How to Add Volunteer Experience to a Resume (With Examples)

You’ve just graduated and are ready to dive into the job market. But there’s one problem: your resume is looking a little light. You have volunteer experience — but will recruiters be as impressed as the seniors you hosted Bingo nights for? You certainly don’t want that to overshadow your only paid job.

When writing resumes, quality always beats quantity. But don’t be so quick to dismiss your volunteer work if you lack a hefty job history. What about the valuable interpersonal skills, organization, and positive attitude you brought to the Bingo crowd? The trick is connecting those skills and experiences to the job you want.

Let’s explore the volunteering resume rules and exceptions. This guide will cover:

• How to put volunteer work on a resume. 
• Volunteer work examples with resume descriptions. 
• Where should volunteer experience go on a resume. 

Need help blending volunteer experience with your other resume sections? Check out our free AI Resume Builder to create a personalized resume tailored to you and your future job. 

And find out more about other key sections to include in your resume: 

• How to Write a Resume Work Experience Section 
• The Best Skills to Put on a Resume with Examples
• How to List Your Education Section On a Resume
• 50+ Hobbies to Put On a Resume: Examples and Interests

Should You Put Volunteer Work on a Resume?

Volunteer experience can go on your resume — but only if it adds value to your application. Be strategic and always follow the two golden rules: keep it relevant and don’t take attention away from your work history. 

Listing volunteering works best if you lack professional (paid) experience, as it reveals your interests, work ethic, and dedication outside a traditional job. It shows employers that you’ve been proactive about building skills and contributing to meaningful projects. Plus, it gives them a glimpse of your personality and what motivates you beyond a paycheck.

Just don’t blur the lines between paid and unpaid work. Trying to pass off volunteer work as paid experience isn’t worth the risk — it could raise red flags if employers dig into your background. Honesty is the best policy if you want to establish trust from the get-go. 

Here’s a summary of when to include volunteering on your resume and when to avoid: 

How to List Volunteer Work on a Resume?

Short answer:

Only list volunteer experience on your resume if it’s relevant to the job or highlights transferable skills. Include your role, the organization’s name, dates, location, and a short description of your contributions or achievements. Place volunteering in your work experience section if it’s connected to the role, or in its own section labeled “Volunteer Work” if it’s not related to your field. Focus on relevant skills like leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving. Always clarify that it was a volunteer position and keep descriptions concise with measurable impacts, like funds raised or tasks completed.

1. Use the right resume format and section

Let’s be real — your volunteer work isn’t the star of the show and shouldn’t take up too much space on your resume. When writing your experiences, stick to the basic facts without going overboard with unnecessary details.

Here’s how to list your volunteer experience in a professional format: 

• Your position or title 
• The organization’s name 
• Dates of involvement
• Location of the organization
• Summary of achievements or responsibilities

Here’s how to include volunteer experience without taking up too much space:

Volunteer Event Planner, Local Food Bank, May 2023–August 2024, San Diego, CA
• Organized monthly fundraising events, increasing donations by 20%.
• Worked in a team of 15 volunteers to streamline event logistics.

So, where does volunteer work belong on your resume? It depends on your experience. You don’t want to overshadow your work history, but that’s pretty hard to do if you don’t have a solid professional background. 

Here’s an overview of where to include volunteer work (more on this below): 

• At the end: If you have plenty of paid experience, put volunteer work in its own section towards the end of your resume, under “Volunteer Work” or “Community Involvement.” But only include it if it’s relevant to the role and doesn’t take space away from other key resume sections. 
• With paid roles: If your volunteer work is relevant to the job, or you don’t have much professional experience, include it alongside your employment history. Just make sure you label it as “Volunteer” in the title to avoid any confusion.

Stick to professional, easy-to-read resume fonts like Arial or Calibri. Avoid anything overly decorative (looking at you, Brush Script) or outdated, like Times New Roman. Keep your font size between 10–12 pt font and 14–16 pt for headings. 

