by Are you looking to get involved in volunteer work? An optimal beginning is to write a volunteer resume customized to the particular role you're seeking.
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.
This article will provide you with tips on how to write a remarkable resume. We'll demonstrate how you can list experience, talents, and aptitudes that render you a perfect contender for the volunteer role.
We'll also provide volunteer resume examples tailored for different positions so you can easily find the suitable one.
By the end of this article, you will be able to craft a compelling resume that will help you stand out from the other applicants. Let's get started!
Volunteer Resume Examples
Community volunteer resume sample
Youth volunteer resume example
Benita Hurtado
benita-hurtado@email.com | 917-742-9408 | New York, NYSummary
Motivated and results-oriented youth volunteer with a strong commitment to community service and a desire to make a positive impact. Proven leadership skills demonstrated through successful engagement in the City Youth Network program. Adept at organizing and executing events to promote youth involvement.
Education
High School Diploma | Eleanor Roosevelt High School
- Graduated: June 2022
Bachelor of Arts in Education | Fordham University
- Current GPA: 3.90
- Relevant courses: Adolescent Psychology, Social and Emotional Learning in Education, Youth Leadership Development, Diversity and Equity
Experience
Youth Leadership Program Volunteer | City Youth Network
New York, NY (January 2022 - October 2023)
- Spearheaded dynamic leadership workshops tailored to the needs of 20 high school students, engaging them in interactive learning experiences.
- Orchestrated and guided team-building exercises, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and belonging among participants.
- Worked closely with program coordinators to integrate curriculum upgrades, enhancing the overall educational experience.
Community Outreach Volunteer | Harmony Services
New York, NY (May 2021 - December 2021)
- Contributed to the strategic planning of community events aimed at bolstering youth involvement and interaction.
- Reached out to neighboring schools and youth organizations, effectively boosting attendance and engagement in center initiatives.
- Offered hands-on assistance during after-school activities, prioritizing participant safety and fostering an enriching and uplifting atmosphere.
Skills & Qualifications
- Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
- Organizational and time management skills.
- Experienced in engaging with various cultural backgrounds.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative, and InfusionSoft CRM software.
Activities & Honors
- Member of the National Association for Volunteer Administrators (NAVA).
- Awarded "Most Dedicated Volunteer" by City Youth Network Organization in 2022.
Animal shelter volunteer resume sample
Medical volunteer resume example
Kauanoe Kana
kauanoe-kana@email.com | 808-939-4163 | Hilo, HIObjective:
Compassionate medical volunteer with a strong commitment to making a positive impact in healthcare settings. Seeking opportunities to apply clinical skills and provide invaluable support to medical professionals, while delivering empathetic care to patients in diverse communities.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration | University of Hawaii at Hilo
- Expected graduation: May 2025
- Relevant courses: Healthcare Policy and Ethics, Management and Administration, Medical Terminology
- Extracurricular activities: Health Education Outreach Group (president since 2023); Student Government Association (chair, health committee since 2024)
Certifications:
- Mental Health First Aid Certification | Hawaii Mental Health Association (2023)
- First Aid Certification | America Red Cross (2022)
- CPR Certification | American Red Cross (2022)
Skills:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Compassionate patient care
- Attention to detail
- Team collaboration
Experience:
Medical Volunteer | Hilo's Student Medical Services (Summer 2023)
- Assisted with patient intake, ensuring timely and accurate recording of medical history for 20+ patients per day.
- Comforted and supported patients during procedures and treatments, resulting in improved patient satisfaction scores.
- Administered medications and provided basic wound care under the supervision of medical staff.
Event volunteer work resume sample
Formula 1 volunteer resume example
Style Guide
When writing a resume for any volunteer position, it is important to use professional language that paints a vivid picture of the skills and qualities you can bring to the role.
Use action verbs like "organized", "coordinated", "managed", and "developed". Show specific results and accomplishments to demonstrate your success as a volunteer.
Here are some words you can use in your volunteer resume:
Resourceful - the ability to quickly and successfully find solutions to any problem.
