Here's how you can highlight your volunteer work on a mid-career resume.

1 Tailor Fit

When you're highlighting volunteer work on your resume, it's crucial to tailor it to the job you're applying for. Think about the skills you've gained through volunteering that are relevant to the position. For instance, if you're applying for a managerial role and you've coordinated a fundraiser or led a community project, these experiences can demonstrate leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Present your volunteer work as you would any professional experience: with clear outcomes and learned skills that directly tie into the job description. This approach shows that you understand the role and are capable of transferring your volunteer experiences to a professional setting.

2 Strategic Placement

The placement of your volunteer work on your resume should be strategic. If your volunteer experience is highly relevant to the job you're applying for, consider placing it in a prominent section, such as right after your professional experience. However, if the experience is less relevant or you have extensive professional experience that is more pertinent, you might include it in a separate volunteer section towards the end of your resume. This ensures that your most relevant qualifications are seen first, while still showcasing your community involvement and additional skills.

3 Highlight Impact

To make your volunteer work stand out, focus on the impact you made. Describe specific projects or roles and quantify your contributions whenever possible. For example, mention how much money you helped raise or how many people attended an event you organized. This provides tangible evidence of your effectiveness and shows potential employers that your volunteer work has had real-world results. Highlighting the positive change you've contributed to through volunteering can also reflect your initiative and dedication—qualities that are attractive to any employer.

4 Transferable Skills

In your mid-career stage, it's important to emphasize transferable skills gained from volunteering. These are skills that are applicable in many jobs, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. When you describe your volunteer experiences, focus on how you've developed these skills and provide examples. For instance, if you've volunteered as a tutor, you could highlight your ability to communicate complex information effectively, which is a valuable skill in training and development roles. By showcasing transferable skills, you demonstrate your versatility and potential to contribute in diverse work environments.

6 Networking Value

Lastly, don't underestimate the networking value of volunteering. Mention any connections or professional relationships you've developed through your volunteer work that could be beneficial to your career. Perhaps you collaborated with industry leaders or worked alongside professionals from various fields—these contacts can be an asset not only for finding new opportunities but also for bringing a broader perspective to your role. By highlighting the networking aspect of volunteering, you demonstrate that you're proactive about professional growth and value building relationships within your industry.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?