One often-overlooked way to enhance your LinkedIn profile is by showcasing your volunteer experience. Volunteering helps you give back to the community, of course, but it can also highlight skills and attributes that many employers value and paints you as a purpose driven person who works because they can and want to, not because they have to.
Why adding volunteer experience on LinkedIn can improve your professional profile
As mentioned, volunteering showcases your personal initiative and often highlights skills that are transferable to the workplace. Volunteer experience can strengthen your professional image and show just what an amazing person you are.
How recruiters view volunteer work on LinkedIn profiles
Recruiters value volunteer experience because it can reveal a lot about a candidate’s personality, work ethic, and dedication beyond their formal job history. According to LinkedIn, more than 40% of hiring managers consider volunteer experience as valuable as paid work. When you list volunteering to your profile, recruiters see it as an indication that you are proactive, adaptable, and community-oriented—traits that can set you apart from other candidates.
Does LinkedIn categorise volunteer experience separately from work experience?
Yes, LinkedIn categorizes volunteer work separately from paid work experience. This distinction allows you to highlight your contributions to non-profit organizations or causes without confusing them with your professional work history. The “Volunteer experience” section is a dedicated space where you can list your roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments from unpaid positions.
How showcasing volunteer work can enhance your credibility
Volunteer work enhances your credibility, too. It shows that you are committed to personal growth and making a positive impact. Volunteering illustrates that you’re willing to go above and beyond. It can be especially beneficial if you’re applying for jobs in sectors that prioritize social responsibility, leadership, or project management.
Step-by-step guide to adding volunteer experience on LinkedIn
Adding your volunteer experience on LinkedIn is simple but knowing where to start and what to include can make a big difference in how it’s perceived by recruiters and potential employers.
Where to find the volunteer experience section on LinkedIn
To add volunteer experience to your LinkedIn profile, follow these steps:
Go to your profile.
Scroll down to the “Add profile section” button.
In the dropdown menu, select “Additional” and then click on “Add volunteer experience.”
You’ll now have access to a form where you can input the details of your volunteer roles.
What details should you include when listing volunteer work?
When adding volunteer work to your LinkedIn profile, don’t forget to include:
- Organization name: Mention the name of the organization where you volunteered.
- Role/Title: Be specific about the role you held. Use a title that reflects your responsibilities, such as “Event Coordinator” or “Lecturer.”
- Time of volunteering: Indicate when you volunteered, include both start and end dates (or choose “I am currently volunteering in this role”, if it is a long-term, ongoing volunteering).
- Description of duties, achievements or impact: In the “Description” section, briefly describe your tasks and accomplishments, focusing on the skills you used or gained. Also highlight measurable outcomes where possible. For instance, if you helped raise funds or organized an event with a large turnout, include those details.
Best practices for highlighting volunteer experience on LinkedIn
To really make your volunteer work stand out, connect it to your overall career goals and present it in a way that complements your professional experience.
How to connect volunteer experience with your career goals
Best is to link it to your career aspirations. For example, if you’re pursuing a career in marketing and have volunteered to manage a charity’s social media accounts, this experience directly demonstrates your capabilities. Similarly, if you’re applying for a leadership role, mentioning how you coordinated a team of volunteers can reinforce your managerial skills.
