Volunteer cover letter example

What makes this cover letter great

This cover letter is great because it clearly expresses enthusiasm for the volunteer role and demonstrates a genuine passion for community service. It highlights relevant skills such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability, and provides specific examples of past volunteer experiences. The letter also emphasizes a willingness to learn and take on new challenges, showing flexibility and commitment. The tone is positive and professional, making the candidate appear reliable and dedicated.

Cover letter example for Volunteer

Strong cover letter

I am excited to apply for the Volunteer position, as I am passionate about making a positive impact in my community and supporting meaningful causes. With a strong background in teamwork, communication, and adaptability, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your organization. My previous volunteer experiences include assisting at local food banks, organizing community clean-up events, and supporting fundraising initiatives for non-profit organizations. Through these roles, I have developed excellent organizational skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people. I am eager to bring my enthusiasm, reliability, and dedication to your team, and I am committed to learning new skills and taking on any tasks that will help further your mission. Thank you for considering my application.

Weak cover letter

I want to volunteer because I like helping people. I have done some volunteering before and I think I can do a good job. I am willing to do whatever is needed. Thank you for your time.

Cover letter best practices

Tailor Each Cover Letter to being a Volunteer

Avoid generic letters. Customize your content to reflect the specific job description, company values, and how your experience aligns with their needs.

Use a Professional Format

Stick to a clean, business-like layout with consistent fonts, spacing, and margins. Match the formatting of your resume for a cohesive application package.

Address the Right Person

Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific individual (e.g., “Dear Ms. Johnson”). Use LinkedIn or the company website to find the hiring manager’s name.

Start with a Strong Opening

Capture attention in the first paragraph by stating the position, expressing genuine interest, and previewing the value you’ll bring to the role.

Highlight Relevant Achievements

Focus on 1–2 specific accomplishments that relate directly to the job. Use metrics, outcomes, or project details to demonstrate impact.

Show You Understand the Company

Demonstrate knowledge of the company’s mission, recent news, or culture. This shows you’ve done your homework and care about where you work.

Explain Career Transitions Briefly

If you’re changing industries, roles, or returning to work, provide context for your move and highlight transferable skills.

Keep It Concise and Focused

Limit your letter to one page and avoid repeating your resume. Aim for clarity and brevity—ideally 3–4 paragraphs.

Use a Confident, Professional Tone

Write assertively without arrogance. Avoid overused buzzwords unless supported by real examples.

Close with a Clear Call to Action

End with a confident statement of interest, and invite the employer to connect or schedule an interview.

Proofread Carefully

Typos and grammatical errors can ruin a strong letter. Review it multiple times, and consider reading it out loud or asking someone else to check it.