How to Write a Volunteer CV to Make an Impact: Examples and Tips

Volunteering offers diverse opportunities in many industries and settings, from renowned organisations like the Red Cross, Oxfam, and British Heart Foundation to local initiatives like the Good Samaritans. In 2022, over 50% of the UK population had volunteered at least once in the previous year. 

Creating a modern CV is essential to effectively showcase your skills, experience, and passions to join a collective effort and pursue your chosen career path. In this guide, we provide practical tips and examples that outline essential sections to help you understand the fundamentals of how to write a volunteer CV. To make this process easier, we recommend using a professional volunteering CV template to get started and increase your prospects of capturing the attention of potential organisations.

Volunteer CV example 

Download this sample CV for a volunteer job in the UK

In this volunteer CV sample, Anna showcases her skills in organising projects to foster community engagement and social change. Her work experience showcases her diverse community initiatives, such as educational workshops, environmental clean-ups, and cultural festivals. She also includes details of grants and sponsorships which support her achievements, such as youth-led projects. The volunteering CV template used is Edinburgh, which is well-formatted and presents her expertise in a concise and professional layout.

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What to include in a volunteer CV? 

To create an impactful volunteer CV, you must first use a template that is optimised for application tracking systems (ATS) so recruiters can scan and find your application quickly. Discover the essential tips for securing a volunteer role.

1. Include essential personal information such as your contact details with up-to-date phone number and email address

2. A concise CV summary or objective that expresses your career objectives, expertise and passion for helping others.

3. Add work experience highlighting relevant roles, responsibilities and achievements as well as transferable skills. Include volunteer experience within this section to further demonstrate your dedication.

4. Include a skills CV section showcases your competencies and where your strengths lie.

5. Include your educational background or certifications relevant to the role you are applying for.

6. Consider an additional section to list hobbies or interests, noteworthy projects, and references to make your CV more appealing and credible. 

For additional writing guidance and how to create a job-specific CV, read our article on the CV writing process. 

Show your passion for volunteering in a personal profile 

Your personal profile is the opening statement of your volunteer CV. It's your chance to reveal your enthusiasm for making a difference and your commitment to a cause or values of an organisation. Aim to showcase your unique qualities and how you can have a meaningful impact on communities or an organisation in your target role.

For more practical tips and examples, read our article on writing a standout personal profile on a CV. 

Essential skills for a volunteer CV 

Your CV volunteer skills section should demonstrate your qualifications and ability to effectively collaborate, share ideas, and collectively work towards a shared objective or mission of an organisation. For school leavers or those still studying with little to no work experience, consider writing a skills-based CV format to highlight transferable skills and prioritise your qualifications.

Refer to our article on how to list skills on a CV for more ideas. 

Make an impact with your volunteer CV

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Showcase your work experience  on a volunteer CV

Your work experience is the foundation of your CV, as it provides prospective employers with insights into your professional background and accomplishments. For further tips and examples, read our article on how to write work experience on a CV.

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent or current job title, company name, location, and employment dates. Write a brief paragraph summarising your responsibilities and achievements, then use bullet points to list achievements on your CV.

Volunteering in customer service and hospitality can help you excel in customer-focused and communicative roles such as charity, retail, or teaching. Working in other sectors, such as sales and marketing, can also help you gain transferable communication skills to add to your work experience in the volunteer CV section. For example, you can add "utilised persuasive marketing techniques to promote featured items and encourage charity shop sales, resulting in a 15% increase in promoted products."

Volunteer CV work experience examples

Volunteer Teaching Assistant, ABC Primary School, Birmingham, 2021 - 2022

Collaborated with teachers to support classroom activities, providing one-on-one and group assistance to students. Demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills in fostering a positive learning environment. Assisted in developing educational materials, organising school events, and mentoring students.

•  Contributed to a 15% improvement in students' reading comprehension through personalised tutoring.

• Assisted in organising a successful school fair, attracting 500+ attendees and raising £5,000 for educational resources.

Youth Volunteer, Youth Empowerment Foundation, Manchester, 2019 - 2020

Engaged with at-risk youth, providing mentorship and emotional support. Conducted leadership workshops that enhanced participants' communication skills and self-assurance. Collaborated with young individuals to design and execute community development initiatives, empowering them to engage in these projects actively.

• Guided 20+ at-risk youth towards higher education, resulting in a 15% increase in university admissions.

