How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume

When aiming for six-figure roles, it’s crucial to highlight every aspect of your experience that demonstrates your skills, initiative, and leadership. Volunteer work can be a powerful addition to your resume, especially if it aligns with the job you’re targeting. Knowing how to list volunteer work on your resume effectively can set you apart from other candidates by showcasing relevant experience, transferable skills, and your commitment to community engagement.

If you’re an ambitious and skilled professional looking to make your resume stand out, this guide will show you the best strategies for presenting volunteer work in a way that boosts your chances of landing your dream role.

Why Listing Volunteer Work on Your Resume Matters

Many job seekers overlook volunteer experience when updating their resumes. However, hiring managers increasingly value volunteer work because it highlights qualities that employers prize, such as:

Leadership: Leading teams or projects during volunteer work demonstrates your management abilities.
Initiative and Drive: Volunteering shows you take action even when no financial incentive is involved.
Transferable Skills: Many volunteer tasks, like event planning, fundraising, or mentoring, are directly applicable to professional roles.

According to LinkedIn research, 41% of hiring managers view volunteer work as equivalent to paid experience when evaluating candidates.

How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Include Volunteer Work in the Right Section

Where you place your volunteer experience depends on how relevant it is to the job you’re applying for:

In the Work Experience Section: If your volunteer work closely aligns with the role you’re targeting, list it alongside your professional experience. Treat it like a job by including your responsibilities and achievements.
In a Separate Volunteer Experience Section: If your volunteer work highlights transferable skills but isn’t directly related to the position, create a distinct section labeled “Volunteer Experience” or “Community Involvement.”
In the Skills or Summary Section: Use specific examples of volunteer work to emphasize relevant skills, such as leadership, organization, or communication.

2. Focus on Results and Impact

When learning how to list volunteer work on your resume, the golden rule is to focus on the outcomes of your efforts. Highlight what you accomplished and how it made a difference, using numbers and specific details whenever possible.

Example:

Before: “Organized fundraising events for a nonprofit organization.”
After: “Led a team of 15 volunteers to organize fundraising events, raising $25,000 to support local education programs.”

The second version demonstrates leadership, measurable impact, and the ability to achieve results—all qualities employers seek in candidates for high-paying roles.

3. Use Action-Oriented Language

Start each bullet point with strong action verbs to convey your contributions. Words like “managed,” “initiated,” “coordinated,” and “developed” show that you took an active role in the volunteer project.

Examples:

“Managed a team of volunteers to deliver food to 500+ families during a community outreach program.”
“Developed a digital marketing strategy for a nonprofit, increasing donor engagement by 30%.”
“Coordinated logistics for an annual charity event, attracting 1,000+ attendees and raising $50,000.”

4. Highlight Transferable Skills

Even if your volunteer work isn’t directly related to the job, focus on the transferable skills that align with the role. High-paying positions often require leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving—skills that can easily stem from volunteer experiences.

Examples of Transferable Skills from Volunteer Work:

Leadership: Managing volunteer teams, organizing events, or mentoring individuals.
Communication: Coordinating with stakeholders, writing promotional materials, or public speaking.
Project Management: Planning timelines, managing budgets, or overseeing logistics.
Fundraising: Developing donor strategies, organizing events, or negotiating sponsorships.

5. Tailor Your Volunteer Experience to the Job Description

Just like your paid work experience, your volunteer work should align with the skills and qualifications in the job description. Analyze the posting and identify keywords and phrases, then incorporate them into your volunteer achievements.

Example for a Sales Role:

“Successfully pitched sponsorship proposals to local businesses, securing $10,000 in funding for a nonprofit organization.”

Example for a Project Manager Role:

“Oversaw a six-month community project, managing budgets, coordinating volunteers, and delivering the project on time.”

Examples of Volunteer Work on a Resume

Example 1: Volunteer Work in the Experience Section

Digital Marketing Volunteer
Local Nonprofit Organization | New York, NY | June 2022 – Present

Developed a social media content strategy that increased online engagement by 40%.
Created email marketing campaigns that boosted donor contributions by 25%.
Managed a team of 10 volunteers to execute fundraising events, raising $15,000 for community initiatives.

Example 2: Volunteer Work in a Separate Section

Volunteer Experience

Event Coordinator
Annual Food Drive | Los Angeles, CA | March 2021 – December 2021

Coordinated logistics for a city-wide food drive, distributing supplies to over 1,000 families.
Partnered with local businesses to secure $20,000 in sponsorships and donations.

Mentor
Youth Mentorship Program | Chicago, IL | January 2020 – June 2020

Mentored 15 high school students, helping them improve communication and leadership skills.

Benefits of Including Volunteer Work on Your Resume

By listing your volunteer experience, you:

Demonstrate Initiative: Taking the time to volunteer shows employers that you’re proactive and motivated.
Fill Employment Gaps: Volunteer work can provide valuable experience during career transitions or breaks.
Showcase Leadership: Volunteer roles often involve managing people, resources, or events, proving your ability to lead.
Highlight Your Values: Volunteering reflects a strong work ethic, compassion, and commitment—qualities highly regarded in leadership roles.

Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Volunteer Work

1. Being Vague

Avoid generic statements. Always include specific achievements, numbers, and impact.

2. Overloading Your Resume

Stick to relevant volunteer work that aligns with the job.

3. Failing to Prioritize

Place the most impactful and recent volunteer experiences at the top of the section.

Unlock Your Competitive Advantage With Volunteer Work

Knowing how to list volunteer work on your resume can give you a competitive edge when applying for six-figure roles. By strategically showcasing your achievements, leadership, and transferable skills, you position yourself as a well-rounded and highly capable candidate.

Need help fine-tuning your resume or professional documents? Explore professional resume services to ensure you’re presenting yourself in the best light for your next big opportunity.

Start updating your resume today and take the next step toward your dream career!