resume and cover letter for volunteering

Sample Cover Letter for a Volunteer Position

Mary McLain / The Balance

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Tips for Writing a Cover Letter to Volunteer

What to include in a cover letter for volunteering, how to send an email cover letter.

When applying for any professional position, it is good form to include a cover letter with your resume. Your cover letter is an opportunity to highlight some of your most relevant qualifications and experiences, enhance your resume, and increase your chances of being called for an interview.

This is true for volunteer positions as well as for paid ones. Your cover letter is an opportunity to share your interest in an organization and explain why you'd like to volunteer with the group.

Here's advice on what to include in a cover letter for volunteering, an example, a template to download, and tips for emailing your letter.

There are many reasons why you may be considering applying for a volunteer position. Perhaps you are hoping to volunteer as a way of exploring a possible career field. Or, you may feel passionate about a cause and wish to help “make a difference.”

It may be that volunteering is a required component of a school, church, or club program.

Whatever your reason, a strong cover letter will help you to gain positive attention and—hopefully—to garner a personal interview for the volunteer role you are interested in.

Include Relevant Experience

When you’re writing a cover letter for a volunteer position, whenever possible, you should try to call on your experience that is most relevant to the volunteer role. Give some thought to what you believe will be your responsibilities as a volunteer, and then write a list of your experiences that have prepared you to assume these particular tasks.

Show How You're a Fit

The relevancy of your background experience is more important than whether it was voluntary, paid, or recreational. If you don’t have relevant experience, then do your best to connect your professional, academic, extracurricular, and/or personal history to the position, explaining why you think you are a great fit for the organization and how your skill set will enable you to become a strong contributor to their mission.

Explain Why You Want to Volunteer

You should also provide some reasoning as to why you are applying to volunteer. After all, in most cases, volunteering is completely “voluntary,” so the organization will want to know what’s motivating your application. 

If you aren’t applying on your own volition—if it is part of some requirement for school, work, or something else—then it’s best not to mention anything that would cause the organization to doubt your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Include Your Contact Information

Finally, you should end your letter with a brief description of your availability, along with the best way to contact you.

You can use this cover letter sample as a model. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or read the text version below.

Here's an example of a cover letter written for a volunteer position.

Sample Cover Letter for a Volunteer Position (Text Version)

Brady Applicant

123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 brady.applicant@email.com

May 4, 2021

Jackson Lee Director Greenleaf Child Center 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee,

I am interested in an opportunity to volunteer with the Greenleaf Child Center. I have significant experience working with children and would like to continue to do so in a volunteer capacity.

I volunteered as a teacher’s aide at the Champlain School and enjoyed being able to help kindergarteners learn during their first experience in a classroom. In this position, I assisted with classroom projects, provided one-on-one literacy tutoring to the children, and chaperoned field trips. I also contributed additional time, outside of my set hours, to stay after school and assist with extracurricular activities.

For the past several winters, I volunteered with children on the slopes of a local ski resort, assisting coaches with teaching basic skiing to toddlers and elementary school-age children.

If the Greenleaf Center has a need for a dedicated volunteer, I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to assist. I believe it would be an excellent opportunity to develop my interest in early childhood education, a field I wish to study and pursue professionally in the future.

My schedule is flexible, and I am available to volunteer both evening and weekend hours, as well as during the day. Please feel free to reach out to me via email or cell phone.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you in person to discuss any potential opportunities at the Greenleaf Child Center.

Thanks for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Brady Applicant (signature hard copy letter)

If you're sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the reason you're writing in the subject line of the email message:

Subject:  Volunteer Position - Brady Applicant

Include your contact information in your email signature, and don't list the employer's contact information. Start your email message with the salutation.

Here's how to format an email cover letter and more details on sending an email cover letter.

4 Professional Volunteer Cover Letter Examples for 2024

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.

Cover Letter Guide

Volunteer Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Volunteer Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Community Organizer

Hospital volunteer.

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.

• 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.

If the volunteer isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Volunteer resume guide and example
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• ATS cover letter example
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• Non Profit cover letter example
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• No Degree cover letter example
• US cover letter example
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Volunteer cover letter example

MICHELLE SANDERS

New York, NY

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• 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:

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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?

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.

