Many candidates focus exclusively on academic background and professional experience, forgetting that There are other factors that can make all the difference.. One of these elements is the volunteering. In addition to demonstrate commitment, empathy and ability to teamwork, This experience can be a decisive factor during recruitment, making a candidate more interesting and well-rounded in the eyes of employers.
Why is volunteering important?
Often, volunteering is seen only as an altruistic gesture, but it has an impact that goes far beyond that. Being a volunteer means develop skills valuable, expand your network of contacts and, in many cases, gain experience in areas relevant to the desired career.
Companies value candidates who demonstrate initiative and a willingness to contribute to society. Volunteering shows that one is a proactive person with good time management skills and, often, practical experience that can be transferred to the professional environment.
Skills developed through volunteering
One of the greatest advantages of volunteering is the possibility of acquire transversal skills which are highly valued by the job market. Regardless of the professional field in which one intends to work, employers look for candidates who They demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and good communication skills.. Volunteering provides exactly that: practical experiences that challenge people to step outside their comfort zone, work in teams, and solve problems in real-world scenarios.
Furthermore, many of Skills acquired through volunteering They are transferable to any professional environment., ...making candidates more versatile and prepared to face the challenges of the working world. The ability to manage tasks, deal with people from different backgrounds, and find quick solutions to unexpected problems are just some of the aspects that make this experience so enriching.
Below, we highlight some of the most valuable skills which can be developed through volunteering:
- TeamworkMany volunteer projects involve collaboration with different people, which allows for improved communication and teamwork skills.
- LeadershipTaking initiative, organizing activities, or coordinating teams are common roles in volunteering, helping to develop leadership and human resource management skills.
- TroubleshootingUnexpected situations may arise, requiring quick adaptation and creativity in problem-solving.
- Organization and time managementOften, volunteering is combined with studies or work, which requires good time management and prioritization.
- Empathy and emotional intelligenceWorking directly with disadvantaged communities or social causes allows one to develop a greater understanding and sensitivity towards others.
How can volunteering open doors in the job market?
In addition to enriching your resume, volunteering can be a an excellent way to open doors in the job market.. Many organizations that rely on volunteers end up recruiting internally when job opportunities arise.
Furthermore, through volunteering, it is possible build a network of contacts professional. Often, those responsible for volunteer projects are linked to companies and institutions that can recommend candidates for future job opportunities.
Including volunteer work on your CV: how and where
For volunteer experience to have an impact on your resume, It's important to know how to present it correctly.. Often, candidates include this information vaguely or hidden among other sections, without giving it due prominence. However, when well-structured, Volunteer experience can be a differentiating factor. in the recruitment process.
Employers value experiences that demonstrate practical skills, community involvement, and a proactive attitude. Therefore, it is essential Present this information clearly, highlighting the skills acquired. and the relevance of the experience to the desired professional field. Here are some tips for strategically including volunteer work on your resume:
- Create a specific section for "volunteer experience"“ Just as there is a section for professional experience, volunteering should have its own space, especially if it played a significant role in your career path. This shows that the experience is relevant and should not be seen merely as a hobby.
- Clearly describe the functions performed. – Avoid simply mentioning the organization's name and the period of your volunteer work. Instead, detail the responsibilities you assumed and the projects you were involved in. For example, instead of writing "volunteer at an NGO," you could specify: "Coordination of fundraising campaigns, social media management, and support in organizing charity events.".
- Highlight the skills acquired. Whenever possible, link your volunteer experience to the skills you developed that may be useful in the professional field you are applying for. If you learned to work in a team, manage projects, or communicate with different audiences, this is valuable information for recruiters.
- Include concrete results. – Whenever possible, mention the impact of your volunteer work with specific data. For example, “Leading a food collection project that raised 5 tons of donations for needy families” or “Creating digital campaigns that increased the association's visibility in 30%”. This helps to demonstrate your contribution in a more objective and measurable way.
- Relate volunteering to the desired professional field. – If your volunteer work is related to the career you intend to pursue, highlight that connection.
- Add recommendations or certifications Some volunteer organizations offer certificates of participation or even letters of recommendation. These documents can be valuable in strengthening the credibility of the experience and demonstrating recognition of the work done.
By following these strategies, volunteer experience ceases to be just a detail on your resume and becomes a relevant element that can capture the attention of recruiters.
International volunteering: an important advantage.
Another way to further enrich your resume is through international volunteering. Participating in projects abroad. demonstrates adaptability to different cultures, autonomy, and initiative., qualities highly valued by employers.
Programs such as the European Voluntary Service or international NGOs offer opportunities to develop skills while contributing to global causes. This experience can also be a way to... improve foreign language skills, something essential in many professions.
Conclusion
Volunteering is much more than an act of generosity. For a candidate, It could be the key to standing out. In an increasingly competitive job market, developing skills, building a network of contacts, and gaining practical experience are just some of the benefits that can make all the difference in your career path.
Whether through small local initiatives or international experiences, volunteering is a smart way to grow professionally and personally while contributing to a greater cause.
