Volunteer work is one of the most fulfilling things you can do, not only for your community but also for your personal and professional growth. Whether you’re helping out at a local nonprofit, mentoring students, or organizing charity events, your efforts matter. But are you keeping track of that impact? And more importantly, do you know how to talk about your volunteer work in a way that strengthens your resume and helps you reach your career goals?
If not, you’re not alone. Many people treat volunteering as something separate from their “real” work, when in fact, it can be a powerful tool in shaping their career path.
Why Volunteer Work Matters More Than You Think
Before we dive into how to track and share your experience, let’s talk about why it matters.
Volunteer work showcases soft skills like communication, leadership, empathy, and adaptability, traits employers consistently rank as highly desirable. It also shows initiative, community involvement, and the willingness to go above and beyond without monetary compensation.
Even if your volunteer work isn’t directly related to your career, it paints a picture of a well-rounded, motivated, and socially responsible individual. And in today’s competitive job market, that can make a big difference.
Step 1: Track Your Volunteer Work Like You Would a Job
One of the most common mistakes people make is not treating their volunteer work like real experience. But it is real experience. Here’s how to keep a record that counts:
1. Keep a Volunteer Journal or Spreadsheet
Create a document where you log:
- Organization name
- Your role or title
- Description of duties
- Dates of involvement
- Total hours contributed
- Skills used or learned
- Tangible outcomes (e.g., “Raised $3,000 in donations”)
Not only does this help you remember the details, but it also makes it easier to plug into your resume, LinkedIn profile, or job applications.
2. Track Impact Metrics
Employers love data. Try to include measurable results like:
- “Managed a team of 5 volunteers”
- “Reduced food waste by 30% through a new distribution system”
- “Coordinated a fundraiser that drew 200 attendees”
Quantifying your contributions gives your experience weight and clarity.
3. Collect Feedback and References
Ask your volunteer supervisor or team lead for feedback or a recommendation. Even a short testimonial can be valuable for future applications or interviews.
Step 2: Talk About Your Volunteer Work with Confidence
Once you’ve got a solid record of your volunteer experience, it’s time to talk about it. Here’s how to do it naturally, whether you’re in an interview, updating your resume, or just networking.
1. Add Volunteer Work to Your Resume Strategically
There are two ways to include volunteer experience:
- Under a separate “Volunteer Experience” section
- Within your Professional Experience, if the role was long-term, leadership-based, or skills-heavy
Make sure to describe it like you would any job: with action verbs, responsibilities, and outcomes.
Example:
Event Coordinator, Habitat for Humanity (Volunteer)
Coordinated three fundraising events, resulting in a total of $8,000 raised. Recruited and managed 12 volunteers, created marketing materials, and liaised with local media for coverage.
2. Bring It Up in Interviews—Even If They Don’t Ask
If you learned something valuable or demonstrated a key skill during your volunteer work, don’t hesitate to bring it up when answering interview questions like:
- “Tell me about a time you solved a problem.”
- “What’s a leadership experience you’re proud of?”
- “How do you handle team dynamics?”
Even if the context wasn’t professional, your answer still shows capability and initiative.
3. Use Storytelling Techniques
When sharing your volunteer experience, don’t just list tasks. Tell a story.
Start with the challenge, explain what you did, and end with the result.
Example:
“When I started volunteering at the community center, they were struggling to attract young people to their after-school programs. I suggested using social media to reach out. After launching an Instagram page and running a small ad campaign, attendance increased by 40% within two months.”
Step 3: Use Volunteerism to Boost Career Goals
Volunteering doesn’t just make you feel good—it can also strategically advance your career. Here’s how to align your volunteer work with your professional ambitions.
1. Volunteer in Fields or Roles You Want to Break Into
Trying to pivot into a new industry or role? Volunteering can help bridge the gap.
Want to get into marketing? Offer to manage social media for a nonprofit. Interested in project management? Organize a local fundraiser or event.
This kind of experience is hands-on, real-world, and resume-worthy.
2. Network Through Volunteer Work
You never know who you’ll meet while volunteering—board members, nonprofit executives, or other professionals who may open doors for you.
Be proactive: attend events, connect on LinkedIn, and follow up with people you’ve worked alongside.
3. Use Volunteer Experience to Identify Your Strengths
Sometimes you don’t know how good you are at something until you do it in a low-pressure environment. Volunteering gives you a chance to try new roles, discover new skills, and build confidence.
You might discover you love public speaking, enjoy organizing teams, or have a knack for grant writing, all insights that can shape your next career move.
Volunteering is about giving back, but it also gives back to you. By tracking your experiences, telling your story well, and strategically aligning your efforts with your goals, you can turn your volunteer work into a powerful part of your professional narrative.
So, whether you’re just starting your career, looking to make a change, or wanting to add more meaning to your resume, don’t underestimate the value of your time spent helping others. Keep good records, speak confidently about what you’ve done, and let your volunteer work show the world not just what you do, but who you are.
