Volunteering offers invaluable opportunities to make a difference while developing key skills and gaining meaningful experience. Whether it’s assisting with fundraising or working directly with those in need, volunteering requires a combination of dedication, adaptability, and teamwork. This field is ideal for you if you’re passionate, resourceful, and eager to give your time and effort to worthwhile causes.

A strong volunteer CV highlights your relevant experience, transferable skills, and commitment to making a positive change within your community. Highlighting specific achievements, such as organising successful events or coordinating volunteer teams, will help demonstrate your value to potential organisations. Including certifications, such as safety or first aid, can further strengthen your application and demonstrate your readiness for the role.

If you’re looking for inspiration on how to create a compelling volunteering CV, this guide provides helpful tips, practical templates, and FAQs to ensure your application stands out. With our tools and CV examples, you can create a professional CV that showcases your commitment and skills, helping you secure the volunteering opportunity you’re passionate about. Keep reading for:

  • Sample volunteer CV
  • Volunteer CV templates
  • The best format for your volunteer CV
  • How to write an effective CV for a volunteer
  • Top dos and don’ts for volunteer CV writing
  • Your volunteer CV questions answered

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    Sample volunteer CV

    Skilled volunteer example CV

    Mark Rice
    52 Park Row
    Edinburgh EDH EH20YR
    07912 345678
    mark.rice@example-example.co.uk

    Professional summary

    Compassionate and motivated Volunteer with 5 years of experience working across the charity sector. Exceptional time management, customer service, and administration skills. 

    Work history 

    Community Engagement Volunteer (02/2017 – 05/2019)
    From The Ground Up Charity – Edinburgh, Scotland

    • Supported staff and other volunteers with planning work with community groups around environmental projects in Scotland.
    • Took part in a variety of programmes and events such as community gardening days, wildlife house building for children, and recycled arts and crafts summer holiday days.
    • Contacted and collaborated with local businesses and community groups to create new family activities and events and promote a local angle.
    • Offered constructive feedback and contributed ideas at weekly volunteer meetings.
    • Educated families and community members about environmental protection and impact, the importance of looking after your local area, and how to manage waste including the correct way to recycle.
    • Promoted the charity and its goals at all events to encourage support and gain donations.

    Volunteer (04/2014 – 01/2017)
    Paws for Thought Animal Shelter – Edinburgh, Scotland

    • Answered telephone and email queries and provided a high level of customer service.
    • Updated company social media with content about recent donations, upcoming adoption days, or the newest animals at the shelter.
    • Monitored multiple databases to keep track of shelter inventory such as food, medication, and bedding supplies as well as a database of current animals at the shelter.
    • Kept clear and accurate records on animal behaviour, food intake, and medications.
    • Showed prospective adopters around the kennels and cattery and discussed our animals, their history, and any special requirements.
    • Cleaned kennels, animal holding areas, and animal loading/unloading facilities when required.
    • Followed standards and procedures to maintain a safe work environment.

    Skills

    •  Self-motivated
    • Upbeat and energetic
    • Trustworthy and reliable
    • High level of organisation
    • Strong written and verbal communicator
    • Computer savvy and proficient in Microsoft Suite programmes
    • Valid driver’s license
    • Life-long per owner

    Education

    City and Guilds – Edinburgh, Level 1 Diploma
    Work-based Animal Care, 2013

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    Volunteer CV templates

    Edit one of these volunteer CV templates to start, or look through our range of UK CV templates to discover one that suits your needs.

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    The best format for your volunteer CV

    Volunteering is a fulfilling extracurricular activity that individuals often do in their spare time – whether after work, school, or on weekends. Volunteers often contribute in areas outside of their professional expertise, which is why organisations often value their skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm over formal career histories.

    For most volunteer roles, a skills-based CV format is highly recommended. This format organises your experience around core skills – such as teamwork, event organisation, or leadership – rather than focusing solely on job titles. A skills-based (or functional) CV emphasises your ability to make a meaningful contribution by highlighting transferable skills and demonstrating your potential to excel in a volunteering role.

