Check your resume against a job
Paste or upload your resume (.txt, .docx or .pdf), then paste the job. Your file stays on your device.
Where it goes
Canada's Job Bank says unpaid work that shows your skills can go under "Work experience" or a "Volunteer work" section, especially if it relates to the job. The UK National Careers Service also says to include volunteering in your work history.
- Related to the job: put it in your experience section, labeled "Volunteer".
- Not related: a short "Volunteering" section near the end.
- No paid work yet: it can be your main experience; see resume with no experience.
How to write it
Same as a job: role, organization, dates, and bullets that start with an action verb.
Volunteer Event Coordinator, Example Animal Rescue | 2023 – Present
- Planned 4 adoption days a year and scheduled 12 volunteers for each
- Updated the adoption list in Google Sheets each week
Made-up example. Be clear it was volunteer work, and keep hours and results true.
It can also fill a gap
Volunteering during time out of work can show recent skills; see employment gaps.
Related: Career change resume · Hard vs soft skills · How to write a resume. Check your resume with the free ATS resume checker.
Sources
- Job Bank (Government of Canada): How to write a good resume
- National Careers Service (UK): CV sections
- National Careers Service (UK): Advice on volunteering
Advice differs by employer and country. Follow the job ad when it asks for something specific.
FAQ
Does volunteer work count as experience?
Yes. It shows real skills. Label it as volunteer work.
Where do I put volunteering on a resume?
In your experience section if it relates to the job, or in a separate volunteering section if not.
Should I include hours?
Optional. If you include them, keep them accurate.
Check your resume against a real job
Paste your resume and a job listing. Get a 0 to 100 fit score, matched and missing keywords, and section checks. Free, no signup, runs in your browser, no AI.
Open the free score checker