Writing a volunteering cover letter may seem daunting at first, but with our straightforward guide, it becomes a manageable task.
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Brimming with actionable tips, real-world examples, and insightful advice, we'll help you navigate this important aspect of your volunteering journey. Let's together turn your passion for service into a compelling narrative.
Keep reading to learn about:
- Crafting your volunteering cover letter header and headline
- Tailoring the content and greeting of your volunteering cover letter
- Creating a compelling cover letter introduction as a volunteer
- Showing off your relevant skills and accomplishments as a volunteer
- Persuading a volunteer organizer to contact you with your conclusion
- Accessing useful job search resources for volunteers
1. How to write an effective volunteering cover letter header and headline
A cover letter header and headline refer to the first two elements found at the top of the page.
These elements serve two key purposes — they give your cover letter much-needed visual structure and they provide the volunteer organizer with the necessary introductory information about who you are and why you have written this cover letter.
Your cover letter header always comes first, placed in either the top left or top center of the page. In this header, a volunteer organizer should find:
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information
- The name of the company or organization where you wish to volunteer
Here's an example of a well-formatted volunteer cover letter header
Madison Jones, Animal Care Volunteer
(123) 456-7890 | madisonjones@email.com | linkedin.com/in/madison-jones
To: McKendall Animal Center
1234 Street Address
Salem, MA 97301
Next, you will write your cover letter headline.
When applying for a paid position, this headline is used to convince the employer you have the top qualifications needed for the job. For a volunteer cover letter, comparatively, your headline should convey your passion for and commitment to the position.
To write a cover letter headline, include:
- A relevant keyword (such as the specific type of volunteering you will be doing)
- A number or trigger word that conveys a qualification
- An adjective and/or verb that conveys your dedication
- A personalized statement that shows this is an exclusively written cover letter
Here's an example of a great volunteer cover letter headline
My Top 3 Reasons for Volunteering in Animal Care & How It Will Benefit Your Shelter
Trigger word/Number: 3 Reasons
Keyword: Volunteering in Animal Care
Adjective/Verb: Top, Benefit
Personalized statement: Your Shelter
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2. How to tailor the content and greeting of your volunteering cover letter
When writing a volunteering cover letter, your primary goal is to convey why you want to volunteer at the specific company or organization you are applying to.
To do this, it's essential to personalize not just your headline but also the content and greeting of your cover letter. Personalizing a cover letter means you must read up on the company or organization before applying, looking for key information about their values, goals, and needs.
As well as including this information throughout the body text of your cover letter, you should also use it to create a personalized greeting that addresses a specific person by name, such as the volunteer organizer.
Here are 3 examples of personalized volunteer cover letter greetings
- Dear Head Volunteer Joe Smith,
- Dear Volunteer Organizer Joe Smith,
- Dear Mr. Joe Smith,
3. How to create an eye-catching cover letter introduction as a volunteer
When writing a volunteer cover letter, you will have many opportunities to explain your passion for acts of service and the skills that make you a great volunteer.
However, in your introduction, you should place special focus on your top qualifications and years of experience. This can also include any specialized areas of expertise you possess, which can be especially important if you are applying for a volunteer role that requires a specific skill set, such as child care.
Here is an example of a compelling introduction from a volunteer cover letter
Dear Head Volunteer Joe Smith,
I am a highly experienced volunteer with specialized experience working with homeless and mentally disabled youth. With more than 8 years of experience working in community youth centers, I bring the skills, compassion, and commitment your organization needs to continue supporting kids of all backgrounds in the local community. My employer, Ms. Harriet Leonard, is a current volunteer with your organization and strongly recommended I apply for this position.
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4. How to show off your relevant skills and accomplishments as a volunteer
Working as a volunteer can require a diverse skillset that allows you to communicate effectively and work well within a team.
As you describe your skills, accomplishments, and various qualifications as a volunteer, it is crucial to make sure all the details you include are highly relevant, specific to the role, and quantifiable (whenever possible). This will help you to show the volunteer organizer your commitment to the role, as well as the key reasons why you are a great fit for the position.
Here are 6 skills to describe in a volunteer cover letter
- Communication (describe your specific communication style)
- Problem-solving
- Leadership (describe your specific leadership style)
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Compassion
- Time management
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a volunteer cover letter
As a volunteer for the American Red Cross, I helped to organize the nurse workstations and keep them well-stocked with supplies. After working diligently over 48 hours to design the optimal donation set-up, my team and I were able to boost the efficiency of donations, resulting in 25% more donations per day of the blood drive.
5. How to craft a persuasive volunteer cover letter conclusion
The final act of your cover letter writing process is to write a persuasive conclusion that lets the volunteer organizer know how to best contact you.
Make sure to not only reiterate your contact information but to also provide the best times and days on which you can be reached.
Additionally, always include a formal sign-off to show the proper respect and appreciation to the person reading your cover letter.
Here is an example of a persuasive volunteer cover letter
I am deeply appreciative to your team for taking the time to review my application and hope to join the ranks of your fantastic volunteer organization soon. You may reach me any weekday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (123) 456-7890, or on weekends at madisonjones@email.com. I hope to hear from you by next Wednesday and plan to follow up that afternoon if I have yet to hear back.
Yours in Service,
[Applicant Name]
If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.
6. Useful job search resources for volunteers
Navigating the vast sea of volunteering opportunities becomes easier with the right online platforms. Here are a few key websites to kick start your search:
- Idealist: A global site known for its extensive list of volunteer opportunities across various causes.
- VolunteerMatch: This platform bridges the gap between willing volunteers and non-profit organizations that need help. Their robust filtering system makes searching for the right opportunity a breeze.
- HandsOn Network: Associated with Points of Light, it offers volunteering opportunities in multiple countries, making it an excellent resource for those looking abroad.
- All for Good: Powered by Points of Light, it allows you to customize your search based on your interests and location.
- DoSomething: A platform particularly appealing to young volunteers, offering a range of different causes to support.
- Catchafire: This resource is perfect for professionals who want to offer their skills for pro-bono work.
Don't forget the power of local resources, too - local community centers, places of worship, or even your nearest non-profit organizations might have volunteering opportunities accessible right in your backyard.
Volunteering Cover Letter FAQ
Yes, it's best to maintain a professional tone in your volunteering cover letter. However, it's also important to let your passion and dedication shine through, as these qualities are especially valued in volunteer work.
Absolutely! Focus on the skills you do have and how they relate to the volunteer position. Be sure to emphasize your willingness to learn.
Explicitly mention this in your cover letter. It shows proactiveness to gain and utilize skills, even when you're not employed.
Highlight the transferable skills between your past experiences and the volunteer opportunity. Also, emphasize your interest in the field you're volunteering in and why it matters to you.
A polite follow-up email or call can demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment. However, remember to respect the organization's process and give them ample time to respond before reaching out.