- Example: "Resourcefully solved a complex issue in the warehouse using a creative approach."
Adaptable - the capacity to easily adjust to any situation or change of plans.
- Example: "Adapted quickly to a new environment and completed tasks with minimal disruption."
Committed - dedication to a cause or project, even when difficult situation arise.
- Example: "Devoted to aiding those in need, offering assistance for several local charities."
Innovative - the creative approach to problem solving.
- Example: "Innovatively developed a cost-effective solution for an ongoing issue at the shelter."
Compassionate - showing empathy for others and understanding of their needs.
- Example: "Offered compassionate support to individuals struggling with homelessness and unemployment."
Organized - the ability to effectively plan, coordinate, and prioritize tasks.
- Example: "Organized multiple volunteer activities with minimal supervision and maximum efficiency."
Results-oriented - achieving desired outcomes and completing tasks in a timely manner.
- Example: "Results-oriented mindset enabled the team to complete the project ahead of schedule."
Dependable - reliable and trustworthy in any situation.
- Example: "Dependable member of the team who could be counted on to deliver results on time, every time."
Collaborative - capacity to collaborate well with others while pursuing common goals.
- Example: "Collaborated successfully with team members from diverse backgrounds and achieved collective success."
Contact Information
Contact information is a critical element in your volunteer resume.
Here's what you should include:
- Name. Place your full name at the top of the volunteer resume.
- Email. Add a professional email address that consists of your name (avoid using nicknames or overly casual addresses).
- Phone number. Use a mobile number if possible, and make sure your voicemail is set up professionally.
- Location. You don't need to include your full address, but providing a city and state is helpful.
Experience
When writing a resume for volunteer work, it is essential to organize your work experience information in an effective way.
The best way to do this is to list your experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent or current role. This will enable the employer to understand your timeline of experience and also see how you have grown and developed over time.
For each volunteer experience, include the following details:
- Position. Clearly state the role you held in the volunteer organization.
- Organization name. Include the name of the organization where you volunteered.
- Dates. Provide the start and end dates of your volunteer service.
- Responsibilities. Under each position, include bullet points that highlight your achievements and responsibilities.
Volunteer work examples for a resume:
Volunteer at Hopeful Hearts Charity
Charlotte, NC (2018 - Present)
- Assist with event planning for the annual fundraising gala.
- Process donation checks and enter data into the online system.
- Lead research projects for new marketing campaigns.
Volunteer at Charlotte Community Center (2017 - 2018)
Charlotte, NC (2017 - 2018)
- Developed and delivered educational presentations on health awareness.
- Analyzed survey results to identify areas of improvement within the organization.
- Organized weekly volunteer meetings to ensure clear communication between staff members and volunteers.
Education
When compiling a volunteer resume, it is important to clearly list your education history in chronological order.
Begin by listing your latest educational achievements first, as these will typically be the most relevant.
For each educational entry, include the following details:
- Degree. Specify the degree you earned or are pursuing (e.g., Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science).
- Major. Mention your major or field of study.
- Institution name. Add the name of the university or college you attended.
- Graduation date. Provide the month and year of graduation (or expected graduation date).
If you have academic achievements or honors that are relevant to the volunteer position, consider mentioning them. Including your GPA is optional - if it's impressive and relevant to the position, you may choose to add it. However, it's generally not necessary.
Here is a example of how to list relevant education:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Graduation: June 2022
- Dean's List for academic excellence
Diploma in Leadership and Administration
Harvard University Extension Program, 2020
Skills
Listing your skills in a volunteer resume is crucial to showcase the specific abilities that make you a valuable contributor to the organization.
- Soft skills are personal qualities that help people interact effectively with their environment.
- Hard skills refer to technical abilities that are specific to the job.
Soft skills should be listed first, as they demonstrate your interpersonal qualities and indicate your capacity for successful collaboration.
