Volunteering has been proven to boost happiness and ward off depression. Whether you’re helping out at a charity shop or listening to callers on an advice line, there are many ace opportunities out there. But how can you land the perfect voluntary position?
Crafting a superb volunteering CV is one piece of the puzzle. However, it’s within your cover letter that you have the chance to truly share your passion for the cause. In the following guide, we look at how to get it right.
Volunteer full text-only cover letter example
Dear Mr. Burton
I am writing to express my strong interest in volunteering with The British Red Cross. As a compassionate and dedicated individual with a genuine desire to make a positive impact in my community, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your organisation's mission of supporting people in crisis.
Having recently learned about your volunteer programme through the Do-it.org website, I was immediately drawn to the wide range of volunteering opportunities available at The British Red Cross. With my diverse skill set and adaptability, I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team in whichever capacity is most needed.
In my previous volunteer experience with Age UK, I demonstrated my ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals, providing companionship and support to elderly members of the community. I am a patient, empathetic listener and have a knack for putting people at ease. Additionally, my strong organisational skills and attention to detail have proven valuable in planning and executing fundraising events and community outreach initiatives.
I am particularly inspired by The British Red Cross's commitment to helping people in need, both locally and internationally. I am eager to learn more about your current volunteer opportunities and how I can best contribute my time and skills to support your cause.
I would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications and enthusiasm for volunteering with The British Red Cross in more detail. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining your team of dedicated volunteers and making a difference in the lives of others.
Sincerely,
Hazel Robinson
Sections of a volunteering cover letter
Before you start putting pen to paper, you want to know which sections to include. Follow the below structure to make sure that you perfect this art:
- Cover letter header. Kick things off by listing your name and contact details at the top of the page. This is one of the first things that the hiring manager will see.
- Greeting. Next, add a formal greeting. Show that you have done your homework by addressing the hiring manager directly here.
- Introduction. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Start your volunteering cover letter with a strong statement that grabs the reader’s attention.
- Body. Within the body of your cover letter, you will detail your previous volunteering experience and what draws you to this position. Aim to tell a compelling narrative that explains why you have decided to apply as a volunteer.
- Conclusion. Toward the end of your cover letter, you should summarise the skills, experience, and expertise you have. Wrap up your closing argument now.
- Signature. Make sure you use a professional signature at the end of the letter.
If you’re brimming with enthusiasm, you might have a whole lot to say. However, you should aim to create a one-page cover letter, if possible. Try to be succinct and get straight to the point.
Each section of your cover letter should add value to your application. If you have written too much, go back and edit out any parts that don’t clearly showcase your potential.
If you need some additional inspiration, we have you covered. Check out our selection of cover letter examples, including the following:
If it’s been a while since you last applied for a position, it may be worth going back to basics. Check out our complete guide on how to write a cover letter for a deep dive.
Introduction of a sales cover letter
Getting the start of a cover letter right is vital. The first part of this letter will set the tone for your application. Seize the chance to hook the reader’s interest and hold it. You can do this with a strong hook that offers the reader enough information to get their attention.
While this is not a paid position, you still need to take a professional approach. It’s important to show the hiring manager that you are serious about volunteering and making a difference.
Dear Mr. Hunt,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the position of Volunteer at the Nottingham Oxfam Shop. Having previously worked in sales delivering 99% customer satisfaction, I have the skills to support the busy team while raising vital funds for the charity.
Hey Sam, I saw that you were looking for new volunteers at Oxfam. I quite fancy giving it a go. Can I pop in for a trial shift?
You want to stand out amongst a sea of applicants. To do that, you should get specific about what you have to offer. You can do this by adding statistics into the mix. For example, saying that you ‘served happy customers’ can be improved with the line ‘99% customer satisfaction’.
It’s all about showing the hiring manager that you have what it takes to excel. Wherever possible, include these minor details. They might be the thing that lands you an interview.
Dear Mr. Burton
I am writing to express my strong interest in volunteering with The British Red Cross. As a compassionate and dedicated individual with a genuine desire to make a positive impact in my community, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your organisation's mission of supporting people in crisis.