Learn more about how to format your resume: The Best Resume Format With Examples

Keep your volunteer work relevant to the job

Want your application to stand out against hundreds of candidates? Tailor your application and volunteer experience to the job. Just a few tweaks can get you past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), show you meet the requirements, and prove you’ve made the effort. 

Consider how your volunteer work demonstrates the skills or qualities for the role. Dig into the job description, company website, and social media to understand the position requirements and business values. Does the employer want someone with leadership skills? Emphasize when you took charge or spread awareness while volunteering at the food bank.

The more aligned your volunteer work is with the job, the stronger your application. Recruiters spend less than a minute scanning your resume — they don’t need to hear about your time feeding penguins at the zoo for a call center job. Only include volunteer work that’s fairly recent and shows skills relevant to the position. 

Check out this job description for a human resources assistant: 

Study the job ad and notice which skills they’re looking for. For example, they say they value support and communication, so emphasize how your volunteer work involves collaboration.

Here’s how to frame volunteer work to align with the job description: 

Volunteer Coordinator
Neighborhood Resource Center, Houston, Texas
January 2024–December 2024
• Organized and maintained volunteer and event records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality. 
• Partnered with team members to coordinate outreach programs, encouraging collaboration and addressing any inquiries to achieve program goals.

Learn how to apply the same strategies to the rest of your application: How to Target a Job Description With Your Resume

3. Include keywords from the job description

Take a direct approach to tailoring your resume by mirroring the job ad and weaving in keywords from the description. Be honest and avoid stuffing your application with identical language — only include keywords in your resume relevant to your experience.

Look closely at the job posting and use your mental highlighter to focus on keywords in the qualifications, skills, and experience sections. These might include terms like “leadership,” “project management,” “customer service,” or specific technologies. Find ways to include those words in your explanations of volunteer work — without stretching the truth.

Aligning your phrasing with the job description makes it easier for hiring managers and ATS systems to see the connection. Think of it as subtly reinforcing the idea that you’re a perfect match, rather than forcing it.

Take a look at the qualifications section in this sales representative job listing: 

Now see how this volunteering resume example uses the same or similar words to describe their own experiences: 

Volunteer Event Coordinator
Local Nonprofit Organization, City, State
June 2021 – December 2022
• Organized and managed events, overseeing planning, scheduling, and team coordination to ensure seamless execution in time-sensitive situations.
• Communicated effectively with attendees and team members through professional verbal and written correspondence, maintaining enthusiasm and clarity.
• Cultivated trust with event sponsors and participants by consistently delivering results and maintaining a high standard of service.
• Demonstrated self-motivation by identifying opportunities to improve event workflows, increasing participant satisfaction.

Try our AI Keyword Targeting to check if your resume has the right words and phrases to get past ATS scanners.

4. Highlight your transferable skills 

A common misconception is that sought-after resume skills are built through professional experience. Well, I don’t know about you, but I was a pretty decent communicator before I joined the workforce. We gain skills through life, education, extracurricular activities, and of course — volunteer work. 

Transferable skills apply across various industries, like problem-solving, time management, or teamwork. These are especially valuable if you’re pivoting to a new field or don’t have a lot of paid experience. 

But don’t just take it from me. A Deloitte survey asked 2,506 individuals involved in hiring about including volunteer work on a resume. The survey found that 92% said volunteering improved broader professional skill sets, and 92% thought volunteer work could improve leadership skills.

Check out these in-demand transferable skills you can gain from volunteer work: 

• Empathy
• Teamwork 
• Dedication 
• Leadership
• Adaptability
• Communication 
• Public speaking 
• Problem-solving
• Conflict resolution
• Time management

But here’s the thing: none of this matters if you don’t describe volunteering in a way that really shows off these skills. Did you improve your communication by organizing events? Used your leadership abilities to manage a team of volunteers? 

Include transferable skills in your descriptions while emphasizing positive outcomes to give recruiters an idea of what you could bring to the company. Don’t just say you did a solid job at communicating. Explain how your communication skills contributed to the organization’s overall success.

