What is a Volunteer Cover Letter?
A volunteer cover letter is a formal document that accompanies your volunteer application. It serves as your introduction to the organization and allows you to highlight your skills, experience, and passion for the cause. Unlike a resume, which provides a chronological overview of your background, the cover letter gives you the opportunity to explain why you are the perfect fit for the specific volunteer position and what you hope to achieve. It’s a chance to demonstrate your enthusiasm and make a strong first impression. A well-crafted cover letter can significantly increase your chances of being selected for a volunteer role, showcasing your commitment and differentiating you from other applicants. Remember, it’s your opportunity to shine and tell the organization why they should choose you.
Why is a Volunteer Cover Letter Important?
A volunteer cover letter is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to personalize your application and tailor it to the specific organization and role. This shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in their mission. Secondly, it provides a space to articulate your motivations for volunteering and explain why you’re drawn to the particular organization. This helps the organization understand your values and what you hope to gain from the experience. Thirdly, a cover letter demonstrates your communication skills and professionalism. It shows that you can clearly and concisely express your ideas and present yourself in a positive light. Finally, it gives you the opportunity to showcase your skills and experiences, particularly if they aren’t fully captured in your resume. Think of it as your personal sales pitch for why you’d be a valuable volunteer.
Key Components of a Volunteer Cover Letter
A strong volunteer cover letter comprises several key elements that work together to create a compelling application. These elements include a well-formatted header, a personalized salutation, impactful body paragraphs that showcase your skills and passion, and a professional closing. Each part of the letter plays a vital role in conveying your interest, qualifications, and enthusiasm for the volunteer opportunity. By paying attention to each component, you can create a cover letter that stands out and effectively communicates your suitability for the role. Consistency in formatting and a clear, concise writing style are essential throughout the document. The aim is to provide all the important information within a single page.
Header Essentials
The header of your volunteer cover letter is the first thing the recipient will see, so it’s crucial to make a professional impression. Include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Place this information at the top left or right of the page. Ensure the format is clean and easy to read. Use a professional font and consistent font size. If you’re applying online, consider including a link to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio (if applicable) in the header. This helps the organization quickly access additional information about your background and experience. Maintain the same font and size for consistency. See image below for an example.
Your Contact Information
Your contact information should be at the top of the header. This usually includes your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Make sure your email address is professional (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com) and that your phone number is up to date. Double-check that you’ve spelled everything correctly. Accuracy is key to ensuring the organization can contact you easily. This information allows the recipient to quickly reach you if they want to move forward with your application. This information is often on the left-hand or right-hand side of your header.
Recipient’s Contact Information
Below your contact information, include the recipient’s details. This typically includes the hiring manager’s name (if you know it), their title, the organization’s name, and the organization’s address. Researching the hiring manager’s name shows that you’ve taken the time to find out who will read your application. If you can’t find a specific name, you can use a general title, like “Hiring Manager” or “Volunteer Coordinator.” Make sure you have the correct spelling and title for the person and organization. This demonstrates your attention to detail and respect for the organization. Proper formatting is crucial for a professional appearance.
Salutation: Addressing the Right Person
The salutation sets the tone for your cover letter, so it’s important to get it right. If you know the hiring manager’s name, use “Dear Mr./Ms./Mx. [Last Name].” This is the most personal and effective approach. If you’re unsure of the name, use a general salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Volunteer Coordinator.” Avoid generic greetings like “To Whom It May Concern.” The salutation should be followed by a colon. This shows that you’ve done your research and shows respect to the person that is reading your cover letter. Ensuring accuracy in this section is essential for creating a good first impression.
Body Paragraphs: Showcasing Your Value
The body paragraphs are where you highlight your skills, experiences, and passion for the volunteer position. They should be concise, well-organized, and tailored to the organization and role. The best practice is to structure your body paragraphs to include at least three paragraphs. The first paragraph should express your interest in the opportunity. The second should highlight your relevant skills and experiences. The third paragraph should demonstrate your passion for the cause and your understanding of the organization’s mission. Aim for a clear and confident tone. Each paragraph should be about 3-5 sentences to explain your purpose.
First Paragraph: Expressing Interest
Begin your first paragraph by clearly stating the specific volunteer position you are applying for and how you learned about the opportunity. Briefly mention why you are interested in the organization and its mission. Show enthusiasm and genuine interest right from the start. If someone referred you, mention the referral. This quickly grabs the reader’s attention and sets the stage for the rest of your letter. Keep this paragraph concise and focused on your initial interest. This is your elevator pitch.
Second Paragraph: Highlighting Skills and Experience
In the second paragraph, showcase your relevant skills and experiences. Focus on how your abilities align with the volunteer role’s requirements. Provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in the past. Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, instead of saying, “I have experience with event planning,” say, “I planned and executed five successful fundraising events that raised over $10,000.” Tailor this paragraph to the specific organization and the needs of the volunteer position. Use keywords from the job description to show that you are a good fit. See below for the type of skills you could have.
Third Paragraph: Demonstrating Passion and Fit
The third paragraph is where you demonstrate your passion for the organization’s mission and explain why you are a good fit. Explain what motivates you to volunteer and how you connect with their cause. Show that you understand the organization’s values and how your own values align with theirs. Highlight any personal experiences that have fueled your interest in the mission. Express your enthusiasm and commitment to making a positive impact. Mention any specific projects or initiatives you are excited to be a part of. Showing your passion can differentiate you from other applicants, and helps showcase why they should choose you for the volunteer position. See image below for further help.
Closing: Call to Action and Thank You
Your closing paragraph should include a call to action and express your gratitude. Reiterate your interest in the position and state your availability for an interview or further discussion. Thank the reader for their time and consideration. Use a professional closing salutation, such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Thank you.” Include your full name below the closing. Keep the tone positive and enthusiastic. The call to action prompts the reader to take the next step, and the thank you expresses your appreciation. This is the last part of your cover letter, and it’s important to close strong.
Proofreading and Formatting Your Cover Letter
Proofreading and formatting are crucial steps in creating a professional cover letter. They ensure that your letter is easy to read, free of errors, and makes a positive impression. Properly formatted and proofread, the letter demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism. Errors can undermine your credibility and reduce your chances of being selected for the role. This section goes over the formatting guidelines and how to proofread it to achieve a great cover letter.
Formatting Guidelines
Use a professional and easy-to-read font, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, with a font size between 10 and 12 points. Maintain consistent formatting throughout the document, including line spacing and margins. Use one-inch margins on all sides of the page. Ensure that your text is left-aligned, and avoid using full justification, which can make the text harder to read. Use clear, concise language. Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter. Aim to keep your cover letter to one page, as this shows the organization that you can be concise and value their time. See image below for an example.
Proofreading Tips
Thorough proofreading is essential to catch any errors in your cover letter. Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. Use a spell checker, but don’t rely on it entirely; it might miss subtle errors. Read your cover letter aloud to catch awkward phrasing or sentences that don’t flow well. Have a friend, family member, or career advisor review your cover letter for a fresh perspective. They may catch errors that you’ve overlooked. Print out your cover letter to proofread it, as it can be easier to spot errors on paper. Consider using a grammar checker tool to catch potential errors.
Cover Letter Examples for Different Volunteer Positions
To effectively demonstrate how to tailor cover letters, let’s consider different volunteer positions and some key points to address in each. Volunteer positions vary greatly, and therefore, the approach you take in your cover letter should also change. The main principle is to show how your skills and experiences fit the requirements and needs of the specific role. This can be done by researching the organization and highlighting your ability to contribute to their mission. Consider the following samples.
Volunteer Cover Letter Sample 1
Here’s a sample cover letter for a volunteer position as a tutor for a non-profit organization that helps children with their schoolwork. Include your contact information and the recipient’s. Begin the letter with an enthusiastic introduction, mentioning the specific role and where you learned about it. In the second paragraph, highlight your tutoring experience, the subjects you’re proficient in, and the specific strategies you use to help students. In the third paragraph, express your passion for education and your commitment to helping children succeed. Close with a call to action, thanking the recipient for their time, and expressing your availability for an interview.
Volunteer Cover Letter Sample 2
Let’s create another sample cover letter for a volunteer position at an animal shelter. In the first paragraph, state the role and explain how you found out about the opportunity. Then, focus on any experience working with animals, like your caregiving history and any skills or training you have. In your last paragraph, show your passion for animal welfare, your understanding of the organization’s work, and mention that you are eager to contribute to their mission. Close by restating your interest and thanking the recipient.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes when writing your volunteer cover letter. By knowing what to avoid, you can increase your chance of getting chosen for the volunteer position. These mistakes can reduce your chance of getting chosen and could cost you the opportunity. The more mistakes, the less chance you have. See image below for some common mistakes to avoid.
Ignoring the Organization’s Mission
Failing to demonstrate your understanding of the organization’s mission and values is a significant mistake. Research the organization’s work and tailor your cover letter to show how your values align with theirs. Mention specific programs or initiatives you are interested in and explain why you connect with their cause. This demonstrates that you are genuinely interested in their work. Show that you’re there for more than just getting a volunteer opportunity.
Using Generic Language
Using generic language that could apply to any organization makes your cover letter impersonal and unmemorable. Avoid using generic phrases and instead use specific examples to showcase your skills and experiences. Tailor your letter to the specific role and organization, demonstrating that you have done your research. Using the company keywords to help is a good idea.
Focusing Solely on Yourself
While it is important to highlight your skills and experiences, focusing solely on yourself without considering the organization’s needs can make your cover letter seem self-centered. Balance showcasing your abilities with demonstrating how you can contribute to the organization’s goals. Explain how your skills and experiences align with the role’s requirements and what you can offer to the organization. Frame your achievements in the context of the benefits for the organization.
Not Proofreading
Failing to proofread your cover letter can lead to spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors that can undermine your credibility. Always proofread your cover letter carefully, and consider having someone else review it for you. Errors create a negative first impression and can make it appear that you lack attention to detail. Take the time to carefully read your cover letter to catch any potential mistakes. Don’t rely only on spell check, always go over your cover letter.
Conclusion
Writing a compelling volunteer cover letter can significantly increase your chances of securing your desired role. By following these must-know tips, you can showcase your skills, experience, and passion for the organization. Remember to tailor your cover letter to each specific position, highlight your accomplishments, and demonstrate your genuine interest in the organization’s mission. Pay close attention to formatting, proofreading, and avoiding common mistakes. With a well-crafted cover letter, you’ll make a strong impression and set yourself apart from other applicants. Good luck with your volunteer applications.