Volunteering cover letter body
When writing the body, you need to follow a simple structure. Here’s what you should do:
- Highlight your relevant skills and experience
- Explain why you would like to volunteer and convey your passion for the role
- Conclude with a strong statement that leaves the hiring manager wanting more
- Finish with a call to action, encouraging the reader to get in touch
First body paragraph: your suitability for the role (skills & experience)
Have you got a case of writer’s block? If you’re not sure what to include in your first body paragraph, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at what you may feature:
- Show some enthusiasm. If you’re willing to volunteer, you can bet that you have a load of passion for the cause. Now is the time to speak up about it freely.
- Emphasise your skills. What makes you well-suited to this position? Do you have key skills that align with the project? Do your research before detailing these competencies.
- Expand on prior experience. If you have previous volunteering experience, add some context to that now. Explain how that position equipped you for this vacancy.
- Share your flexibility and schedule. Voluntary positions are unpaid. But you still need to be available at certain times. Briefly detail how flexible your schedule is.
- Cover your driving force. What is pushing you to volunteer? Writing about your motivation is a smart way to win over the hiring manager.
- Let your personality shine. Volunteer roles are all about personality. Show that you are the right person for the job by emphasising your people skills and charisma.
Second body paragraph(s): alignment with the organisation
Writing a compelling cover letter is not just about ticking boxes. You need to make sure that you align your application with the volunteer vacancy. Luckily, there’s a sneaky way to do just that.
Do some research on the organisation. The easiest way to do this is to go straight to its website, where you can usually find a mission statement, vision, or values section.
For example, on the Oxfam website, you will find the following description:
“Oxfam is a global community of people who believe in a kinder and radically better world, where everyone has the power to thrive, not just survive. We believe we can overcome poverty by fighting the injustices and inequalities that fuel it.”
You may choose to incorporate elements of this ethos into your volunteering cover letter. For instance, you may say that you want to become part of the charity’s ‘global community’ or share your passion for helping to ‘fight the injustices and inequalities’ of the world.
Having recently learned about your volunteer programme through the Do-it.org website, I was immediately drawn to the wide range of volunteering opportunities available at The British Red Cross. With my diverse skill set and adaptability, I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team in whichever capacity is most needed.
In my previous volunteer experience with Age UK, I demonstrated my ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals, providing companionship and support to elderly members of the community. I am a patient, empathetic listener and have a knack for putting people at ease. Additionally, my strong organisational skills and attention to detail have proven valuable in planning and executing fundraising events and community outreach initiatives.
I am particularly inspired by The British Red Cross's commitment to helping people in need, both locally and internationally. I am eager to learn more about your current volunteer opportunities and how I can best contribute my time and skills to support your cause.
Call to action & conclusion: finish off strong
At the end of your cover letter, add a call to action. This line or two encourages the hiring manager to reach out to you. This may be a good place to reiterate your work experience and skills before stating that you can share more during a formal interview.
You should also include a formal signature. Avoid anything too casual here as it can give the wrong impression to the reader. Simply use ‘Kind regards’ or ‘Sincerely’ and your full name.
I would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications and enthusiasm for volunteering with The British Red Cross in more detail. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining your team of dedicated volunteers and making a difference in the lives of others.
Sincerely,
Hazel Robinson
How to write a volunteering cover letter with no experience
If this is your first voluntary role or you’re looking for work experience, don’t panic. You can still write a cover letter that wins over the hiring manager. Here’s what you should include:
- Your transferable skills. Include details of the transferable skills you have, such as communication, customer service, or leadership skills.
- Organisation knowledge. What do you know about the organisation or charity? Why have you chosen to apply for a voluntary position with it?
- Express a willingness to learn. If you’re new to the position, you will need to learn a wealth of skills. State that you are ready for the challenge.
- Mention your academic background. What education do you have? Share details of your schooling so long as it is relevant to the voluntary position.
Key takeaways
Crafting the perfect volunteering cover letter is easier than you think. Make sure you research the organisation in-depth before you get started. You can then tailor your cover letter to align with its vision. Follow the advice we have shared here to get started now.
Looking for some help? Use our cover letter builder to create a stellar voluntary cover letter now.