• Led a team to create a youth-led community garden project, teaching life skills and fostering environmental stewardship.

Charity Shop Volunteer, Save a Paw Charity Shop, Edinburgh, 2018 - 2019

Managed shop operations, including customer service, inventory management, and visual merchandising. Effectively communicated with customers, team members, and beneficiaries. Assisted in organising charity events and maintained a welcoming and positive atmosphere on the shop floor.

• Organised a successful charity event, raising £2,000 for animal welfare.

• Improved the shop's layout and visual displays, leading to a 15% increase in sales.

Community Volunteer, GreenEarth Initiatives, Glasgow, 2020 - 2021

Collaborated with a diverse team to plan community projects, such as environmental clean-ups and cultural festivals. Effectively engaged with local organisations and stakeholders, tailoring initiatives to community needs and ensuring inclusivity.

• Organised and led cultural festivals, promoting diversity and inclusion, attracting 500+ attendees, and fostering a sense of community.

• Safely managed and transported construction materials, reducing material-related delays by 20%.

Check out our comprehensive list of CV examples which offer entry-level roles with transferable skills to include on your volunteer work CV, especially for those with little to no work experience:

• Cashier CV 

• Kitchen Porter CV 

• Cleaner CV 

• Admin CV  

• Shop Assistant CV 

• Supermarket CV 

• Bartender CV 

• Waiter and Waitress CV.  

Refer to our article on how to write a CV with little to no experience to help get you started and showcase your passion for helping others.

Include your educational background 

While a volunteer work CV is often about passion and dedication, including your educational background is beneficial. List your highest qualification, including the institution's name and graduation date. Mention any relevant training, workshops, or courses and certificates to support your application.

Read how to master the education section on your CV with expert tips. 

Demonstrate dedication with additional sections

Volunteering can lead to internships or paid positions within your chosen organisation or industry of interest. If you’re passionate or knowledgeable about a sector, you can explore part-time work opportunities such as assisting startup companies. This trend not only provides a new challenge but also supports the growth of innovative businesses.  Refer to our blog and learn if working for a startup is your next career move.

Including hobbies and interests on your CV for volunteering positions showcases your relevant skills and personality. It also demonstrates your ability to balance work and personal pursuits effectively, which can also help you find a role that matches your interests and career goals. Remember to include a list of relevant activities that align with your job targets. Lastly, to boost your volunteering CV further, ensure you include references, as they are a valuable addition that provides credibility and assurance to potential employers.

Key takeaways

Your volunteer CV is a versatile tool to highlight your passions and interests, irrespective of education or qualifications. Writing a good CV is now easier with this guide and helps you take a step towards more extensive opportunities, such as internships or paid work. Ensure you create a job-specific volunteer work CV that includes these key sections. Read how to improve your CV with practical tips and examples if you need more tips.

Next Steps? 

If you're new to CV writing and need support, explore our CV Writing Service. Our team of experts can assist you in creating a compelling and polished CV. Plus, we have more than 20 professional templates, making it easy to find one that suits your needs. For more career advice, head to our blog or read CV tips for seasonal work opportunities in the UK. 

FAQ 

Can I volunteer in the UK? 

Yes, opportunities are abundant in the UK, offering a diverse range of roles and organisations to get involved with. There are generally no specific requirements or restrictions; however, working with vulnerable populations may require background checks or additional training. It's essential to research and enquire with specific organisations before applying.

What is the best volunteer work in the UK?

There's a broad range of roles for many passions and interests, from helping people without housing to working for a charity. The best type of work for your volunteering CV depends on your skills and career goals. Find opportunities with Do-it or browse the Reach Volunteering website for inspiration.

How do I include volunteer work experience on my CV? 

If you are unsure where to put volunteer work on your CV, create a work experience section detailing your roles, responsibilities, and achievements. For each entry, add the location and employment dates. Use action words and quantify achievements to maximise impact.

Is volunteering good for your CV? 

Yes, volunteer experience on a CV experience is beneficial and appealing to prospective organisations. It demonstrates your commitment, passion, transferable skills, and dedication to making a positive impact. This work can also help you gain practical experience, expand your network, and open doors to internships or paid roles in your desired field.

What is the best CV format in the UK for a volunteer CV?

The most widely accepted format in the UK is a chronological CV. This format lists your work and educational history in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent experience. It's popular because it provides a clear, easy-to-follow overview of your career progression. For more tips on structuring your CV, read our guide on how long a CV should be.