How to Write a Volunteer Resume [Example, Template & Tips]

Whether you're a retiree looking to stay engaged, a seasoned professional aiming to give back, or someone just starting your career journey and looking to gain experience, the challenge remains the same: how do you showcase your volunteer work in a way that truly reflects its value?

I’ll guide you through crafting a volunteer resume that highlights your real-world skills, dedication, and the impact you've had, making you stand out no matter your stage in life.

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Volunteer Resume Example #1: Community Volunteer

Alex Johnson

Volunteer

785-443-4831

contact.alexjohnson@mail.com 

linkedin.com/in/alexjohnson.12

Professional Summary

Dedicated community volunteer with 2+ years of extensive experience in organizing and managing various community projects. Eager to contribute to local initiatives by planning and executing impactful events, supporting outreach programs, and fostering community engagement. At River Valley Community Center, coordinated a food drive that collected over 5,000 pounds of food for local shelters and increased community engagement by 15%. Successfully contributed to over 20 community events, engaging more than 3,000 residents.

Core Competencies

• Planning and organizing community events
• Engaging and training volunteers
• Supporting community outreach programs
• Managing event logistics
• Collaborating with team members
• Maintaining accurate records

Work Experience

Volunteer Coordinator

River Valley Community Center, River Valley, OH

February 2023–December 2024

Key Qualifications and Responsibilities:

• Planned and coordinated weekly food distribution events, ensuring efficient operations and meeting the needs of over 500 families.
• Developed and implemented a comprehensive volunteer training program to enhance retention and effectiveness, providing ongoing support and orientation.
• Collaborated with team members to identify community needs and develop targeted outreach initiatives to address those needs.
• Maintained accurate records of volunteer hours and activities to ensure proper documentation and reporting.

Key Achievements:

• Boosted community engagement by 15% through effective event planning and volunteer management strategies.
• Coordinated a food drive that collected over 5,000 pounds of food, significantly supporting local shelters.
• Improved volunteer retention by 30% through the development and implementation of a thorough training and support program.

• Contributed to over 20 community events, engaging more than 3,000 residents.

Community Outreach Volunteer

Neighborhood Clean-Up Initiative, River Valley, OH

September 2022–February 2023

Key qualifications and responsibilities:

• Played a key role in planning and organizing neighborhood clean-up drives to improve community cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
• Engaged residents to participate in clean-up events, promoting environmental responsibility and community involvement.
• Coordinated logistics for clean-up events, ensuring the distribution of equipment and smooth operation of activities.

Key Achievements:

•  Contributed to the removal of 2 tons of waste, leading to a 30% improvement in community cleanliness.
• Successfully engaged over 200 residents in clean-up efforts, fostering a stronger sense of community responsibility.

Education

Bachelor of Social Work

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Graduated: June 2021

• Relevant Coursework: Social Work Practice with Groups and Communities, Research Methods in Social Work, Public Policy and Social Welfare
• Extracurricular Activities: President, Social Work Student Association, 2018–2020

Additional Skills

• Strong communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Critical thinking
• Fundraising
• MS Office suite
• Adaptability and time management

Certifications

• Volunteer Management Training, Points of Light Foundation, June 2023
• CPR and First Aid Certification, American Red Cross, January 2020

Conferences

Speaker, National Volunteer Management Conference, March 2024

• Presented on strategies for increasing community engagement through volunteer programs.

What makes it work:

• This example is great for someone with a couple of years of volunteering experience
• It features a detailed resume summary and a lot of quantified achievements.
• Bonus sections paint this candidate as an expert in the field who can teach others.

Volunteer Resume Example #2—Experienced Coordinator

Tom Grint

Volunteer and Recent Graduate with a passion for community service

555-555-5555

tomgrint@email.com

linkedin.com/in/tomgrint_11

Career Summary

Enthusiastic volunteer with a Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies and 3 years of volunteering experience. Skilled in project management, event planning, and communication. Successfully implemented a new volunteer training program, resulting in a 20% increase in volunteer retention. Seeking a volunteering team lead role at Hearts On Fire to positively impact the community.

