Volunteer experience offers substantial benefits when included in your CV. Beyond demonstrating generosity, it showcases your commitment to personal and professional growth. Skills acquired through volunteer work are highly transferable and valued by employers. Examples of these include teamwork, communication and problem-solving. According to a study, candidates with volunteer experience are 27% more likely to secure a job.

Employers appreciate candidates who actively contribute to their communities. It reflects a proactive attitude and a willingness to go above and beyond. Volunteer roles can provide practical experience related to your career aspirations. This allows you to develop industry-specific skills and networks. This experience can often fill gaps in your professional background. It provides concrete examples of your abilities directly applicable to the role.

Incorporating volunteer experience into your CV helps create a well-rounded profile. This can highlight your professional capabilities and dedication to making a positive impact. It also differentiates you from other applications by showing your initiative. Additionally, including volunteer work demonstrates that you are a well-rounded individual, making you a more attractive candidate. 

When including volunteer experience, communicate your contributions and skills effectively. Here are examples showing how to describe major and minor volunteer experiences. 

For major volunteer roles, emphasise your leadership and organisational abilities. For example, managing a team or overseeing fundraising events demonstrates skills in project management and fundraising. On the other hand, minor volunteer roles showcase your commitment and community involvement. Detail your tasks to highlight your organisational and interpersonal skills. These can include sorting donations and assisting with outreach events.

These examples show how to structure and articulate your volunteer experiences, helping you showcase relevant skills. Tailor each description to highlight your impact and alignment with employers' sought-after skills. This can enhance the depth of your CV, positioning yourself as a proactive candidate.

When structuring your volunteer CV, clarity and professionalism are key. They can effectively showcase your experiences. Begin with a clear header containing your name and contact information. Follow this with a concise personal statement or CV profile. This should highlight your motivation for volunteering and the key skills you gained. Organise your volunteer experiences chronologically, starting with the most recent or relevant roles. For each position, include the organisation's name, your volunteer title, and the dates of involvement.

Use bullet points to detail your responsibilities, accomplishments, and skills you developed. Emphasise specific achievements and quantify them where possible to demonstrate impact. Maintain a consistent format throughout your CV. Use a professional font throughout your CV, such as Arial or New Times Roman as well as adhering to a coherent structure. This will ensure that your CV is readable by a variety of employers and their relevant ATS systems. 

Avoid overcrowding your CV with excessive details. Prioritise relevant experiences that align with the job you're applying for. Tailor your CV to highlight transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, and project management. These types of skills are valued by many employers across a range of industries. 

By structuring your volunteer CV effectively, you enhance its visual appeal and readability. This makes it easier for recruiters to understand your qualifications and experiences.

Macildowie plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals throughout their career journey. We offer tailored recruitment services, designed to match skills with suitable job vacancies. Macildowie excels in connecting candidates through effective CVs that highlight volunteer experiences. We focus on those in the East Midlands and Home Counties with employers who value these qualifications.

Our team of recruitment specialists understands the nuances of various industries. We collaborate closely with candidates to uncover their strengths and career aspirations. By leveraging extensive networks and industry expertise, we ensure candidates find relevant opportunities. 

We offer personalised guidance and support throughout the recruitment process. Our commitment to excellence goes beyond matching qualifications on paper. We strive to encourage lasting relationships built on trust and mutual success. 

Choosing Macildowie gives candidates access to vacancies across various industries. This allows them to make informed decisions and advance their career. Visit our website to explore how we can help you find roles that leverage your volunteer skills.