4 Professional Volunteer Cover Letter Examples for 2024

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4 Professional Volunteer Cover...

In your volunteer cover letter, showcase your passion for the cause you wish to support. Let this enthusiasm radiate from every word you write. Demonstrate your understanding of the organization's work and how your skills align with their needs. Your dedication and relevance will make your application stand out.

Crafting a compelling volunteer cover letter can be a stumbling block, even for those well into their job search journey. You understand it's not to echo your resume, but rather to weave the narrative of your proudest professional moment. Striking that fine balance between formality and genuine passion, steering clear of overused clichés, all while fitting your story neatly on one page can feel like an uphill battle. It's time to tackle these challenges head-on and let your dedication shine through.

Enhance your volunteer cover letter writing experience; using our guide, you'll learn how to:

  • Create a volunteer cover letter to persuade the recruiters you're the best candidate for the role;
  • Use industry-leading volunteer cover letter templates and examples to save time;
  • Dedicate your volunteer cover letter space to your best achievement;
  • Make sure your volunteer cover letter meets recruiters' expectations and standards.

Avoid starting at the blank page for hours by using Enhancv's AI - just upload your resume and your volunteer cover letter will be ready for you to (tweak and) submit for your dream job.

Volunteer cover letter example

MICHELLE SANDERS

New York, NY

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@enhancv.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

I have closely followed the impactful work of your organization and am deeply aligned with your mission to improve the lives of the disabled. Your commitment to advocacy and community service resonates with my professional endeavors and personal values.

During my tenure at People Indeed, I spearheaded an initiative that successfully raised $20,000 through the strategic planning and execution of highly engaging fundraising events. This not only positioned our team in the top 2% of high-performing volunteers but also significantly contributed to the enhancement of food security for over 100 refugee households. My ability to empathize with individuals from diverse backgrounds, coupled with a strong knack for organization and proactive collaboration, has been pivotal in these accomplishments.

I am eager to contribute my skills and energy to furthering the cause of your organization. I am confident that my experience, coupled with my strong communication and organizational abilities, will make a valuable impact. Please consider this letter as my formal application, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can be an asset to your team.

Sincerely,

MICHELLE SANDERS, Volunteer Social Worker
What makes this cover letter good:


  • Emphasis on alignment with the organization's mission showcases not only an understanding of the company's values but also a personal commitment to their cause, which is crucial for advocacy-based roles.
  • Demonstration of relevant experience by citing specific achievements, such as leading a successful fundraising initiative, evidences the candidate's capability to contribute effectively to the organization's objectives—fundraising prowess is often essential for nonprofit work.
  • Highlighting soft skills like empathy, organization, and proactive teamwork presents an image of a well-rounded candidate who can navigate the social complexities of work in the non-profit sector, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations.
  • A clear call to action for an opportunity to further discuss the candidate's fit for the role, which conveys enthusiasm and initiative, may increase the chances of securing an interview.

What about your volunteer cover letter format: organizing and structuring your information

Here is one secret you should know about your volunteer cover letter assessment. The Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't analyze your cover letter.

You should thus focus on making an excellent impression on recruiters by writing consistent:

  • Header
  • Greeting
  • Introduction
  • Body paragraphs (and explanation)
  • Promise or Call to action
  • Signature (that's optional)

Now, let's talk about the design of your volunteer cover letter.

Ensure all of your paragraphs are single-spaced and have a one-inch margins on all sides (like in our cover letter templates).

Also, our cover letter builder automatically takes care of the format and comes along with some of the most popular (and modern) fonts like Volkhov, Chivo, and Bitter.

Speaking of fonts, professionals advise you to keep your volunteer cover letter and resume in the same typography and avoid the over-used Arial or Times New Roman.

When wondering whether you should submit your volunteer cover letter in Doc or PDF, select the second, as PDF keeps all of your information and design consistent.

