My last volunteering experience for one of the biggest tech events in Nigeria, SMFEST was the best I’ve ever witnessed. I found myself among highly intelligent and capable volunteers carefully vetted and chosen for the purpose. Reflecting on my journey, I understood why writing a compelling cover letter is crucial, especially for volunteering opportunities. It’s more than just a formality; it’s a chance to showcase your individuality, demonstrate your commitment, and convey your potential to contribute meaningfully.
A good cover letter can open doors to incredible opportunities, connecting you with like-minded people and allowing you to be part of something greater.
Volunteers are the unsung heroes of any organization, donating their time and energy to causes they believe in. Like a volunteer, your cover letter provides selflessly, revealing your passion, devotion, and unique skills.
In this post, we’ll look at the greatest cover letter examples for volunteers, assisting you in crafting a story that demonstrates your dedication and humanitarian spirit.
Must I Submit An Application Letter When Applying For A Volunteer Opportunity In Nigeria?
Submitting an application letter when applying for a volunteer opportunity in Nigeria is often necessary and beneficial. It shows your level of professionalism and willingness to serve.
By utilizing the cover letter, you introduce yourself to the organization and highlight your interest in working as a volunteer. To back up your request, an application letter allows you to showcase your skills, experiences, and qualifications that make you an ideal candidate.
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What To Include In A Volunteer Cover Letter
When applying for a volunteer assignment, make sure your cover letter is informative, professional, and easy to read.
Your volunteer cover letter should include:
- Your name and address
- Greeting
- Introduction
- Body
- Conclusion
- Sign-off
1. Your name and address
Whether you’re writing a physical letter or an email, start your cover letter with your name, home address, and primary phone number at the top. This identifies you as the recipient and provides your contact information. If you’re sending a physical letter, insert your email address below your name.
2. Greeting
Your letter should start with a brief salutation or greeting. This should be polite and professional, and if feasible, address the recipient by name. If you are unsure who will read your letter, use the traditional format of “Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name” or “Dear Sir/Madam”. If you are unsure how to address your letter, investigate the department where you may be working and discover a potential contact there.
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3. Introduction
The first full paragraph of your letter introduces you and your addressee. It should briefly explain your background and why you are interested in the role.
You can also describe where or how you learned about the opportunity in this line. If you have a professional reference or contact within the organization, this is the place to mention it.
4. Body
This is the main section of your volunteer cover letter. Within this paragraph, you should explain why you would be a good fit for the position.
The body of your letter should include:
- Education: List your degrees, majors, and the names of the schools you attended. Many organizations have educational criteria for volunteers, so please indicate the highest level of education you have obtained. You can list any leadership positions or extracurricular activities you participated in here in school.
- Experience: Summarize professional experience relevant to the role. If you volunteered for another group or worked for a corporation, include your title and the name of your employer or supervisor. Give a brief explanation of how your previous experiences have prepared you to serve as a volunteer.
- Skills: Finally, highlight any unique abilities that apply to the role. This comprises qualities such as teamwork, work ethic, and time management. You should also highlight any technical talents that are directly relevant to the duties you will be undertaking. For example, if you want to volunteer as an administrative assistant, you should mention both your interpersonal communication abilities and computer expertise.
In the body of your letter, you might also describe any professional achievements or certifications that demonstrate your skills.
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5. Conclusion
The volunteer cover letter should end with a message of thanks, thanking the reader for reading and considering your letter. You should also reiterate your interest in the role and outline your available calendar. Close by stating that you hope to hear from the group soon and promising a follow-up email.
6. Sign-off
Beneath your conclusion, include a professional sign-off, such as “Sincerely,” or “With kind regards.” Then, if you are sending an email, type your full name followed by your personal contact information. If you submit a physical letter, type your name, print out the letter, and handwrite your signature beneath your closing.
Tips for writing a volunteer cover letter
Here are some additional tips for how to write a professional volunteer cover letter:
- Do your research. Before applying, research the organization. Find out who you should address your letter to, what kind of opportunities are available, and what requirements there are for volunteers. Knowing this information will help you be more specific in your cover letter’s body.
- Set goals. When composing your letter, consider why you want to volunteer. Perhaps you want to earn experience or skills, or you’re seeking a fulfilling opportunity to give back to your community. Include these aims in your letter to help your recipient determine whether the position suits you.
- Keep it concise. The hiring manager may receive dozens of volunteer applications every week. For efficiency’s sake, they may only spend a few minutes with each letter crossing their desk. To simplify their job, always limit your cover letter to just one page and keep your paragraphs short and simple.
