Volunteer Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)
- Volunteer Firefighter
- Volunteer Teacher
- Community Volunteer
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Student Volunteer
Most Popular Volunteer Resumes
Community Service Worker Resume Example
Fundraising Volunteer Resume Example
Nonprofit Resume Example
Volunteer Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
How To Write a Volunteer Resume
Writing a great volunteer resume requires a different approach than other types of job applications. You need to convey your genuine passion for public service and paint a picture of how you’ve positively impacted the lives of others throughout your career. We’ll provide expert tips and advice to craft an impactful volunteer resume to support your long-term career objectives.
1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications
To show organizations that you’re the ideal volunteer for their team, lead with a powerful opening summary that captures the broad strokes of your community service background. Start with an opening sentence that lists your years of experience and three to four skills that match the position you’re applying for. Round out your paragraph with one to two sentences that demonstrate how you can deliver positive contributions and support public service initiatives.
For example, if you’ve provided volunteer teaching services, emphasize the impact you had on your students. If you have experience as a volunteer firefighter or EMT, highlight your background responding to emergency situations. This immediately sends a clear message that you have the qualifications to aid the organization’s mission.
Profile Example #1
A volunteer firefighter with five years of experience specializing in emergency response, community outreach, firehouse operations, and loss control. A proven track record of coordinating with EMTs, firefighters, and first responders to rescue and treat civilians during emergency situations.
Profile Example #2
A volunteer teacher with seven years of experience specializing in curriculum development, lesson planning, student engagement, and community outreach. A strong history of providing quality instruction to English as a Second Language (ESL) students within the Hispanic community.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
In the professional experience section of your volunteer resume, emphasize your most compelling achievements. Use tangible examples to demonstrate how you’ve made a real difference in the lives of others. If you lack a volunteerism background and want to leverage your career experience to serve your community, highlight aspects of your work history that show how you positively support community service initiatives.
Professional Experience Example #1
Volunteer Firefighter, Franklin Fire Department, Philadelphia, PA | October 2022 – present
- Respond to emergency fire and hazardous materials incidents and utilize fog, direct attack, and two-line attack techniques to suppress fires based on weather and wind conditions
- Complete comprehensive building safety protocols, firefighting techniques, and emergency response protocols
- Perform inspections, repairs, and maintenance on fire department equipment and vehicles, including ambulances, fire trucks, and ladder trucks
Professional Experience Example #2
Volunteer Job Coach, West Light Employment Services, San Diego, CA | May 2020 – present
- Deliver volunteer career coaching services to support diverse client populations transitioning from rehab centers, incarceration, and homelessness
- Counsel clients on potential employment options and career paths, provide resume writing services, and help them obtain the necessary resources to achieve goals
- Lead community outreach initiatives to support clients in exploring new opportunities, including planning and organizing job fairs
3. Include relevant education and certifications
Although not every volunteer position will require formal education or a specialty certification, certain opportunities may have unique requirements. For example, a volunteer firefighter usually needs both a Firefighter I and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification to provide emergency response services. Carefully review each volunteer listing before applying to ensure that you meet the minimum requirements.
Education
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Emergency Management
- Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | 2019
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example
- Firefighter I, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) | 2019
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, American Red Cross | 2019
4. List pertinent key skills
While not every organization will utilize an applicant tracking system (ATS) for volunteer positions, it’s still important to feature keywords and skill sets that align with the posting. This shows the hiring manager you have the expertise and knowledge to provide valuable contributions to community service initiatives. Below is a wide range of potential keywords that you may encounter during the application process:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Client education | Client relations |
| Communication | Community outreach |
| Community service | Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) |
| Emergency response | Empathy and compassion |
| Health care services | Patient advocacy |
| Patient care | Program management |
| Project management | Public service |
| Social services | Teaching |
| Team leadership | |
How To Pick The Best Volunteer Resume Template
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all resume template that matches the preferences of every individual organization or hiring manager. The key is to opt for a format that doesn’t distract the reader from your volunteer experience with extraneous use of color and flashy graphics. Select a template that keeps your content as the singular focus of the resume, and you’ll generate interviews during the job search.
Frequently Asked Questions: Volunteer Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for volunteer resumes?-
Action verbs add a dynamic and engaging element to your bullet points that help to draw the hiring manager’s eye. That said, it’s important to avoid overusing the same verbs repeatedly, as this may cause your content to appear stale and repetitive. Below, we’ve compiled a list to differentiate your usage of action verbs during the resume-building process:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Assisted | Built |
| Collaborated | Communicated |
| Conducted | Coordinated |
| Counseled | Created |
| Delivered | Developed |
| Drove | Educated |
| Identified | Implemented |
| Improved | Led |
| Managed | Oversaw |
| Supported | Taught |
How do you align your resume with a volunteer job description?-
Tailoring your volunteer resume to each individual posting is a great way to show you’re the ideal fit for the organization. As you begin applying for volunteer positions, carefully analyze the responsibilities and requirements of each listing. Include keywords that match the organization’s needs and demonstrate how you’ve utilized these skill sets throughout your career.
For example, if a nonprofit organization is seeking a volunteer with an extensive background in community outreach, emphasize examples of you planning events and supporting initiatives to raise awareness for social causes. If the posting mentions DEI, emphasize your experience interfacing with diverse communities.
What is the best volunteer resume format?-
Reverse chronological is the optimal format for the vast majority of volunteer resumes. This places your professional experience front and center, which is always the primary focus of any hiring manager. A combination format should only be considered if you lack volunteer experience and your work history doesn’t provide value to your application. In this situation, you can place skills and certifications below your summary of qualifications.
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Pair your volunteer resume with a strong cover letter that emphasizes your passion for community service. Use this opportunity to tell your story and convey how your experience can benefit the organization you’re targeting. For more information, visit our firefighter, social work, and case manager cover letter guides.