Core Competencies

• Event planning and management
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Project management
• Team leadership
• Social media marketing

Work History

Volunteer Coordinator

Unity for Change Foundation, San Diego, CA

June 2021–September 2024

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinated and managed volunteer teams for various events and projects.
• Utilized strong communication skills to communicate effectively with volunteers and stakeholders.
• Developed a comprehensive volunteer handbook that streamlined the onboarding process and increased clarity of roles.

Key Achievements:

• Implemented a new volunteer training program, resulting in a 20% increase in volunteer retention.
• Successfully managed over 50 events, ensuring smooth execution and positive experiences for all participants.
• Improved participant satisfaction ratings by 25% by implementing feedback-driven improvements in event logistics and programming.

Volunteer Event Coordinator

Hopeful Horizons Organization, San Diego, CA

September 2020–May 2021

Key Responsibilities:

• Planned and executed successful community events to raise funds for the center.
• Managed event logistics, including venue selection, scheduling, and coordination of volunteers.
• Established partnerships with local businesses, enhancing community support and involvement.

Key Achievements:

• Organized a charity gala that raised over $20,000 for community programs.
• Utilized targeted marketing campaigns and strategic outreach efforts to increase event attendance by 12%.
• Collaborated with team members to secure sponsorships and event donations, resulting in a 30% increase in funds raised.

Program Assistant

January 2018–August 2020

Bright Futures Youth Center, San Diego, CA

Key Responsibilities:

• Assisted in the development and implementation of youth programs and activities.
• Coordinated daily operations and ensured smooth program execution.
• Maintained accurate records of program participation and outcomes.
• Provided support and guidance to program participants, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

Key Achievements:

• Contributed to a 15% increase in program enrollment through community outreach and engagement.
• Developed a mentorship program that paired 50 youth with positive role models in the community.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

University of California, San Diego

September 2017–June 2021

Other Skills

• Conflict-resolution skills
• Organizational skills
• Problem-solving
• MS Office Suite

Certifications

• Project Management Essentials, Project Management Institute, May 2022

Awards

• Community Champion Award, Unity for Change Foundation, December 2022

Memberships

• Member of the Communications Society since 2017. Assisted in organizing and promoting the annual fundraiser for local charities in 2020 and 2021.

Languages

• Spanish—Full Professional Proficiency

What makes it work:

• This resume for volunteering is great for candidates with heaps of experience.
• It uses a lot of space to present as many achievements as possible.
• It shows relevant memberships and awards, meaning this candidate truly excels in his positions.

Volunteer Resume Example #3—No Experience

Jane D. Smith

High School Graduate

jane.smith@mail.com

(987) 654-3210

linkedin.com/in/janesmith_011

Resume Objective

Dedicated and enthusiastic high school graduate seeking to join a volunteering program at Sunny Skies to contribute to the well-being of local children. Passionate about helping others and eager to develop skills in a supportive and collaborative environment. Proficient team worker and leader.

Core Competencies

• Strong Communication Skills
• Team Collaboration
• Problem-Solving
• Customer Service
• Event Planning
• Leadership

Education

Springfield High School

Springfield, IL

Graduated: June 2024

• GPA: 3.6/4.0
• Relevant Coursework: English, Mathematics, Biology, History, Social Studies
• Honors & Awards:
• Honor Roll: Fall 2022, Spring 2023
• National Honor Society Member
• Excellence in Science Award, 2023

Extracurricular Activities

Student Council

September 2021–June 2024

• Participated in organizing school events and representing student interests.
• Developed leadership skills by coordinating with council members and school administration.

Science Club

September 2021–June 2024

• Assisted in planning and conducting science experiments and demonstrations.
• Engaged in promoting science literacy and interest among students.

Soccer Team
September 2020–June 2024

• Developed teamwork and leadership skills through sports participation.
• Contributed to the team’s success in local competitions.

