I received this question from a former client who is a nonprofit professional:

Hi Marc,
I am working on a few fundraising projects, pro bono, since I’m not working yet. Can I list these as consulting gigs even though I’m not getting paid?

I’d like to put in something that I’m doing now so that potential employers know I’m staying active and doing some meaningful work right now.

Thanks, D

Between jobs, we all want to show how active we are, but what’s the best place to show it on LinkedIn?

I say 2 places.

  • Add a final paragraph to your About section that states the volunteer work you are involved with and why/how your expertise is important and adds value to the nonprofit you are helping. Remove it when you get hired and end that assignment.
  • Add a new entry in the Volunteering section that states the same as 1) above, but with emphasis on why this is important to you.
  • See the difference in emphasis in the above?

I say resist the temptation to list it as a job. After all, it is not a paid position. These unpaid gigs create what I call speed bumps for the reader evaluating your meaningful work experience.

But I will admit there is a middle ground inmy thinking:

If you are an elected or board-level official of the organization, I say it’s OK to add it as a job entry in the Experience section, because these positions are usually multi-year, high level, and I suggest you clearly describe why they chose you to add the expertise you do, to complement the Board.

There you go, another question answered. Ask away and anytime.