Want to make a difference and gain valuable experience along the way? Volunteer roles can help you do both. You might have a good heart, but is your CV up to the same standard? Before you can start contributing, you need to get noticed by organisations.
Your CV is your chance to showcase your passion and skills, even if you’re new to volunteering. You might be struggling to put together a good CV, but this Volunteer CV example will help you write an application that gets you noticed, secures new and rewarding opportunities, and allows you to give back in meaningful ways.
Volunteer CV sample
How to write your Volunteer CV
Learn how to create your own interview-winning Volunteer CV with this simple step-by-step guide.
A Volunteer CV should highlight your enthusiasm, transferable skills, and commitment to making a positive impact. Organisations want to know you’re ready to help and capable of contributing to their cause: your CV should convey this just as much as your cover letter.
No matter the role you’re after, these steps will outline everything there is to writing a CV that emphasises your dedication, aligns with the role’s requirements, and lands you the perfect opportunity to give back.
Volunteer CV structure
If you’re hoping to get noticed, your CV structure needs to be as organised and purposeful as a great community project. A clear and cohesive layout ensures organisations see your strengths and how you’ll make an impact.
In order to structure your CV the best way possible, follow this layout:
- Name and contact info – Place your contact details at the top so organisations can contact you easily. Including a picture of yourself is entirely up to you.
- Profile – Start your CV with a summary of your passion, relevant experience, and goals.
- Core skills – Briefly highlight abilities such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- Work experience – Next, include your past volunteer roles, part-time jobs, or relevant projects in reverse chronological order.
- Education – Show off any of your academic achievements, awards, or any relevant training.
- Additional info – At the bottom, you’ve got the option to outline any hobbies and interests that reflect your values or skills.
Volunteer CV format
Your CV format should be as welcoming and approachable as you’ll be in your volunteer role. A polished look ensures organisations focus on your qualifications and enthusiasm, not your formatting mistakes.
Here’s how to format your Volunteer CV effectively:
- Bullet points – Help the recruiters skim your CV quickly and pick up the important bits with ease.
- Divide sections – Logically organise the information and make it easy to navigate and read.
- Use a clean font – Just make sure it’s a clear and easy font to read.
- Keep it the right length – Aim for 2 pages: too long would start to bore the recruiter, and this is plenty of length to list the important details.
Volunteer CV profile
Your profile is where you express your enthusiasm for volunteering and your readiness to contribute. You’ll need to convey that you’ve got the genuine passion and skills to make a real positive impact, if a recruiter chooses to hire you.
Volunteer CV profile examples
Profile 1
Dedicated Volunteer with three years of experience supporting community outreach programs, specialising in event coordination and public engagement. Skilled in organising donation drives, managing volunteer schedules, and delivering impactful presentations to raise awareness.
Profile 2
Motivated Volunteer with two years of experience providing support in healthcare settings, focusing on patient assistance and administrative tasks. Adept at maintaining detailed records, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and fostering a welcoming environment.
Profile 3
Experienced Volunteer with over five years of expertise in environmental conservation projects, including habitat restoration and public education initiatives. Skilled in coordinating teams, conducting fieldwork, and developing educational materials to promote sustainability.
What to include in your Volunteer CV profile
Here are some tips on what to include in your Volunteer CV profile:
- Your passion – Note the causes or areas you care about, such as community outreach or environmental conservation.
- Relevant experience – Quickly note any previous volunteering, internships, or part-time roles.
- Transferable skills – Also highlight skills like teamwork, organisation, or event planning.
- Your goals – Concisely explain how this volunteer role aligns with your aspirations or values.
- Key qualities – Show qualities like reliability, empathy, or leadership that are vital in volunteer work.
Core skills section
Your CV skills section is your chance to demonstrate the practical and interpersonal skills you’ll bring to a volunteer role. Make sure they include tangible, hard skills that will come in handy on the specific jobs that you’re applying for. Tailor this section to align with the organisation’s needs.
Top skills for your Volunteer CV
- Event Coordination – Organising events, managing logistics, and ensuring smooth execution to support organisational objectives.
- Fundraising Techniques – Planning and conducting fundraising campaigns to generate resources for charitable initiatives.
- Community Outreach – Engaging with communities to raise awareness, build relationships, and promote programmes.
- Programme Delivery – Executing scheduled activities or services in line with the organisation’s mission and goals.