Other Skills

• Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.
• Adaptability: Flexible and able to adjust to new situations and challenges with ease.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to interact and communicate with others in a friendly and effective manner.
• Creativity: Innovative and creative thinking skills, particularly in art and project development.
• Public Speaking: Comfortable speaking in front of groups and delivering presentations.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze situations, make informed decisions, and solve problems logically.

Certifications

• CPR and First Aid Certification, American Red Cross, January 2023

Hobbies & Interests

• Reading: Enjoy reading books on science, technology, and social issues.
• Sports: Active participant in soccer and basketball, promoting physical fitness and teamwork.
• Art: Passionate about drawing and painting, with several pieces displayed in school art shows.

What makes it work:

• This candidate has no volunteering experience but does a great job showcasing her motivation.
• She adds descriptors to her other skills to put additional emphasis on them.
• The developed education section is used to show her proficiency and skills, as she has no work experience.

Organize Your Volunteer Resume First

Picture this: You’re browsing through available offers when a volunteering position you really want pops up out of nowhere. That’s your call to action, and you must respond effectively.

Can a half-baked effort change the world? No. And a half-baked volunteering resume won’t secure you a spot. Follow the steps below to succeed in your efforts:

1. Analyze the Advertisement

Take a look at this volunteering job posting from Ohio:

It seems clear-cut. Now, let’s introduce the candidate who got the volunteer position. Below, you can see Alex’s professional profile:

Alex Johnson is an experienced community volunteer with over two years of service in various community projects. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and has been actively involved in organizing neighborhood clean-up drives, fundraising events, and educational workshops. His initiatives have increased community engagement by 15% and raised over $10,000 for local causes.

Previously, at River Valley Community Center, Alex coordinated a food drive that collected over 5,000 pounds of food for local shelters. He also volunteers as a mentor for at-risk youth and supports community health fairs. Alex's skills include event planning, community outreach, and program management.

The initial draft of Alex’s volunteer resume was not impressive. It started like this:

Unimpressive resume profile

My name is Alex Johnson, and I’m a passionate volunteer. I want to gain more experience working with community programs while making a difference in people's lives.

And the work experience descriptions were equally lackluster:

Key Responsibilities:

• Volunteering at community events
• Assisting with planning and organizing activities
• Helping with outreach programs

If Alex sent his volunteering resume while it sounded like that, the recruiter would have zero confidence in his abilities. Alex is skilled as a volunteer; all he needs is a bit of help from ResumeLab’s builder to help him write the perfect resume for volunteering. See the tips he followed below:

2. Showcase Volunteering Expertise in the Resume Profile

Adding a resume profile to your volunteering resume is like giving the recruiter a quick preview of your best qualities. It helps them understand who you are and what you’re good at right away.

Think of it as a short introduction that highlights your most important skills and experiences. It shows why you’re a great fit for the volunteer role and makes your application stand out. Plus, it shows your passion and excitement for the cause, which is really important in volunteer work.

See how Alex used our resume builder to fix his resume profile:

Revised Alex’s resume introduction

Dedicated community volunteer with 2+ years of extensive experience in organizing and managing various community projects. Eager to contribute to local initiatives by planning and executing impactful events, supporting outreach programs, and fostering community engagement. At River Valley Community Center, coordinated a food drive that collected over 5,000 pounds of food for local shelters and increased community engagement by 15%. Successfully contributed to over 20 community events, engaging more than 3,000 local residents.

What makes this resume introduction effective?

• It mentions a couple of resume keywords from the job posting.
• It shows Alex’s drive for volunteering.
• It presents past achievements, proving Alex’s impact as a volunteer.

If you’ve already volunteered for at least 1–2 years and can include achievements from those previous endeavors, use a resume summary. The example I showed you above is, in fact, a volunteer resume summary.

If you’ve never worked before and can’t really showcase any accomplishments, opt for a resume objective. Use it to focus more on your skills and qualities gained outside of work and volunteering, like your studies or certifications.

No matter which type of introduction you choose for your volunteering resume, the general approach is basically the same.