    The format not only highlights your key capabilities, such as customer service and communication, but also showcases why you should be chosen, including experience in similar roles or those where you have transferable experience.

    Here are some additional tips for formatting your functional CV as a volunteer:

    • Focus on skills: Organise your CV by grouping your abilities under skills-based headings such as “event coordination”, “team leadership”, or “community outreach”. Include examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills in volunteer, work, or academic settings.
    • Use action-oriented language: When describing your experiences, use active verbs such as “coordinated,” “guided,” or “supported” to convey a sense of initiative.
    • Showcase the impact of your volunteering: Under each skill heading, describe how your actions have made a difference, whether to an organisation, a community, or individuals.
    • Include references if possible: Include references from previous volunteer roles to add credibility and assure organisations of your reliability.
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    How to write an effective CV for a volunteer

    Writing a compelling CV is a valuable skill you’ll use throughout your volunteering and career journey. Once you’ve chosen your format, the next step is to create content that will grab the attention of organisations and recruiters. With our expert tips, you’ll be able to create a well-organised volunteer CV that not only highlights your skills and experience but also shows your passion for making a difference. Here’s what this guide will cover:

    Adding contact details to your volunteer CV

    The contact section is the first part of your volunteer CV, ensuring organisations can easily identify and reach out to you for the role. Make sure all the details are up-to-date and easy to read. It should include:

    • Full Name: Your first and last name is clearly stated.
    • Location: The city or country where you’re based, and note if you’re open to relocation.
    • Phone Number: A reliable number where you can be reached.
    • Email Address: A professional, work-appropriate email address that you check regularly.

    Example of contact section for a volunteer CV

    Mark Rice
    52 Park Row
    Edinburgh EDH EH20YR
    07912 345678
    mark.rice@example-example.co.uk

    Writing your volunteer CV’s personal statement

    Your personal statement appears at the top of your CV and introduces the qualities and skills that make you stand out. Whether you’re writing a CV as an experienced or first-time volunteer, you can attract recruiters with details of your key qualifications and aspirations. Keep your personal statement to an engaging and concise 3-4 sentences to encourage recruiters to read on.

    Volunteering might involve performing many different tasks, so be sure to introduce your flexible nature and career highlights in your personal statement. Start with a concise overview of your experience and skills. Emphasise your soft and personal skills, such as compassion and motivation.

    Example of personal statement for a volunteer CV

    A passionate and enthusiastic individual, keen to contribute their time and skills to impact the local community positively. Committed to learning and developing new skills through hands-on involvement. A quick and reliable learner with a strong desire to help others. 

    OR

    Passionate volunteer with over 3 years of experience volunteering in community-based roles. Has a deep understanding of how to make a positive impact in various settings. Has successfully coordinated events, worked closely with vulnerable groups, and led teams of volunteers to achieve common goals. Skilled in project management, fundraising, and community outreach.

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    Adding experience to your volunteer CV

    Your work experience section can be vital to your volunteer CV. Organisations value candidates with practical experience because they’re likely to adapt quickly, understand the community’s needs, and work effectively in a team. 

    For a strong CV, list your roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on each position’s most relevant responsibilities and achievements. If a role is outdated or doesn’t reflect your current skills, it’s best to leave it out. In addition, include any volunteer work demonstrating transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving.

    For every position you’ve held, show a detailed list of your responsibilities. From simple tasks such as “cleaning kennels” to more authoritative positions such as “educating families” or “project management”, reference everything to show your scope of experience.

