Your resume serves as your introduction to an employer. It is a personal advertisement for a position. The resume can also help create a first impression. It can show the employer your qualifications and bridge the gap between your qualifications and the needs for the position. The ultimate goal of the resume is to create such an impression that an employer will want to set up an interview.

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Why include your civic engagement work in a Resume or CV?

Being engaged in your community shows that you are invested in creating the community in which you want to live 

Volunteering demonstrates that you value contributing to something larger than yourself

Highlight your transferable skills

Illustrate your commitment to an institution’s mission

How/where might civic engagement appear on a resume or CV?

Depends on the job. Read job description carefully and research the organization.

Not necessary to distinguish between paid and unpaid experiences.

Resume: Work Experience, Leadership Experience, Program Management Experience, etc.

CV: Research, Community Engagement, Academic Service, etc.

Tips for representing civic engagement on a resume or CV

Avoid acronyms and overly specialized jargon.

Use specific verbs to describe what your civic engagement experience entailed.

Describe your experiences in terms of what you accomplished.

Eliminate the pronoun “I” and do not use full sentences.

Avoid introductory or wind-up phrases such as “My duties included…”

Describe the parts of your civic engagement experience that best illustrate your ability to meet a potential
employer’s needs