Cover letter examples by industry

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Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out and Get Noticed With These 18 Expert Tips

Learn how to start a cover letter: our expert guide with 5 examples, 8 common interview questions for managers (with answers), how to address being overqualified on a cover letter, how to create a general cover letter (with examples and tips), how, when, and why you can use a two-page resume.

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Volunteer Cover Letter Example

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Start your volunteer cover letter by addressing the recipient by name, if possible. If not, use a formal salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager." Then, introduce yourself and express your interest in the volunteer position. Mention where you found the opportunity and why it caught your attention. It's important to show enthusiasm and commitment right from the start. For example, you could say, "I am excited to apply for the volunteer position at XYZ organization, as I have always admired your commitment to environmental conservation." This not only shows your interest but also that you've done your research about the organization.

The best way for volunteers to end a cover letter is by expressing gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity. This can be done by saying something like, "Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your organization and look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further." This ending is effective because it shows appreciation, eagerness, and openness to further conversation. It's also important to include your contact information so they can easily reach you. Lastly, end with a professional closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name. This leaves a positive, professional impression.

Volunteers should include the following elements in a cover letter: 1. Personal Information: Start with your name, address, contact number, and email address at the top of the letter. 2. Salutation: Address the letter to the appropriate person, if possible. If you don't know the name, use a general greeting like "Dear Volunteer Coordinator." 3. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and mention the volunteer position you are applying for. If someone referred you, mention their name in this section. 4. Motivation: Explain why you want to volunteer for the organization. This could be because you support their cause, want to give back to the community, or are looking to gain specific skills or experiences. 5. Relevant Skills and Experiences: Highlight any skills, experiences, or qualifications that make you a good fit for the volunteer role. This could include previous volunteer work, relevant work experience, or personal experiences that have prepared you for the role. 6. Availability: Mention your availability for volunteering. Be as specific as possible about the days and times you are available. 7. Closing: Thank the reader for considering your application and express your enthusiasm for potentially joining their team. Include your contact information again and express your willingness to provide further information if needed. 8. Signature: End the letter with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name. Remember, a cover letter for a volunteer position is just as important as one for a paid position. It's your chance to show your passion for the cause, highlight your relevant skills, and demonstrate your commitment to volunteering.

Related Cover Letters for Volunteer

Church volunteer cover letter.

Community Volunteer Cover Letter

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Student Volunteer Cover Letter

Community Involvement Cover Letter

Counselor Cover Letter

Mental Health Counselor Cover Letter

Strategy Consultant Cover Letter

Related Resumes for Volunteer

Church volunteer resume example.

Community Volunteer Resume Example

School volunteer resume example, student volunteer resume example, community involvement resume example, counselor resume example.

Mental Health Counselor Resume Example

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Try our AI Cover Letter Generator

Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

14 non profit volunteer cover letters.

Approved by real hiring managers, these Non Profit Volunteer cover letters have been proven to get people hired in 2024. A hiring manager explains why.

Table of contents

• Non Profit Volunteer
• Non Profit Volunteer Coordinator
• Non Profit Program Coordinator
• Community Outreach Volunteer
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Event Planning Volunteer
• Alternative introductions for your cover letter
• Non Profit Volunteer resume examples

Non Profit Volunteer Cover Letter Example

Why this cover letter works in 2024, diverse skillset and experience.

This cover letter highlights the candidate's range of skills and experiences, which is important for a non-profit volunteer role. It demonstrates their ability to adapt to different situations and make a lasting impact in various capacities.

Enthusiastic and empathetic individual

By showcasing the candidate's personal qualities and passion for helping others, this cover letter stands out from others that may focus only on professional achievements. It's important to showcase your personal traits when applying for a non-profit role, as they are often just as important as your professional skills.

Show Enthusiasm for the Cause

Expressing your excitement about the role, especially in a non-profit, is a great way to show alignment with the organization's mission. By stating how you look forward to making a difference and contributing to a cause you care about, you're showing that you're not just looking for any job, but this job. This makes you look passionate, dedicated, and more likely to stay for the long term.

Aligning Personal and Organizational Values

When you show how the organization's mission resonates with your personal beliefs, it indicates a strong alignment of values. This is great because it's not just about doing a job for you; it's about contributing to a cause you deeply care about.

