From the course: Writing a Resume

Showcase volunteer work and experience

From the course: Writing a Resume

Showcase volunteer work and experience

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- Are you a member of a marketing society? What about you alumni association? If so, that's great, but your experience probably doesn't belong in the volunteer experience section of the resume. It really belongs in a section labeled memberships and affiliations. But if that's the case, then you're probably wondering what does go here. This is where you describe work you did on a volunteer basis. If you've ever held an actual title, then there is a high likelihood it will fall into this category. Treasurer of your sorority, you can put that here. Membership chair for the Girl Scouts, fundraising captain for your sports team, yes, that goes here too. President, vice president, chair, co-chair, secretary, treasurer, advisory board member. They all go here because what you should be able to demonstrate is your ability to utilize additional skillsets. I'll use the example of the National Association of Women MBAs. And again, if I simply paid my dues and attended an event or two, I would list them under memberships and affiliations. However, that is far from the case. Instead, after paying my dues, I promptly started the first professional chapter of the organization. I ran board meetings for many years. I planned events. I sat on the national board and worked so hard as a volunteer that I was eventually hired as a paid staff person. Most of what I did may have been unpaid, but it was most definitely work. Therefore it gets its own section on the resume, which mirrors the professional experience section, but has its own label so that a potential employer understands you were not employed by the organization. Volunteer work demonstrates managerial skills, planning skills, sales, and fundraising skills, negotiation skills, accounting, marketing, people skills. Providing your volunteer work in this section isn't about recognition, it's about showing versatility. If you have volunteer work to show, that's great. If you don't, it's easy to get started. There is an organization out there that needs your help and would be happy to utilize your experience. It's a win, win.

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