How to Add Volunteering to LinkedIn: A Step-by-Step Guide

22

So, you’ve been giving back to the community—mentoring, fundraising, or volunteering for a cause close to your heart. That’s amazing! But did you know that adding volunteering to LinkedIn can make your profile stand out and open doors to new opportunities? Whether you’re looking for a job or simply showcasing your well-rounded experience, highlighting your volunteer work on LinkedIn is a smart move. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to add volunteering to LinkedIn, why it matters, and how to make it work for your professional growth.

Why You Should Add Volunteering to LinkedIn

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.”

1. It Shows More Than Just Your Job Title

Recruiters and potential connections don’t just care about your work history—they want to see what drives you beyond your 9-to-5. Volunteering highlights your values, passion, and leadership skills. It helps paint a more complete picture of who you are as a professional and as a person. If you’ve taken on significant responsibilities, such as leading a team or organizing events, this can showcase initiative and dedication that employers appreciate.

2. It Can Boost Your Credibility

Many employers value candidates who are socially responsible. According to a LinkedIn survey, 41% of hiring managers consider volunteer work as valuable as paid work. This is especially true for roles that require leadership, problem-solving, or community engagement. If you’re looking to transition careers, volunteer experience can help bridge the gap by demonstrating relevant skills in a different context. It also signals that you’re someone who takes the initiative to contribute beyond what’s expected.

3. It Helps You Network in Meaningful Ways

Volunteering often connects you with like-minded professionals who share similar interests. These connections can lead to job referrals, collaborations, or mentorship opportunities. Unlike traditional networking, where conversations can feel transactional, volunteering allows you to build genuine relationships based on shared values. Many professionals have found new career paths simply by getting involved with nonprofit organizations and meeting influential people in their industry.

4. It Highlights Soft Skills

Employers love soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Volunteering experiences often showcase these skills in action. Whether you’re leading a fundraising campaign, mentoring students, or coordinating events, you’re demonstrating skills that are crucial in any workplace. Plus, many companies are prioritizing corporate social responsibility, so showcasing your involvement in charitable causes can make you a more attractive candidate.

How to Add Volunteering to LinkedIn: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Add Volunteering to LinkedIn

Step 1: Go to Your LinkedIn Profile

  • Open LinkedIn and navigate to your profile by clicking on your profile picture or name at the top of the homepage.

Step 2: Find the “Volunteer Experience” Section

  • Scroll down to find the “Volunteer Experience” section. If it’s not there, no worries! Just click “Add profile section” > “Additional” > “Add Volunteer Experience.”

Step 3: Fill in the Details

You’ll need to add some key information about your volunteer work:

  • Organization Name – The nonprofit or company you volunteered for.
  • Role/Position – Your volunteer title (e.g., Fundraising Coordinator, Mentor, Event Organizer).
  • Cause – Select the cause you contributed to, such as Education, Environment, or Human Rights.
  • Time Period – Add when you started and ended (or mark it as “Ongoing”).
  • Description – Write a compelling summary of what you did and achieved.

Step 4: Make It Stand Out

Adding volunteering to LinkedIn isn’t just about listing it—it’s about making it shine. Here’s how:

1. Be Specific About Your Impact

Instead of saying, “Helped organize fundraising events,” try:

👉 “Led a fundraising campaign that raised $10,000 for local schools, coordinating a team of 20 volunteers.”

2. Use Keywords

If your volunteer work aligns with your career goals, use relevant keywords that recruiters search for. For example, if you’re in marketing, highlight skills like social media management, campaign strategy, or public relations.

3. Link to the Organization (If Possible)

If the nonprofit or organization has a LinkedIn page, tag them in your experience. This helps your profile look more connected and credible.

4. Add Media (If Relevant)

Did you help produce a campaign video or write an article about your volunteer experience? You can upload images, links, or documents to your profile to showcase your work visually.

How to Showcase Volunteering Beyond the “Volunteer Experience” Section

Adding volunteering to LinkedIn is great, but you can maximize its impact by integrating it into other areas of your profile.

1. Mention It in Your About Section

Your About section is prime real estate to highlight your passions. A short sentence about your volunteer work can add depth to your story. Instead of just listing your job experience, use this section to create a more compelling personal narrative. For example, if you’re passionate about sustainability and have volunteered for environmental causes, weaving this into your About section can help position you as a purpose-driven professional. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re looking to work for a company that values social impact.

💡 Example: “Beyond my work in digital marketing, I’m passionate about education and mentor aspiring professionals through [Organization Name]. I believe in using my skills to make a difference, whether in business or the nonprofit space.”

2. Include It in Your Work Experience (If Relevant)

If your volunteer role involved significant work—like leading a team or managing a project—you can list it under your Work Experience section as well. This is especially useful if the volunteer work directly relates to your industry or career goals. For instance, if you’re a project manager and you led a large-scale charity event, that experience demonstrates transferable skills such as event coordination, budgeting, and stakeholder management. Framing it in this way ensures it carries the same weight as your professional experience.

3. Get Recommendations from Fellow Volunteers

If you worked closely with someone during your volunteer experience, consider asking them for a LinkedIn recommendation. Their testimonial can add credibility to your contributions. A glowing recommendation from a nonprofit leader or fellow volunteer can highlight your teamwork, leadership, and dedication. Plus, recommendations act as social proof, reinforcing the value you bring both professionally and personally. If you’re in an industry that values collaboration and leadership, this could be a strong differentiator on your profile.

4. Share a Post About It

Want to make an even bigger impact? Share a LinkedIn post about your volunteer work. Talk about what you learned, why it matters, and how others can get involved. This not only boosts engagement but also strengthens your personal brand. A well-crafted post can showcase your expertise and values while also inviting conversation. You might even inspire others in your network to get involved in similar initiatives, further strengthening your community presence. Consider adding a photo or video to make your post more engaging and memorable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Volunteering to LinkedIn

While adding volunteering to LinkedIn is straightforward, there are a few mistakes to avoid:

Being Too Vague

Simply writing “Volunteered at a nonprofit” doesn’t add value. Be specific about what you did and the impact you made.

Listing Too Many Small Roles

If you’ve done multiple one-time volunteer gigs, consider grouping them under a single entry instead of cluttering your profile with too many listings.

Ignoring Updates

If you’re actively volunteering, keep your profile updated! An outdated entry from five years ago won’t showcase your current involvement.

Final Thoughts

Adding volunteering to LinkedIn is a simple yet powerful way to showcase your values, expand your network, and even boost your career opportunities. It’s not just about listing an experience—it’s about telling a story of impact. So, if you haven’t already, take five minutes today to update your LinkedIn profile and let your volunteer work shine! Who knows? Your next job or collaboration might come from someone who shares your passion for giving back.

Scroll to Top