    To format this section, include the following details:

    • Job title
    • Company name and location
    • Start and end dates of employment
    • Key responsibilities

    Example of work experience for a volunteer CV

    Volunteer Coordinator (March 2023 – Current)
    Community Outreach UK, London

    • Managed a team of 15 volunteers in organising weekly community outreach events for disadvantaged families, ensuring effective communication and coordination.
    • Developed and implemented fundraising initiatives, raising over £3,000 for local food banks.
    • Managed volunteer schedules and ensured all team members were trained and equipped for their roles.
    • Worked closely with local partners to assess community needs and provide appropriate support to vulnerable groups.

    Fundraising Volunteer (June 2022 – December 2022)
    Green Planet Charity, Manchester

    • Helped organise and run fundraising events, including charity runs and auctions, to raise awareness and significant funds for environmental initiatives.
    • Created social media content to engage with the community and promote fundraising campaigns.
    • Worked with a team of volunteers to raise funds and ensure successful events.
    • Provided administrative support, including data entry and tracking of donor contributions.

    Top skills for your volunteer CV

    In the key skills section, add skills that are relevant to the role of a volunteer. “Self-motivated”, “trustworthy and reliable”, and a “high level of organisation” are all skills that will set you apart for popular volunteer roles.

    With volunteer positions spanning multiple roles and industries, they can require a wide range of skills. Many transferable skills are very useful, and you should be sure to include the following:

    Essential skills for a volunteer

    • Self-motivated: Volunteers need to be proactive and show initiative without constant supervision. This skill shows your ability to work independently and stay focused.
    • Upbeat and energetic: Volunteers with a positive attitude and high energy level will inspire those around them and help create an encouraging atmosphere.
    • Trustworthy and reliable: Volunteers are often entrusted with sensitive information or responsibilities, so it’s important that they’re reliable and maintain confidentiality.
    • High level of organisation: Being well organised ensures you can manage tasks efficiently, prioritise your time effectively, and avoid missing important deadlines.
    • Team player: Volunteering often requires working with others. A good volunteer must be able to work harmoniously with colleagues, share responsibilities and contribute to group goals while respecting the ideas and contributions of others.

    Desirable aptitudes to set you apart

    • Time management: The ability to prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively is essential, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities. 
    • Good written and verbal communication skills: Clear communication is key in any volunteering role, whether writing reports, responding to emails, or meeting people face-to-face.
    • Computer skills: Many volunteer roles involve working with computers, including managing databases, creating documents, or using social media. Volunteers with a good understanding of technology can contribute to a wider range of tasks and increase their overall effectiveness.
    • Driver’s licence: While not always essential, a driver’s licence can be an asset, particularly for roles requiring travel or transporting items. It adds flexibility and the ability to help in more dynamic volunteer situations.

    Outlining education on a volunteer CV

    The education section of a volunteer CV is usually less important than in other industries, as many volunteer roles value experience and transferable skills over formal qualifications. However, if you have a degree or certificate that is directly related to your volunteer work, it can strengthen your application. For example, qualifications in areas such as social work, youth development, psychology, or education can be relevant and help demonstrate your expertise in areas that are relevant to specific volunteer roles.

    When listing your education, consider highlighting degrees or certifications that complement the tasks you’ll perform as a volunteer. For example, a degree in education or childcare would be an advantage if you’re applying to work with children. Similarly, if you’re volunteering with vulnerable groups, a degree in social work or mental health support can demonstrate your understanding of their day-to-day struggles.

    Here’s what to include when listing your education:

    • The name of the institution you attended with completion date
    • The subjects or courses you focused on
    • The level of qualification achieved (e.g. diploma, A-levels, degree)
    • The result or grade you achieved (optional, but recommended if it’s a strong performance)

    Example of education for a volunteer CV

    First Aid and CPR Certification (2023)
    Red Cross UK

    • Training in emergency response, first aid, and CPR.

    Bachelor of Arts, Social Work (2022)
    University of Manchester

    • Focused on social care, child protection and working with vulnerable adults.
    • Completed work placements in community outreach and social services, supporting vulnerable clients.

