Should You Include Virtual Volunteer Work in Your LinkedIn or Resume?

Adding virtual volunteer work to your LinkedIn profile or resume can significantly enhance your professional image, making you stand out in a crowded job market. It is a valuable addition that showcases your commitment to community service, ethical values, and dedication to specific causes. Virtual volunteering, in particular, allows you to contribute your skills and time to important initiatives while maintaining flexibility and work-life balance. However, it is essential to choose volunteer opportunities that are respectable and relevant to your professional goals. In this article, we will explore when and how to include virtual volunteer work on your professional networks.

Why Include Virtual Volunteer Work?

Virtual volunteer work offers numerous benefits that can align with your career objectives. Here are some compelling reasons to include it on your LinkedIn or resume:

Enhance Skills: Virtual volunteer roles often provide opportunities to develop and refine skills that are complementary to your current or future job. For instance, working remotely as a project coordinator for a non-profit may help you hone your project management and communication skills. Build a Network: Volunteering online can introduce you to professionals who share your interests and values, helping you establish a valuable network in your field. Showcase Commitment: By demonstrating your dedication to a cause, you can strengthen your appeal to potential employers who value a balanced work-life approach. Boost Your Resume: Including relevant volunteer work can make your resume more compelling, especially if the work aligns with your professional goals or showcases specific experiences. Highlight Soft Skills: Virtual volunteering often requires excellent time management, clear communication, and adaptability, all of which are highly valued by employers.

When to Include Virtual Volunteer Work

There are certain scenarios where including virtual volunteer work is particularly advantageous:

Relevant Experience: If the virtual volunteer work is closely related to the roles you are pursuing, it should be highlighted prominently on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Professional Development: If the work helps you acquire skills that are essential for your career advancement, such as leadership or technical skills, it is a valuable addition. Community Involvement: Volunteering for causes you are passionate about can demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility, which is increasingly important in the job market. Cultural Fit: Demonstrating alignment with the values of a company you are applying to can set you apart from other candidates.

How to Showcase Virtual Volunteer Work

To effectively showcase your virtual volunteer work, you should:

Write a Compelling Summary: Include a detailed summary in your LinkedIn profile about your experiences and the impact you made. Highlight key accomplishments and the skills you acquired. Add Specific Examples: Provide concrete examples of projects you undertook or goals you achieved during your virtual volunteering. Demonstrate Impact: Quantify your achievements where applicable, such as the number of people helped or the amount of funds raised. Highlight Soft Skills: Emphasize the interpersonal skills and adaptability you developed, as these are highly prized in the workplace. Use Keywords: Include relevant keywords from the job postings you are targeting to ensure that recruiters can easily find your information.

Example

Summary:

Completed a year as a virtual coordinator for Heart Support, where I managed a team of 15 volunteers and oversaw the coordination of over 200 fundraising events. This role honed my leadership and communication skills, resulting in a 20% increase in volunteer retention and a 30% growth in fundraising.

Conclusion

Including virtual volunteer work on your LinkedIn and resume is a strategic move that can significantly benefit your career prospects. By carefully selecting relevant experiences and effectively marketing your contributions, you can present yourself as a well-rounded individual with a strong work ethic and a commitment to social responsibility. Remember, the right virtual volunteer work can be a powerful asset in your professional journey.