How to Add Volunteering to Your CV

Why should I add volunteering to my CV?

There are several reasons to consider boosting your CV with volunteer experience. Research has shown that 45% of hiring managers in Australia are drawn to candidates who have gained relevant knowledge and skills from volunteering.

• Volunteering can make up for an applicant's lack of professional experience. Students, recent graduates, or people changing careers can volunteer in a role that aligns with the field they'd like to enter. The skills you gain from volunteering can demonstrate your ability to take on a similar role professionally.
• Gaps in employment can happen due to suddenly being made redundant, navigating health issues, and more. If you have capacity during this period, volunteering can keep your skills sharp and show hiring managers that you have a strong work ethic.
• Sometimes, volunteer roles help us learn transferable skills or leadership experience that we've not gained professionally. Adding these to your CV gives employers a complete picture of your capabilities.
• Lastly, volunteering is an incredible opportunity to display your values, passion, and willingness to develop – all of which are desirable traits to exhibit when you're on the job hunt.

How do I add volunteering to my CV?

When writing your CV, you can add your volunteer experience in its own section or under your work experience. If you have less professional experience, it's best to expand upon the skills you've gained in your volunteer role, connecting them to your goal position. If you have more work experience, keep this section concise and simply list your main achievements as a volunteer.

Remember to note how long you've been volunteering at the same organisation. Employers admire consistency and typically look for at least three consecutive months of volunteer work.

Most importantly, highlight the transferable skills, tangible impacts, and leadership roles you've achieved while volunteering. Transferable skills can be broken down into soft skills and hard skills.

What are soft skills and hard skills?

Soft skills include things like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability – no matter what role you take on as a volunteer, you're sure to sharpen several soft skills.

Hard skills are a bit more specific. You will likely become adept at using scheduling software if you volunteer as a receptionist. Kitchen hands at the Positive Living Centre or SAMESH will improve their cooking skills, while peer educators will gain leadership experience.

It's important to connect your soft and hard skills to numbers. Fortunately, as a volunteer, you'll likely be able to quantify your work. You may help run an event with 300 attendees, lead a peer support group with 15 participants, or help beat a fundraising goal by 10%. These numbers reveal the impact of your volunteer work.

As you prepare your CV with this information, prepare to explain your motivations for volunteering in an interview. Your volunteer work is perhaps the best way to show hiring managers who you are as an individual and why you stand out among the rest.

How do I become a volunteer?

At Thorne Harbour, volunteers are integral to our mission. If you'd like to start volunteering to gain experience or simply give back to your community, Thorne Harbour Health has several ways to get involved. We have opportunities for you, no matter your passion, existing skillset, or availability.

To learn more about volunteering at Thorne Harbour, head here.