Volunteer CV Example & Writing Guide for 2024

Crafting a CV for a volunteer position requires a unique approach to highlight your passion and dedication to making a difference. In this article, you'll find insights on developing a standout volunteer CV, complete with tips and examples to guide you through each section.

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Here’s a volunteer CV sample in a text version:

Volunteer CV sample

How to write a volunteer CV

Crafting a standout CV for volunteer work is all about showcasing your passion and the impact of your activities. Here’s a roadmap to creating a volunteering CV that not only reflects your commitment to service but also catches the eye of prospective organisations.

• Personal statement: Craft a compelling volunteer CV summary or a career objective that showcases your passion, key experiences, notable accomplishments, and aspirations in volunteering, tailored to meet the needs of the organisations you're applying to.
• Job description: Adapt your work experience section to spotlight your volunteer initiatives, successes, and relevant experiences. Include 3 to 7 bullet points under significant headings to present your roles and the names of the organisations. If freelance work or a career transition is in your story, a skills-based CV might be more appropriate.
• Education: Bolster your volunteer CV with an education section that highlights qualifications relevant to volunteering. Format it as [Degree Class] [Degree Name] (Year Graduated) at [University Name]. Use a bullet-point list to underline achievements, extracurricular activities, and standout skills if work experience is sparse.
• Skills: Construct a skills section that lists soft skills and any technical expertise vital to the roles you're applying for. If you feel that you’re lacking in the interpersonal skills area, volunteering can be a great way to develop these qualities!
• Additional sections: Augment your CV for volunteer work with extra sections that offer more depth. Consider including awards, certifications, or language skills to underscore your versatility and appeal. Conversely, it's wise to leave out unrelated hobbies or interests to keep recruiters focused on your most pertinent attributes.
• Cover letter: Pair your volunteer CV with a tailored cover letter that displays your unique qualifications and genuine enthusiasm for the role. Start with a brief intro to underline your experience and why you're a perfect fit, then proceed with a detailed paragraph about your strengths and contributions. Conclude your cover letter with a statement of interest in the organization and a confident call to action.
• Format: Play around with your volunteer CV format, ensuring clear readability by choosing the right font and leaving plenty of white space. Also, flexibly accommodate applicant tracking systems—PDF formats can be problematic, so adapt if necessary.

Remember, a well-crafted volunteer CV is your ticket to making a difference where it counts the most.

A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.

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Considering other positions? See CV examples for different jobs:

• Support worker CV sample
• Student CV example
• CV for the first job
• Project manager CV
• Team leader CV sample

Thank you for taking the time to read through our tips on piecing together an impactful volunteer CV. We hope you found this information helpful, and we would love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions you might have in the comment section below.

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.