Volunteer Experience on a Resume (With Examples)

Including volunteer experience on a resume can showcase your skills, values, and dedication, helping you stand out to employers.

Whether you’re looking to fill gaps in employment, demonstrate transferable skills, or highlight your passion for a cause, volunteer work can strengthen your application.

In this article, we’ll explore why this experience matters, how to present it effectively, and tips to align it with your career goals.

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Should I put volunteer work on my resume?

While it’s not always necessary, there are specific situations where showcasing your this type of work can help you stand out. Here are some scenarios when putting volunteer work on resume is a smart move.

1. When you’re an entry-level candidate

If you’re just starting your career and have limited professional experience, volunteer roles can help fill that gap. It shows that you’ve developed skills like teamwork, communication, and time management—even if you haven’t gained them through traditional employment.

For example, working as a social media manager for a local nonprofit can demonstrate the same skills as a paid marketing position.

2. When you have employment gaps

Gaps in your work history can sometimes raise questions for employers. Including volunteer experience during those periods shows that you stayed active and continued to build valuable skills.

For instance, if you took time off to care for a family member but helped as a fundraiser or event coordinator, it highlights your dedication and transferable abilities.

3. When the work is relevant to the job

If your resume volunteer experience is directly related to the role you’re applying for, it’s worth mentioning—no matter how much professional history you have.

For example, if you’re applying for a teaching position and have assisted as a tutor or mentor, it reinforces your qualifications.

Even if the connection isn’t obvious, you can still highlight soft skills like leadership, organization, or customer service.

4. When you’re changing industries

Career changers often face the challenge of proving their competencies are transferable to a new sphere. Resume with volunteer work can bridge that gap by demonstrating relevant abilities.

For example, if you’re transitioning from sales to nonprofit work, contributing as a fundraiser shows you have the communication and relationship-building skills needed in both fields.

5. When the company values community involvement

Some organizations prioritize corporate social responsibility and look for candidates who share those values. Knowing how to put volunteer work on your resume can help you align with the corporate culture.

If a company supports environmental initiatives and you’ve had experience with a conservation organization, it demonstrates shared interests and a commitment to making a positive impact.

6. When it highlights unique skills or experiences

Unpaid work can sometimes showcase qualities that don’t appear elsewhere on your resume.

For example, leading a team can highlight your management abilities, while organizing community events can demonstrate your communication skills.

These experiences can set you apart from other candidates, especially if they align with the job’s requirements.

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How to list volunteer work on resume?

Unpaid roles can elevate your application by demonstrating practical skills, dedication, and character. Presenting this experience effectively ensures it captures an employer’s attention. Here’s how to showcase your contributions in a clear and impactful way.

Where to put volunteer work on your resume?

The part where you include this information depends on their relevance to the position you’re pursuing.

If the tasks performed align closely with the desired role, list them within the primary "Work Experience" section, treating them as professional positions.

For example, volunteering as a social media coordinator for a nonprofit organization is directly applicable to a communications role.

If the experience is less related but still valuable, create a dedicated block titled "Volunteer Work" or "Community Involvement". This approach works well when showcasing multiple roles or highlighting long-term commitments.

For short-term projects that add value but don’t require detailed descriptions, include them briefly under an "Additional Information" or "Skills" section.

Use a professional format

Structure volunteer roles similarly to your employment history for consistency.

Follow this information with bullet points summarizing your key contributions. Focus on achievements and skills rather than listing routine tasks. For example:

Volunteer Team Leader
Habitat for Humanity | Austin, TX | January 2022 – May 2025

• Directed a team of 15 individuals, ensuring smooth construction processes for affordable housing projects.
• Scheduled workdays, coordinated logistics, and maintained compliance with safety protocols.
• Trained new participants, enhancing efficiency and collaboration within the group.

Emphasize quantifiable results

To make volunteering on your resume more impactful, highlight transferable skills relevant to the position you’re seeking. Abilities such as organization and teamwork are valuable across industries.

Whenever possible, include measurable outcomes to illustrate the impact of your involvement. Numbers add credibility, whether it’s the amount of funds raised, individuals supported, or efficiency improvements achieved.

Examples of volunteer experience section on a resume

1. Entry-Level Candidate Resume

Emma Caldwell
Austin, TX | emma.caldwell@email.com | (512) 555-6732 | LinkedIn.com/in/emmacaldwell

Summary

Dedicated and motivated graduate with strong communication and teamwork skills. Proven ability to support community initiatives through volunteer work, demonstrating a passion for helping others. Seeking to apply these skills in a customer service role.

Skills

• Customer Service
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Team Collaboration
• Problem-Solving
• Organization and Time Management
• Event Coordination
• Community Engagement
• Conflict Resolution

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

University of Texas at Austin, TX | May 2025

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer Team Leader

Central Texas Food Bank | Austin, TX | June 2024 – May 2025

• Directed a group of 15 volunteers, ensuring efficient food sorting and packing for families in need, improving processing speed by 20%.
• Communicated with local businesses to coordinate food donations, strengthening community partnerships and securing consistent monthly contributions.
• Maintained detailed records of volunteer hours and distributed items, contributing to accurate annual impact reports used for grant applications.
• Assisted in organizing large-scale drives, helping collect and distribute over 100,000 pounds of food annually to underserved communities.

