How can you take captive the few seconds that you have to sway a potential hiring manager? We all know that he or she will only briefly comb over your resume before moving along to the next one, so you have to make sure that you have done everything you can to make yours stand out. From career highlights and accolades to the most relevant skill set, where are you supposed to find the real estate on your resume to list any pertinent volunteer work? And, should you even take the time to mess with it at all?
As a company that has a wealth of experience in preparing professionals for successful careers, we know what a stand out resume should look like. We can testify to the fact that volunteer work should definitely be considered as you are creating the perfect brand for yourself. These hours that you have spent giving selflessly and tirelessly of your time represent who you are, and the power of your character and integrity can speak volumes throughout your resume. Therefore, it should be included in ways that will add to an understanding of who you are as a potential employee yet must still take a backseat to your work experience and specific career-related skills. How, then, should you best represent your volunteer work when it comes to building a solid resume?
The key to a seamless resume is just that, a document that takes the different pieces of who you are and what you offer and weaves them together in a concise and cohesive manner. The volunteer work that you share on a professional platform should pair with the position that you are qualified to fulfill. Taking the time to share your volunteer experience as it aligns with your career goals and character strengths will reinforce who you are as a potential candidate. For the hiring manager who is quickly flipping through pages of resumes and applications, there is something that stands out about a person who spends their free time in an honorable way. There is something to be said for the individual who serves the community and the cause that is dear to their heart without being paid for their time.
So, if you have a ton of volunteer experience that needs to be better understood and displayed on your resume, then don’t hesitate to give us a call. We will take your hard work and long hours and build a resume that paints the truest and most colorful picture of you.
816.986.0909