Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for Volunteering
Cover letters written for volunteering with organizations are an effective means of indicating your interest in a specific volunteer position, as well as describing how your skills, experiences, and background can enhance the lives of others. Like cover letters written for paid jobs, those written for volunteer positions are most effective when they can precisely highlight how well your background and/or interests align with the qualifications the group is seeking in its volunteers.
Similar to paid jobs, organizations offering volunteer opportunities often post a list of positions they are looking to fill. Review these positions to identify potential matches and understand their requirements. If there is no position listed at an organization, you can write a letter of interest to let the organization know you are interested in volunteering there.
Although volunteer opportunities are usually unpaid, the employer may still require some qualifications to consider an applicant eligible. For example, volunteers at an animal shelter may need experience working with pets. Other volunteer roles may require a valid driver’s license, office management experience, a pleasant phone manner, and so on.
As with any cover letter, you will want to focus on the most relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications you possess. Before you start drafting your cover letter, make sure you have researched the organization. Familiarizing yourself with the organization’s culture and mission can make you a stronger and more prepared candidate. In your letter, you will be able to explain why you are interested in volunteering with the organization.
Crafting Your Cover Letter
Volunteer opportunities may not always be listed by the organization’s human resources department, so be sure you are looking for the right person to contact and the best way to reach them.
When writing a cover letter for a volunteer position, mention any relevant work or volunteer experience you have. Keep your cover letter professional, just as you would if you were applying for a paid job.
Use this time to market yourself to the organization. This cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself and your intentions from the outset. When crafting the letter, be sure to describe your interest in the position as well as your relevant experience and background.
Provide examples of how you embody the organization’s mission statement, values, and core principles. In addition to the cover letter, include your resume. You may also want to include recommendation letters from personal or professional references who can describe and attest to your experience and skills.
Sample Letter for a Volunteer Position
Below is an example of a cover letter for a volunteer position. You can download a volunteer position cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see more examples below.
Mr. John Lee
Volunteer Manager
St. John’s Senior Center
123 Business Street
Business City, NY 54321
Dear Mr. Lee,
I am interested in any opportunities that may be available for volunteering at St. John’s Senior Center. As a long-time advocate for the needs and well-being of seniors in our community, I have experience working with older adults and would be delighted to assist in a volunteer capacity.
I worked as an aide at Champlain Center and enjoyed the opportunity to assist seniors with arts and crafts. In this role, I helped program participants with recreational projects, contributed to program planning and strategy sessions, and accompanied group trips to local musical events and museums. I also participated in fundraising efforts and community outreach.
If St. John’s is in need of a dedicated volunteer, I would be pleased to have the opportunity to assist you. My schedule is flexible, and I will be available to volunteer at times that are convenient for you.
I am eagerly looking forward to learning more about your mission, successes, and challenges in serving our senior citizens, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to interview with you at a mutually convenient time. I look forward to speaking with you.
Thank you.
Thank you for your attention. Best regards,
Applicant Signature (paper letter signature)
Applicant
Send Your Cover Letter via Email
You can either send your cover letter as an email attachment, or you can send it in the body of the email along with your resume. Make sure to include your name in the subject line of the email:
Subject: Your Name – Volunteer Application
Additional Cover Letter Samples
The most effective format for cover letters can vary depending on the opportunities you are targeting. Review cover letter samples for a variety of fields and employment levels, including a cover letter sample for volunteer internships, as well as samples for beginners and targeted cover letters sent by email.
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Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/sample-email-cover-letter-for-a-volunteer-position-2061900
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