Expert Hint: Volunteering can help you secure a great job in the future. A Deloitte Volunteer Survey shows that 82% of respondents said they would be more likely to choose a candidate with volunteer experience.

3. Present Core Competencies

With large volunteer organizations, your volunteering resume will likely be scanned by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to determine whether you’re a qualified candidate. To make an ATS-friendly resume, I recommend adding a few resume keywords as your core competencies.

The core competencies are a short list of the most important skills you have that apply to the volunteering job you’re applying for.

See which competencies Alex decided to write on his volunteer resume:

Core Competencies

• Planning and organizing community events
• Engaging and training volunteers
• Supporting community outreach programs
• Managing event logistics
• Collaborating with team members
• Maintaining accurate records

Why is this list effective?

• This list is aligned with the job offer.
• Incorporating resume keywords makes it compatible with ATS.
• It’s short, so it doesn’t create any wasted space on your volunteer resume.

But don’t list all of your skills here. Show only a couple of the most relevant ones. Focus more on your hard skills and technical skills. But, depending on the type of job, some soft skills may be just as important, like collaboration was in the example above.

Expert Hint: I mentioned several types of skills just now. If you don’t know the specifics of them, click here to learn about the differences between hard and soft skills.

4. Showcase Volunteer Experience on a Resume

As Aristotle once said, ”The essence of life is to serve others and do good.” You embody that phrase perfectly. But you’re not here to write an essay on ancient philosophy, so how can you show that your life is about spreading positive change?

Well, if you already have a couple of years of relevant experience, like Alex, the best way is to focus on creating a detailed resume work history section.

There are two main points here. For starters, you should present your key qualifications, which describe your main responsibilities in detail. The other part is your key resume achievements, where you present your quantified accomplishments to show the impact you made in your previous volunteering jobs.

See how Alex showcased his volunteer experience on a resume:

Key Qualifications and Responsibilities:

• Planned and coordinated weekly food distribution events, ensuring efficient operations and meeting the needs of over 500 families.
• Developed and implemented a comprehensive volunteer training program to enhance retention and effectiveness, providing ongoing support and orientation.
• Collaborated with team members to identify community needs and develop targeted outreach initiatives to address those needs.
• Maintained accurate records of volunteer hours and activities to ensure proper documentation and reporting.

Key Achievements:

• Boosted community engagement by 15% through effective event planning and volunteer management strategies.
• Coordinated a food drive that collected over 5,000 pounds of food, significantly supporting local shelters.
• Improved volunteer retention by 30% through the development and implementation of a thorough training and support program.

• Contributed to over 20 community events, engaging more than 3,000 local residents.

Why does this volunteer experience section work?

• Every sentence begins with a resume action word that shows impact.
• It’s a targeted resume staple, matching the keywords found in the posting for this volunteering job.
• The responsibilities and accomplishments are varied, showcasing a wide array of skills.
• All of Alex’s achievements are quantified.

Always write your volunteer job description like that. Be specific, present multiple types of achievements, and refer to the job posting. This way, you’ll see the best results.

Expert Hint: If you have no volunteering experience and don’t know where to start, you can start small. Join the efforts of millions of Americans during the National Volunteering Week in April. You’ll make a change, gain hands-on experience, and see if volunteer work is the right choice for you.

5. Fill Out Other Basic Sections

Let’s get back to basics for a moment and prepare the easiest part of your resume for volunteering—the resume header. The basics here are your full name, title, phone, email, and LinkedIn link. If you have some form of a website, blog, online portfolio, or other relevant links you’d like to add, feel free to do so. Don’t add an address to your resume unless it’s necessary.

Volunteer resume header

Alex Johnson

Volunteer

785-443-4831

contact.alexjohnson@mail.com 

linkedin.com/in/alexjohnson.12

You can spice things up by adding a resume headline. It’s a short sentence that gives a bit more overview of your qualifications than just a job title:

Volunteer and Recent Graduate with a passion for community service.

The detail of your resume education section depends on two factors. First, consider how developed your work history is. Second, think about how long ago you graduated from school or university. Based on these factors, your education section might be very basic or quite detailed.

