Imagine that you are competing for a position, and you bring the same skill set as other applicants, which are the minimum requirements for the job… But one applicant really stands out because they spend their free time at a charity, helping the community, and gaining experience with a non-profit organization. Who do you think would be more likely to get the job?

With everything going on in the world, now more than ever, corporations and businesses are putting a big emphasis on social issues and activism. A person who works in a volunteer group develops unique skills and experiences that are often applicable in the workplace. By doing volunteer work, you’ll meet new people and grow your network. You may also be inspired, learn new skills, and discover what you’re good at, which will all potentially help you find a career that you are passion about.

Volunteering is so important that LinkedIn, the number one career networking site, recently added a “Volunteer Experience & Causes” field on users profiles. In a survey by LinkedIn, they discovered that almost half of hiring professionals evaluating candidates for jobs consider volunteer work equally as valuable as paid work experience. Employers especially love to see volunteer work that highlights skills you can use on the job. Did you host a fundraiser? Do you have experience planning events? Have you collected donations? Volunteering can even serve as a stepping stone to a new field if you are looking to change career paths.

Not sure where on your resume to add your volunteer experience, or not sure how or what to include? Our certified professional resume writers are here to help. Click to learn more.