Many job seekers only think of adding paid positions to their resumes. But in reality, hiring managers value a wide range of experiences, especially when they showcase transferable skills, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to grow.
If you are a recent graduate, navigating a career change, or returning to the workforce after a break, include diverse experiences on your resumes and in letters of interest. Then, talk to the staffing experts at Quality Placement Authority about available positions that would value your talents.
Volunteer Work and Internships
Donating your time can boost your career prospects, especially if those volunteer opportunities align with the job you’re applying for. Beyond paid positions, volunteering shows initiative, passion, and community involvement, all qualities that employers appreciate.
Whether you’ve helped organize food drives, tutored students, worked at a local animal shelter, or supported nonprofit events, you’ve likely developed skills such as:
- Project management
- Team collaboration
- Customer service
- Communication and public speaking
- Time management
Also, unpaid internships provide valuable, hands-on experience in a professional setting. They demonstrate industry exposure, the ability to follow through on assignments, and real-world applications of your interests.
For best results, highlight specific tools, systems, or processes you learned while in unpaid roles. Did you use customer relationship management software? Contribute to a social media campaign? Help manage inventory? These details show how you’re ready to hit the ground running in an employment setting.
Beyond Paid Positions: School and Family
Academic experiences can be relevant too, especially if you led group projects or were active in project research. For students and recent graduates, leadership in clubs, campus organizations, or student government can demonstrate strong interpersonal and organizational abilities as well. Include measurable results when possible.
And many hiring managers see the importance of time invested in personal responsibilities. So, if you are reentering the workforce after time spent caregiving, you can talk about the skills you have gathered through managing a household. This could include coordinating schedules, assisting with medical appointments, or supporting a family member. Often managers seek candidates with skills that can be garnered through family management, such as time budgeting, problem-solving, and compassion.
Whether you should include experience beyond paid positions on a resume or within a letter will depend on the specifics of your situation. Sometimes a letter of interest to explain an employment gap in a positive, proactive way is the best course of action.
The truth is experience isn’t always measured in paychecks. What matters to employers is how your background has prepared you to succeed in their workplace, whether you gained those skills through volunteering, education, side gigs, or community service.
If you’re unsure how to present your experience, working with a staffing firm can help. Recruiters can assist in identifying relevant skills, crafting standout resumes, and connecting you with opportunities that value your whole story, not just your job titles.
Do you have an updated resume to share with potential employers? Talk to the professionals at Quality Placement Authority, a full-service staffing and recruiting firm with nationwide service capabilities. Connect with Quality Placement Authority today.
