Boost Your Resume with Volunteer Opportunities: Good for Your Community, Good for You, Great for Your Resume

Volunteering - it's a word that instantly conjures images of selflessness, generosity, and community. But did you know that it's not just good for the community and your well-being, but it's also great for your resume? Here's how.

Why Volunteer?

First, let's talk about why you might want to volunteer. On a purely personal level, volunteering can be an enriching experience. It allows you to give back to your community, make a tangible difference in people's lives, and learn valuable life skills. Studies show that volunteering can also boost your happiness and mental health.

However, the benefits of volunteering extend beyond personal and social spheres. Volunteering can also have a significant impact on your professional development and employability. In fact, it can give your resume a substantial boost and make you more attractive to potential employers.

How Volunteering Benefits Your Resume

1. Gaining Valuable Skills

Volunteering often involves learning new skills. Whether you're organizing a community event, tutoring children, or assisting in a soup kitchen, you're likely to develop transferable skills that employers value. These can include teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, project management, communication, and more.

2. Demonstrating Your Commitment

Volunteering shows that you're a dedicated individual who's willing to invest their time and energy for a cause without expecting anything in return. This can send a strong message to potential employers about your character and work ethic.

3. Expanding Your Network

Volunteering can open doors to new professional connections. You never know who you might meet while volunteering - a future employer, mentor, or collaborator. Networking can lead to job opportunities and valuable career advice.

4. Filling Employment Gaps

If there are gaps in your employment history, volunteering can be a great way to fill them. Rather than having a blank space on your resume, you'll be able to show that you've been active and productive.

5. Showcasing Your Interests

Volunteering gives potential employers a glimpse into your interests and values. It helps paint a picture of who you are outside of your professional life, making you a more well-rounded and relatable candidate.

How to Include Volunteer Work on Your Resume

Including your volunteer work on your resume is essential, but it should be done thoughtfully. Here are a few tips:

• Treat volunteer work like professional experience: Detail the organization's name, your role, the duration of your volunteering, and your responsibilities.
• Highlight the skills you've gained: Ensure to mention the transferable skills you've developed during your volunteering stint.
• Use action verbs: Start each bullet point with strong action verbs like organized, led, or created to demonstrate your active role.

In a world where resumes can often seem indistinguishable, volunteering can give you the edge you need. Not only does it feel good to give back, but it's also a fantastic way to grow both personally and professionally. So go ahead, seek out those volunteer opportunities – it's good for your community, good for you, and great for your resume!