As a volunteer, you’re making a difference in your community, gaining valuable experience, and developing skills employers love. Now, it's time to showcase your incredible volunteering journey in your volunteer cover letter!
In this guide, we’ll help you translate your volunteer experiences into compelling evidence of your abilities, commitment, and passion. Crafting a volunteer cover letter has never been easier.
Volunteer full text-only cover letter example
14 January 2024
Dear Mr. Randall Casey,
I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Volunteer Support Worker position at The Salvation Army Kaitaia, as advertised on your community noticeboard. As a 20-year-old resident of Kaitaia with a deep passion for serving my community and supporting those in need, I am eager to contribute my time and skills to your compassionate team. I have long admired The Salvation Army's unwavering dedication to providing essential services and bringing hope to individuals and families facing hardship.
While my formal work experience is limited, I have actively sought opportunities to develop my interpersonal skills and gain practical experience in helping others. For the past two years, I have volunteered at the Kaitaia Community Centre, where I assist with a variety of tasks, including organizing community events, providing support to elderly residents, and mentoring youth. This experience has instilled in me a strong sense of empathy, compassion, and the importance of building positive relationships with people from all walks of life.
I am a firm believer in the power of community and the importance of giving back.
Growing up in Kaitaia, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by many individuals and families in our community. I am passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of others and believe that my skills and experiences align well with The Salvation Army's mission to provide support, hope, and opportunity to those in need.
I am a highly motivated and reliable individual with a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to contribute to the well-being of my community. I am confident in my ability to work effectively as part of a team and am eager to learn new skills and take on new challenges. I am also a patient and understanding listener, with a strong commitment to treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Some of my key strengths and experiences that I believe would be valuable to your team include:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills: Developed through my volunteer work at the Kaitaia Community Centre, where I interact with a diverse range of people, including elderly residents, youth, and families. I am confident in my ability to build rapport, establish trust, and communicate effectively with individuals from all walks of life.
- Empathy and compassion: I have a genuine desire to help others and am passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of those in need. My volunteer experiences have deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by many in our community and have strengthened my commitment to providing support and compassion.
- Teamwork and collaboration: I am a strong team player with experience in working collaboratively to achieve shared goals. I am adaptable and flexible, willing to take on different roles and responsibilities as needed, and I am always willing to lend a helping hand to my colleagues.
- Problem-solving and initiative: I am resourceful and proactive, with a knack for identifying solutions and taking initiative to address challenges. I am confident in my ability to think critically and creatively to find effective solutions to problems.
- Commitment to learning and growth: I am eager to learn new skills and expand my knowledge. I am a quick learner and am always willing to embrace new challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
I am confident that my passion for serving my community, combined with my interpersonal skills and commitment to making a difference, would make me a valuable asset to The Salvation Army Kaitaia. I am eager to contribute my time and energy to your organization and support your efforts in providing essential services to those in need.
Thank you for considering my application. I hope to connect with you soon!
Yours sincerely,
Josiah Albertson
Sections of a volunteer cover letter
Crafting a volunteer cover letter for a volunteer position is your opportunity to showcase the amazing impact you've made through volunteering. To highlight your skills and dedication, be sure to format your cover letter with the following sections:
- Cover letter header: Include your full name, contact details (phone number, email address), and links to any relevant online profiles such as LinkedIn or online portfolios.
- Greeting: Begin with a professional greeting, addressing the hiring manager by name if possible.
- Introduction: Express your enthusiasm for the specific role and organisation. Briefly summarise your volunteer experience and how it has prepared you for this position.
- Body Paragraphs: Describe your volunteer roles and responsibilities in detail. Highlight the skills you've gained (e.g., teamwork, communication, problem-solving) and how they align with the job requirements. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
- Conclusion: Reiterate your interest in the position and how your volunteer experience makes you a valuable asset. Conclude with a call to action, such as requesting an interview to discuss your qualifications further.
Your cover letter is your chance to show how your passion for helping others has given you the skills and experience to excel in this role.
Aim for one page that showcases your unique contributions and skill set.
Need more inspiration crafting your volunteer cover letter? Check out our related cover letter examples:
Level up your cover letter game and check out our articles on how to write a cover letter and writing a ChatGPT cover letter for more professional tips.
Introduction of a volunteer cover letter
Unsure how to showcase limited experience, or staring at a blank page with no idea where to begin? We've got you covered! Start your volunteer cover letter by expressing your genuine enthusiasm for the role or company and the specific cause they champion.
You can briefly share a compelling anecdote about your volunteer experience that showcases your commitment and the impact you've made.
Perhaps you organised a fundraising campaign for Māori Language Week that exceeded its goal, mentored youth, or organised a community event that brought people together.
This personal touch in your introduction will demonstrate your dedication and highlight the valuable skills you've gained through volunteering.
Dear Ms. Herewini,
With five years of experience coordinating volunteer projects, I am thrilled to apply for the Volunteer Coordinator position at UNICEF New Zealand. During my time volunteering at ELEVATE, I spearheaded a community outreach program that resulted in a 20% increase in volunteer participation. I’m passionate about empowering individuals to make a difference and possess strong organisation and interpersonal skills that I believe would be invaluable in this role.
Hey Catherine,
I saw your ad for volunteers and thought I'd give it a shot! I like helping people, I’ve been doing the whole volunteer gig for years now, and I have some free time. I think I'd be good at this. I'm pretty good at organisation things and talking to people too, and I’d love to help UNICEF get more engagement across social media.
By showcasing your passion and highlighting a specific achievement, you immediately capture the reader's attention and demonstrate your genuine commitment to making a difference.
This strategy not only showcases your passion and abilities but also creates a memorable introduction that effectively highlights your skills and experiences.
