Including extracurricular activities and achievements on your resume can significantly enhance your candidacy, especially if those activities demonstrate leadership, dedication, and a commitment to community service. One such achievement that often stands out is earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
What is Eagle Scout?
Eagle Scout is the highest rank achievable in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and requires scouts to complete a series of merit badges, demonstrate leadership skills, and carry out a community service project. Achieving this rank is a significant milestone that represents hard work, perseverance, and a dedication to helping others.
Why Include Eagle Scout on Your Resume?
1. Demonstrates Leadership Skills
Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout showcases strong leadership abilities. You’ll have led a community service project, managed team dynamics, and likely organized events—all of which are highly valued in the workplace.
2. Shows Commitment and Perseverance
The journey to becoming an Eagle Scout requires years of commitment and effort. Including this achievement on your resume indicates that you have the perseverance to pursue long-term goals.
3. Highlights Community Service
Employers appreciate candidates who give back to their communities. Your Eagle Scout service project is a testament to your willingness to serve others and improve your surroundings.
4. Distinguishes You from Other Candidates
In competitive job markets, anything that makes your resume stand out is advantageous. Eagle Scout is a recognized achievement that can set you apart from other candidates who may not have similar experiences.
How to Include Eagle Scout on Your Resume
When including your Eagle Scout rank on your resume, consider the following tips:
1. Choose the Right Section
You can place Eagle Scout in a few different sections depending on your resume's layout. Consider including it in:
- Education: If you recently earned the rank, place it in your education section, especially if you have limited work experience.
- Achievements: If you have a dedicated achievements section, this is an excellent place to highlight your Eagle Scout rank.
- Volunteer Experience: If your Eagle Scout project involved significant community service, you can list it under volunteer experience.
2. Be Specific
When describing your Eagle Scout experience, provide specifics. Mention the number of merit badges earned, the leadership roles held, and details about your community service project. For example:
- Eagle Scout
Boy Scouts of America- Earned 21 merit badges, demonstrating proficiency in various skills including first aid, environmental science, and leadership.
- Led a community service project that involved organizing a community cleanup, resulting in the collection of over 500 pounds of litter.
3. Keep It Relevant
If you’re applying for a position that values leadership and community service, don’t hesitate to expand on this experience. For other roles, a brief mention may suffice.
Conclusion
Including Eagle Scout on your resume can be a strategic move that highlights your leadership abilities, commitment to service, and strong work ethic. As long as you present it effectively, it can serve as a notable asset in your job search. Always remember to tailor your resume to reflect the qualifications and experiences that best align with the position you are seeking.