5. Focus on your volunteering achievements 

It’s easy to say you’re a “regular volunteer at the local clean-up events”. But what skills are you showing here? For all recruiters know, you spend most of the time gossiping with neighbors and giving the dedicated trash collectors a pat on the back. 

While it’s important to list your duties, it’s your success stories that give hiring managers more context and show your true potential. Responsibilities can sound generic, but achievements are personal.

Check out the difference between these two statements: 

“Assisted with fundraising events” (vague and uninspired)
“Helped coordinate a fundraising event that raised $10,000 for local charities, exceeding the target by 25%.” (impressive and shows your strong work ethic)

Whenever possible, back up your resume achievements with data. Numbers make your accomplishments more concrete. Did you increase participation, improve efficiency, or grow donations? Quantify those results to show the scale of your impact.

And don’t forget to tailor your achievements to the job you’re applying for. If the employer values leadership, emphasize your success leading volunteer teams. If they’re looking for creativity, describe how you introduced a new approach to solving a problem.

Volunteer Experience Examples for a Resume 

You might think being a volunteer trash collector isn’t going to impress a recruiter — but if it’s all the work experience you have, you make it work. Think about what skills you picked up along the way. Did you collaborate with a team? Build connections by promoting environmental awareness? Those are solid teamwork and communication skills that translate to any job. 

Below are some examples of how you can make relevant and in-demand skills shine through your volunteer experiences: 

Community service volunteer resume example

Community service volunteers make an impact by leading initiatives, encouraging collaboration, and addressing local needs. Emphasize quantifiable results, like organizing events or mobilizing teams, while showing your commitment to social good.

Check out this community volunteer resume sample:

Community Service Volunteer
Green Futures Initiative, Seattle, WA
March 2023–December 2023
• Organized a community clean-up drive involving 50 volunteers, resulting in the removal of over 1,000 pounds of waste from local parks.
• Built connections with diverse groups to promote sustainability and social impact.
• Worked with local leaders to develop eco workshops, reaching over 200 participants.

Food bank volunteer resume example

Food bank volunteers support distribution efforts, maintain hygiene standards, and ensure storage areas are organized. Highlight teamwork, empathy, and the physical stamina needed to succeed in this role.

Take a look at this food bank volunteer description: 

Food Bank Volunteer
Helping Hands, Denver, CO
June 2024–Present
• Distributed food packages to over 300 families monthly while adhering to strict food hygiene standards.
• Maintained inventory by replenishing shelves and assisting with unloading.
• Provided service to individuals in need, encouraging a welcoming and supportive environment.

Non-profit volunteer resume example

Non-profit volunteers gain invaluable experience by supporting causes they care about, often taking on roles that demonstrate leadership, communication, and adaptability. Including non-profit volunteer work on your resume shows you genuinely care about making a difference. 

Check out this non-profit volunteer resume sample: 

Non-Profit Volunteer
Youth Empowerment Initiative, Charlotte, NC
January 2022–March 2023
• Assisted with fundraising campaigns, generating $10,000 in donations to support local education programs.
• Developed marketing plans to promote awareness, increasing event attendance by 25%.
• Networked with board members to identify new opportunities for program expansion.

Red Cross volunteer resume example

Volunteering with the Red Cross builds skills in teamwork and logistics while demonstrating a commitment to humanitarian efforts. The Red Cross is also a reputable organization and can be beneficial to include if you want to enter a career in healthcare. 

Take a look at this Red Cross volunteer resume example: 

Red Cross Volunteer
American Red Cross, Omaha, NE
August 2023–Present
• Coordinated donor schedules and provided exceptional service as a Donor Ambassador during blood drives, supporting the collection of 500+ units of blood.
• Trained and supervised 10 new volunteers, ensuring seamless operations. 
• Led outreach efforts to promote blood donation, increasing volunteer sign-ups by 30%.

