Ever wondered how to show you help others on your LinkedIn? Well, adding your volunteer work is the key. Just like Sachin, the greatest batsman with 100+ centuries and over 30K career runs. Similarly, highlighting your volunteer efforts strategically can make you stand out in your professional journey. Sounds good, right? So, in this post, we’ll dig into how to add your volunteer experience on LinkedIn and make your profile shine with your professional skills.
Why Should You Include Volunteer Work In Your LinkedIn Profile?
A LinkedIn survey shows that 41% of managers and employers consider volunteer experience when hiring. Plus, volunteering isn’t only a way to support communities but also an opportunity to showcase your business to potential collaborators.
When you showcase your volunteer work on LinkedIn, it provides a deeper glimpse into your interests, especially if they align with your professional field. This adds a personal touch to your profile and makes it stand out, especially if you're new to your career or during a job transition.
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How to Add Volunteer Experience to LinkedIn?
Here’s the step-by-step process of how to add volunteer experience on LinkedIn:
- Open Your LinkedIn Profile
To add your volunteer experience on LinkedIn, start by opening your LinkedIn profile. If the Volunteer section is already part of your profile, locate and click on the pencil icon. This action will direct you to the Edit More tab, where you can follow the on-screen instructions to add each of your volunteer experiences seamlessly.
- If No Volunteer Section
Source: https://www.jobscan.co/blog/how-to-add-volunteer-experience-to-linkedin/
In case your LinkedIn profile doesn't have the Volunteer section, don't worry. Simply click on the View More link below the Contact Information section at the top of your profile. This will lead you to a comprehensive list of sections you can add. Among these, find and click on the Add Volunteer Experience tab to open the volunteer section on your profile.
- Enter Organization Details
Source: https://www.jobscan.co/blog/how-to-add-volunteer-experience-to-linkedin/
Once in the Volunteer Experience section, the next step is to enter the details of the organization you volunteered for. In the Organization field, type the name of the organization. Then, click on the Role field to add your specific role or the nature of your volunteer work. This information will be displayed prominently at the top of each volunteer experience.
- Cause Dropdown List
Navigate to the Cause dropdown list to choose an applicable cause from the provided list. Suppose none of the options accurately represents your experience. In that case, you can leave this section blank by selecting the top option, denoted by a minus sign, indicating an empty field.
- Choose Dates
In the Date Range fields, select the month and year from the dropdown lists to indicate the duration of your volunteer experience. It's important to note that LinkedIn doesn't feature an end date by default. If you are currently volunteering, select the 'I Currently Volunteer Here' tab.
- Description Field
Use the Description field to provide additional details about your volunteer experience. This is an opportunity to offer context and insight into the nature of your contributions.
- Click Save
After entering all the necessary information, scroll down to the Opportunities You Are Looking For tab. Hover over it and click the pencil icon to enter editing mode. Here, you can choose the causes that resonate with you. Once selected, click Save to ensure your volunteer experiences are effectively showcased on your LinkedIn profile.
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How to Add Volunteer Work on a Resume?
Now that you’ve learned how to add volunteer experience on LinkedIn. It’s worth noting that adding volunteer experience on your resume is an excellent way to showcase your leadership skills and well-rounded character.
Now, you might be thinking about how to list volunteer work on your resume. Follow the below steps to effectively include volunteer work on your resume:
- Create a Section on your Resume
Begin by creating a separate section on your resume specifically for volunteer work. You can title it "Volunteer Experience" or "Community Involvement" to make it easily identifiable for the reader. This dedicated section will highlight your philanthropic efforts and underline your commitment beyond professional responsibilities.
- Format Consistency
Keep a consistent format for your volunteer work section that aligns with the rest of your resume. Also, include the organization's name, your role/title, the dates of your involvement, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements.
Are you unaware of the resume format and don’t know what to add? Read our guide on What to Include in a Resume: Key Elements and Best Practices.
- Highlight Relevant Skills
Emphasize the skills gained through your volunteer experiences relevant to the job you're applying for. For instance, highlight your leadership and organizational skills if you were a team leader for a charity event.
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- Use Action Verbs
When describing your volunteer roles, use action verbs to convey your responsibilities and achievements effectively. Also, use words like "organized," "managed," "led," and "implemented" to add dynamism to your resume. This will showcase your proactive approach and demonstrate that you are a self-starter.
- Show Consistency and Commitment
If you have been involved with a particular organization over an extended period, highlight your consistency and commitment. Furthermore, long-term volunteer commitments demonstrate your dedication and the ability to see projects through, qualities highly valued by employers.
- Relevance to Job
Prioritize the volunteer experiences most relevant to the job you are applying for. If your volunteer work aligns with the industry or role you are targeting, it can strengthen your candidacy by demonstrating a connection between your values and professional goals.
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Why Do Recruiters Prefer Candidates With Volunteer Experience?
According to a survey, showcasing your volunteer work on your LinkedIn profile boosts your chances of getting hired by 27%. But what makes recruiters so keen on volunteerism? Let's break it down:
- Volunteer work is just as crucial as paid work: Professionals believe that volunteer work holds as much value as paid work. The best part? It doesn't have to align with your desired job – any volunteer experience counts.
- A better measure of work ethic and values: When you volunteer, you're not doing it for the paycheck. You're investing your time in supporting a cause you believe in. This speaks volumes about your work ethic and values, providing a clear insight into your character.
- Networking through volunteering: Being an active volunteer expands your network, and if you play your cards right, it can include people in your industry.
Recruiters prefer candidates with positive recommendations or experiences from experts in the field. So, volunteering not only benefits the community but also your professional journey.
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Conclusion
Adding volunteer experience to your LinkedIn profile is a smart move to make yourself stand out in the job market. It not only shows that you care about giving back to your community but also makes you look more well-rounded to potential employers. As the job market changes, having volunteer work on your profile is a valuable way to highlight your skills and values. By doing this, you're telling your professional story in a way that sets you apart and makes you a standout candidate online.
FAQs
Does Volunteering Count As Work Experience?
Yes, volunteering can be considered work experience, especially if it’s relevant to the position you are applying for.
