Your CV is your chance to showcase not just your professional achievements, but also the experiences that make you unique and well-rounded. Volunteer work and extracurricular activities can set you apart from other candidates, especially when applying for jobs abroad. Here’s how to highlight them effectively to make a lasting impression on recruiters.
These experiences demonstrate transferable skills like teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, which are invaluable in any role—especially in international work environments. Including them can also reflect your character, values, and ability to contribute beyond the workplace.
✅ Do’s
Align with the Job Description: Highlight activities that reflect skills relevant to the job. For example, if applying for a teaching role abroad, mention tutoring or mentoring experience.
Quantify Your Impact: Use numbers to show the results of your efforts. For instance, “Organised a fundraiser that raised $10,000 for local schools.”
Be Specific About Your Role: Detail your responsibilities and contributions. Instead of just “Volunteered at a local charity,” try “Managed social media campaigns for a non-profit, increasing online engagement by 30%.”
Showcase Transferable Skills: Focus on leadership, problem-solving, or cross-cultural communication. These are particularly attractive for international roles.
Keep It Professional: Treat this section with the same professionalism as your work experience. Use clear formatting and bullet points to make it easy to read.
⛔ Don’ts
Don’t Overload Your CV: Include only the most relevant and impactful experiences. Listing too many activities can dilute the importance of your key skills.
Avoid Generic Descriptions: Saying “Volunteered at an animal shelter” doesn’t tell a recruiter much. Instead, describe your specific contributions, like “Coordinated adoption events leading to 50 animals finding homes.”
Don’t Forget Timeframes: Always include dates to show the duration of your involvement. This helps recruiters understand the level of commitment.
Skip Irrelevant Hobbies: While hobbies can add personality, focus on those that align with the company’s values or culture. For example, adventure travel might resonate with a global NGO, but video gaming might not.
Example of a Strong CV Entry
Volunteer Experience
English Teacher Volunteer | Teach for All – Rural Peru (June 2022 – Dec 2022)
- Delivered weekly English lessons to 50 students, improving average class grades by 20%.
- Designed interactive lesson plans tailored to diverse learning needs.
- Coordinated with local teachers to create a bilingual curriculum for long-term use.
Extracurricular Activities
President | University Debate Society (2019 – 2020)
- Led a team of 25 members, organising regional competitions attended by over 300 participants.
- Developed and delivered workshops on public speaking, boosting participation by 40%.
Helpful Resources:
- VolunteerMatch: Find volunteering opportunities to build relevant experience.
- Enhancv: Resume builder
- GoAbroad.com: Explore volunteer and extracurricular opportunities tailored to international work.
- Work Abroad Now: Tips on creating CVs that stand out in global job markets.
Including volunteer work and extracurricular activities on your CV is more than just filling space—it’s about telling a story of your dedication, skills, and the unique perspective you bring to the table. Tailor these experiences to the role you’re applying for, quantify your achievements, and present them professionally to make a powerful impression.
Update your CV on Avocado Jobs in just 3 clicks! Explore exciting job opportunities, connect with top employers, and find your perfect fit. Don’t miss out—your dream job could be just a click away!