Put Volunteering to work for you!

It's important that you keep your resume current with the work experience and skills developed through volunteer opportunities.  The following will show you how to update your resume.

Update your resume

Describe your volunteer work under "Work Experience".  Provide the name of the organization, the dates and a description of your activities in your volunteer work.

Here are some samples.  Notice that activities

are described with action words.  Try to describe your role or position in terms other than "a volunteer".  Concrete descriptions like "coffee shop cashier" or "activities assistant" help future employers understand the skills you would demonstrate in that role.  If you didn't have a title, create one for yourself - but be honest.

"I had the opportunity to discover my real personality and my abilities.  I've learned to lead discussion groups, to give presentations in the classroom, to take part in a board meeting, to write a press release, to establish links with business people, to design a communications plan, and to launch a funding campaign..."

Bruno Lariviere, Montreal, QC

Example:

Work Experience:

2000-2001  Cafe Xtreme Drop-in Centre, Truro, Nova Scotia
 
  • Organized social activities including a drop-in centre.
  • Led workshops.  Activities at the Centre were held evenings and weekends.
  • Promoted to training and supervising other volunteers.
1999-2000 Ship Harbour Community Centre, Ship Harbour, Nova Scotia
  • Acted as activities assistant, organized special events for holidays during the year.  Duties required 20 volunteer hours per month.
  Youth For Environmental Action, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
 
  • Assisted in organizing environmental conference for youth.

Try to identify the skills and knowledge you have developed as a result of your volunteer activities and feel free to add these new skills to the skill section of your resume.  Remember to include work attributes you have developed.  Here are some examples:

  • reliable and enthusiastic worker

  • a good team member

  • ability to multi-task

  • proficient word processor

  • strong organizational skills

  • energetic and committed worker

  • courteous and positive worker

  • knowledgeable caregiver

  • dependable and thorough worker

  • creative and resourceful team member

  • good oral communication skills

  • excellent listening and explaining skills

It is also a good idea to supplement your resume with a volunteer work portfolio.  Volunteer work can show that you have the necessary skills for a job - that you can manage your time, work well with others and have a positive attitude.  A work portfolio can include:

  • descriptions of the positions you've held

  • profiles of your skills

  • performance appraisals and progress reports

  • reference letters

  • work samples

  • certificates or statements of training received

  • summaries and personal evaluations of each volunteer position experience

  • photos or videos of you in action

Also do not forget to further explore the internet.  There are lots of useful websites with career-related information, including tips and suggestions for writing resumes and cover letters, and advice on preparing for job interviews.