Demonstrating Skill Application

Sharing a story about how you've applied your skills in a real-world context gives me a clear picture of what you can do. It also shows that you understand the value of adapting your approach to meet diverse needs, which is crucial in the non-profit sector.

Expressing Genuine Excitement

Showing that you're genuinely excited about the specific work involved in the role is refreshing. It tells me that you're not just looking for any job; you're seeking an opportunity that aligns with your passion.

Understanding the Organization's Approach

When you express appreciation for the organization's approach to community support, it shows me that you've done your homework and understand what we're all about. It's a sign that you're looking to add to what we're already doing, rather than change our approach.

Show your passion for the non-profit mission

Explaining why the mission of the organization matters to you creates a strong start. It shows you're not just looking for any volunteer opportunity, but one that you are genuinely passionate about.

Highlight relevant volunteer experience

Talking about your previous volunteering experiences and the skills you gained from them, like organizational and communication skills, directly shows how you can contribute to the new role.

Stress the importance of teamwork and adaptability

Mentioning how previous experiences taught you about teamwork and adaptability in dynamic environments indicates that you’re a good team player, an essential trait for any volunteer.

Express willingness to learn and contribute

Showing eagerness to learn and contribute in various ways, including construction and outreach, demonstrates flexibility and a strong work ethic.

Convey gratitude and eagerness to impact

Ending your letter by thanking the organization and expressing a strong desire to contribute to its mission leaves a positive lasting impression.

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Share personal motivations for volunteering

Opening your cover letter with a personal tale of how volunteering values were instilled in you makes your application relatable and memorable, establishing a strong emotional connection right from the start.

Demonstrate a history of meaningful volunteer work

Illustrating your previous volunteer experiences and the direct impact of your actions, such as rebuilding homes after a disaster, showcases your commitment and the positive outcomes you've been a part of.

Match your skills with the organization's needs

Asserting that your skills in organization, leadership, and communication can contribute significantly to the organization's goals aligns your personal capabilities with their mission, making your application more compelling.

Emphasize your alignment with the organization's legacy

Expressing excitement about volunteering for an organization with a long history of humanitarian aid highlights your respect for their work and eagerness to be part of their ongoing mission.

Convey eagerness to contribute to the mission

Thanking the organization for considering your application and expressing a desire to learn more about how you can support their work shows initiative and a proactive approach to involvement.

Show your personal connection to nonprofit work

Sharing your own experiences with volunteer work can make your cover letter more engaging. It helps me understand why you are passionate about our cause, which is crucial for a nonprofit volunteer role.

Demonstrate leadership in volunteer coordination

Highlighting your success in managing volunteers shows you have the skills to motivate and organize a team. This is especially valuable in a nonprofit setting where teamwork and leadership can directly impact our mission's success.

Connect with the mission

Explaining why you are drawn to our specific mission makes your application stand out. It tells me that you have a genuine interest in what we do and that you've thought about how you can contribute to our goals.

End with a strong call to action

Concluding your letter by expressing eagerness to discuss your role in furthering our mission adds a proactive touch. It shows you're not just applying broadly but are specifically interested in contributing to our organization.

Non Profit Volunteer Coordinator Cover Letter Example

Highlight measurable achievements.

Having a 'proudest accomplishment' that's relevant to the job you're applying for is a brilliant way to showcase your capabilities. In this case, successfully raising a significant amount of money in a short period shows you've got what it takes to make a tangible impact in a non-profit's fundraising efforts. It's a clear, quantifiable achievement that stands out.

Non Profit Program Coordinator Cover Letter Example

Connecting personal experiences with job motivation.

Linking your motivation to join the team to a powerful, personal moment is a brilliant move. It creates a heartfelt connection and shows me that your desire to create change is personal and profound.

Highlighting Relationship Building Skills

Pointing out your ability to foster relationships with local communities is spot on. It's not just about running programs; it's about understanding the unique needs of the communities we serve. I value this skill in a candidate.

Aligning Experience with Organizational Focus

Highlighting your passion and experience in the areas we focus on, tells me you're not just qualified for the role; you're personally invested in our cause. That's someone I want on my team!

