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aurackel

Account Manager & Marketing Strategist

Fire Starter
Contributor
Personal Narrative

Should I keep religious volunteerism on my resume?

I recently enhanced my resume and decided to list my current volunteer efforts, one of which includes religious education (CCD catechist). I have a passion for volunteering and sharing my knowledge, however I'm concerned that the religious aspect may deter potential employers and give the wrong impression based on my denomination. What do you think?

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SoccerandSales
Big Shot
5
Account Executive
Completely understand the hesitation and have been there myself, but would you really want to work at a company that wouldn’t accept the real you?
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
1
Sales Rep
Good point, when you volunteer over the weekend and Monday people will always ask what did you do. You would want to tell the truth so I would just include it
Gasty
Notable Contributor
1
War Room Community Manager
+1

no

+infinite
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
5
Bravado's Resident Asshole
I don’t see an issue with it honestly.
braintank
Politicker
4
Enterprise Account Executive
I'd mention volunteering if you need some padding, but no need to mention religion
SADNES5
Politicker
2
down voters are marketing spies
Yep, can say you built schools, mentor etc. Leave the religious part off.
Mamba
Executive
1
SDR
This is it. Include the name of the org and what you did but redact any religious dogma.
jefe
Arsonist
0
🍁
Exactly. Make sure the resume doesn't get too long as a result.
dualaces123
Opinionated
2
Account Executive
Putting the religious aspect aside, is it experience that is directly relevant for the position for which you are hiring AND if so, does the rest of your resume have a gap that you need to fill with this experience?
I ask because I don't often see volunteer experience on the resumes of our most qualified candidates. It often is irrelevant and appears when people are trying to bolster an underwhelming resume.
I would much prefer to see the experience section fleshed out with what you have accomplished and how those accomplishments directly tie into the job you're applying for. IF the volunteer experience is necessary to accomplish that, I'd include it. Otherwise, I would not.
Regarding the religions component: it could hurt you, sure, but it could also help you. I'd focus on the other part more than this, particularly if this is a job in the United States where a lot of people are at least nominally religious.
1nbatopshotfan
Politicker
2
Sales
Put it on. Be the real you. If you put a generic thing, you’ll be asked about it. Be straightforward with something that you are proud of.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
Volunteering is a good thing.
SADNES5
Politicker
2
down voters are marketing spies
I'd scrub the religious aspect. Say you volunteer - use the real name. But leave the religious aspects out of the description.

Just thoughts from me.
Gasty
Notable Contributor
0
War Room Community Manager
Seconded
saaster
Fire Starter
1
Account Executive
If they don’t hire you for that it’d be discrimination. I’m not religious at all - like at all at all - but love to see extracurriculars of any kind. They mean I’m hiring a whole person rather than a chooch.
SADNES5
Politicker
0
down voters are marketing spies
I disagree. You're hiring for a fit in the corp culture as well. If you have people from all walks of life. Mention the volunteer aspects, ditch the religion specifics.
Mamba
Executive
0
SDR
You’ll never know if they ignore your application or ‘choose another candidate’ because of this. Happens every day. You gotta be smart about how you present ‘the real you’ to get a job.
Fenderbaum
Politicker
1
Retired Choirboy🪕
Keep it real. It's easier to be honest than struggling to keep up with lies.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
1
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Honestly, it shouldn’t affect things. You’re listing other volunteer work, so it won’t be the only line item. Good for you for contributing to your community!

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