Volunteering has many benefits both to you, your community, and your CV. Whether you do it alone, or with a friend, it is a fantastic way to spend your spare time. Volunteering covers a wide range of activities so you can find one which you are most passionate about and enjoy. As well as doing something that gives back to society you can use your experiences to boost your CV.
Time
One of the main characteristic’s employers look for in a candidate is the ability to manage their time and to organise themselves. By balancing your degree, your social life and potentially a part-time job and a role in a society and then a volunteering role it shows employees that you are great at balancing your time and can manage your time well in order to get all your tasks done. By showing employers that you spend your free time volunteering shows that you are an active individual who takes up the opportunities available and doesn’t waste time. During your time volunteering, you will also develop key soft skills which will be valued by employers, some examples being ‘time management’ and ‘working with deadlines’.
Work experience
Whatever the reason you volunteer, you’ll always receive valuable work experience. If you have never had a job before you may be at a disadvantage when applying to internships and future jobs compared to other candidates who have work experience. Volunteering is, therefore, a great way to allow you to earn experience, even if it isn’t directly related to what you want to do in the future, the skills you learn will be valuable to whatever you decide to do in the future. You also often have better intentions when volunteering over a part-time job, this can give your CV the edge over other candidates and help you stand out.
In addition, if you volunteer within the profession you would eventually like to apply to, you can gain relevant experience as well as expanding your professional network. This also shows employers that you are proactive, and you know exactly what you want to do in the future.
Teamwork
Volunteering, in most examples, requires a significant amount of teamwork. If you volunteer with a charity not only can you show that you can present a professional and friendly face to the public but also that you can work with a team towards a common goal. People who volunteer are often regarded as more generous with their time; employers may see this as a willingness to go above and beyond in the workplace. Volunteering for an extended period demonstrates dedication and suggests you can stay committed and won’t quit after a few months.
Skills
No matter the type of volunteering you do, you’re bound to learn a lot of skills. Even the simplest tasks could impress a potential employer such as proficiency in Microsoft programs, communicating with individuals, or leadership. Every skill you learn should be added to your CV, employers love candidates who show a wide range of transferable skills. There are lots of aspects to volunteering so you will develop a wide range of skills.
Finally, the most important thing to consider when asking “How can volunteering help my CV?” is that all experience is relevant and can be phrased to impress a future employer. As a volunteer you don’t gain money for your work, so you need to highlight the things you do earn from volunteering. Experience and transferable skills are highly valued by employers so you should put everything you take part in and learn on the job into your CV.