Examples of soft skills include:
- Communication;
- Problem-solving;
- Flexibility;
- Teamwork;
- Interpersonal skills;
- Adaptability;
- Empathy;
- Leadership;
- Time management;
- Self-motivation.
Hard skills should follow, as they communicate your technical expertise and knowledge.
Examples of hard skills include:
- Research experience;
- Data analysis ability;
- Analytical thinking;
- Technical writing;
- Computer programming;
- Database management;
- Project management;
- Event planning;
- Budgeting.
Volunteer Resume Summary
Writing a compelling volunteer resume summary is crucial for capturing the attention of potential employers or organizations.
Here are 3 tips for composing a successful summary of your volunteering experience:
1. Start with a strong opening. Begin your summary with a powerful opening statement that immediately communicates your passion for volunteering and your commitment to making a positive impact.
Example: Dedicated and compassionate community volunteer with a genuine enthusiasm for contributing to social causes and fostering positive change.
2. Highlight key skills. Quickly showcase the qualities that make you an ideal volunteer. Tailor these to match the requirements of the specific volunteer opportunity.
Example: Possesses strong communication skills, adept at team collaboration, and committed to leveraging organizational abilities for the betterment of the community.
3. Keep it concise. Your summary should be 3-4 sentences to provide a snapshot of your qualifications without overwhelming the reader.
Example: Dedicated and results-driven community advocate with over seven years of hands-on experience in volunteer leadership roles. Foster positive change through strategic planning, community engagement, and impactful project execution. Proven track record of successfully coordinating and leading diverse teams in community events and social initiatives.
Optional Sections
Additional personal information can help the recruiter better understand the applicant's skillset and experience.
Hobbies are activities or interests that applicants participate in outside of work. Plus, certain interests may align with the values or focus of the volunteer opportunities you're pursuing.
Courses taken by an applicant demonstrate their commitment to professional development in the context of volunteering.
Language proficiency can show that the applicant has the ability to communicate effectively with people of different nationalities or cultural backgrounds.
Awards are acknowledgments given to applicants for achievement in their field of work. This section serves to underscore your exceptional contributions and the positive impact you've made.
References are people who can attest to an applicant's professional qualifications relevant to volunteering. This can help recruiters gain a more precise understanding of the applicant's capabilities and expertise concerning volunteering.
Cover Letter
Crafting an impressive cover letter is essential for obtaining any volunteer job. It can set you apart from other applicants and give you the best chance of getting the position.
We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Here are a few tips on how to write an effective cover letter for volunteer work:
- Be specific about the volunteer position. Show that you have done your research and know what the role entails.
- Personalize your volunteer cover letter and make it relevant to the organization and the position.
- Describe why you are interested in the role and why it is important to you.
- Demonstrate relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications that make you a great fit for the role.
- Show enthusiasm to be part of their team.
- Include examples of how your skills and experiences can help the organization.
- End the cover letter by thanking them for considering you for the role.
Good example of a cover letter for volunteer work
Dear Ms. Mitchell,
I am writing in response to your posting for a volunteer with Caring Hearts Alliance. I believe my skills and experience would be an asset to your cause.
I am currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan where I major in Social Work and also actively participate in extracurricular activities such as volunteering with homeless shelters, food banks, and other charitable organizations.
My studies have provided me with knowledge in areas such as social welfare policy, human behavior, and leadership development that would be beneficial to this role.
I believe my experience in working with vulnerable populations makes me well-suited to serve as a volunteer. My interpersonal skills would enable me to effectively support co-workers and clients alike while my organizational abilities can help ensure all tasks are completed successfully within deadlines.
Additionally, my commitment to helping those in need is unwavering – I have volunteered over 200 hours this past year alone!
I strongly believe that my qualifications, enthusiasm, and passion make me an ideal candidate for this position. I am grateful for your consideration of my application – I eagerly await your response.
Sincerely,
Marcus Reynolds
Poorly constructed volunteer cover letter:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing this letter in response to your advertisement for the vacancy of volunteer at Harmony Haven Foundation. I think that I am perfect for this role because I am looking for something to do during my free time and volunteering seems like an easy way to pass some time while still doing something meaningful.
