cover letter for job application for ngo

NGO Cover Letter (Ultimate Guide)

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When you apply for a job with an NGO, a key part of your application will be a cover letter, alongside submitting a CV. A cover letter is a formal letter explaining why you are a strong candidate for a job. NGO recruiters will review your cover letter and decide if they should short-list you for an interview. Therefore, your cover letter needs to demonstrate you have the skills and experience, as well as the passion, to work at the NGO you are applying to.

We’ve put together this guide to help you write a great cover letter for an NGO job. It goes over thirteen crucial steps you should follow when writing your NGO cover letter. Follow the steps in this guide and see what you should, and shouldn’t, put in your cover letter for that NGO job…

Your Cover Letter Should Be Just One Page

The first thing you need to understand when writing a cover letter for an NGO job application is that it should never be more than one page long.

Your cover letter for an NGO job needs to catch the recruiter’s attention. NGO jobs are highly competitive. Some openings at top NGOs will get hundreds of applicants. NGO recruiters simply aren’t going to read really long cover letters. Keep it to one page to make sure it’s actually read.

Because NGO recruiters have to sift through so many applications, they usually only give each one a brief glance. It’s a shame because you put a lot of work into your application, however, it’s the truth. Therefore, you need to capture the hiring managers attention. One way to do this is to keep your cover letter to less than a single page.

A good length for an NGO cover letter is between 350 and 500 words. Make sure you write in font size 12. This means your cover letter will come out at about three quarters of a page. This is a good length as it allows you to include enough key details, without being too long to lose the NGO recruiters attention.

A cover letter for a job at an NGO that is longer than 500 words or so will have a higher chance of not being read. This means your application will be passed over and you’ll lose the opportunity to join the NGO you want in the role you applied for.

If you write a cover letter for an NGO job that’s less than about 500 words, it will simply be too short to include enough details, and may give the wrong impression to the hiring manager.

Make Sure Your Cover Letter Is Well Written

The second thing you must consider for a cover letter for an NGO job is that it must be well written.

Your cover letter is a key part of your job application for an NGO. Before you reach the interview stage, all the hiring manager knows about you is what you put in your CV and cover letter. Therefore, it is vital that you give the right impression. Making sure your NGO cover letter is written professionally is vital to this.

Start your cover letter with Dear Sir/Madam. This is the correct formal way to address a letter to someone who you do not know the name of. Your cover letter should close with ‘yours faithfully’ – again, the correct formal way to end a letter to someone you do not know.

When writing a cover letter for an NGO job, make sure you break your text down into clear paragraphs. Each paragraph should address a different topic, such as previous work experience, education, soft skills or why you want this role or to work for this particular NGO.

The way you write in your cover letter should be clear, and professional. Never use slang, and write in complete sentences. Good grammar is also hugely important. If you struggle with writing clearly, and correctly, run your cover letter through a spell-checker or a tool such as Grammerly .

If you are unsure whether your cover letter is well written and makes your points clearly, have a friend or family member read it and ask them to assess if it making your points directly enough.

Tailor Your Cover Letter For Each Job Application

Probably one of the most important things you need to do when writing your cover letter for an NGO job is ensure that you are tailoring it for each application that you send.

Don’t write a generic cover letter and send it to every job. NGO recruiters will be reviewing your cover letter to assess how well you fit for the particular role they are hiring for. Editing your cover letter so that it is tailored to the role you are applying for is key.

Tailoring your cover letter for the job you are applying for allows you to clearly demonstrate how well you fit the role. It also lets you demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the NGO and the specific position.

NGO jobs are highly competitive. You will need to send a lot of applications, especially if you are early in your career, to land an NGO role. Therefore, writing an entirely new cover letter for each job application you send will take too much time. You need to have a cover letter that acts as a template, and then have key sections that you can quickly edit for each job you apply for…

For example, parts of the cover letter covering trainings, education and soft skills will likely not change much between jobs. However, sections such as how your previous professional experience makes you qualified for the role, need to change slightly for each application. The section explaining why you want to work for that organisation also needs to be edited for each NGO that you apply to.

Remember, save all the cover letters you send to NGOs. This mean if you apply to the same organisation again, or to a similar role, you can go back to older version and tailor them more easily.

Your Cover Letter Must Capture The Recruiters Attention

A vital aspect of your NGO cover letter is that it must capture the recruiter’s attention.

As we said, NGO job openings can get hundreds of applications – your cover letter needs to stand out. Often NGO recruiters will only take a quick glance over a cover letter before deciding whether to shortlist that candidate for interview. Therefore, you need to ensure that even with a quick look, your cover letter conveys that you are right person for that NGO job.

