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Regardless of the position you’re applying for, your resume should always show that you have relevant experience. Now, you may be wondering what is relevant experience? In this article you will learn that in detail. Remember, your experience section will be one of the first places an employer looks when evaluating your qualifications, so it’s important to spend extra time making sure this section shines brightly before sending out your resume to potential employers. Here are seven types of experiences that you should definitely include on your CV.

7 Types of Experiences You Should Include on Your CV

1) Volunteer Work

Volunteer work is a great way to gain experience, and it can be the difference in getting that job or not. Volunteering is an investment in your career, but you have to pick a volunteer experience that is relevant to the type of work you want. For example, if you are looking for a marketing job, try volunteering at a marketing agency or with a nonprofit organisation that promotes social good. If you are applying for a writing position, see if there is anything you could do to help out a small business or non-profit through copywriting, for example. 

2) Student Leadership Positions

Student leadership positions can be relevant work experience if you are hoping to get a leadership role. It is a great way to showcase your ability to manage teams and organise communication.

3) Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are a great way to demonstrate your ability to think creatively and solve problems. They can also help you build valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal communication. A compelling extracurricular activity can be the deciding factor for an employer to choose you over another candidate. 

4) Skills Acquired

You should definitely have a section for skills in your Resume. While it is not directly work experience, it is what you gain out of work experience. Showcasing the skills you have acquired in positions that may not be on the same career trajectory is a great way to mold non-relevant experience to work in your favour.

5) Language Skills

If you are looking for a position where having English or another language at the bilingual level is essential, be sure to include the certifications and courses you took to ensure that your language skills are to the level. Especially if your native language is not the one required you will have to compete with others who do have it as a native language. So be sure to mention your IELTS if you have taken them or other relevant exams.

6) Accomplishments at Work

It's always good to include accomplishments at work in your Resume. At work, you have the opportunity to learn and develop new skills in a variety of ways. These experiences can be very valuable for your cv. For example, if you have helped your company save money by installing a new piece of equipment or software, you should include this experience because it demonstrates your ability to take initiative and make changes that are ultimately beneficial for the company.

7) Creative Self-Expression

Creative self-expression is a skill that some people have and others don't. But everyone can try their hand at it. Whether you're an artist, writer, musician or filmmaker, adding your work to your resume is a great way to showcase how you think outside the box. When listing creative self-expression in your CV, be sure to include what kind of creative mediums you used as well as how much experience you had with them. And if possible, make sure to include any awards or recognitions you received for those skills. Only mention this if your position requires creativity, as that is what would make this a relevant experience.