Look at multiple positions to find one that would fit you best. Get a sense of what the position you’re interested in requires of its applicants. It’s important to do this before applying, because even though it is not a paid position, there may still be a certain skill set, level of experience, or education background required for that position.
Read the organization’s mission statement and values. These should be available somewhere on the organization’s website, and can save you time and frustration down the line.
If no contact person is listed in the announcement, try searching on the organization’s website to determine who is in charge of personnel. You may need to contact the organization’s human resources department to find this information. If hiring decisions are made by a high-ranking executive, you may need to address your letter to that individual.
Use a uniform type size and font that are appropriate for a business letter. Stick with a font size between 10 and 12 points, and choose a font that is easy to read and has clean lines, like those in the sans serif family. Some examples of professional-looking fonts include Arial, Century Gothic, Futura, Lucida Sans, News Gothic, Technical, Times New Roman, and Rockwell. [1] X Research source Do not use any unusual or unique colors in your letter. Type the body of your letter in black.
Write your contact information in the upper lefthand corner of the document. Include your full name, address, telephone number, and email address. [2] X Research source Insert two or three line breaks, then write out the contact person’s information. Start with their full name (or a proper title, if no first name is given - for example, Ms. Stone), the department that person works in, the name of the organization you are hoping to work with, and the organization’s address. [3] X Research source You may wish to include the date on your letter so that the person reviewing your application can see when you applied. This can be inserted between your contact information and the organization’s. [4] X Research source
Include a statement of interest in the position. Mention where you saw the announcement for this volunteer opportunity. Write two to three sentences outlining your experience and expertise in the field of your interest. If you have a formal education or have taken coursework in the field to which you’re applying, mention that in this section. Reference the organization’s mission statement or values, and address why that mission or set of values is important to you. You should also tie your education, experience, and/or interests to the company’s values or mission statement. Let the hiring party know that you are willing and able to work toward the organization’s goals.
Discuss your employment and volunteer history, and talk about how that experience it is relevant to the position. If your previous jobs are not directly relevant to the volunteer position, then mention your employment history as a way to highlight your specific strengths as an employee. You may want to focus on your work ethic, your dedication to your current or former employers, and any transferrable skills that could be relevant to the volunteer position you’re applying for. Name any skills you possess that would be useful or relevant for this position, and talk about why those skills would be useful at the volunteer organization. If you have any substantial achievements that you are proud of (and that have relevant or transferrable skills), detail how those achievements make you an ideal candidate for the volunteer position you’re interested in. Include any major issues or problems you were successfully able to identify and solve at your current or former jobs or internships. [7] X Research source Discuss any ways in which you successfully innovated new policies or procedures at your current or previous jobs or internships. [8] X Research source Incorporate any instances that illustrate your ability to take initiative and show responsibility or leadership skills. [9] X Research source
Let the hiring party know how much time you can commit to each week. If you have specific days or times that work better for your schedule, let the hiring party know when you’re available to volunteer, if you are accepted into the organization. Do not assume that you have the position. Writing about yourself and your availability as though you already have the position could be a turn off for the organization’s hiring party. Ask the hiring party for the opportunity to meet in person to discuss the position further, and let him or her know when you would be available for an interview. It’s important to be flexible when trying to set up a meeting/interview, so try to keep your schedule open and be willing to come in on short notice.
Letters of recommendation should be written by professional or personal references who can attest to your character and capabilities. [12] X Research source In lieu of letters of recommendation, you may want to include a list of professional references with each reference’s contact information. This will allow the hiring party to reach out to your references, if he or she needs to, and it shows that you are able to maintain positive working relationships with current and former employers and/or colleagues.
Address the interviewer by name. [14] X Research source Thank him or her for the opportunity to meet and discuss the position. [15] X Research source Try to mention something specific that the interviewer talked about during your meeting. Letting him or her know in the thank you note that you were interested in what he/she said shows that you were paying attention and that you take the opportunity seriously. [16] X Research source Close with a polite ending that does not assume that you have earned the position. Say something like, “I look forward to discussing this opportunity further,” or wish the interviewer luck with the selection process. Some organizations are inundated with volunteer requests and may ask that you do not follow up. In each case, do as instructed.
