Volunteer experience to add to your CV / Applybuddy

Let’s be honest, your CV should do more than just list job titles and education. It should tell a story about who you are, what matters to you, and what you’re capable of. That’s where volunteer experience to add to your CV can make a powerful difference.

But sometimes, especially if you’re starting or switching careers, your work history alone doesn’t paint the whole picture. That’s where volunteer experience to add to your CV can make a powerful difference.

Volunteering shows more than just kindness; it reflects real initiative, teamwork, and a willingness to grow. Whether you’re helping out at a local charity, mentoring young people, or organising events in your community, those unpaid hours say something meaningful to potential employers.

They tell recruiters that you’re adaptable, purpose-driven, and proactive, precisely the kind of qualities they’re looking for in a candidate.

So if you’re wondering how to stand out in a competitive job market, don’t overlook your volunteer work. It might be the hidden gem that moves your CV from the “maybe” pile to the top of the shortlist.

How Volunteering Makes You More Employable

You might be surprised, but 82% of hiring managers say they’re more likely to choose a candidate with volunteer experience. Why? Volunteering teaches real-world skills like teamwork, leadership, and solving problems.

According to a study shared by the University of Montana, people who volunteer have a 27 per cent higher chance of landing a job. That figure leaps to 55 per cent for rural residents, showing the powerful career boost volunteer experience can give.

These are the same things that matter in paid roles. When you include volunteer experience on your CV, you’re showing that you’ve been growing your skills, even outside of a job. It proves you’re active, curious, and always ready to learn.

Volunteering Fills Career Gaps in a Smart Way

Let’s be real, career gaps happen. You took time off to care for someone, study, or figure things out. But gaps don’t have to hurt your CV. Volunteering during those times shows you stayed productive.

Research shows that unemployed young adults who volunteered, even for just a few hours a week, were much more likely to find work within six months, because employers see real proof of commitment and reliability.

You didn’t just wait, you took action. When you add this kind of experience to your CV, it turns the story from “Why weren’t you working?” to “Wow, look what you were doing instead.” It shows growth, not downtime.

Why Recruiters Care About Volunteer Work

Here’s something not everyone knows: recruiters often see volunteer work as a sign of a strong character. It tells them you care about more than just money, you care about people, causes, and making a difference.

And that matters. Volunteer experience shows passion, emotional intelligence, and drive. These are things that can’t always be taught on the job. So when recruiters see it on your CV, it gives them another reason to believe you’ll be a great long-term fit.

Best Types of Volunteer Experience to Include

A report shows that those who volunteer professionally earn on average £2,300 more per year,and their volunteer efforts contribute around £4.6 billion in productivity gains across the UK.

Not all volunteer work carries the same weight, and in today’s competitive job market, you want experience that speaks loudly. The best types of volunteer experience to include on your CV are those that show you’ve gone beyond just “helping out.”

You want to show leadership, impact, and direct relevance to your career goals. Let’s break down the ones that can genuinely transform your CV from basic to brilliant.

Leadership or Coordination Roles in Non-Profits

Let’s say you helped organise a fundraiser, managed a team of volunteers, or coordinated logistics for a community outreach program. That’s not just volunteering, it’s leadership in action.

These roles demonstrate your ability to manage people, plan projects, solve real-time problems, and deliver results under pressure. Hiring managers take note when they see proof of initiative and ownership, even outside traditional work environments.

Volunteering in Industry-Relevant Roles

Here’s the secret: the closer your volunteer role aligns with your desired career path, the more powerful it becomes. For instance, if you’re eyeing a job in digital marketing, helping a non-profit manage their social media or email campaigns is gold.

Want to break into healthcare? Volunteering at a local clinic, blood drive, or mental health campaign tells a compelling story. This shows commitment to your industry, even when no paycheck is involved.

Remote and Virtual Volunteering Opportunities

Can’t physically volunteer? Don’t worry, virtual volunteering is more in demand than ever. Think online tutoring, virtual research, digital content writing, or even offering admin support to global charities.

These roles do more than add a line to your CV; they highlight key transferable skills like self-discipline, remote collaboration, tech fluency, and adaptability. In a world rushing towards remote work, these experiences carry serious weight.

How to Write Volunteer Experience on Your CV

Let’s break this down step-by-step. It’s not just about having volunteer experience, it’s about showcasing it the right way. When recruiters glance through your CV, the way you present your background can make a world of difference. So, let’s get into how to structure and highlight your volunteer experience to add to your CV in a way that feels both professional and impactful.

Correct Formatting for Volunteer Roles

Start by treating your volunteer roles just like formal employment. Use this format: Job Title, Organisation Name, Dates of Involvement, and Location. Once that’s in place, write two to three bullet points underneath, clearly explaining your contributions and achievements. Be specific.

Don’t forget to label this section “Volunteer Experience” so it’s instantly recognisable. If your volunteer work directly relates to the job you’re applying for, feel free to include it under “Professional Experience” instead. That subtle shift helps hiring managers view it as serious and relevant work experience.

