How Volunteering Can Help You Land a Job (Even If It's Unpaid)

Think volunteering is “just” helping out for free? Think again.

Volunteering is one of the best ways to build experience, skills, and confidence — especially when you’re just starting out and don’t have much (or any) paid work history. In fact, lots of employers love seeing volunteer experience on a teen résumé.

In this post, you’ll learn exactly how volunteering can help you land your first job, what kinds of roles to look for, and how to highlight those experiences like a pro.

Why Volunteering Looks Great on Your Résumé

When you volunteer, you're showing that you:

• Care about your community

• Take initiative without needing money as motivation

• Know how to show up, follow directions, and complete tasks

Even unpaid roles count as real work experience. If you had responsibilities, followed a schedule, or helped people — that’s résumé material.

What You Can Learn from Volunteering

Depending on where you volunteer, you might build skills like:

• Customer service (greeting people, answering questions)

• Organization (setting up events, creating materials)

• Teamwork (working with other volunteers or staff)

• Leadership (training new volunteers, leading a group)

• Time management (balancing shifts with school)

Bonus: You’ll also grow your confidence and network — you never know who might help you get your first job.

Where Teens Can Volunteer

Need ideas for where to start? Here are some beginner-friendly options:

• Public libraries

• Community centers

• Nonprofits or charities

• Animal shelters

• Senior homes

• School clubs/events

• Places of worship

• Local festivals or kids’ camps

Tip: Ask friends or teachers where they’ve volunteered — or check your city’s website for youth opportunities.

How to Put Volunteering on Your Résumé

Here’s an example of how to list it:

Volunteer, City Food Bank — 2024• Sorted food donations and created care packages• Greeted families and answered questions during pick-ups• Helped organize and clean donation space

Use action verbs, list tasks, and show what you learned — just like a job!

Want Help Finding or Listing Volunteer Experience?

We’ve got you! Download our Volunteer Experience Builder Worksheet to help you:

• Keep track of hours

• List your responsibilities

• Write strong résumé bullet points

• Reflect on the skills you gained

👉 [Join Premium for custom résumé help]