Nursing home volunteer resume example

Nursing home volunteers bring much-needed compassion and support to residents through companionship and care. Your resume description should highlight empathy, patience, and the ability to create a positive environment.

Here’s what a nursing home volunteer resume sample could look like:

Nursing Home Volunteer
Sunrise Senior Living, Oakland, CA
October 2021–Present
• Organized weekly bingo nights and holiday events to boost residents’ social engagement and overall well-being.
• Built meaningful relationships by reading, playing games, and conversing with residents. 
• Assisted with mobility needs, ensuring residents moved safely between rooms. 

Where to Put Volunteer Work on Your Resume?

You don’t want your volunteer work to overshadow your professional experience, but you don’t want to leave it out if it adds value. The right spot on your resume depends on the job you’re applying for and your background. 

Let’s dive into where to feature volunteer work without taking the spotlight from your career.

Work experience section 

When it’s relevant to the job or highlights transferable skills, volunteer work deserves a spot in your work experience section (especially if you’re fresh out of school). For example, if you volunteered as a content creator for a nonprofit, and you’re applying for a marketing job. Just remember to clarify that this was a volunteer position, not a paid role. 

Volunteer experience is often very similar to work experience. You apply, train, work with a team, and get assessed on your contributions. Plus, it shows you’ve been actively building skills, networking, and contributing — even if it wasn’t paid.

Treat your volunteering details like any other job in your work experience section. You should include:

• Your role or title 
• The organization’s name
• The dates you volunteered
• The location
• One to three bullet points highlighting your responsibilities, achievements, and the skills you gained

Want to make an impact? Focus on positive outcomes and use action verbs to start each resume bullet point, such as “developed”, “coordinated”, “achieved”, and “improved”. 

Check out how to include volunteer work in your work experience section: 

Marketing Intern
Tech Solutions Inc. – Boston, MA
June 2022–August 2023
• Coordinated and scheduled weekly social media posts, increasing engagement by 25%.
• Conducted market research to identify target audiences for product launches.
• Designed email campaigns that boosted click-through rates by 15%.

Content Creator (Volunteer)
Eco Future Foundation – Remote
January 2022–May 2022
• Developed and published educational blog posts, growing website traffic by 30%.
• Created graphics for social media platforms, enhancing brand visibility.
• Collaborated with a team of four to plan content strategies. 

As you gain more work experience, you can remove your volunteer work in favor of paid positions relevant to your career aspirations. 

Education section

Volunteer work usually doesn’t belong in your education section, but there are exceptions. Were your volunteer activities directly tied to your school or university? For example, you could include organizing on-campus events, participating in mentorship programs, or volunteering abroad through a school-sponsored initiative. 

Start by listing your education as usual:

• School’s name
• Location
• Degree (if applicable)
• GPA (3.5 or higher) 
• A bullet point with your volunteer experience and connections to your institution 

Your short description should ensure your skills shine through your volunteer work. For example, if you helped plan events on campus, you could mention how you developed organizational or teamwork skills. Or, if you participated in a university-backed volunteer abroad program, highlight your adaptability and cultural awareness. 

Here’s how to weave volunteering into your education section:

University of Green Valley – Green Valley, CA
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, May 2024
GPA: 3.8
• Helped organize “Sustainability Week” on campus, engaging 300+ students and leading a team of 10 volunteers to coordinate events.

Writing your job application without much experience? Learn more: How to Write a Resume With No Experience

Volunteer section

Got impressive volunteer experience that doesn’t align with your industry or job target? No worries — it can still reveal your skills and character. Create a separate section titled “Volunteer Experience,” “Community Service,” or “Additional Activities.” Position it near the bottom of your resume to keep the spotlight on your professional qualifications while subtly reinforcing your broader contributions.

Format this section just like your work experience. Include the organization name, your role, the dates you volunteered, and the location. However, keep the descriptions concise — just one or two sentences summarizing your contributions or achievements.