Education section

Bachelor of Social Work

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Graduated: June 2020

Relevant Coursework: Social Work Practice with Groups and Communities, Research Methods in Social Work, Public Policy and Social Welfare

Extracurricular Activities: President, Social Work Student Association, 2018-2020

Why does this education section work?

• The relevant coursework section shows Alex’s vast theoretical knowledge.
• It shows proactivity and leadership abilities.

There are many other things you may include in the education section, such as school projects, awards, honors, etc. But I recommend lengthening your education only if you’re creating a fresher resume for volunteering jobs.

6. Add Bonus Sections to Your Volunteer Resume

So, all the main resume sections are done. But that doesn’t mean you’re done just yet. To make your volunteering resume truly yours, consider including sections that allow your personality to shine through your paper presence.

See what sections Alex chose to showcase:

Extra sections on a volunteer resume

Additional Skills

• Strong communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Critical thinking
• Fundraising
• MS Office suite
• Adaptability and time management

Certifications

• Volunteer Management Training, Points of Light Foundation, June 2023
• CPR and First Aid Certification, American Red Cross, January 2020

Conferences

Speaker, National Volunteer Management Conference, March 2024

• Presented on strategies for increasing community engagement through volunteer programs.

Why is it such a good example of additional sections?

• The additional skills showcase more valuable qualities for working with others.
• Certifications deliver proof of proactivity and willingness to learn.
• Speaking at conferences shows Alex is considered an expert in his field.

When it comes to adding bonus sections to a volunteering resume, there are multiple you can choose from. For example:

• Professional memberships
• Known foreign languages
• Publications
• Hobbies and interests
• Earned certifications
• Completed courses
• Other relevant activities you can think of

Just to be clear on one thing, these sections are called “bonus sections” because they aren’t mandatory. But if you took two candidates with nearly identical volunteering experience and education, but one of them had relevant certifications on their resume, you can easily imagine which one of the two is going to get chosen.

If you want to see some other comprehensive resume writing guides, see:

• How Far Back Should a Resume Go
• How to Create Effective Bullet Points on a Resume
• How to Start a Resume

Or keep reading to learn how to create a good volunteering resume layout.

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Format Your Resume for Volunteering

You probably wouldn’t serve food to the homeless in a field kitchen that looks like it was just flooded with sewage water. I know that’s an extreme comparison, but recruiters have a strong aversion to messy things, especially to messy resumes.

“Creating a visually pleasant resume for volunteering is all about clarity and simplicity. Opt for a simple design with clear headings and bullet points to make key information stand out. Avoid excessive graphics, because they will make your application look cluttered.”

To create a visually appealing volunteer resume, you can either use a resume builder like ResumeLab, grab a Word resume template from the web, or create a template from scratch.

That last step is the most difficult one. If you choose to go this route, however, here are the guidelines I recommend you follow:

1. Decide on your resume’s style. Are you going for the classic chronological resume format? Or maybe you need a skill-based resume? Once you know what you need, it’s going to be easier to organize.
2. Pick a serif font. These types of fonts are the best for resumes. Keep their size to 10–12 for normal entries and 13–14 for section headings.
3. Keep your volunteer resume at the appropriate length. If you’re writing an entry-level resume, one page is enough. If you have a couple of years of experience, you can apply with a two-page resume.
4. Add some visual elements. But be careful. Visuals like resume icons can ruin your formatting and even make your application unreadable for ATS. Visuals work best when you print resumes on proper paper and hand them out in person. However, since smaller volunteering organizations are not likely to use ATS scans, a resume for volunteering could work even in an infographic style
5. Ensure legibility with white space. Set the margins on your resume to 1 inch and spacing at 1.15 for clear results.

Click the links below to learn more about resume templates:

• Modern Resume Templates
• One-Page Templates for Resumes
• Resume Outline Guidelines

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And now you’re ready to start making a difference in the world! Do you have any questions about writing a volunteering resume? Would you like to share your own experience of writing one? Leave your comments below.

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