Monday, December 23, 2013

Should Volunteering Be On Your CV

A Linked-in colleague recently asked a question on volunteering after reading our recent post on volunteering.

Hi Bob,

I am seeking some advice on how to best put down volunteering experience on my resume - I have been in both scenarios before and had volunteered my time around Canberra in various capacities and now, having relocated to Melbourne and pending a suitable job offer, volunteering my time as a fundraiser/marketing officer for
(name withheld) something completely out of my previous field but thoroughly challenging and enjoyable.   Your advice is appreciated.

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...and our thoughts are....

 It's great you're keeping your PR skills fresh by volunteering. 

Yes, yes...do include those roles on your CV. They are an important part of who you are and how you've taken the initiative to use your skills to do something really worthwhile.

I have found presenting volunteer jobs in the same way you present a regular job, works well. The only difference is after the job title add Volunteer Role

And when you land the next job interview, don't forget to tell the interview panel why and how you are extending your skills through PR volunteering.
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What do you think? Should your CV list your volunteer efforts?

1 comment:

Karen Paxton said...

Definitely! It is legitimate activity to include. It also gives the message out that you are proactive, you want to go the extra mile and help others out (always a good sign in an employee) and that you'll try whatever avenues you can to keep your skills working. You're a contributor.

Volunteering can be for any time in your career. As Bob says, make sure it is noted to be a volunteer role and you might even have a referee from the organisation to list as well.

Yes, do include it.