Quinn Kuby is an entrepreneur and business leader who spends much his free time volunteering at his local community food bank. Quinn explains in the following article, when it’s appropriate to include volunteerism on a resume, and best practices for including such details.
Volunteering at a food bank can be an incredibly rewarding experience for those looking to lend their help to others who are in need. Food banks provide vulnerable people with access to essential, nutritious food options that they otherwise wouldn’t have.
It’s not all about giving - sourcing quality foods like fresh
produce and even volunteering is also beneficial for one’s own personal growth. Quinn Kuby explains further on how volunteering at a local organization can help an individual gain new skills while making lasting connections in the community. Additionally, when it’s beneficial to include volunteerism for a prospective job opportunity.
Why Volunteer at a Food Bank
With so many places desperate for volunteers,
why choose to volunteer at a food bank specifically? Quinn explains that food banks provide much-needed support to vulnerable members of society, and as a volunteer, you’ll be part of something that truly makes a difference.
Helping at a food bank can assist with building valuable skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and leadership.
The assistance volunteering provides can also be incredibly satisfying; no matter the position, it can single handedly help those in need in more ways than one.
Food banks can always use food donations as well, so on the way in it won't hurt to bring something nutritious and with universal appeal like a
Texas Chili Bowl.
Additionally, community involvement is a great way to meet new people and build relationships with other members in your local area.
How to Start
The first step is to find an opportunity in your area. Many cities and towns will have local food banks or shelters that are often run by non-profit organizations or charities. Those interested should also check out the national volunteer websites for more information on local, available opportunities.
Once you’ve found a place that seems like it could be a good fit, the next step is to contact the organization directly to find out how to get involved. Kuby says that food banks usually have an online sign-up form or contact section to assist with any questions. Usually, an orientation is provided, along with training before the start date.
When to Include Volunteerism on a Resume
Kuby says that it can be an invaluable asset to include volunteer work on a resume - but knowing when to do so is equally important.
Generally, if the experience is relevant to the job you’re applying for, then it’s worth including on a resume. For example, when food bank experience coincides with the prospective job requirements, such as knowledge of operations, budgeting, line work, or food prep, then this is definitely a prime opportunity to include volunteerism on a resume.
Providing help to the underserved also demonstrates personal qualities that employers look for, such as dedication, commitment, and compassion. It gives the impression that the prospective employee goes above and beyond what is required of them. Similarly, a leadership role at a volunteer organization (such as running weekly meetings or managing budgets), should be highlighted as well.
Why Volunteerism Looks Great on a Resume
Quinn Kuby says that including volunteer experience on a resume can demonstrate a breadth of skills and qualities that employers tend to look for.
Volunteerism of any kind can set your resume apart from others in a saturated market in a specific field.
Assisting those in need in the community is beneficial because it allows individuals to get hands-on experience working with a non-profit organization. This can be an invaluable addition to a job application, as it demonstrates the ability to work within tight budget constraints and manage difficult situations.
Quinn Kuby says that employers are most often interested in potential hires who are willing to get involved with their local community. This experience can open doors to employment possibilities that may have been off the table previously.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, volunteering at a food bank, shelter, soup kitchen, or anywhere people require assistance from the community is an excellent way to demonstrate commitment, compassion, and empathy to others. There are usually excellent opportunities to get started at colleges and universities, so perform a thorough
college search to see what your prospective school has to offer.
It also looks great for a resume, or prospective job application. Relevant experience, non-profit leadership, and all kinds of charitable work shows the work ethic and community engagement many employers look for in an applicant. Though it’s not usually a requirement, having this experience is beneficial in more ways than one.
By volunteering at any organization can provide a competitive edge in the job market, as well as provide a range of transferable skills into various fields of work. Make a difference in the community and volunteer today.
