
- Maintained accurate records of volunteer hours, meal deliveries, and client feedback using a custom database system.
- Served as a mentor to an at-risk youth, providing guidance, support, and encouragement to help them reach their full potential.
- Planned and facilitated weekly educational and recreational activities, fostering a strong bond and promoting personal growth.
- Collaborated with school teachers and counselors to monitor mentee's academic progress and address any challenges.
- Participated in monthly training sessions and workshops to enhance mentoring skills and stay informed about best practices.
- Advocated for the importance of youth mentorship at community events and fundraisers, helping to recruit new mentors and secure program funding.
- Assisted with disaster preparedness education and outreach efforts, delivering presentations to schools, community centers, and local businesses.
- Participated in blood donation drives, registering donors and providing post-donation care to ensure a positive experience.
- Supported the logistics and distribution of emergency relief supplies during local disasters, ensuring timely and efficient assistance to affected individuals and families.
- Collaborated with other volunteers and staff to develop and implement community engagement strategies, increasing local awareness and support for Red Cross programs.
- Maintained accurate records of outreach activities, volunteer hours, and community feedback using the organization's database system.
Community Involvement roles entail volunteering time and skills to benefit local organizations or causes. When highlighting these experiences on a resume, include a "Community Involvement" section. List the organization, your role/responsibilities, and dates served. Quantify accomplishments like funds raised or events organized. Emphasize skills gained such as leadership, event planning, and teamwork that transfer to professional roles.
Dedicated community involvement professional with a proven track record of fostering strong relationships and driving impactful initiatives. Skilled in program development, volunteer management, and partnership building. Passionate about creating positive change and enhancing community well-being through collaborative efforts.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive community engagement strategy, resulting in a 30% increase in volunteer participation.
- Established partnerships with over 20 local organizations to address critical community needs and maximize impact.
- Spearheaded the creation of a virtual volunteer platform, enabling remote engagement opportunities during the pandemic.
- Managed a team of 5 community engagement coordinators, providing guidance and support to ensure program success.
- Secured grants and sponsorships totaling $500,000 to fund community initiatives and expand program reach.
- Coordinated community outreach events and volunteer projects, engaging over 1,000 volunteers annually.
- Collaborated with local schools and youth organizations to develop educational programs on housing and community development.
- Managed social media channels, increasing follower engagement by 50% and driving awareness of Habitat's mission.
- Conducted community needs assessments and utilized data to inform program planning and resource allocation.
- Developed and maintained a database of community partners, volunteers, and donors, streamlining communication and engagement efforts.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of community events, including blood drives and disaster preparedness workshops.
- Conducted research on community needs and compiled reports to inform program development and outreach strategies.
- Supported volunteer recruitment efforts, contributing to a 20% increase in volunteer sign-ups.
- Developed marketing materials and content for social media platforms to promote Red Cross initiatives and engage the community.
- Provided administrative support to the community relations team, ensuring efficient operations and timely communication with stakeholders.
A School Volunteer assists teachers, supports students' learning, and participates in educational activities. Key qualities include strong interpersonal skills, patience, reliability, and a passion for education. When crafting your resume, highlight relevant volunteer work, experience mentoring or tutoring children, and the ability to follow instructions meticulously. Emphasize transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Keep the content concise yet impactful and ensure a professional, well-formatted presentation.
Compassionate and dedicated volunteer with a strong commitment to supporting students' academic and personal growth. Proven ability to create a nurturing environment, fostering positive relationships with students, faculty, and families. Adept at providing individualized attention and adapting to diverse learning needs.
- Assisted teachers in implementing lesson plans and engaging students in interactive learning activities, resulting in improved student participation and comprehension.
- Provided one-on-one support to students struggling with assignments, helping them develop problem-solving skills and boost their confidence.
- Collaborated with teachers to create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and stimulating classroom environment.
- Facilitated small group discussions and activities, promoting critical thinking and teamwork among students.
- Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in addressing diverse student needs, ensuring that each child received the support they required to succeed.
- Developed and led engaging after-school activities focusing on art, music, and physical education, promoting students' creativity and overall well-being.
- Mentored students, providing guidance and support to help them navigate academic and personal challenges.
- Collaborated with program staff to ensure a well-organized and efficiently run after-school program.
- Monitored student progress and communicated with parents and guardians to keep them informed of their child's achievements and areas for improvement.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills in managing groups of students, maintaining a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
- Provided one-on-one literacy tutoring to elementary school students, helping them improve their reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary.
- Developed personalized lesson plans based on each student's unique learning style and needs, ensuring optimal progress.
- Communicated regularly with teachers and parents to discuss student progress and collaborate on strategies for continued improvement.
- Created a supportive and encouraging learning environment, helping students develop a love for reading and a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
- Demonstrated patience, empathy, and strong communication skills in working with students from diverse backgrounds.
Church volunteers play a vital role in fostering a warm, welcoming environment by greeting attendees, assisting with service preparations, and supporting spiritual growth initiatives. To apply, craft a resume highlighting experience in community service, event coordination, and building interpersonal connections. Emphasize traits like compassion, reliability, and a commitment to the church's values.
