When applying, the CV is particularly important for HR managers. In addition to completeness and design, the content is of course also relevant. For example, volunteer work – especially if you have little professional experience – can provide bonus points in the application process.
Volunteering expands your skills
Social commitment is primarily important for further training and for gaining personal experience. Nonetheless, some of the benefits of volunteering can also be extended to the professional world. Basically, volunteering shows a willingness to show additional commitment. Depending on the type of volunteer work, soft and hard skills are learned that could become relevant in professional life. But probably the biggest advantage of volunteering is that you stand out from other applicants. In individual cases, volunteer work can even help with the job search itself by acting as a career springboard through vitamin B. But even during times of unemployment, social commitment can demonstrate the desire for work, provided that work is being sought at the same time. Ultimately, the advantage of volunteering in the professional world is that you make yourself more attractive to the employer, because many conclusions can be drawn about the other person based on the type of activity. While carrying out voluntary work is usually associated with positive qualities such as loyalty, selflessness or willingness to help, when applying, you should still pay attention to which and how many voluntary activities are stated.
The steptone.de portal recommends a maximum of three activities, which should be stated in the CV. Too many extra-work activities could scare off a potential employer and give the impression that the job you want is secondary, as the portal explains. Many different voluntary activities of short duration can also quickly have an erratic effect. According to the portal, it is also important to consciously select certain activities and indicate them in your CV. For a social profession, for example, volunteering as a trainer in a club can be specified, says stepstone.de. Another example from the portal is working in a veterinary practice; volunteering at an animal shelter can be an advantage. All in all, it is important that the volunteer activity specified fits you personally and the advertised position in order to be able to fully exploit the advantages.
This is where they should be on your resume
Since the CV is usually structured in a table, sections such as “Interests and Hobbies”, “Special Knowledge” or “Personal Skills” should also be formatted accordingly. Voluntary activities at best fall into one of the categories just mentioned, but if the CV has a lot of space, a separate category “Social commitment” or “Volunteering” can be used. Information such as the type of volunteer work, organization, institution and tasks should be included so that a potential employer can get an initial picture of the activity.
In the job interview
Although you are not obliged to provide proof of the voluntary work that was stated in your CV, such a certificate or some kind of employment reference should be available. If in doubt, the potential employer can request this or ask for it in the event of a job interview. Since preparation is important for a job interview, you should be aware that volunteer work will most likely be discussed during the job interview. An overview of tasks, experiences and what has been learned should then be presented.
Editorial team finanzen.net
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