Many people volunteer because they want to help others and give back to their community. But did you know volunteering can help you advance your career? Volunteering is seen favourably by most employers.
Indeed and Seek highlight the different ways volunteering can benefit your career.
Helps you develop your skills
Volunteering can help you improve core workplace skills, such as time management, communication and problem-solving. Volunteering in a desired industry can also help you learn the skills of that industry. For example, community radio can help you learn the required skills if you want to work in radio.
Allows you to test potential career paths
Are you thinking of pursuing a new career? Volunteering allows you to try a potential career before committing to it.
Shows your dedication and commitment
Volunteering is an excellent way to show your passion or commitment to an industry or cause. This is particularly useful if you want to pursue a career in that industry.
Demonstrates your personality
Volunteering can showcase elements of your personality that are otherwise difficult to convey in an application or interview. For example, it can show dedication, commitment and passion. This can be particularly useful if you volunteer in an industry you want to work in. It can also show you are socially responsible and trustworthy, which employers highly value.
Separates you from other candidates
By demonstrating your dedication, commitment and personality, volunteer experience could set you apart from other candidates with similar qualifications or work experience.
Can assist with networking
Volunteering can help you connect with people who may assist you in obtaining paid work.
How to promote volunteer experience
While many people don’t like to toot their own horn, mentioning your volunteer experience whenever relevant is critical, especially if you are looking for a new job. There are several ways you can highlight your volunteer experience.
Add it to your social media
Many employers review candidates’ social media sites before hiring them. LinkedIn, in particular, is a tool employers use to recruit staff. Therefore, highlighting volunteer work on your social media can help you make a positive impression.
Include it in your cover letter
If the volunteer work relates to the position you are applying for, mention it in your cover letter.
Include it in your resume
Consider including a volunteer section in your resume in which you list all your volunteer experience. List the organisation, date and any notable achievements or contributions. Alternatively, you can list your volunteer experience in the work history section of your resume. According to Seek, 85% of employers believe that volunteer experience in your chosen industry can be as credible as paid work experience.
Highlight volunteer work in an interview
Use the opportunity to describe your volunteer experience in greater depth. For example, if you are asked about your interests or hobbies, you could mention your volunteer work. You could also use anecdotes from your volunteer roles to highlight skills relevant to the position. Studies have shown that volunteer experience gives candidates an edge in job interviews.
Mention it when going for a promotion
When going for a promotion or pay rise, mention how volunteering has helped you grow your skills. If your employer was unaware of your volunteer work, this will create a positive impression.
Are you looking to advance your career? Public Service Resumes can help. We are pleased to offer various services, including our LinkedIn profile writing service and our personal online resume writing service.