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The top sections on a volunteer cover letter

  • Header: Include your contact information, the date, and the recipient's details to ensure the cover letter is addressed properly and to make it easy for the recruiter to reach out to you.
  • Greeting: Use a formal salutation to address the hiring manager or volunteer coordinator, as it demonstrates professionalism and respect from the outset of your communication.
  • Introduction: Highlight your enthusiasm for volunteering and mention the specific role you're applying for, as this section sets the tone and shows your genuine interest in contributing to the organization.
  • Body: Detail your relevant skills, experiences, and motivations for wanting to volunteer, as recruiters look for candidates whose values align with their mission and who can bring valuable contributions to their team.
  • Closing: Reiterate your interest in the role and thank the reader for considering your application, providing a polite and professional end to your cover letter that leaves a positive impression.
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Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

  • Passion for the cause: Demonstrates dedication and a personal connection to the mission of the organization.
  • Proven commitment through previous volunteer work: Shows experience in and understanding of the nonprofit sector or similar volunteer roles.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills: Essential for interacting with various stakeholders and team collaboration.
  • Flexibility and adaptability: Indicates the ability to handle diverse tasks and adjust to changing environments common in volunteer settings.
  • Leadership and initiative: Ideal for taking charge of projects and showing the willingness to go beyond assigned tasks.
  • Cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness: Important for organizations working with diverse communities or global outreach.

How to address hiring managers in your volunteer cover letter greeting

Goodbye, "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To whom it may concern!"

The salutation of your volunteer cover letter is how you kick off your professional communication with the hiring managers.

And you want it to start off a bit more personalized and tailored, to catch the recruiters' attention.

Take the time to find out who's recruiting for the role (via LinkedIn or the company page).

If you have previously chatted or emailed the hiring managers, address them on a first or last name basis.

The alternative is a "Dear HR team" or "Dear Hiring Manger", but remember that a "Dear Ms. Simmons" or "Dear Simon," could get you farther ahead than an impersonal greeting.

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List of salutations you can use

  • Dear [Organization Name] Team,
  • Dear Hiring Manager,
  • Dear [Specific Contact Person's Title and Last Name],
  • Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
  • Dear [Department Name] Director,
  • Dear Members of the [Committee or Department Name],

The volunteer cover letter intro: aligning your interest with the company culture

You only have one chance at making a memorable first impression on recruiters with your volunteer cover letter.

Structure your introduction to be precise and to include no more than two sentences.

Here are some ideas on how to write a job-winning volunteer cover letter introduction:

  • get creative - show off your personality from the get-go (if this aligns with the company culture);
  • focus on your motivation - be specific when you say what gets you excited about this opportunity.
Intro Paragraph
With a deep respect for the transformative power of community engagement exemplified by XYZ Nonprofit, the opportunity to contribute as a volunteer resonates profoundly with my personal commitment to service and social impact. My background in environmental advocacy and community organization aligns seamlessly with the sustainability initiatives XYZ has championed, particularly the recent Green Futures Project.
RIGHT

How to select your best achievement for the middle, or the volunteer cover letter body

You probably feel exhausted by this point in your application: you've dived into all the details of your success and skills in your volunteer resume.

What else can you include in your volunteer cover letter body?

Well, for starters, the next three to six paragraphs should show you further value as a professional. Or, why should recruiters choose you?

Think back on a noteworthy achievement that answers key job requirements and dive deep.

Structure your volunteer cover letter middle as you'd a story: following chronological logic and highlighting outcomes, thanks to skills.

At the end of the day, you'd want recruiters to be able to see you as the best candidate for the role and understand more about who you are and what makes your success unique (and valuable to the role).

Body Paragraph
In my recent role, I spearheaded a fundraising campaign for a local animal shelter that garnered over $50,000 in donations within a month. By deploying strategic social media outreach and fostering partnerships with community businesses, we exceeded our target by 150%. This initiative not only showcased my ability to effectively engage with stakeholders but also underscored my commitment to creating impactful community-based programs.
RIGHT

Time to wrap up your volunteer cover letter

Writing the closing paragraph of your volunteer cover letter is just as important as the salutation.