Using Action Verbs and Measurable Impact

Here’s where many people fall short: they use vague or passive language. Avoid that. Use strong action verbs like “coordinated,” “facilitated,” “developed,” “led,” or “launched.” These words show initiative. Next, back them up with real outcomes.

Did your effort increase donations by 25%? Help organise an event attended by 500 people? Train a team of new volunteers? These measurable results transform your volunteer experience into a clear story of impact that adds to your CV. The more numbers and outcomes you include, the more powerful your CV becomes.

Where to Place Volunteer Work on Your CV

Think about relevance first. If your volunteer role closely aligns with the position you’re applying for, list it near the top of your CV, right under your professional experience, or even integrated within it. This ensures it grabs attention early.

If it’s less directly connected, place it under a separate section titled “Volunteer Experience” near the bottom. Either way, make sure your volunteer experience adds to your CV and strengthens your overall story. Every section of your CV should support one thing: your fit for the role you’re applying for.

When to Highlight Volunteering Over Paid Roles

Forbes reports that volunteering helps recent graduates stand out by adding real-world experience and showcasing proactive skill-building, critical in today’s competitive job market.

Sometimes, your volunteer experience to add to your CV can leave a stronger impression than your paid job, especially if you’re making a career switch or stepping into an unfamiliar field.

Volunteering shows you’re not just waiting for change, you’re creating it. It proves you’re willing to gain experience, contribute meaningfully, and grow outside a formal job title.

For Career Changers Entering New Fields

Planning a career shift? Volunteering can act as your stepping stone. If your current job doesn’t reflect your future goals, highlight your volunteer experience on your CV, which aligns better with where you’re headed.

For example, if you’re moving into tech and have volunteered on a digital project, that speaks volumes. It tells recruiters you’re not only interested, you’ve already started building your new path, even without a formal job in the space.

As Evidence of Transferable Skills

Don’t underestimate unpaid work; it can be just as powerful. Maybe you didn’t hold a title in marketing, but if you helped a local non-profit plan events, write newsletters, or run their Instagram, that counts.

Use this kind of volunteer experience to add to your CV as proof you’ve gained relevant, transferable skills. These real-life examples can demonstrate your ability to adapt and perform in a new role, even if your previous jobs were in a different field.

To Show Continuous Professional Development

However, even when you’re not working full-time, you can keep growing. Volunteering helps you build new skills, stay mentally engaged, and show potential employers that you’re proactive.

Adding volunteer experience to your CV tells a clear story: you’re committed to developing yourself, contributing to your community, and staying sharp, regardless of whether you’re being paid. That kind of drive stands out in any job market.

Final Thoughts

In a world where everyone’s trying to stand out, meaningful volunteer work can be your superpower. It’s not about fluffing your CV, it’s about telling a richer, more human story.

When used strategically, volunteer experience to add to your CV can demonstrate your skills, drive, and readiness for the next big opportunity. Whether you’re pivoting industries, filling gaps, or just showing depth, don’t underestimate the power of unpaid experience.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Our career experts at RKY Careers can help you craft a CV that highlights your volunteer strengths, optimises for UK standards, and positions you for success in a competitive job market.

That’s where ApplyBuddy comes in.

We help job seekers like you turn their volunteer experience into professional gold. Whether you’re trying to switch careers, land your first UK role, or climb the ladder, we offer the tools and support to help you shine in every stage of your job search.

CV Optimisation: We rewrite your CV to meet UK standards, highlight your strengths, and get past applicant tracking systems.

LinkedIn Revamp: We turn your profile into a recruiter magnet, with the right keywords, branding, and storytelling.

Interview Preparation: Nervous about interviews? We coach you with real questions, feedback, and strategies that build confidence.

Job Application Support: From tailoring cover letters to finding the right roles, we’re in your corner every step of the way.

Your volunteer experience deserves more than a footnote. Let us help you transform it into a powerful tool for career success.

FAQ

1. Can I list unpaid volunteer work as professional experience?

Absolutely. If it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for, unpaid roles count just as much as paid ones. The right volunteer experience to add to your CV can demonstrate leadership, project management, or technical skills you’ve gained outside a formal job. Just present it the same way you would a job role, include your title, the organisation, your responsibilities, and measurable achievements.

2. What skills can I highlight from volunteering on a CV?

Plenty! You can highlight soft skills like communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, as well as technical skills like data entry, event coordination, or social media management, depending on the nature of your volunteer role. The most impactful volunteer experience to add to your CV is the one that aligns closely with the job you want and proves your initiative.

3. Does volunteer experience count for entry-level job applications?

Yes, and it often makes a big difference. For entry-level roles where paid experience might be limited, your volunteer experience to add to your CV can fill that gap. It shows that you’ve taken steps to build real-world skills, adapt to team environments, and contribute meaningfully, even without a paycheck.

4. How do employers verify my volunteer experience?

Just like any other experience, employers may contact the organisation where you volunteered or ask for a reference. That’s why it’s important to be honest and accurate when listing volunteer experience to add to your CV. Include names, dates, and a contact person if possible. Even if it was informal, a brief description and outcome will go a long way.

Volunteer Experience to Add to Your CV