Get Results This Year With a Volunteer Cover Letter

Use this guide to write a professional volunteer cover letter that captures hiring managers' attention, helping you succeed in your job search.

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Cover Letter for a Volunteer

If you are currently applying for volunteer roles, you should incorporate a cover letter into your job application to improve your chances of securing a job interview. Hiring managers like cover letters that give them more insight into your professional profile. We’ve put together a guide detailing the cover letter writing tips you will need to consider when crafting your cover letter and a cover letter sample that you can use for guidance.

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Volunteer cover letter example

The following cover letter sample will directly relate to volunteer work to give you the best understanding of how you should structure your cover letter:

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am excited to submit my application for the volunteer position at [Company Name]. I am currently studying a social work course at college, which has educated me on the needs of those less fortunate than myself. Working for a nonprofit organisation appeals to me as I want to support a good cause and work with different groups of people while giving back to the community.

During my time in college, I have always been told that I have a great work ethic. While I managed organised fundraising events while studying for my exams, the event I take the most pride in is the fun run I did for Feeding America. I managed to get over 100 students involved and we raised over $2,000. This experience in management makes me a great fit for the volunteer job at your company where I believe I can make a difference in our community.

I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you in further detail and exploring how I can bring my passion, work ethic and empathetic attitude to this position. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

Kind regards,

Dorothy Jones

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Tips for writing your volunteer cover letter using this example

The above cover letter is an example you can use for reference – just update it with your relevant skills. Always include your contact information at the top of your cover letter, full name, phone number and any professional social media links, like your LinkedIn profile or portfolio. Here are some cover letter tips and a detailed breakdown of each paragraph of the volunteer cover letter sample.

First paragraph: Introduce yourself with a hook and list your best achievements

Your opening paragraph should start with the correct professional salutation. You should address the letter directly to the hiring manager or the person who will be interviewing you. You should use the first paragraph to gain the recruiter’s attention by stating a relevant and interesting fact about your work experience. In the example cover letter, the applicant states that she is currently studying social work in college and wants to give back to the community.

Second paragraph: Give more information about how you’re the best fit for the job

Think of your second paragraph as a means of expanding upon everything you have already said in your CV. You can provide evidence that you have used the skills listed in your CV and give details of these experiences. In the example cover letter, the applicant provides evidence of her work ethic by describing how she organised fundraising events and how much money she was able to raise. This way, she shows the hiring manager that she has acquired organisational and management skills.

Third paragraph: Call to action

Your letter’s final section should contain a call to action that encourages the hiring manager to contact you for a job interview. This is the best way to show the recruiter you are passionate and enthusiastic about the position. In the example cover letter, the applicant states that she looks forward to discussing the opportunity in further detail.

Finally, sign off your letter using a professional tone, such as “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.

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FAQ: Volunteer cover letters

Q: Do I really need a cover letter to get a volunteer job?

Absolutely! A cover letter is the best way to present yourself to the hiring manager, especially for entry-level positions and volunteer work, they help you better describe your history and accomplishments, using a CV alone will only outline your skills and experience. In a cover letter you can express in detail the times you utilised specific skills, providing evidence that you have the attributes to succeed in the position.

Q: How long should my cover letter be to get a volunteer job?

A professional volunteer cover letter should be around three-quarters of a page in length and no longer than one page. This length ensures that you include all the details you need to while not being so long that a busy recruiter won’t read the entire letter. You can use the CVHelp cover letter builder to help you write your cover letter.

Q: Does this cover letter example work if I don't have a lot of experience?

This cover letter example has been written from the perspective of someone who doesn’t have an extensive work history and has instead mentioned their educational background and related fundraising experiences that show they’re an excellent fit for a volunteering role. Similarly, you can write a cover letter that focuses on educational and extracurricular activities that relate to what the job needs.

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