Leverage Volunteer Experience in Job Searches

Volunteer experience explores both the professional and personal sides of yourself, and is an incredibly valuable addition to a job search. It can give employers a sense of your character, interests, and dedication, which can resonate even more than your qualifications. With the right approach, you can leverage your volunteer experience to make a great impression and land the job you really want.

Understand Your Role

The key to leveraging volunteer experience is to really understand the types of skills and abilities you cultivated while volunteering. Think not just about what tasks you performed, but how you performed them, and the roles you took on in order to get the job done. Reflect on how you solved problems and what leadership roles you took on. Emphasizing these key elements will make employers recognize the value your volunteer experience adds.

Identify What Makes You Stand Out

Everyone has unique traits and experiences, and there’s likely something distinct to you that made your volunteer experience special. This could be related to the cause, the type of work you did, or any number of other factors. Think about which aspects you want to highlight in your job search and use those to stand out from the competition.

Write Effective Resumes and Cover Letters

When crafting a resume and cover letter for a job search, be sure to feature your volunteer experience prominently. Reframe the language to relate the experience to real-world businesses and industries. This lets potential employers know that you can handle the challenges of a professional setting and that you have the qualities needed to be successful.

Be Prepared for Interviews

When interviewing for a role, be aware of how your volunteer experience can help make your case. Be prepared to answer questions about how it has shaped you as a person and has made you better suited for the job. Explain why it is relevant to the company and how it enhances the skillset you can bring to the position.

Network With Connections

Networking is an essential part of any job search, and your volunteer experience is no exception. Talk with your connections about the work you did and how it helped shape you into the professional you are today. This will show potential employers that you have the background and mindset needed to succeed in the role.

Be Prominent On Your Social Media Platforms

Social media is a powerful tool for promoting yourself during a job search. Be sure to share stories and posts about your volunteer experience, allowing potential employers to get a sense of who you are and what type of work you’re passionate about. This will help to establish a positive presence on social media and will give employers a sense of how you will perform in the workplace.

Conclusion

Volunteer experience is a crucial element in any job search and can give you an edge over other candidates. By understanding the value of your experience, reframing your words in the resume and cover letter, and highlighting key elements in interviews, you can make the most of your volunteer experience and easily stand out in any job search.