After your opening of ‘Dear Sir/Madam’, its often good to include a line that confirms the role you are applying for – something like ‘I wish to apply for the position of… with…’ NGO.  This just ensures that the recruiter is aware of the role you are a candidate for.

The next line of your cover letter, usually the opening of your first full paragraph, should highlight your most recent and most relevant work experience. Something along the lines of ‘I am currently employed as…’, or ‘I have experience in a similar role as…’. This instantly tells the NGO recruiter that you are a highly relevant candidate.

Now that you’ve got the recruiters attention, use that paragraph to describe how that position is relevant to the job you are applying for. Again, be direct and concise here, but the aim is to show that your current, or most recent, professional experience is as closely linked to the NGO job you are applying to as you can.

Be Sure To Expand On Your Professional Experiences

Once you have caught the hiring manager’s attention, and demonstrated that your most recent, or most relevant role, is closely linked to the NGO job you are applying for, the next step in writing your cover letter is to expand on your professional experiences.

You should now move to another paragraph, and here you should highlight, briefly, any other relevant work experience you have. If you have a lot of related experience, especially if you have worked for NGOs before, choose some roles that are most closely linked to the position you are applying for.

The aim here is to further show the NGO recruiter that you have professional experience that would provide you the knowledge and skills needed to do the job. You do not need to list all your jobs here, but you should provide details on the relevant positions.

If you are new to the NGO sector, or applying for entry-level roles, instead of including other professional experiences you could expand more on the experience you do have. For example, here you could detail internships or volunteer postings you have done. However, only include them if they are relevant to the NGO job you are applying for.

Make Sure Your Cover Letter Links To The Exact Job Description

As we’ve discussed briefly already, it’s really important that your NGO cover letter directly links to the job you are applying for. One of the best ways to do this is to review the job description posted in the job advert by the NGO, and address the key points in it in your cover letter.

Directly addressing the key points in the job description in your cover letter tells the NGO recruiter directly that you have the required skills and experience to do the job.

Your cover letter should be less than one page – ideally around 500 words. This means you cannot link your previous work experience to every point in the job description. Therefore, you need to pick the most important points only. Often these are the main sub-headings, but make sure to read the job advert to see if the NGO includes any particular challenges or transitions that the role may face.

It’s important in the part of the cover letter not to just repeat your CV. Remember, the NGO recruiter has a copy of your CV and will be reviewing that as well. Your aim here is to briefly describe how your professional experience means you have the skills and competencies listed in the job description.

NGO hiring managers will be looking to recruit the person with the most relevant skills – this is your chance to show them it’s you!

Outline Your Training and Education

After giving a brief overview of your professional experience in your NGO cover letter, you should now include your education and training. This should be the start of another paragraph.

Begin by explaining your most recent university degree. Almost all NGO jobs require at least a bachelors, and usually a masters, and so it is important to highlight that you have these to the recruiter.

After including your degree, you should then go on to list any other qualifications you have. However, only include qualifications that are highly relevant. If you have a masters related to NGO work, but a bachelors that is not, then leave it out. Remember – the aim in your cover letter is to be concise and clear.

Once you have listed your qualifications in your cover letter, next you should put a single sentence explaining how these are relevant to the NGO job you are applying for. You do not need to include a sentence linking each of your qualifications, a single line covering all of them will suffice.

As well as including your qualifications, in this paragraph of the cover letter you can also include any training courses you have completed. You can either include a following sentence also describing how these give you the skills and experience needed to do the job, or you can include them and then have one sentence linking both your university qualifications and training to the role.

Don’t list all the trainings you have done. The aim is to include the most relevant ones to the NGO job you are applying for. The most important thing is to explain how these make you qualified for the position. Again, remember the hiring manager will have your CV as well – it’s there that you can list more of your trainings.

NGO Online Courses

If you are looking to work for an NGO, we highly recommend the online course  International Humanitarian and Development Careers . We think it provides one of the best overviews of the NGO sector and gives a clear breakdown of the skills needed to get an NGO job. It also provides valuable information on how to successfully apply for positions within NGOs. Click the link to be taken to the course’s page.

We also think the online course  Introduction to NGO Management  is a must for anyone wanting to work for an NGO. It goes over how NGOs operate and introduces students to the unique aspects of the NGO sector they will need to know in order to land a job. Follow the link for more information.

Another online course we highly recommend for those wanting to join the NGO sector is  How To Design and Fund International Development NGO Projects . Anyone working for an NGO needs a basic understanding of how NGO projects are set-up, and how to input to funding proposals. This course is a must for those wanting to work for an NGO. Click the link to get more information on the course.

Include Descriptions Of Your Soft Skills

Now that you’ve outlined your professional experience, formal qualifications and trainings – essentially the ‘hard’ skills you have, next in your cover letter you need to briefly go over the inter-personal skills you have – your ‘soft’ skills.