For example, if you planned a fundraiser, mention the skills you used or developed, like teamwork, communication, or problem-solving. While unrelated volunteering can still add value, avoid taking up too much space or shifting attention away from more relevant experiences. 

Here’s what a volunteer section can look like on your resume:

Community Food Bank Volunteer
Sunnyvale Outreach Program – Sunnyvale, TX
June 2024–Present
• Coordinated monthly food drives, distributing supplies to over 200 families in need.
• Developed strong interpersonal and organizational skills by collaborating with a team of 15 volunteers.

Neighborhood Clean-Up Organizer
Greenfield Community Association – Greenfield, MA
April 2023–May 2024
• Led clean-up efforts for public spaces, rallying 50+ community members and improving local environmental awareness.
• Honed project management skills while increasing community engagement.

Resume objective 

Mentions of your volunteer experience shouldn’t belong exclusively to your resume objective — but it’s a smart move to drop it in if you’re new to the workforce or transitioning careers. The key is to tie your volunteer experience to the skills or aspirations that matter most to the job. 

Resume objectives are perfect for fresh graduates or career changers, as they summarize your strengths, achievements, and aspirations in a few punchy lines. Volunteer work can show how you’ve developed key skills that align with your desired role and career path.

Here’s an example resume objective: 

Dedicated and detail-oriented professional with a strong background in logistics and customer service. Volunteered at a local food bank, honing organizational and teamwork skills while managing inventory and coordinating distributions. Eager to apply my skills to streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction at Buzz Organization.

Summary

Here’s an overview of how to put volunteer experience on your resume: 

• Be selective and only include volunteer work relevant to the job or that demonstrates transferable skills.
• Format volunteer roles the same way you would in paid positions, with a title, organization, dates, location, and short description. 
• Quantify achievements whenever possible by using numbers to show the impact of your work, like “Raised $5,000 for a charity event.”
• Highlight in-demand and transferable skills gained through volunteering, such as leadership, communication, or project management.
• Avoid vague volunteering descriptions — use bullet points to outline your key responsibilities and accomplishments. 
• Be honest about your role and responsibilities to maintain credibility — don’t say you had a paid job when it was a volunteer position.
• If not relevant to the job, include a “Volunteer Experience” section at the bottom of your resume. Otherwise, you can add volunteering in your work experience section.

FAQ

How to describe volunteer work on a resume?

When describing volunteer work, treat it like any other job experience. Include your position title, the organization’s name, location, and dates of service. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements, emphasizing skills that align with the job you’re applying for. 

Focus on specific accomplishments and quantify them when possible, so potential employers see what you can bring to the table. For example, “Led a team of 10 volunteers to coordinate community events, improving attendance by 30%.” 

Does volunteering count as work experience?

Yes, volunteering can count as work experience, especially if the skills you gained are relevant to the job you're seeking (just make sure you clarify that it’s unpaid). Volunteer work often involves responsibilities similar to paid positions, such as managing projects, working with teams, or using customer service skills. 

If your volunteer experience helped you develop skills in areas like leadership, communication, or time management, it’s definitely worth including on your resume. It’s a great way to show initiative and gain valuable experience if you’re new to the workforce or changing careers.

What volunteer experience to put on a resume?

Only include volunteer experiences that are recent, relevant, and impactful. Think about the skills you used or developed in your volunteer role and how they tie into the job you want. 

For example, if you volunteered as a team leader, this could show your leadership and organizational skills. If you managed social media for a non-profit, it could demonstrate digital marketing skills. Include experiences that highlight your most transferable skills, and remove ones that don’t align with the job. 

How to put community service on my resume?

Create a separate section titled “Volunteer Experience” or “Community Service.” List the organization, your title, the dates you volunteered, and the location. Keep descriptions concise but impactful with specific tasks and results. 

Focus on skills gained that are transferable to the job you’re applying for, such as teamwork, leadership, or event coordination. This shows potential employers that you’re capable of handling responsibilities, even outside traditional employment.