When it comes to employers, there are a number of things that can impress them when viewing your CV and volunteer work is one of them.

Contributing your time and effort for a cause you believe in can be personally rewarding and give you a clear outlook on what you want to do in life, which will have a direct impact on your career path.

There are a number of reasons why someone might choose to volunteer. You might want to contribute your time to a worthy cause or maybe you just need a bit more experience in a specific field. The skills that are gained from volunteer work are singular and having this kind of experience on your CV is a great bonus that can distinguish you from other candidates in the eyes of a recruiter or employer.

When it comes to your CV and the kind of job you are applying for, knowing what approach to take on when writing your CV is important. Assemble your volunteering skills and experience altogether in a way that makes a positive impression, whilst tailoring that experience to fit the job role you are applying for.

Key aspects to look at when writing your CV with volunteer work:

Use skills that match the job role

The information that you list on your CV about your volunteer experience should be kept to a necessary minimum for each job you apply for. Try to focus on the key skills needed for the job role you are applying for, as it is crucial to making your experience noteworthy.

Not having work experience

You may not have any work experience at all and volunteer work is the only thing you can highlight. Don’t worry, this can still help you in your job searching process. You can emphasise the work you have done whilst volunteering and show how you put yourself forward to a useful cause. Consider using the volunteering information as if it was a real paid position. Name the company, the title and the duration of the position on your CV. By adding your volunteer experience, you are also showing a prospective employer that you are serious about your transition into a career.

Your CV is your experience

Your CV should weave together a compelling overview of you. With this being said, don’t shy away from being expressive about your volunteering experience. An employer will appreciate that you have a drive in life.

Format your CV

Always remember that your CV shouldn’t be so extensive that it takes a long time to read. It doesn’t have to include every single work experience you have done since you were 16. Just communicate clear and relevant skills. Try and keep your CV to one page, and list the related volunteer experience under your employment section just like any other job.

Once you have finished writing your new CV with your volunteering experience, the easy way to apply for jobs is to search for jobs that match your skills with the ones in the job description. This way you can really play on these skills during the interview process and explain why you are the best candidate for the job role based on your volunteering experience.