When you’re applying for tech jobs, it can be difficult to know what to include on your resume and what to leave off. If you’re an Eagle Scout, be sure to share this role with potential employers.
You’re aware of the time and effort you put into earning this status, and employers should be, too. Adding “Eagle Scout” gives them the chance to learn more about your sense of responsibility and commitment to an organization.
Why Being an Eagle Scout Looks Good to Employers
As an Eagle Scout, you’re in a coveted position. Only a small proportion of Boy Scouts achieve this rank. In 2019, just 8% earned Eagle Scout status. From merit badges to service projects, the path to becoming an Eagle Scout isn’t easy. Adding this recognition to your resume is beneficial because it shows:
- You hold valuable skills.
- You’re consistent and reliable.
- You are committed to the community.
- You’re prepared for the unexpected.
Where to List Eagle Scout on a Resume
List your Eagle Scout experience on the volunteer section of your resume. Because you weren’t paid for the role, you can’t include it under the employment section.
Include the dates you were involved with the Scouts and your troop number.
- Eagle Scout, BSA Troop XYZ, Boy Scouts of America (2015-2022)
Beneath this subheading, you’ll focus on a few skills and accomplishments from your time with the Boy Scouts.
We’ll talk about how to list these achievements below.
How Eagle Scout on your resume demonstrates your skill
You may hesitate to put your Eagle Scout status on a resume because you’re not sure how camping and wilderness skills relate to a tech job. While you likely won’t start any campfires in a tech role, being versed in a range of skills demonstrates your adaptability. You’re not only willing to learn how to do new things but you’re capable of doing so.
The ability to learn complex tasks is a trait virtually any employer will want to see on your resume. List specific skills you learned in the volunteer section:
- Led a personal fitness plan workshop for an audience of 100+ youth
- Designed sustainable playground equipment for two local parks
- Created a first aid community program for a state wilderness area
You demonstrate consistency and reliability
To become an Eagle Scout, you attended regular meetings, events, and programs. Employers like to see resumes that show the applicant is consistent and reliable.
Use your Boy Scouts experience to your advantage by including details that demonstrate these qualities:
- Attended a 12-part series of diversity workshops
- Conducted monthly meetings for lower-ranking Boy Scouts
- Completed 120 hours of volunteer service with a local gardening club
You work well with others and respect the community
When creating your resume, don’t forget to highlight the fact that you are a team player. As an Eagle Scout, you’ve worked with people in a variety of settings. Your ability to work well with others can be an attractive quality to potential employers.
Focus on examples that show you excel on a team.
- Formed a community volunteer committee to design seven benches for the city’s park
- Mentored two younger Boy Scouts through the Big Brother Program
- Fundraised $1000 during a 5K with a team of BSA members
Eagle Scouts are flexible when the unexpected happens
Even the best-laid plans can fall apart. Employers like to know that candidates can deal with the unexpected. They want to know whether you can still get the job done when circumstances change.
Reflect on your Eagle Scout experience and pinpoint situations where you showed flexibility. Use these experiences as talking points during your interview or as part of your cover letter.
You can include them on your resume as well. Examples of these situations include:
- Organized a community car wash to raise funds for a senior living center that was damaged in a fire.
- Assumed the role of BSA conference leader when the original leader resigned.
Conclusion
Even though you weren’t paid for your role with the Boy Scouts, including your Eagle Scout position on a resume enhances your application. Use your experience to show employers that you are respected by others in the community. Focus on your ability to adapt to new challenges and demonstrate flexibility in the workplace.
Other resources
You can find a complete list of career resources here, including:
