Volunteer Cover Letter Example & Writing Guide

Some people work for money. Some people work to give back. You’re the latter—you want to volunteer.

But you’re not the only one.

There are hundreds of people out there claiming to want to work for the greater good. So it’s not enough to tell recruiters that you’re passionate about something or that you want to give back to others.

So how do you stand out like a shining beacon of hope?

By writing a volunteer cover letter that no one will be able to ignore.

This guide will show you a volunteer cover letter example, plus the best tips on how to write a volunteer letter step-by-step.

Let’s get to work.

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Volunteer Letter Sample

That was a great example of a volunteering cover letter. Read on to see just how you can write one just like this.

See our other support-based writing guides here:

• Non Profit Cover Letter Sample
• Social Work Cover Letter Sample
• Teacher Cover Letter Sample
• Teaching Assistant Cover Letter Sample
• Education Cover Letter Sample
• Case Manager Cover Letter Sample
• Police Officer Cover Letter Sample
• Coaching Cover Letter Sample
• Tutor Cover Letter Sample
• Security Officer Cover Letter Sample
• The Best Cover Letter Examples for Your Job Application

Volunteer Cover Letter Template 

The purpose of a volunteer cover letter is to show the recruiter that you have the skills, experience, and passion that a good volunteer needs. 

Why? Because volunteering is on the rise and hitting record-breaking highs. That makes for stiff competition. It also makes for more candidates adding their volunteer experience to their resumes and cover letters to outshine everyone else. So if you’re asking yourself:

Should I add volunteering to my cover letter?

The answer is a definite yes. Add any previous experience as a volunteer to show your professionalism and dedication to giving back.

But whether it’s your first time applying for a volunteering job or you’re a veteran of lending a helping hand, you need to get your volunteer cover letter right. 

Here are the best tips on how to write a great volunteering cover letter:

1. Use the proper volunteer letter format

Volunteering isn’t easy since you need to slide right into an established company structure pretty fast. Make sure your cover letter structure is just as sound as the company you’re giving your time to:

• Use professional cover letter spacing: a 1” margin on all sides and single or 1.15 line spacing is perfect.
• Use a professional and modern, 12 pt size cover letter font.
• Make your paragraphs easier to read by double-spacing between them.

Read more: The Best Covering Letter Layout

2. Create a professional volunteer cover letter header

• Include your name and up-to-date contact information up in the top left corner.
• List your phone number, email, LinkedIn, and (optionally) other social media or websites if they’re relevant to the volunteering role. Make sure to check your online profile before sending out your volunteer application letter.
• Add the city and date right below your personal details.
• Include the addressee’s specific details.

If you can’t find the name of the hiring manager, try searching the company’s website or their LinkedIn page. If that fails, try giving the company a call and simply asking.

Read more: Cover Letter Header Examples

3. Open with a personal greeting and a compelling first paragraph

• Start your resume cover page with a professional cover letter salutation and address the potential employer by name. Be wary of simply writing a “To Whom It May Concern” cover letter.
• Mention the opportunity that you’re interested in.
• Highlight your most relevant achievements whether in your career experience or personal experience.

Read more: How to Start a Cover Letter With a Bang

4. Show that you’re the candidate they’re looking for

• Refer back to the open position and explain how your relevant experience can help solve their problems or push their projects forward. Some studies suggest that volunteers can actually offer higher quality work than paid employees. Try to highlight that in your volunteer letter.
• Rehashing your resume is never a good idea. Include some interesting achievements that you’re proud of and that prove your skills and character.
• Use numbers whenever you can: quantifiable achievements draw attention!

Read more: What Should a Cover Letter Say?

5. Explain why this is the job you want

• Include a couple of genuine compliments towards the company or organization and their culture or mission.
• Make the hiring manager understand why you want this volunteering opportunity more than any other. Sincerity is key.
• Let the recruiter know that if they let you become a volunteer, you’ll want to do so for a long time.

Read more: What to Include in a Cover Letter?

6. Make an offer and include a call to action

• Ask for a call or meeting and suggest a time that would suit you both.
• Repeat how valuable you are in your volunteer letter—make an offer to help them with any new projects or plans.

Read more: Great Cover Letter Closing Paragraph Examples

7. Close with a professional sign-off

• Sign off with your full name.
• Include a digital copy of your handwritten signature (if you have one) below your sign-off.
• Add any cover letter enclosures that might be required.
• Repeat your basic contact information in the footer of your volunteer letter.
• Save with a proper cover letter title.

How long should a cover letter be for volunteers? One page should definitely be enough.

Once you’re done writing your volunteer letter, make sure it has a design just as great as your accomplishments: Professional Cover Letter Design

It’s not enough to just send out your cover letter and hope for the best. Always follow up on your volunteer request letter. Here’s how to do just that: Write a Great Follow Up Email to Your Application 

As you can see, a great volunteer coordinator cover letter can really help you give back to the community through the best organization or company possible. Don’t forget to give your volunteer covering letter a helping hand by coupling it with a fantastic resume.

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building a professional resume template here for free.

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When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.

Thanks for reading! What do you think of this volunteer’s letter? Are there any pointers you think we’ve left out? Let us know in the comments below!