Volunteering in CanadaWeek 3

How to write a cover letter for a volunteer position

What we did so far….

Volunteering connects you with others

Volunteering is good for mind and

body

Volunteering can advance your career

Volunteering is a great way

to explore your interests and passions

We discovered what

great opportunities

volunteering can offer.

 

Surprisingly,the process of applying for a volunteer position is similar to applying for a job.

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5 Steps to write a cover letter

1• Outline

2 • Date and address

3• 1st paragraph greeting and purpose

of your letter

4• 2nd paragraph personal background

5• Final paragraph and signature

1 Outline of a

cover letter

Analyze!Here are two templates.Read them and check:

• What are the parts of a volunteer cover letter?

• What greetings are used?• What typical expressions are used?• What closings are used?

Example 1Dear Ms. Brown,

I am interested in opportunities that may be available to volunteer at the St. John Senior Centre. I have experience working with senior citizens and would be thrilled to continue to do so in a volunteer capacity.

I volunteered as an aide at the Champlain Centre and enjoyed being able to help senior citizens with arts and crafts. In this position, I assisted with projects and accompanied field trips to local musical events and museums.

My schedule is flexible, and I would be available to volunteer at your convenience.I hope to schedule an interview at a mutually convenient time. I look forward to speaking with you.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,Lucy da Silva

Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchemailsamples/a/volunteeremail.htm

Example 2Dear Ms. Jamieson, I am interested in an opportunity to volunteer with the Greenleaf Child Centre. I have experience working with children and would like to continue to do so in a volunteer capacity.I volunteered as a teacher’s aide at the Champlain School and enjoyed being able to help kindergarteners learn during their first experience in a class room. In this position, I assisted with classroom projects and chaperoned field trips.For the past several winters, I volunteered with children on the slopes of a local ski resort, assisting coaches with teaching basic skiing to toddlers and elementary school age children. If the Greenleaf Centre has a need for a dedicated volunteer, I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to assist. My schedule is flexible and I am available evening and weekend hours, as well as during the day.

Sincerely, Lucy da Silva

Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchemailsamples/a/volunteeremail.htm

Standard cover letter has Greetings • Formal

beginning Dear

Typical expression • “in a voluntary

capacity”

Closing • Formal-writing

sincerely

Last paragraph has a concluding sentence, availability and intention for a meeting

Make sure to use the right greeting.

1st paragraph introduces the purpose of the letter.

2nd paragraph will give more details about your background.

For better understanding

Have a look at the following Cover letter.

Language relatedUse adjectives to talk about your skills and interests.

Note:Adjectives are those words which describe a noun (name of person, place, animal or thing)

Examples• I am a dedicated educator.• My creative approach will be an

asset for your company.• As a reliable, friendly and patient

person I would enjoy these duties.• My positive and enthusiastic

approach matches the job requirement.

Remember • If you are not sure about the contact

name of the employer, leave the salutation and start with the first paragraph of your cover letter.

• The last paragraph starts with a concluding sentence. You should mention your availability.

• Use a formal closing (write “Sincerely”) and handwrite your name if it is a mailed letter.

Wrap-up

What was new for you?What was surprising?What can you use right away?What requires more practice?

Questions?