Admiring Innovation

Expressing admiration for how we tackle challenges shows me that you're someone who appreciates innovative thinking. This makes me believe you’d contribute new ideas and approaches to our programs, which is something I value in a candidate.

Community Outreach Volunteer Cover Letter Example

Share the moment you found your calling.

Starting with a personal story about what drew you to volunteer work makes your cover letter memorable and shows your genuine commitment to community service.

Demonstrate your ability to adapt and engage

Describing how you’ve adapted your approach to meet diverse needs showcases your problem-solving skills and ability to engage effectively with different people.

Communicate your excitement for the organization’s mission

Expressing enthusiasm for the organization's work and how it aligns with your values makes your application more compelling.

Showcase your collaborative spirit

Emphasizing your proactive and empathetic nature, along with your ability to build strong relationships, highlights your potential as a valuable team member.

Express appreciation and a desire to contribute

Ending with a note of thanks and a reiteration of your desire to make a meaningful difference strengthens your application and leaves a positive impression.

Inspiration leads to passion

Sharing a personal story, like how a family member's commitment to volunteering shaped your own passion, immediately draws in the reader and establishes a strong emotional connection. This approach shows that your interest in the community outreach volunteer role is deeply rooted and genuine.

Success with measurable impact

Detailing your experience with specific accomplishments, such as expanding a financial literacy program, demonstrates your ability to take initiative and produce results. Mentioning the expansion to other communities highlights your contribution to creating a broader impact.

Skills that build communities

Stating your talent in relationship-building, identifying needs, and devising solutions underlines your ability to address community challenges creatively and effectively. This signals to hiring managers that you're not just a doer but a thinker who can adapt and innovate.

Alignment with organizational mission

Expressing your attraction to the organization's comprehensive approach to community issues shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in their mission. This kind of alignment is crucial for a community outreach volunteer, indicating a higher likelihood of long-term commitment and success.

Eagerness to contribute

Ending your cover letter with a note of thanks and an expression of eagerness to learn more about contributing to the organization's work reinforces your genuine interest. It's a courteous and professional way to conclude, leaving a positive impression on the reader.

Express admiration for the organization

Starting your cover letter by sharing your long-standing respect for the organization sets a positive tone. It shows me that your interest is deep-rooted and extends beyond just finding a volunteer opportunity.

Highlight relevant event planning experience

Mentioning your success in organizing a community event that aligns with community outreach efforts is impressive. It provides concrete evidence of your ability to bring people together for a cause, something crucial for a community outreach volunteer.

Leverage your marketing skills

Pointing out how you can apply your professional skills to help further our mission demonstrates adaptability. It suggests you're thinking creatively about how your background can serve the organization in unique ways.

Show enthusiasm for collaboration

Ending your letter with a note of thanks and an offer to discuss your potential contributions reflects well on you. It presents you as courteous and eager to engage with our team on a deeper level.

Volunteer Coordinator Cover Letter Example

Show your long-term commitment to volunteering.

Starting your cover letter by highlighting a lifelong dedication to volunteering puts a spotlight on your genuine passion for the cause, setting a solid foundation for the rest of your letter.

Quantify your volunteer impact

By sharing specific outcomes of your volunteering efforts, like the amount of litter removed during a cleanup, you give a clear picture of the tangible impact you can create. This is compelling evidence of your effectiveness.

Connect with the organization's mission

Expressing your attraction to the organization's method of creating community change demonstrates that you're not just looking for any volunteer coordinator role but are specifically interested in what they do and why they do it.

Highlight relevant skills for managing volunteers

Detailing your organizational abilities and passion for community service reassures the hiring team of your capability to efficiently coordinate volunteer activities and align with the organization's goals.

Express enthusiasm for the role

Closing your letter with a statement of excitement about joining the team and contributing positively shows your eagerness and proactive attitude towards making a difference.

Personal connection to volunteer work

Starting with your long-standing involvement in volunteering establishes a solid foundation for your interest in the volunteer coordinator position. It shows that you're not just looking for a job but seeking to further a personal commitment to volunteerism.

Proven experience in volunteer management

Highlighting your track record in recruiting, training, and managing volunteers, especially with specific achievements like organizing a major clean-up event, showcases your capability and experience. This reassures hiring managers of your ability to handle the responsibilities of a volunteer coordinator effectively.

