Volunteer experience can be highly beneficial for your resume. As per a recent LinkedIn survey, about 41% of managers reported that they would consider hiring a candidate if they have volunteering experience in their field. Why does this experience matter, and how can you add it to your LinkedIn profile?
LinkedIn is a social media site used for business-to-business and job-seeking purposes. It allows users to create profiles, connect with other individuals, and share information related to their profession. The platform also offers a feature called Volunteer Experience, which allows users to showcase information about their role and contribution to society.
Volunteering provides a way for people to connect with their community and make a difference in the lives of others. It is also a great way to get to know other people who share your interests and values. Adding it to your resume helps build skills and experience that will make you a more attractive candidate for a job.
How to Add Volunteer Experience on LinkedIn?
- Go to LinkedIn and log in with your credentials.
- Go to your profile and click “Add profile section,”
- When the dropdown menu appears, select “Additional,” then click on “Volunteer Experience.”
- Insert the details and hit “Save.”
Go to LinkedIn and log in with your credentials.
Once logged in, go to your profile. Find and click the button “Add Profile Section.” It is located just below your profile picture.
A dialogue box will open. From the dropdown menu, select “Additional” and then click on “Add Volunteer Experience.”
Here, fill in the necessary details, these include
- Organization Name and Role: When adding volunteering experience, include the name of the organization you served and your role. This information helps others to understand the scope of your experience and what you were able to accomplish.
- Cause: When adding your volunteer experience to LinkedIn, it’s essential to choose the reason you worked for. This will help potential employers or connections see what kind of causes you’re passionate about and what kind of work you’re willing to do.
- Dates and Description: Be sure to describe your experience in detail and mention the dates you served. Doing this will allow potential employers to see the skills and experience you gained while volunteering and help them understand how your expertise can benefit their organization.
Once you are done completing the form, click Save.
Best practices for adding LinkedIn volunteer experience
Adding a volunteer experience to your LinkedIn profile is the perfect way to show potential employers that you have a strong sense of community and are philanthropic. Volunteering also looks great on your resume and can allow you to develop new skills. Here are the best practices to consider when adding a volunteer experience.
It should be factual and accurate.
When writing about your volunteer experience, it is important to be accurate and truthful. Do not exaggerate or embellish your role or the organization’s work – this will only reflect poorly on you and may damage your credibility. Be clear and concise in your description, highlighting the skills and experience you gained through volunteering.
Talk about interpersonal skills.
Volunteer experiences are a great way to gain or improve interpersonal skills. When adding volunteer experiences to your LinkedIn profile, include how the experience helped you gain or improve important skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. By highlighting how your volunteer experiences have helped you develop these skills, you can show potential employers that you are a well-rounded and experienced individual.
Add data, duties, and responsibilities.
When adding volunteer experience to your LinkedIn profile, include relevant numbers, data, or achievements since this will give your profile more weight. For example, if you raised $5,000 for a charity event, mention that in your profile.
What are examples of volunteer experience for a LinkedIn profile?
- Organizing and leading fundraising events
- Coordinating volunteers for a community service project
- Sorting and distributing donations for a local food bank
- Tutoring students in a local after-school program are some of the examples of volunteer experience that can be added to a LinkedIn profile:
Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and gain experience. There are many different types of volunteer opportunities available, so there is something for everyone.
Is it a good idea to put volunteering experience on LinkedIn?
Indeed, it is, especially if your volunteer experience relates to your profession. But even if your experience isn’t directly related to your career, a hiring manager will learn much about your work ethic. For one, it can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs.
Remember:
Many employers and hiring managers value candidates with a history of giving back to their communities. Volunteering is a great way to show that you are one of those candidates.
What can be a volunteer experience on LinkedIn?
Any unpaid work you’ve done for a non-profit organization or other cause can be considered volunteer experience. This could include organizing events, leading fundraising efforts, or working on a marketing campaign.
If you’ve done any pro bono work for a company or organization, that can also be counted as volunteer experience, such as designing a website to providing consulting services.
Conclusion
Adding volunteer experience to your LinkedIn profile is a great way to show your dedication to helping others and your willingness to go above and beyond. It can also help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate the skills necessary to succeed in the workplace. If you are interested in adding volunteer experience to your LinkedIn profile, follow the steps outlined in this article. And remember to be honest and truthful when describing your experiences.
