Dos and don’ts of including volunteer work on your resume

We turn to the experts to find out the best ways to include volunteering on your CV

Your stellar volunteer record can be a great way to help you stand out from the sea of resumes when applying for your dream job. But is there a right or wrong way to do it? 

According to Lianne Maskell, operations manager at Talent Propeller, there is, so we asked her for some advice.  

Keep it relevant 

Even if you have been volunteering since the age of four, it’s best to sort and pick through the volunteering roles that make you stand out as a candidate.    

“Recruiters are not going to want to see three pages worth of volunteer experience,” she says.  

“Anything that kind of shows off teamwork, leadership, or problem solving is ideal.” 

Show you care 

Your volunteering roles may also be a great way to show off your various passions, interests and values, which is important if you want your prospective employer to take an interest in your CV.  

“It shows you actually have a caring nature, you’re compassionate, and you want to be involved in your community,” she says. 

“Depending on the job, this will show that you are a good fit for the company because you align with their values.” 

Standing out 

These days, volunteering is fairly common. So to stand out, make sure you think about and include times you went above and beyond in your volunteer role to show what kind of person you are. 

“If you did something like organised an event, or handled a fundraising project, definitely put it down,” she explains. 

“It will show off that extra motivation, passion and drive to do the job well.”