Event Coordinator Assistant

Keep Austin Beautiful | Austin, TX | August 2022 – December 2023

• Supported the planning and execution of monthly cleanup events across local parks and neighborhoods, ensuring they ran smoothly with minimal disruptions.
• Engaged with 50+ participants per event, fostering a sense of community and encouraging repeat participation through positive volunteer experiences.
• Collaborated with local media outlets to promote volunteer opportunities, increasing event attendance by 20% and raising awareness of environmental issues.
• Managed event logistics, including scheduling, equipment setup, and volunteer assignments, ensuring efficient use of resources.

Additional Experience

Sales Associate

Target | Austin, TX | May 2022 – August 2022

• Provided excellent customer service by assisting an average of 50 customers per shift with product selection and inquiries, ensuring a positive shopping experience.
• Handled cash transactions and operated point-of-sale systems accurately, maintaining balanced cash registers at the end of each shift.
• Organized merchandise displays to highlight promotional items, increasing sales in key product categories.
• Worked collaboratively with team members to restock shelves and maintain store cleanliness, ensuring a well-organized shopping environment.

2. Resume with Career Gap

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3. Career Change Resume

Daniel Whitaker
Chicago, IL | daniel.whitaker@email.com | (773) 555-8293 | LinkedIn.com/in/danielwhitaker

Summary

Results-driven sales professional transitioning into nonprofit fundraising. Proven success in relationship-building, communication, and strategic planning. Leveraged volunteer experience to develop skills in donor engagement and event coordination.

Skills

• Fundraising and Donor Relations
• Event Planning and Coordination
• Strategic Communication
• Relationship-Building and Networking
• Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
• Community Outreach
• Team Leadership and Collaboration
• Budget and Resource Management

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration

DePaul University, Chicago, IL | May 2015

Volunteer Experience

Fundraising Volunteer

Greater Chicago Food Depository | Chicago, IL | January 2022 – Present

• Engage with local businesses and community members to secure monetary and in-kind donations, raising $25,000 annually to support hunger relief programs.
• Organize three major fundraising events each year, attended by over 200 guests, increasing awareness and financial contributions.
• Maintain long-term donor relationships by providing personalized thank-you letters and impact reports, ensuring ongoing support.
• Assist in developing marketing materials and social media content to promote fundraising campaigns, expanding reach by 15%.

Community Outreach Volunteer

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana | Chicago, IL | March 2021 – December 2021

• Provided emotional support and companionship to families with hospitalized children, creating a welcoming and empathetic environment.
• Assisted with daily operations, including meal preparation, housekeeping, and administrative tasks, ensuring smooth facility management.
• Helped coordinate holiday events and special programs, offering families moments of joy and distraction during challenging times.
• Collaborated with other volunteers and staff to address families' needs, improving their overall experience and well-being.

Professional Experience

Sales Representative

Northwestern Supply Co. | Chicago, IL | June 2016 – December 2021

• Consistently exceeded annual sales targets by an average of 15% through proactive lead generation and consultative selling techniques.
• Built long-term relationships with key clients, maintaining a 90% customer retention rate and generating repeat business.
• Delivered engaging product presentations to prospective customers, highlighting features and benefits to meet their needs.
• Collaborated with the marketing team to develop targeted promotional campaigns, driving increased product awareness and demand.

4. Student Resume

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5. Experienced Professional Resume

Sophia Ramirez
New York, NY | sophia.ramirez@email.com | (212) 555-7648 | LinkedIn.com/in/sophiaramirez

Summary

Accomplished marketing manager with years of experience in strategic communications and brand development. Committed to giving back to the community through volunteer work, demonstrating leadership, organizational skills, and passion for social impact.

Skills

• Strategic Marketing and Brand Development
• Project Management and Workflow Optimization
• Team Leadership and Mentorship
• Written and Verbal Communication
• Digital Campaigns and Social Media Management
• Community Engagement and Public Relations
• Fundraising and Stakeholder Collaboration
• Event Planning and Execution

Education

Master of Business Administration

New York University, NY | May 2012

Professional Experience

Marketing Manager

Brighton Media Group | New York, NY | June 2013 – Present

• Spearhead integrated marketing campaigns that increased brand awareness and customer engagement, driving a 20% growth in revenue.
• Lead a team of five marketing specialists, promoting collaboration and creativity while consistently meeting quarterly objectives.
• Manage an annual budget of $500,000, optimizing resource allocation to maximize return on investment.
• Build partnerships with industry influencers and media outlets, expanding the company’s reach and enhancing its reputation.

Board Member & Marketing Chair

New York Cares | New York, NY | January 2020 – Present

• Lead strategic marketing initiatives aimed at increasing volunteer engagement, resulting in a 25% growth in participation over two years.
• Develop and execute digital campaigns promoting community events, reaching an audience of 10,000+ across social media platforms.
• Collaborate with fellow board members to establish and achieve fundraising goals, securing $50,000 annually to support local programs.
• Strengthen relationships with corporate sponsors, increasing partnership contributions by 15%.

Mentor

Big Brothers Big Sisters | New York, NY | September 2018 – December 2021

• Provided personalized guidance and support to a high school student, helping improve academic performance and build confidence.
• Designed and facilitated engaging activities to promote personal growth, leadership development, and goal-setting skills.
• Acted as a trusted role model, fostering a long-term mentorship that positively impacted the mentee’s educational and career aspirations.
• Collaborated with program coordinators to ensure the mentee’s progress was tracked and celebrated, reinforcing their achievements.

Conclusion

Volunteer work experience on resume can play a key role in strengthening your application, offering insights into your character, skills, and dedication.

By presenting your history clearly and aligning it with the job you’re applying for, you can demonstrate your value to potential employers.

Whether it’s leadership, teamwork, or communication, the skills you’ve gained through volunteering can help set you apart in a competitive job market.

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