    A-levels in Psychology, English Literature and Sociology (2019)
    St John’s Sixth Form College, London

    • Gained an understanding of human behaviour, communication and social dynamics.
    • Participated in group discussions and research projects on mental health and social issues.

    Top dos and don’ts for volunteer CV writing

    Do

    • DO tailor your CV to the role

      Highlighting your most relevant experience can demonstrate that you’re the right person for the job. For example, if you’re applying for a volunteering role with a children’s charity, highlight any experience working with children, whether through formal employment, work experience, or even informal settings such as tutoring. If the role requires event management, highlight any relevant experience you have, whether it’s organising community events, coordinating logistics, or managing teams.

    • DO keep your volunteer CV concise and clear

      Recruiters often review several CVs at once, so ensuring yours is easy to read and well-organised is key to making a good first impression. Keep your CV to one or two pages, and use bullet points to make scanning through the content easier for the reader.

    Don't

    • DON'T overload your volunteering CV with irrelevant information

      It is important to focus your CV on experience and qualifications directly relevant to the volunteer role you’re applying for. Including work experience or training unrelated to the role can distract from your key strengths and confuse the recruiter. For example, if you’re applying for an environmental volunteering role, mentioning your experience as a retail assistant may not be as effective unless you also highlight transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, or problem-solving.

    • DON'T forget to proofread your volunteer application

      Spelling, grammar, and formatting errors can make your CV look sloppy. Before submitting your volunteer CV, take some time to proofread it thoroughly. Reading it yourself or asking someone else to read it can help you catch any mistakes. You can also check for consistency in formatting (e.g. font size, spacing, and headings) and make sure there are no typos or missing words.

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    Your volunteer CV questions answered

    What’s the difference between a standard CV and a volunteer CV?

    The main difference is the focus of the content. A standard CV emphasises professional, paid work experience. In contrast, a volunteer CV focuses on unpaid, voluntary work, highlighting your commitment to causes and transferable skills such as teamwork and communication. 

    While a standard CV focuses on career goals and professional achievements, a volunteer CV highlights your passion for social impact and commitment to a cause, making it more flexible and mission-driven.

    Do I need a certification to be a volunteer?

    In short – not necessarily. Whether or not your role requires certification depends on what it is. It may not necessarily be required if you plan on supporting an animal shelter, but a Diploma in Animal Care will help. For some volunteer roles, a certification is required, particularly with healthcare charities. They may need first aid or CPR certification.

    Where does volunteer work go on a CV?

    If you’re applying for a volunteer role we recommend that your volunteer work goes just after your personal statement. This is where organisations will be looking for relevant skills and knowledge. But if you’re supplementing your standard CV with previous volunteer positions, keep them in reverse chronological order along with other roles.

    How can I make my volunteer CV stand out?

    The best way to do this is to make it as concise as possible and ensure every word you use adds value to the organisation. Avoid ‘fluffy’ language and edit your sentences to be as impactful as possible. Another way is always to include measurable results from previous roles. For example: “Built a primary school in Uganda, helping 150 local children access an education”.

    Should I include personal interests on my volunteer CV?

    Including personal interests on a volunteer CV can help paint a fuller picture of who you are, but only if they’re relevant to the role. For example, if you’re applying to volunteer for an environmental cause, mentioning your interest in sustainability or outdoor activities can show that your passion aligns with the organisation’s values.

    How can I highlight transferable skills on my volunteer CV?

    Transferable skills are important when applying for a volunteer role, especially if your previous work experience isn’t directly related to your volunteering area. Emphasise skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork, and provide examples of prior volunteering or work experience where these skills have been used.

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    Whether it’s charity work, invaluable experience, or just a role to keep you active, myPerfectCV can help you take your next step as a volunteer. Our easy-to-use CV builder is perfect for volunteers, with tailored content and professional templates allowing you to showcase your skills to charities, non-profits, or businesses in no time.

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