Creating positive volunteer experiences

Emphasizing your passion for ensuring volunteers feel valued and appreciated speaks volumes about your understanding of what makes a volunteer program successful. Recognizing the importance of positive experiences is key in retaining volunteers and building a strong volunteer base.

Commitment to the organization's mission

Your expressed interest in Habitat for Humanity's mission highlights your motivation and dedication to the cause. It's crucial for a volunteer coordinator to genuinely believe in the organization's goals, as this enthusiasm is infectious and can inspire volunteers.

Openness to discussion and collaboration

Ending your cover letter with an invitation to discuss how you can contribute to the mission shows that you're not just interested in the role but are also proactive and ready to collaborate. This sets the stage for a productive conversation during the interview process.

Event Planning Volunteer Cover Letter Example

Show your event planning passion.

Mentioning your passion for making a positive impact through event planning catches attention. It suggests your work will be driven by more than just duty.

Detail your event planning experience

Talking about your history with managing various aspects of event planning shows you have the skills needed. It's helpful for us to see your range of abilities.

Highlight your desire to make a difference

When you express excitement about using your skills for a cause, it shows you're likely to be motivated and committed. This is exactly what organizations look for in volunteers.

Express gratitude and eagerness to contribute

Closing with thanks and reinforcing your wish to help shows politeness and enthusiasm. It leaves a positive final impression on the reader.

Alternative Introductions

If you're struggling to start your cover letter, here are 6 different variations that have worked for others, along with why they worked. Use them as inspiration for your introductory paragraph.

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Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

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Do people mail resumes and cover letters anymore?

Just starting a job search and I want to send out resumes and cover letters instead of applying online. Is that acceptable? Will it just get ignored?

God NO. Nobody does this ever now. Is this a serious post OP?

Don't mail it unless the job posting says to mail it. Many people in offices don't check their mail for weeks because they get so little.

I feel like these elder people are just posting this for shits and giggles.

How old are you OP?

Yes you're probably right R3.

This is a serious post. I was looking at the websites of places I'd like to work, but there weren't any listings I'd be interested in, but I feel like they would find a place for me with my qualifications. I'm 50 btw.

Horseshit R6. You're trolling from your nursing home bed in your hospital gown, diapers and crocs.

R6 What profession are you in. And I take it you live in Iowa.

OP most recruiters don’t even read emailed/online resumes and cover letters any more - that’s why they ask for them in Word format. The documents get fed into a database tool that searches for some keywords and spits out the results. No human intervention.

No, r7. I'm an attorney and and was looking at the websites for my state's ACLU and Democratic Party and all they were advertising were senior positions or interns.

Have you heard of LinkedIn R10? You seek out the person you want to speak to and request to connect. Everybody hates LinkedIn but it's how things work these days. Make sure your profile is top notch.

If you're really smart you will be able to work out how to contact them via email from their name and the domain name of the organization they work for. i.e.; [email protected] (also [email protected] and [email protected] - use BCC so they can't see all the different emails).

They will respect that a lot more than a letter which they probably will never see and will demonstrate that you are "old school" and tech phobic.

Mail a resume in? That’s not how you do it, OP.

You have to show up in person in your best suit and drop it off personally at the business. That’s how you show them you’re a real go-getter with moxie. That’ll knock their socks off.

I wouldn't do that as the first line of attack.

I would consider it if you apply online and haven't heard anything in like a week or so - then send a personal letter to the HR rep and include another copy of your resume.

Showing up in cosplay always worked for me. For example OP you have to really up the ante. Law enforcement show up in full blown Swat gear. Health insurance show up as a high end nurse. Don’t back and never take no for an answer. Good luck OP.

[quote]Everybody hates LinkedIn but it's how things work these days.

Actually, the last few years, people have been leaving linkedin in droves. It's way too full of recruiters spamming people and everyone claiming they are a CEO of a company staff of one.

In my fathers day, when he was a young man, they didn't use resumes back then. Even for something like a white collar job as an engineer, you would just go to XYZ company and fill out an application in person.

R16 are you Gen X or a boomer. Over hundred million cunts later that’s why. We need another plague…

Dissenting opinion.

It depends what profession and the position. I think this paper letter would work in some very narrow situations and if the letter is a "cold letter" - not responding to an advertised position.