14 January 2024
Dear Mr. Randall Casey,
I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Volunteer Support Worker position at The Salvation Army Kaitaia, as advertised on your community noticeboard. As a 20-year-old resident of Kaitaia with a deep passion for serving my community and supporting those in need, I am eager to contribute my time and skills to your compassionate team. I have long admired The Salvation Army's unwavering dedication to providing essential services and bringing hope to individuals and families facing hardship.
Volunteer cover letter body
In the heart of your cover letter, weave a compelling narrative that showcases your dedication and the valuable skills you've honed through volunteering. Include the following:
- Illustrate your impact and share specific examples of how you've made a difference in your volunteer roles
- Highlight transferable skills, such as computer skills or soft skills, and connect these skills you've developed through volunteering to the job requirements
- Demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for the organisation’s mission
- Discuss your commitment to growth and mention your eagerness to learn new skills
First body paragraph: your suitability for the role (skills & experience)
Craft a compelling opening paragraph that captures the reader's attention by incorporating these key elements:
- Volunteer experience: Describe your experience in various volunteer settings. Perhaps you volunteered at a local marae, supported a conservation effort in your region, or assisted with a youth mentoring program. Mention any relevant training or workshops you've completed through organisations such as Volunteering New Zealand or World Vision NZ.
- Interpersonal skills: Elaborate on your skills in communication, empathy, and active listening. Discuss your ability to build rapport with diverse individuals and work effectively in team settings.
- Problem-solving and adaptability: Provide examples of how you've effectively addressed challenges or unexpected situations during your volunteer work, demonstrating your ability to think on your feet and find creative solutions.
- Organisational and time management skills: Highlight your ability to manage your time effectively, prioritise tasks, and work independently or as part of a team to achieve goals.
By weaving these elements together and drawing upon your unique experiences, you can craft a compelling narrative that showcases your dedication and positions you as an ideal candidate for the volunteer role.
To help your application bypass the ATS, describe your volunteer experience using keywords and language that mirrors the job description.
For example, if applying for a project management role, highlight the organisational and leadership skills gained while coordinating volunteer teams. This helps the ATS recognise you as a potential match.
Second body paragraph(s): alignment with the organisation
In your second body paragraph, delve deeper into your motivations for volunteering and your understanding of the organisation’s mission.
Research the organisation thoroughly. You can explore their website or social media, read their annual reports, and familiarise yourself with any recent initiatives and achievements.
Try to connect your personal values to their mission, highlighting how your passion for their cause aligns with their goals.
For example, The Salvation Army’s values include:
- Responding to the changing realities of the world
- Caring for people
- Transforming lives
- Reforming society
If you were interested in volunteering at a social service organisation like The Salvation Army, you could highlight your commitment to social justice, helping vulnerable communities, and providing compassionate, transformative care to those in need.
By highlighting a genuine understanding of the organisation’s work and showcasing how your values align with theirs, you can help strengthen your application and show your commitment to their cause.
While my formal work experience is limited, I have actively sought opportunities to develop my interpersonal skills and gain practical experience in helping others. For the past two years, I have volunteered at the Kaitaia Community Centre, where I assist with a variety of tasks, including organizing community events, providing support to elderly residents, and mentoring youth. This experience has instilled in me a strong sense of empathy, compassion, and the importance of building positive relationships with people from all walks of life.
I am a firm believer in the power of community and the importance of giving back.
Growing up in Kaitaia, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by many individuals and families in our community. I am passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of others and believe that my skills and experiences align well with The Salvation Army's mission to provide support, hope, and opportunity to those in need.
I am a highly motivated and reliable individual with a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to contribute to the well-being of my community. I am confident in my ability to work effectively as part of a team and am eager to learn new skills and take on new challenges. I am also a patient and understanding listener, with a strong commitment to treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Some of my key strengths and experiences that I believe would be valuable to your team include:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills: Developed through my volunteer work at the Kaitaia Community Centre, where I interact with a diverse range of people, including elderly residents, youth, and families. I am confident in my ability to build rapport, establish trust, and communicate effectively with individuals from all walks of life.
- Empathy and compassion: I have a genuine desire to help others and am passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of those in need. My volunteer experiences have deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by many in our community and have strengthened my commitment to providing support and compassion.
- Teamwork and collaboration: I am a strong team player with experience in working collaboratively to achieve shared goals. I am adaptable and flexible, willing to take on different roles and responsibilities as needed, and I am always willing to lend a helping hand to my colleagues.
- Problem-solving and initiative: I am resourceful and proactive, with a knack for identifying solutions and taking initiative to address challenges. I am confident in my ability to think critically and creatively to find effective solutions to problems.
- Commitment to learning and growth: I am eager to learn new skills and expand my knowledge. I am a quick learner and am always willing to embrace new challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Call to action & conclusion: an effective ending
Close your cover letter by sincerely thanking the reader for considering your application. You can briefly mention how your volunteer experiences demonstrate key skills relevant to the position, such as teamwork, communication, or problem-solving.
Conclude with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Ngā mihi," followed by your full name and contact information. This can help reinforce your commitment and the value you bring to the organisation.
I am confident that my passion for serving my community, combined with my interpersonal skills and commitment to making a difference, would make me a valuable asset to The Salvation Army Kaitaia. I am eager to contribute my time and energy to your organization and support your efforts in providing essential services to those in need.
Thank you for considering my application. I hope to connect with you soon!
Yours sincerely,
Josiah Albertson
Key Takeaways
A compelling volunteer cover letter showcases how your valuable skills and dedication can create positive change within your community.
Transform your volunteer experience into a powerful career tool with our cover letter builder!
With expert guidance and tailored examples, we'll show you how to highlight your unique strengths and become a top candidate.
