Volunteering in Canada: week 3

1. Volunteering in Canada
Week 3
How to write a cover letter
for a volunteer position

2. 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

4. Surprisingly,
the process of applying for
a volunteer position is
similar to applying for a
job.
Image shared under CC0

5. 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

6. 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?

7. Example 1
Dear 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

8. Example 2
Dear 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

9. Standard cover letter has
Greetings
• Formal beginning
Dear
Typical
expression
• “in a voluntary
capacity”
Closing
• Formal-writing
sincerely

10. 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.

11. For better understanding
Have a look at the
following Cover letter.

13. Language related
Use adjectives to talk about your skills and
interests.
Note:
Adjectives are those words which describe a
noun (name of person, place, animal or
thing)

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. Wrap-up
What was new for you?
What was surprising?
What can you use right away?
What requires more practice?

17. Questions?