1. Treat It Like a Job  

When listing volunteer work, structure it as you would any job or internship. Include the organization name, your role, location, and dates of service. For example:  

Volunteer Coordinator, Habitat for Humanity  
Washington, DC | June 2022 – August 2023  

2. Focus on Transferable Skills  

Employers want to see how your volunteer work prepared you for their role. Did you develop leadership skills by coordinating events? Strengthen your communication abilities by working with diverse groups? Use bullet points to clearly outline your contributions and achievements.  

For instance:  

• Managed a team of 10 volunteers to complete housing construction projects on schedule.  
• Facilitated workshops on homeownership for underserved families, improving community awareness.  

3. Quantify Your Impact  

Numbers catch attention. Wherever possible, include metrics to showcase the scale or results of your efforts.  

Instead of saying:  

“Organized fundraising events.”  

Say:  

“Organized three fundraising events that raised $25,000 to support local education programs.”  

4. Highlight Leadership and Teamwork  

If you held a leadership position or played a key role in group activities, emphasize this. Employers value individuals who can lead and collaborate.  

For example:  

• Led a weekly mentorship program for 15 high school students, increasing graduation rates by 20%.  
• Collaborated with a team of five to design and implement a sustainable food drive system for the campus community.  

5. Tailor Your Experience to the Job Description  

Not all volunteer experiences need to be listed. Choose the ones most relevant to the position you’re applying for. If the job emphasizes customer service, highlight volunteer roles where you engaged with the public. If the role values project management, showcase your organizational contributions.  

6. Include Volunteer Experience in Multiple Sections  

Volunteer experience doesn’t need to be confined to a single section of your resume. Depending on its relevance, you can:  

• List it under “Work Experience.”  
• Create a separate “Volunteer Experience” section.  
• Include it in “Skills” or “Leadership Activities.”  

7. Use Action Words  

Make your resume dynamic by starting each bullet point with strong action verbs such as “organized,” “led,” “facilitated,” or “developed.” This conveys initiative and impact.  

8. Showcase Long-Term Commitments  

Consistent, long-term volunteer work demonstrates dedication and time management. Employers may view this as an indicator of reliability and passion.  

9. Mention Soft Skills  

Volunteering often develops soft skills like empathy, adaptability, and problem-solving. If these align with the job, be sure to highlight them in your resume or cover letter.  

10. Leverage NSCS Opportunities  

As an NSCS member, you have access to exclusive service opportunities and leadership roles. These experiences not only build your resume but also set you apart by showing your dedication to academic excellence and community engagement.  

A well-crafted resume can turn your volunteer experience into a powerful career asset. By tailoring your contributions to fit the roles you’re applying for, you can show employers that your commitment to service goes hand in hand with professional growth.

As a college student, you are undoubtedly working hard to make the most of your academic experience and build a strong foundation for your future career. One way to enhance your college experience and give yourself an edge in the job market is by joining the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS).

Founded in 1994, NSCS is a non-profit honors organization that recognizes and celebrates high-achieving undergraduate students. Membership in NSCS provides students with numerous opportunities and benefits, including:

1. Leadership Development: NSCS provides students with leadership development programs and opportunities to help them develop the skills they need to succeed both in college and in their careers.

2. Scholarship Awards: NSCS offers scholarship awards to its members, helping them offset the cost of tuition and other expenses associated with attending college.

3. Networking Opportunities: NSCS hosts numerous events and activities designed to connect members with one another, as well as with alumni, leaders in their field, and other professionals. This can be a great way to build relationships, expand your network, and gain valuable insights and advice from experienced professionals.

4. Career Resources: NSCS provides members with career resources and support, including resume and cover letter reviews, job search advice, and more. These resources can be especially valuable for students who are just starting out in their careers and looking for guidance and support.

5. Recognition and Honor: By joining NSCS, you are demonstrating to others that you are a dedicated and accomplished student. This can be a great way to gain recognition and respect from others, and to build your reputation both on and off campus.

In addition to these benefits, NSCS also offers members access to exclusive discounts and perks, such as discounts on textbooks, insurance, and travel.

In conclusion, if you are a college student who is dedicated to your academic and career success, then joining the National Society of Collegiate Scholars is a great way to get ahead. With its numerous benefits, opportunities, and resources, NSCS can help you achieve your goals and succeed in all areas of your life. So why wait? Join today and start taking advantage of all that NSCS has to offer!