You have to make it personalized to the job advert and recruiter.

Experienced professionals advise candidates to end with a request or reminder for follow-up. Write that you're grateful for the opportunity, and, at the same time, hint that you're available for the next steps of the process.

Otherwise, you could also conclude your volunteer cover letter by facing the future. How do you see yourself, as part of the team? In particular, how would you settle in your new role in the first six months to a year?

Closing Paragraph
I am eager to contribute my skills and time to your organization. Please contact me to arrange an interview and discuss the opportunity further.
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What to write on your volunteer cover letter, when you have zero experience

The best advice for candidates, writing their volunteer cover letters with no experience, is this - be honest.

If you have no past professional roles in your portfolio, focus recruiters' attention on your strengths - like your unique, transferrable skill set (gained as a result of your whole life), backed up by one key achievement.

Or, maybe you dream big and have huge motivation to join the company. Use your volunteer cover letter to describe your career ambition - that one that keeps you up at night, dreaming about your future.

Finally, always ensure you've answered why employers should hire precisely you and how your skills would benefit their organization.

Key takeaways

Winning recruiters over shouldn't be difficult if you use your volunteer cover letter to tell a story that:

  • Is personalized by greeting your readers and focusing on key job skills greets;
  • Isn't spread all over the place, but instead focuses on one key achievement and selling your value as a professional;
  • Introduces your enthusiasm for the role, passion for the job, or creativity in communication;
  • Is also visually appealing - meeting the best HR practices;
  • Ends with a nod to the future and how you envision your growth, as part of the company.

Volunteer cover letter examples

Explore additional volunteer cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

By Role

Community Organizer

For an entry-level Community Organizer position, highlight any experience in volunteer work or grassroots campaigns. Demonstrate your ability to engage with diverse communities and coordinate events. If you've completed courses like 'Community Mobilization' or 'Public Advocacy', feature these along with their length to showcase your commitment. Detail how your organizational and leadership skills have positively impacted past initiatives, using a 'skill-action-result' format to underscore your effective community outreach strategies and ability to galvanize group action.
View Community Organizer Cover Letter

Hospital Volunteer

When applying for a Hospital Volunteer position, it's important to underscore any volunteer work or healthcare-related experiences. Showcasing compassion and the ability to work well under pressure are crucial characteristics. If you've completed health-related training such as CPR certification or patient care workshops, be sure to include this information with the time spent on those activities. Illustrate your aptitude with examples that demonstrate your commitment and positive impact on the institutions or individuals you've volunteered for, adopting a 'situation-task-impact' format.
View Hospital Volunteer Cover Letter

Non Profit

When applying for a Non-Profit Coordinator role, it's important to showcase your experience with volunteer management and fundraising initiatives. Highlight any event planning or donor relations skills, as well as your knowledge of non-profit regulations. If you've completed courses in 'Non-Profit Management' or 'Grant Writing', include these details. Illustrate with clear examples how your skills have successfully spearheaded campaigns or improved operations, using a 'skill-action-result' framework to demonstrate your impact on past non-profit projects. For a Non-Profit Program Manager position, focus on your strategic planning and program development experience. Mention any successes in community engagement and cross-functional team leadership. If you have specialized training or certifications in 'Social Impact Strategies' or 'Leadership in Non-Profit Organizations', make them stand out. Use the 'skill-action-result' method to describe specific instances where your leadership directly advanced the goals of a non-profit, showing tangible outcomes of your contributions.
View Non Profit Cover Letter
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Volen Vulkov
Volen Vulkov is a resume expert and the co-founder of Enhancv. He applies his deep knowledge and experience to write about a career change, development, and how to stand out in the job application process.
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