How to share your volunteering experience (without sounding like you’re bragging)

Volunteering is all about giving back to charities and communities. Yet as a volunteer, you also gain a lot from the experience yourself, personally and professionally. Whether you’re on set helping out with a creating a short film, mentoring students from marginalised backgrounds or packing boxes at a foodbank, you’re not just doing good, you’re also connecting with others, honing your skills and making a difference. With all that in mind, it’s no wonder that many volunteers like to share all that they’ve learnt and experienced on social media, in job applications or during networking conversations. 

But here’s the tricky part, how do you talk about your volunteering in a way that feels genuine and confident, without sounding like you’re shouting, “Look how amazing I am!” from the rooftops? (Which of course you have every right to do, you are amazing!) 

In this guide, we will explore some tips on how to share your volunteering experience and benefits, without any shame that you’re oversharing or ‘showing off’! 

Share the why, not the what 

When you talk about volunteering, lead with your motivation. Why did you get involved? What drew you to this organisation or cause? 

For example, instead of saying: “I was the volunteer director on a community-led documentary project”, say: “I got involved with a community documentary because I wanted to help amplify local stories that usually don’t get the spotlight.” It still lets people know what you did, but by leading with purpose, it reads less like a self-congratulatory CV bullet point, and more like a genuine insight into what values are important to you. 

Talk about the impact 

A quick way to take the edge off self-promotion is to shift focus from yourself to the wider impact of the volunteering you did, such as the change and benefits. 

For example, saying “Our team mentored 10 young people wanting to get into the advertising industry, and 5 of them have job interviews at a firm next week!” Your work is still noted in this narrative, but you are not the sole focus. It makes the achievement feel more collaborative, highlights the outcome, and comes across more authentic. 

Add a personal story 

People remember stories. A short anecdote or a memorable moment from your volunteer experience can communicate your contribution in a natural and engaging way. Maybe it was conversation you had with a participant, or a new skill you learnt whilst volunteering. These stories humanise your experience and give people a reason to engage, rather than skim past another “I did this!” post. 

Adjust for different platforms 

Not every audience needs the same level of formality or detail, so adjust your tone for different audiences. 

• For CVs or portfolios, stick to clear, professional language. Use active verbs and show how your volunteering experience translates to relevant skills (e.g. leadership, teamwork or audience engagement).
• During networking conversations, keep it relaxed and honest. Aim to sound like you’re sharing something you’re genuinely proud of – not pitching.
• On LinkedIn, you can be slightly more personal, especially if reflecting on what the experience meant to you. 
• Across other social media (such as Bluesky or X), you should try to keep it real and conversational. Focus on gratitude or moments that meant something to you. 

Let others brag for you 

Where possible, share quotes or tags from others. If a project lead or fellow volunteer praises your contribution publicly, reshare it with a simple thank you, and a few words about your experience. This keeps the tone humble but still lets your impact shine. 

Remember, there is no shame in asking for a testimonial from a volunteer manager or charity you’re supporting! 

Be honest about what you gained 

It’s fine to admit that volunteering helped you too. It’s a two-way street! 

You could say something like: “I originally signed up to help out with social media support, but I came away with a new appreciation for how my local youth group navigates resource constraints – and made some new friends too!”. This is honest and doesn’t feel like a sales pitch, but rather like you’re reflecting on a meaningful experience. 

Confidence isn’t the same as bragging! 

Volunteering isn’t just about helping others, it’s also about connection, collaboration and learning. Talking about that doesn’t make you boastful, it makes you self-aware and proud. 

The key is how you share it. Remember to stay grounded, focus on the impact, and be honest about what the experience meant to you. You’re not just listing achievements; you’re telling a story about what kind of person you are and what you bring to the table. So don’t shy away from sharing your volunteering – it’s something to be proud of!