Your LDS mission is a unique experience that deserves to be highlighted in your resume. It is not only about spreading the gospel, but it also provides valuable skills that are highly valued by employers. However, how do you showcase your mission experience in your resume to stand out from the rest? Read on to learn effective tips and tricks to help you highlight your mission experience and impress potential employers.
Understanding the Value of LDS Mission Experience on a Resume
Your LDS mission provides valuable skills that can be applied in the workplace. These skills include leadership, communication, problem-solving, cultural competency, and more.
According to a study published in the Deseret News, employers value candidates with mission experience due to their acquired skills that are useful in a variety of fields. Here are some tips to identify transferable skills from your mission experience to job descriptions:
- Highlight your service experience
- Emphasize your leadership responsibilities
- Describe your communication and language skills
- Provide examples of how you resolved conflicts and faced unique challenges
- Discuss your experience with cross-cultural communication
Placement of LDS Mission on a Resume
A well-crafted resume can significantly increase your chances of landing a job interview. Here are the best practices for placing your mission experience on a resume:
- Consider adding a “Volunteer Experience” section and putting your mission experience under this category
- Place your mission experience under the “Work Experience” section if you served in leadership positions
- List your mission experience as a separate section to emphasize its importance
- Highlight the name of the mission and the dates you served prominently
- Use bullet points to describe your experience, accomplishments, and learned skills
Ways to Highlight LDS Mission Experience on a Resume
Highlight your mission experience by including the following information in your resume:
- Format your resume to focus on accomplishments
- Use proper language that effectively describes your mission experience
- Emphasize the skills that you acquired and how they are relevant to the position you are applying for
- Mention any unique experiences that make you stand out from other candidates
- Write a distinctive summary or objective statement that showcases your acquired skills and experiences
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Adding LDS Mission in a Resume
Some common mistakes that people make when listing their mission experience on a resume include:
- Failing to document their experiences and achievements
- Underemphasizing their learned skills
- Overemphasizing religious elements
- Failing to tailor their resume to the job requirement
- Including irrelevant information
To avoid these pitfalls, keep the tone of your resume professional and avoid including religious terminology that potential employers may not understand.
Conclusion
Adding your mission experience to your resume can make you stand out among other candidates. It not only shows your dedication to service and a cause, but it also highlights the valuable skills that you learned. Follow the above tips and admirably demonstrate how your mission experience can become an essential selling point for prospective employers.
Key Takeaways
- Your mission experience can provide valuable skills that can be applied in the workplace, such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and cultural competency
- Place your mission experience under the “Volunteer Experience” or “Work Experience” sections
- Highlight your experience and learned skills by providing examples of your achievements
- Avoid including irrelevant information, and maintain a professional tone
- Tailor your resume to the job requirements and showcase unique experiences that make you stand out from other candidates
FAQ
What if I am applying for a non-religious position? Should I still include my mission experience?
Yes, you should still include your mission experience. Focus on the valuable skills that you learned during your mission and how they are relevant to the position you are applying for.
What if I did not serve in a leadership position during my mission?
Not a problem. Highlight your relevant experiences and the skills you acquired, such as language proficiency, cross-cultural communication, and team collaboration.
Can I include my mission experience on my LinkedIn profile as well?
Yes, you can and should include your mission experience on your LinkedIn profile. Update your profile and provide detailed information about your mission experience to make it stand out.