Devoted and compassionate Church Volunteer with over a decade of experience serving various religious communities. Skilled in organizing events, coordinating volunteer efforts, and fostering a welcoming environment for all members. Passionate about making a positive impact and supporting the spiritual growth of individuals within the congregation.
- Managed a team of 50+ volunteers, ensuring smooth operation of church events and programs
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive volunteer training program, increasing volunteer retention by 30%
- Collaborated with church leadership to create and execute community outreach initiatives, resulting in a 25% increase in church attendance
- Spearheaded the organization of annual fundraising events, raising over $50,000 for various charitable causes
- Recognized as 'Volunteer of the Year' in 2020 for outstanding dedication and leadership
- Assisted in planning and leading weekly youth group meetings and activities for 75+ participants
- Mentored young adults, providing guidance and support in their spiritual journey
- Organized and chaperoned youth mission trips, fostering a sense of community service and personal growth
- Developed and taught engaging Bible study lessons, tailored to the needs and interests of the youth
- Collaborated with parents and church staff to address concerns and ensure a safe, nurturing environment for all youth participants
- Served as a vocalist and guitarist in the church worship band, leading congregational singing during weekly services
- Assisted in the selection and arrangement of music, ensuring a diverse and engaging worship experience
- Mentored and trained new musicians, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment within the music ministry
- Participated in community outreach events, using music as a means to connect with and inspire others
- Collaborated with the pastoral team to integrate music seamlessly with the overall theme and message of each service
Community volunteers play a vital role in enriching their local areas by dedicating time to initiatives such as event planning, fundraising drives, and community outreach programs. To craft an impressive resume for such roles, emphasize any prior volunteer experience, particularly in organizing events or programs that serve the community. Highlight transferable skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and attention to detail. Convey your passion for making a positive impact through service. A well-structured resume listing relevant experiences and abilities can help you stand out for community volunteer roles.
Passionate and dedicated community volunteer with over 10 years of experience in organizing and leading various initiatives to create positive change. Skilled in event planning, fundraising, and building strong relationships with diverse groups of people. Committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of others and fostering a sense of unity within the community.
- Managed a team of 50+ volunteers, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and timely completion of projects.
- Spearheaded the annual 'Community Connect' event, attracting over 1,000 attendees and raising $25,000 for local charities.
- Developed and implemented a volunteer training program, resulting in a 30% increase in volunteer retention rate.
- Collaborated with local businesses and organizations to secure sponsorships and in-kind donations for community events.
- Recognized as 'Volunteer of the Year' in 2020 for outstanding dedication and leadership in community service.
- Provided one-on-one mentoring and academic support to underprivileged youth, helping them improve their grades and self-confidence.
- Organized monthly educational field trips and workshops, exposing students to new experiences and career opportunities.
- Collaborated with school administrators and teachers to identify students in need of additional support.
- Developed customized lesson plans and learning materials to cater to individual student needs.
- Nominated for the 'Outstanding Mentor Award' in 2017 for exceptional commitment to student success.
- Assisted in the distribution of food and essential supplies to over 500 low-income families per week.
- Conducted community needs assessments and surveys to identify areas for improvement in service delivery.
- Organized and led a team of volunteers in sorting and packing food donations, ensuring efficient distribution.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with local grocery stores and restaurants to secure regular food donations.
- Recognized for exceptional service and commitment to the community with the 'Volunteer Excellence Award' in 2013.
Student Volunteers aid in organizing events, supporting staff, and interacting with participants. Key qualifications include strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail. For the resume, highlight relevant experience through concise descriptions. Focus on transferable skills like customer service and problem-solving. Use clear language to summarize responsibilities, accomplishments, and acquired abilities.
Dedicated and compassionate student volunteer with a strong commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Skilled in event planning, fundraising, and collaborating with diverse groups of people. Eager to apply exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills to support meaningful causes and initiatives.
- Coordinated a team of 25 student volunteers to assist with food distribution events, serving over 1,000 individuals per month
- Developed and implemented a volunteer training program, resulting in a 30% increase in volunteer retention and satisfaction
- Collaborated with local schools and community organizations to recruit new volunteers and expand the reach of the program
- Managed inventory and logistics for food distribution events, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery
- Recognized as 'Volunteer of the Month' for exceptional dedication and leadership
- Provided one-on-one tutoring and mentorship to underprivileged youth, focusing on academic support and personal development
- Designed and delivered engaging lesson plans tailored to individual student needs, resulting in an average grade improvement of 1.5 letter grades
- Organized monthly group activities and field trips to foster a sense of community and encourage social skill development
- Served as a positive role model and confidant, offering guidance and support to help students navigate personal challenges
- Received the 'Outstanding Mentor Award' for demonstrating exceptional commitment and impact
- Assisted with daily activities and events at a local senior center, providing companionship and support to elderly residents
- Organized and led weekly art therapy sessions, helping to improve mood and cognitive function in participants
- Collaborated with staff to develop and implement a virtual visitation program during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring residents maintained social connections
- Provided technology assistance to help seniors stay connected with loved ones and access online resources
- Recognized by the center's management for exceptional compassion and dedication to improving the lives of elderly residents