Make Sure to Volunteer Your Volunteer Work on Your Resume

Make Sure to Volunteer Your Volunteer Work on Your ResumeMake Sure to Volunteer Your Volunteer Work on Your Resume4Good news for people who perform volunteer work. In addition to the satisfaction that comes from helping others, you may be boosting your ability to be hired- if you make sure to include the information on your resume and cover letter.The 2016 Deloitte Volunteer Impact Survey polled 2,506 professionals in 13 major metropolitan areas across the United States who are currently employed and have the ability to either directly influence hiring or indirectly influence the person making the hiring decision.Among the key findings82 percent of respondents said they are more likely to choose a candidate with volunteering experience.85 percent are willing to overlook other resume flaws when a candidate includes volunteer work on a resume.80 percent of survey respondents agree that active volunteers move into leadership roles more easily.Surprisingly, though, respondents reported t hat they see volunteer experience listed on only 30 percent of the resumes they receive. Why arent candidates including this important information?Some may omit volunteer work for the sake of space, choosing instead to focus on educational attainment and industry-related employment. Others mistakenly believe that employers wont be interested.Whether or bedrngnis you are paid, volunteer experience often uses the very same skills essential to a great hire, says executive career coach Duncan Mathison, co-author of Unlock the Hidden Job Market 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough. In fact, when developing leaders, employers will often suggest that a high potential employee take on a role leading a group of volunteers. The reasoning is if you can learn how to organize, inspire, and hold accountable volunteers to achieve objectives (who could quit any time if they thought you are a bozo), you would do even better when given the mantel of a paid manager of paid employees .So how can job seekers present their volunteer service in ways that will contribute to their candidacy? Mathison believes the key is to identify your accomplishments in the volunteer role and what knowledge and skills allowed you to achieve them. Then, go to work showing the hiring manager how these transferable skills will make you a more valuable, dedicated, and productive employee.On your resume treat a volunteer position the same way you would treat a regular position, Mathison says. Like any position, it should have the organization name, a brief description of what it does, the scope, position titles and dates, and your accomplishments. Try to use the words that your intended hiring manager would use. The entries can be put in a separate section calledOther Relevant Experience as opposed to Volunteer Experience. For recent graduates seeking to highlight every skill they have, just keep it in a broader category of Experience or Positions Held- Work/Intern/Volunteer.Then, be re ady to volunteer more information- when youre invited for an interviewStart your search for a remote job.Readers, have you omitted volunteer work from you resume? Why or why not? Share below