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Sample Of Volunteer Cover Letter
Here’s a sample cover letter for a volunteering opportunity application.
Okposhi Upem
(246) 381-5790
okposhiupem@yahoo.com
October 20, 2023
Cornelia Decker
Hiring Manager
Gemglow
Dear Cornelia Decker,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Community Involvement position at Okpara Group. As a passionate advocate for community engagement and social impact, I am thrilled at the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to a company that shares my values and commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
With a background in community development and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved populations, I am confident in my ability to effectively engage with diverse communities and drive meaningful change. I have successfully implemented various community programs and initiatives throughout my career, collaborating with local organizations and stakeholders to address pressing social issues. My experience has equipped me with strong project management skills, the ability to build and maintain relationships, and a keen eye for identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.
One of the reasons I am particularly excited about Okpara Group is your dedication to empowering communities through sustainable initiatives. Your recent partnership with local schools to provide educational resources and mentorship programs resonates with me. I firmly believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality. I am eager to contribute my expertise in designing and implementing impactful educational programs.
In addition to my experience in community development, I bring a strong background in marketing and communications. I am skilled in crafting compelling narratives and leveraging various channels to effectively communicate messages and engage stakeholders. I believe that my ability to effectively convey the mission and impact of Okpara Group’s community initiatives will be instrumental in garnering support and participation from both internal and external stakeholders.
I am impressed by Okpara Group’s commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and social responsibility. I am confident that my passion for community involvement and my skills and experience make me an ideal fit for this role. I am eager to contribute to the organization’s mission and work alongside a team of dedicated individuals who share my vision for a more equitable and inclusive society.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my skills and experience align with your organization’s goals and objectives. I have attached my resume for your review. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Okposhi Upem
Common Mistakes Mistakes to Avoid When Writing A Cover Letter As A Volunteer
Here are a few mistakes many Nigerians make when writing a cover letter for a volunteer and how to avoid them.
1. Not Tailoring the Cover Letter to the Specific Volunteer Role
A common mistake is not tailoring the cover letter to the relevant volunteer position. Remembering that each volunteer position is distinct and necessitates various talents and experiences is vital. As a result, your cover letter should be designed to highlight the unique talents and experiences that qualify you for the position. Avoid using a generic cover letter for all volunteer positions because it may not effectively explain your qualifications.
2. Failure to Show Passion and Commitment
Another mistake is not showing enough enthusiasm and devotion in the cover letter. Volunteering is all about passion and commitment to a cause. As a result, your cover letter should clearly illustrate your enthusiasm for the cause and willingness to contribute to the organization’s objective.
Avoid drafting a cover letter that exclusively discusses what you intend to achieve from your volunteer experience. Instead, demonstrate how you can support the organization’s mission.
3. Writing more than one page Cover Letter
Writing a long cover letter is a common mistake. Remember, the cover letter is not the place to share your life story. It should be concise and to the point, highlighting the most important aspects of your background that qualify you for the volunteer position. Avoid drafting a cover letter longer than one page. Instead, aim for a cover letter that is three or four paragraphs long.
Check out How To Write a Cover Letter with No Experience But Willing to Learn in Nigeria: Sample & Templates
4. Not Proofreading the Cover Letter
Another common mistake is not proofreading the cover letter. Spelling and grammar problems can leave a bad impression and indicate a lack of attention to detail. As a result, make sure to proofread your cover letter thoroughly before sending it. Avoid relying only on spell-checkers, as they may not detect all problems. Consider having someone else proofread your cover letter for a fresh viewpoint.
FAQs On Volunteer Application Letter
Your volunteer cover letter should include Your name and address, Greeting, Introduction, Body, Conclusion, and Sign-off
A volunteer’s cover letter should ideally be one page long. This length is enough to succinctly present your skills, experiences, and passion for the cause without overwhelming the reader.
To begin a volunteer cover letter, introduce yourself and convey your enthusiasm for the volunteer opportunity. Mention the precise role you’re interested in and why it appeals to you.
Conclusion
If you are planning to pursue a volunteer opportunity, knowing how to write a professional volunteer cover letter is one trick that will give you an edge over other applicants. By adopting the strategies listed in the article, write that perfect application letter that gets you in through the front door. Cheers!!!
References
- indeed.com – How to Write a Volunteer Cover Letter (With Examples)
- tealhq.com – Volunteer Cover Letter Example
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