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I’ve been volunteering for a congressional campaign—phone banking, canvassing, even helping with logistics. When updating my resume, I realized this experience taught me real skills like persuasion, time management, and community organizing. But I’m unsure if employers will see it as valuable or just as ‘extra.’ Should I place it under professional experience, or keep it separate?
Posted : 25/08/2025 10:39 am
Where to Place Volunteer Work on a Resume
- If It’s Directly Relevant to the Job:
- Include it under Work Experience.
- Format it just like a job: role, organization, dates, and accomplishments.
- Example: Volunteer Canvasser – Local Candidate Campaign (Spring 2024): Knocked on 300+ doors, engaged with voters, and contributed to a 20% increase in turnout.
- If It’s Valuable but Indirectly Relevant:
- Add a section like Volunteer Experience or Community Engagement.
- Place it after your Work Experience and Education.
- This shows recruiters your well-roundedness without overshadowing paid roles.
- If It Demonstrates Leadership or Specialized Skills:
- Highlight those skills in the Skills or Achievements section.
- Example: Fundraising & Event Management (Raised $5,000 for local campaign).
Tips for Presentation
- Use action verbs (organized, led, managed, coordinated).
- Quantify impact (hours, people reached, funds raised).
- Tailor the placement depending on the job you’re applying for.
👉 In short: Relevant = Work Experience. Indirect = Volunteer Section. Skills-based = Achievements.
Posted : 25/08/2025 10:43 am