I am currently studying at Indiana University, but don't really have any experience related to volunteering or assisting those in need or anything like that. I figured this was the perfect opportunity for me to gain some experience in that field. Capable of collaborating productively with people of varied backgrounds, managing time and stress efficiently, being organized, etc., but overall I'm just really looking for an enjoyable activity!
I hope you consider me for this position as I think it would be a great chance for me! Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Nathan Turner
The second example of volunteer cover letter is bad because it doesn't focus on how the applicant's skillset or experiences make them a good fit for the role they are applying for.
It doesn't demonstrate any knowledge of what the organization does or what the role entails. This makes it seem like the applicant isn't genuinely interested in becoming a volunteer there and just want something fun to do during their free time.
A good cover letter should illustrate why the position is appealing to you, why it holds significance for you, how your abilities make you an optimal applicant for the job, and why you will be an advantage to their team.
Entry-level volunteer cover letter example
Write a cover letter for volunteer workDear Mr. Norris,
I am writing to apply for the volunteer position with your organization. Although I have no prior experience as a volunteer, I am confident that my enthusiasm and skillset will make me an asset to your team.
I am enthusiastic about aiding those in need and making a difference in the community. My excellent interpersonal skills, meticulousness, and capacity to act both autonomously and collaboratively are highly beneficial for this role.
Additionally, I have experience in event planning and organizing, which I believe could be useful for this position.
I am eager to learn more about the role and contribute my skills to the team. I am available immediately and await your response. Please feel free to contact me at (insert contact info). Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sophie Reynolds
Proofreading
Ensuring that your volunteer resume and cover letter are accurate is essential when applying for a volunteer job. Poorly written documents can lead to your application being overlooked, so it is important to take the time to ensure that they are free of errors.
Here are some tips to help you proofread your volunteer resume:
- Take a break. This will give you a fresh perspective, making it easier to identify errors and inconsistencies.
- Read aloud. This method engages a different part of your brain, making it easier to spot typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing.
- Use spelling tools. Try grammar-checking tools. However, be cautious as these tools may not catch all errors, especially if they involve context or usage.
- Focus on one type of error. One pass might focus on spelling, another on grammar, and another on formatting. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Review details. Verify that all dates, names, and contact information are accurate. Mistakes in these details can raise concerns for potential employers or organizations.
- Seek a second opinion. Ask a friend, family member, or colleague to review your volunteer resume. They can provide valuable feedback on the overall clarity and effectiveness.
- Review for consistent verb tense. If you're describing a past volunteer experience, use the past tense. If you're detailing your current role, use the present tense.
Taking these steps can significantly improve the quality of your resume for volunteer work, guaranteeing that it appears error-free and professional.
Using a Resume Builder
Crafting an effective volunteer resume can be easy with the help of an online resume builder. This service offers a user-friendly interface and will guide you through the whole process.
Advantages of using the online resume maker:
- Pre-made templates. The platform provides a variety of professionally designed templates. Choose one that suits your style and the nature of your volunteer work.
- Structured sections. You can input essential information such as personal details, education, work experience, and skills. The structured format ensures you don't overlook key elements.
- Customizable sections. Tailor your volunteer resume effortlessly by adding your own sections. Create a dedicated space for showcasing your unique skill set.
- Real-time editing. Make changes on the go and see the immediate impact on your resume's overall look.
Overall, using an online tool is the perfect solution for anyone looking to quickly create an impressive resume for volunteer position. There's no need to go through the hassle of writing one from scratch in Microsoft Word or another text editor.
Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE
Build My Resume
Conclusion
You've now seen some of the best volunteer resume samples and useful writing tips. Put them to use and make your resume stand out. Remember to tailor your application papers to specific opportunities, use action verbs, and highlight your achievements.
By including all resume sections mentioned in this article, you'll create a volunteer resume that will draw attention and make a great impression. Good luck with your job search!