- Inventory Management – Handling supplies, tracking inventory, and ensuring proper allocation for events or projects.
- Digital Tools Proficiency – Using platforms like Canva for creating promotional materials or Google Workspace for collaborative tasks.
- Volunteer Training – Educating new volunteers on policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure effective participation.
- Data Collection and Reporting – Gathering feedback, tracking participation, and preparing reports to evaluate programme impact.
- Public Speaking – Representing the organisation at events or meetings to communicate its goals and successes.
- Health and Safety Compliance – Ensuring activities adhere to safety standards to protect participants and team members.
How to include volunteer work in your CV
Your work experience section is where you detail the roles you’ve held and the impact you’ve made. For volunteers, this can include formal jobs, community projects, or internships.
List your volunteer work in reverse chronological order and break roles into short bullet points that quickly demonstrate your responsibilities and achievements.
Even if your experience is closer to a bake sale assistant than to organising international aid, absolutely every role counts – highlight the impact you made, no matter the scale. The recruiter is looking for your values and passion, which every volunteering role reflects.
How to structure jobs
- Outline – Provide a brief description of the organisation or cause and your role.
- Responsibilities – Highlight tasks like organising events, supporting team efforts, or assisting beneficiaries.
- Achievements – Include outcomes, such as funds raised, people helped, or events successfully executed. Whenever possible, add in some numbers to really make your impact more tangible.
Example jobs for Volunteer
Volunteer | Bright Future Community Centre
Outline
Supported a community centre’s outreach programs aimed at assisting underprivileged families. Contributed to event planning and execution, helping to create a positive impact within the local community.
Responsibilities
- Organised donation drives, collecting and distributing clothing and food to 200+ families.
- Assisted in planning and hosting workshops on financial literacy and career skills.
- Managed volunteer schedules, ensuring smooth coordination during events.
- Collaborated with local businesses and organisations to secure sponsorships.
- Provided administrative support, including record-keeping and managing correspondence.
Achievements
- Increased program attendance by 30 percent through targeted promotional efforts.
- Secured £5,000 in funding from local businesses to expand community programs.
- Recognised by management for exceptional organisational skills and commitment to the cause.
Volunteer | City Hospital
Outline
Volunteered at a regional hospital, providing support to patients and staff in various departments. Focused on improving patient experience and ensuring smooth daily operations.
Responsibilities
- Assisted patients with mobility and basic tasks, fostering a comfortable environment.
- Provided administrative support, including data entry and appointment scheduling.
- Delivered informational materials to patients and visitors to improve understanding of services.
- Collaborated with healthcare staff to manage resources during busy periods.
- Organised activities for long-term patients to enhance their well-being.
Achievements
- Improved patient satisfaction scores by 15 percent through attentive care and assistance.
- Streamlined appointment scheduling processes, reducing wait times by 20 percent.
- Commended by staff for consistently demonstrating empathy and professionalism.
Volunteer | Green Earth Conservation
Outline
Participated in environmental conservation efforts for a non-profit organisation, focusing on habitat restoration and public education. Supported projects aimed at preserving local ecosystems and raising awareness.
Responsibilities
- Conducted fieldwork, including planting native vegetation and removing invasive species.
- Organised workshops and presentations on environmental sustainability for local schools.
- Collaborated with teams to monitor wildlife populations and gather ecological data.
- Managed the distribution of educational materials to community members.
- Maintained tools and equipment to ensure safety and efficiency during field activities.
Achievements
- Restored 10 acres of degraded land, improving habitat conditions for native wildlife.
- Reached over 500 students through educational workshops, fostering environmental awareness.
- Praised by project leaders for leadership and dedication to conservation goals.
Education section
The education section highlights your background and any training that’s relevant to volunteering.
Concisely cover your academic qualifications like degrees, workshops, or certificates that show your readiness for the role. For example, first aid training or safeguarding certifications are often valuable in volunteer settings and will look great in your CV.
Always list qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
Best qualifications for Volunteers
- Safeguarding Training – Demonstrates knowledge of protecting vulnerable individuals.
- First Aid Certification – Highlights your ability to handle emergencies during volunteer work.
- Event Management Certificate – Equips you with the skills to organise events effectively.
- Mental Health Awareness Training – Reflects your understanding of supporting mental well-being.
- Project Management for Nonprofits – Covers project planning and execution in volunteer settings.
