About this resource
Hey you mob!
Mapping out a career pathway can seem daunting, but it’s totally doable, especially if you use volunteering as a stepping stone. Volunteering helps you gain valuable skills, build your network, and boost experience for your resume. This guide will help you identify how to turn your volunteering experience into job ready resume skills, or if you haven’t yet volunteered, find something that matches your interests
Step 1
Discover your interests
What do you enjoy doing?
Volunteering is all about connecting to things you enjoy most, hanging out to help out. Use this checklist to think about the things you enjoy, and the skills you want to build.
Caring for Country
I’m happiest when I’m on Country Types of opportunities
- Cultural centre
- Gathering place
- Garden maintenance
- Planting
- Local discovery centres
- Greeting visitors
- Native animal / pest management
Skills to build
- Administration
- Education and training experience
- Tour guides
- Communication skills
- Landscape gardening
Animals are life
The furrier the better, I’m there Types of opportunities
- Search and rescue – connecting lost pets to their owners
- Shelters and animal rescue
- Dog walking
- Preparing adoption packs for new owners
- Coordinating food and shelter
- Updating microchip information
Skills to build
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Working with animals
Sports is where it’s at
All sports are my vibe Types of opportunities
- Coaching
- Game day operations
- Referee and umpire
- Merchandise stalls
- BBQ and canteen cooking and serving
- Coordinating donations
Skills to build
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Community role model
- Cash handling
- Food preparation and serving
- Communication skills
- Customer service skills
Community care
I want it all, the people and the places Types of opportunities
- Fundraising appeals
- Traffic marshals
- Water station attendant
- Registrations
- Food safety
- Transport
Skills to build
- Customer service skills
- Events coordination
- Organisation
- Teamwork
- Food preparation and service
- Communication skills
I’m a people person
Our people are our knowledge holders
- Healthcare
- Aged care visitor
- Youth education
- Tutoring and after school care
- Retail and sales
- Crisis support
Skills to build
- Working with Vulnerable People card
- Customer service
- Sales and cash handling
- Handling stock
- Communication skills
There are a range of volunteering opportunities – find out what’s available near you at volunteering.gov.au(Opens in a new tab/window).
Step 2
Identify requires skills
What kind of skills do you already have and what do you want to build?
Think about what skills are needed for the career you want. You might be surprised to learn you already have quite a lot of skills and experience through engaging with your community and larger family networks. Not all skills gained are from formal situations.
- What skills do you have from helping out with local sporting groups, school, hobbies, or previous jobs/volunteering?
- Write them down and see how they match up with the skills you want to build.
Skills I currently have
Skills I want to build
Examples:
- Communication: From organising family events using social media, school presentations, group projects.
- Teamwork: From sports teams, group activities.
- Technical skills: From using computers, social media, or helping elders with tech issues.
Step 3
Find the right opportunity for you
What volunteer roles can give you the best experience
Find volunteer opportunities:
- Look for volunteer roles that help you develop the skills you need.
- Check local community centres, non-profits, or online platforms for opportunities.
- Have a look at websites for more information, including volunteering.gov.au(Opens in a new tab/window)
Examples:
- Healthcare: Volunteer at a local hospital, clinic, or elder care facility.
- Technology: Help at a local library with computer classes, join a coding club.
- Creative: Volunteer for community art projects, local theatre groups or music hubs, or social media for local small businesses or non-profits.
Tips
- Keep a record of your volunteer work.
- Note down the tasks you did and the skills you gained.
Step 4
Build your resume and showcase them deadly skills!
List your volunteer role, the organisation or type of group, and the skills you learnt.
- Working in community
Local community groups / cultural awareness, empathy, interpersonal skills
- Hospital Assistant
Local hospital / Communication, empathy, teamwork
- IT Support Volunteer
Community library / Troubleshooting, tech skills
- Social Media Assistant
Local small business or Non-Profit Organisation / Creativity, marketing, time management
- Sportsground Canteen Assistant
Local sports group / cash handling, multitasking, teamwork
Mapping what you did to the skills you’ve learnt
It can be hard to translate what you’ve done and been a part of into real skills for the workplace. Use our resume builder to translate the things you’ve done into transferable skills and experience.
Serving people
(e.g. at a canteen, BBQ or shop)
- Customer service
- Complaints handling
- Cash and sales experience
- Strong oral communication skills
- Presentable, neat and tidy
Answering the phone
(e.g. reception or community group)
- Customer service, friendly and approachable
- Directing enquiries, working independently
- Resolving issues and connecting people to what they need
- Ability to prioritise tasks
Coaching
(e.g. a sports team or tutoring)
- Leadership skills
- Time management
- Organisation and coordination of a team
- Ability to communicate effectively
Tips for building your resume
- Include your volunteer work and the skills you’ve gained.
- Highlight how these skills make you a good fit for the job you want.
Resume Example
Name: [Your Name] Contact Info: [Your Address, Phone, Email]
Objective:
Passionate about [Career Field], with skills in [Key Skills]. Seeking to leverage volunteer experience to gain paid employment in [Specific Job].
Volunteer Experience
Role: Hospital Assistant Organisation: Local Hospital Duration: [Dates]
Responsibilities
- Assisted with patient care, improving communication and empathy skills.
- Worked in a team to support hospital staff, enhancing teamwork abilities.
Skills:
- Communication
- Empathy
- Teamwork
Education
- [Your School or Training]
- [Qualifications or Courses Completed]
References:
Available upon request. Whether you are looking at volunteering for the short or long term, every step you take brings you closer to your career goals.