Volunteer work is an excellent way to gain valuable experience and skills. It not only looks great on your CV, but it also shows potential employers that you are passionate about making a difference. This article provides a comprehensive guide to creating a volunteer CV, including tips on how to present your experience in the best way possible and examples of what to include.
We will cover:
- How to write a CV, no matter your industry or job title.
- What to put on a CV to stand out.
- The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
- How to build a CV fast with our professional CV Builder.
- What a CV template is, and why you should use it.
What does a Volunteer do?
Volunteers can do a wide variety of activities, depending on their skills, interests, and the needs of the organization they are volunteering for. Generally, volunteers help with tasks such as fundraising, event planning and execution, tutoring, mentoring, assisting with administrative tasks, providing companionship to those in need, and participating in community service projects.
What are some responsibilities of a Volunteer?
- Assist with daily tasks
- Organize events and fundraisers
- Engage with the local community
- Represent the organization at events
- Provide administrative support
- Help with marketing and social media
- Recruit and train new volunteers
- Provide guidance and support to other volunteers
- Ensure safety and compliance with regulations
Sample Volunteer CV for Inspiration
John Doe
Address: 1234 Main Street, Anytown, USA
Phone: +1 123 456 7890
Email: john.doe@example.com
John Doe is an experienced volunteer with a passion for making a positive impact in the community. He has a broad range of skills and knowledge, gained through his volunteering work, which he is always eager to develop further.
Work Experience:
- Volunteer at Local Animal Shelter – Anytown, USA | June 2020 - Present
- Provide assistance with animal care and maintenance of the shelter.
- Organize and participate in fundraising activities.
- Provide basic care and support to the animals.
- Volunteer at Local Food Bank – Anytown, USA | January 2020 - June 2020
- Provide assistance with organizing and distributing food.
- Assist in creating and maintaining records.
- Participate in community outreach activities.
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Anytown University | 2018
- Associate of Arts in Sociology – Anytown College | 2016
Skills:
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google suite.
- Ability to work independently as well as in teams.
Certifications:
- First Aid and CPR Certified
- ServSafe Certified
Languages:
English (Fluent)
Spanish (Conversational)
CV tips for Volunteer
Crafting an impeccable CV that kickstarts your career is a challenging endeavor. While adhering to fundamental writing principles is beneficial, seeking guidance customized for your unique job pursuit is equally prudent. As a newcomer to the professional realm, you require Volunteer CV pointers.
We've curated top-notch advice from experienced Volunteer individuals. Explore their insights to streamline your writing journey and enhance the likelihood of fashioning a CV that captivates potential employers' attention.
- Highlight your volunteer experience in the summary section of your CV
- Include any relevant certifications or awards you have earned as a volunteer
- Include a list of organizations and causes you have volunteered for
- Specify any special skills you developed as a volunteer
- Include any leadership roles you held as a volunteer
Volunteer CV Summary Examples
A volunteer CV summary or CV objective can be used to quickly and effectively summarize a candidate’s volunteer experience and accomplishments. By providing a clear summary of a candidate’s volunteer experience and accomplishments, it can help employers quickly determine whether or not a candidate is a good fit for the position. Additionally, it can help employers to more accurately assess a candidate’s motivation and commitment to volunteering. Finally, it can provide employers with a snapshot of the type of volunteer experience a candidate has had and the skills they have developed from it.
For Example:
- Highly motivated volunteer with strong organisational and communication skills. Experienced in providing administrative support, fundraising and event planning.
- Dedicated volunteer with 5+ years of experience in event planning and community outreach. Skilled in developing relationships with sponsors and donors.
- Resourceful volunteer with a passion for community service. Proven track record of successfully coordinating events and managing volunteers.
- Experienced volunteer with a knack for building relationships. Skilled in fundraising, marketing, and event planning.
- Dynamic volunteer with excellent interpersonal skills. Experienced in data entry, customer service, and event coordination.
Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Volunteer CV
Having a strong experience section for a volunteer CV is essential because it helps to showcase the volunteer’s hands-on experience and show potential employers and recruiters how the volunteer has applied their skills in a real-world setting. By listing their volunteering experiences, it provides a more detailed picture of the volunteer’s abilities and how they can be beneficial to the organization they’re applying to. Furthermore, it can also be an excellent way to demonstrate leadership, organization, and teamwork skills, as well as initiative. An impressive volunteer experience list can also help to set a volunteer apart from other applicants, and be a great conversation starter during an interview.
For Example:
- Assisted in the organization and distribution of donated clothing to individuals in need.
- Provided weekly after school tutoring to underprivileged students.
- Organized weekly collection of food donations for local shelters.
- Managed the food pantry, ensuring donations were properly catalogued and distributed.
- Assisted in the renovation of homes for underprivileged families.
- Conducted regular visits to elderly residents in local nursing homes.
- Developed and implemented outreach programs for at-risk youth.
- Participated in fundraising activities for various charitable organizations.
- Organized and facilitated weekly workshops for underprivileged children.
- Mentored local high school students in job and career development.
Volunteer CV education example
A volunteer does not need formal education to volunteer but certain organizations may require volunteers to have specific qualifications to be eligible for certain roles. Some volunteer positions may require a bachelor's degree in a related field, while others may only require a high school diploma. Training and orientation programs may also be provided for volunteers to ensure they have the skills and knowledge needed to perform their roles.
Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Volunteer CV:
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, University of California, San Diego, CA, 2020
- Volunteer experience:
- Mentor and tutor, Bright Futures Youth Program, San Diego, CA, 2018-Present
- Volunteer, San Diego Food Bank, San Diego, CA, 2017-2019
Volunteer Skills for a CV
Adding skills to a volunteer CV is important because it helps to demonstrate the volunteer’s capabilities and qualifications. It also allows potential employers to quickly assess the volunteer’s experience and abilities. Skills can include areas such as communication, problem solving, leadership, organization, and technical expertise. Having a comprehensive list of skills on a volunteer CV provides employers with an overview of the volunteer’s qualifications, and it can help to set the volunteer apart from other applicants.
Soft Skills:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Organizational
- Time Management
- Interpersonal
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Problem Solving
- Decision Making
- Flexibility
- Computer Programming
- Data Analysis
- Project Management
- Leadership Skills
- Public Speaking
- Writing Ability
- Organizational Skills
- Teamwork
- Time Management
- Problem Solving
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Volunteer CV
In today's competitive job market, an average of 180 applications floods employers' inboxes for each vacant position. To streamline this influx of CVs, companies frequently employ automated applicant tracking systems that weed out less qualified candidates. If your CV manages to surpass these digital gatekeepers, it must still captivate the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager. Given the sheer volume of applications, a mere 5 seconds is typically allocated to each CV before a decision is reached. With this in mind, it's crucial to eliminate any extraneous information that might relegate your application to the discard pile. To ensure your CV shines, consult the list below for elements to avoid including in your job application.
- Skipping the cover letter: A well-crafted cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your suitability for the role and express your enthusiasm for it.
- Excessive jargon: CVs laden with technical terms can alienate hiring managers who lack specialized knowledge.
- Neglecting vital details: Incorporate your contact information, education, work history, and pertinent skills and experiences.
- Relying on generic templates: Tailoring your CV to the specific job exhibits your commitment to the position and company.
- Errors in spelling and grammar: Proofreading is essential to eliminate typos, spelling errors, and grammatical blunders.
- Overemphasizing duties: Highlight accomplishments to underline your candidacy's value.
- Sharing personal information: Steer clear of revealing personal details like age, marital status, or religious affiliations.
Key takeaways for a Volunteer CV
- Highlight your volunteer achievements and experiences
- Include any relevant skills or qualifications you’ve gained
- Showcase your commitment and dedication
- Include any relevant awards or recognitions
- Include any relevant training or certifications
- Detail any relevant roles you’ve held
- Be sure to include contact information
Embark on your job search journey with confidence. Secure your next position by presenting your best self, all with the assistance of Resumaker.ai.
