As the job market continues to shift and grow in the year 2023, it is important for job seekers to come up with creative ways to make their resume stand out. One way to do this is to include volunteer experience on your resume. While volunteer experience may not have the same type of direct impact on your career as paid work experience, it can still be an important part of your resume and help you get the job you are wanting. Here are some of the benefits of including volunteer experience on your resume in 2023.
Shows You Are Community-Minded
When you include volunteer experience on your resume, it shows that you are community-minded and have an interest in helping others. This is a great quality to have, especially if you are applying for a job that involves helping people in some way. It can show potential employers that you have a strong sense of empathy and a desire to help out. In addition, volunteering can also demonstrate that you have a strong work ethic and are willing to go the extra mile to help out people in need.
Provides New Skills and Opportunities
Volunteer experience can provide you with new skills and opportunities that you may not have been able to gain through paid work experience. Many volunteer roles require you to work with people from different backgrounds, which can provide you with valuable insight into how to work with a variety of people. Additionally, many volunteer positions require you to utilize skills such as problem-solving, communication, and organization, which could be beneficial to your future job search.
Shows You Are Willing to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Including volunteer experience on your resume shows potential employers that you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. This can be a huge benefit, as it shows that you are open to new experiences and willing to take on new challenges. It also shows that you are passionate about making a difference in the world and are willing to go above and beyond to do so.
Can Help You Connect With Others in Your Field
Including volunteer experience on your resume can help you to connect with other professionals in your chosen field. Many volunteer positions require you to work with people from different backgrounds, which can provide you with valuable insight into how to network and build relationships. Additionally, many volunteer positions will allow you to make connections with potential employers, which can be beneficial when looking for a job in the future.
Gives You a Sense of Accomplishment
Finally, including volunteer experience on your resume can give you a sense of accomplishment. Knowing that you are making a difference in the world and helping out those in need can be a great feeling. Furthermore, if you do decide to pursue a career in the field you volunteered in, you can use the volunteer experience as a way to demonstrate your commitment and dedication to the cause.
Conclusion
Including volunteer experience on your resume in 2023 can be an effective way to make your resume stand out from the crowd. It can show potential employers that you are community-minded, have a strong work ethic, and are willing to step out of your comfort zone. Additionally, it can provide you with new skills, help you connect with others in your chosen field, and give you a sense of accomplishment. So if you are looking to make your resume stand out, consider including volunteer experience on it!