I will give examples.

Let's say you want to be the curator of English silver at the Victoria & Albert museum. And a friend of yours is good friends with the VP there, as they are in the same fancy homo crowd in the summer.

Let's say you want to work in Trusts & Estates at a private bank in Geneva or Zurich. And you once worked in private banking as a young man in New York or London, right after earning a very prestigious degree. And you are married to a well known VIP at the World Bank or the IMF, and have been a successful private art consultant for 20 years, with a great list of loaded clients.

In such contexts, you might even send a letter on paper, and NO cover letter. Naturally, hand written in fountain pen on good but not pretentious paper, an in impeccable French if possible, for Geneva.

You may think this is Duchess Meghan level of corny pretension but in Meghan's case it's only because she doesn't have the pedigree and background to pull it off, and she would do it publicly.

In short, there are still a few people who recognize and reward an elegant gesture with their personal attention. So this sort of thing still flies, in narrow contexts.

R18, in the first instance, you would ask your friend to call or email the VP. Depending on what he says, you might then follow up with a letter and CV, unless the VP specifically asks that you send your CV by email (as he might well do because he might prefer to save the CV as an electronic document). The point is that, once the personal contact is made, you do what your potential employer asks you to do.

A similar process would be followed for the banking job. Responsible positions in prestigious organizations are usually filled by word of mouth and personal connections.

If you actually get an interview, then your elegant gesture would be very nice as a thank-you letter afterwards. I do agree with the hand-written part. A letter with a hand-written address will draw more attention because they are so rare nowadays. Bear in mind that your future boss's secretary is one who will be opening it, not the man (or woman) himself. Also, bear in mind that sending such a letter will peg you as an eccentric, which might or might not be a good thing.

R19 all good observations. My point at R18 was just to give contexts in which paper might be possible.

And this is the best look for the day.

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5 things to do this summer for a successful job search

1. Work on your resume 

A resume is the most common document requested when applying for a job. If you are networking or interested in an opportunity, having a well-crafted resume ready to go will benefit you. 

Build a resume showcasing your skills and experience. For each highlighted skill, back it up with specific details. Your resume is an opportunity to sell yourself to potential employers. Be sure to include accurate and detailed information to help you stand out, and tailor your resume for each job application. 

Career Services offers AI Resume Editor by Quinncia , a free online resume review tool to help students enhance their resumes. The tool uses AI technology to provide personalized feedback on your resume based on criteria gathered from employers and global best practices.  

2. Create a template cover letter 

A tailored cover letter can be the most vital piece of an application. The cover letter lets you elaborate on why you are applying to this specific role. A well-written cover letter will connect your reasons to your experiences and skills, showing why you are the ideal candidate for the position. 

While you won't be able to finalize a cover letter until you find a position you're interested in, you can develop a template cover letter as a starting point. You can build the template around the foundational skills you hope to use in a future role or the experiences you've gained that are relevant to positions you're interested in. 

3. Update your online profiles 

Online profiles are essential for finding a job or internship. In fact, Handshake is the place where many college students find jobs.  

Keep your online profiles, like Handshake and LinkedIn , up to date. You’ve likely expanded your skills and added experiences over the last year. Take time this summer to review your profiles and update them with any new information: 

Consider classes, part-time work, leadership roles and other experiences you could add to enhance your profile. 

Rewrite and update your summary section on LinkedIn with your goals, projects and interests.  

Update your profile image with a recent professional photo. Career Services offers a free self-service photo booth you can use if you need a new profile photo! 

4. Build an online portfolio 

For relevant majors and job positions, an online portfolio gives you a way to highlight your work and projects. Some positions may ask you to submit a portfolio with your application. Even when it’s not required, you may still want to provide the link to your portfolio in your resume or cover letter.  

Students can create a free online portfolio using BuffsCreate .  

5. Prepare for recommendation and reference requests 

Summer can be a great time to connect with mentors, discuss your professional goals and ask for recommendations or references. While past professors, supervisors and volunteer coordinators are excellent resources, anyone who can reflect on your skills and professional identity can make a good reference. 

Prepare for the job search 

Take time this summer to get a head start on your job or internship search. Career Services offers career counseling, on-demand tools and more to support students.