When NGOs post a job advert, they almost always include the competencies they are looking for the role. These can be soft skills such as team work, problem solving, initiative taking and leadership. They can also be more closely aligned to the NGOs own mission and values – and include things like inclusion, accountability, neutrality and fairness.

It’s important you address the soft skills listed in the job advert. Start a new paragraph of your cover letter and briefly explain which inter-personal skills you have. If you have space, also include a sentence on how you acquired these skills, such as that your previous work experience, volunteer postings or education meant that you built the specific soft skills the NGO is looking for role.

Remember, the aim of your cover letter is to expand on your CV, not repeat it. Including your soft skills in your NGO cover letter is ideal as these should not be included in your CV.

As always, keep this part of your cover letter short and to-the-point. Also, ensure that you are including the competencies included in the job description, but, if possible, do not copy them word-for-word.

Highlight Your Computer Skills In Your Cover Letter

Almost all modern jobs require IT skills – NGO jobs are no different. It’s important in your cover letter that you highlight that you have the computer skills relevant to the job.

Include a single sentence stating that you are computer literate and understand how to use the specific programmes the job requires.

Pretty much every NGO job will require you to have moderate-to-strong abilities in Microsoft Word and Excel, so be sure to include these in your cover letter. PowerPoint is also commonly used so it can be beneficial to list this as well.

Some specific NGO roles may require the use of additional computer programmes. For example, finance roles are likely to require experience in accounting software such as QuickBooks. If you know the NGO uses a certain software, or is likely to use a similar programme for the position you are applying for, be sure to mention it in your cover letter.

You should keep this section of your cover letter focusing on your IT skills to a minimum. One, or maximum two, sentences is enough to convey to the NGO hiring manager that you understand the level of computer work needed to do the job.

Explain Why You Want This Job

So, you’ve explained in your cover letter your professional and educational background, as well as the soft skills you have that are relevant to the NGO job you are applying for. You’ve also included a short section covering your IT skills. Now, you need to show your passion for the role!

There are two main things you should do when explaining to an NGO in your cover letter why you want the job. The first is the specific reason why the role excites you. Be genuine here. Look for real reasons why this job is the perfect role for you. However, ensure you remain relevant to the job– avoid general terms about why you want to work in the NGO sector. Instead, explain why the particulars of this role made you apply.

The second thing you need to do here in your cover letter is explain what the job will do for you. How does it build on your current professional or educational experience. Avoid saying that the role is just a stepping stone to another job – this will make the hiring manager think you’ll leave the job as soon as a better one comes up. Instead, focus on how the job relates to your wider, and more general, career goals.

Again, be honest and passionate about why you want the job so that the NGO recruiter can see you are excited by the position.

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Describe Why You Want to Work For This NGO

The last part of your NGO cover letter should explain why you want to work for that organisation.

Each NGO is unique and they are often proud of their histories and the work they do. NGO’s also look to recruit people whose values and passions align with their mission. Therefore, is it vital to include a sentence about why working for this particular NGO interests you.

Note – here you need to be specific about the NGO. Don’t say why you want to work for NGOs generally. Do some research on the organisation you are applying to and ensure the ending statement of your cover letter relates directly to the organisations work.

One tip is to look at the NGOs mission statement. These can almost always be found on the NGOs website. Don’t repeat their exact words back to them – but do say that this mission excites you and makes you want to work for the organization.

If an NGO doesn’t have a mission statement on their website, take a quick look over their areas of programming they do and highlight why these interest you.

As always, keep it direct and to-the-point. One sentence here should be enough.

Don’t Include Start Date or Salary Expectation

Unless a NGO’s job advert explicitly asks you to include a date of when you can start in the role, or your salary expectations, don’t.

Generally, it’s good to leave this information out unless you have to include it. These details are best discussed at the interview stage where you can provide more detail and context.

The only time you should include your start date in an NGO cover letter is if you can start work immediately. This can be in your favour as NGO recruitments are often urgent and including that you can start in the position right away can actually help your application.

If an NGO explicitly says they want applicants to include a start date in their cover letter, it is best to include a rough date, or better, something like ‘available with one months’ notice’ – or whatever your current jobs notice period is.

Don’t Include A Photograph

A final point to note when writing your cover letter for an NGO job is that you shouldn’t put a photograph of yourself.

Although in some countries putting a photograph on your job application is more common, generally it is best not to. Putting a photograph rarely adds to the quality of an application. Almost no NGOs require applicants to include photographs when they apply for a job.

A good rule to follow is to only give information in your cover letter that will directly help you get the job. Essentially, if an NGO recruiter doesn’t need a piece of information, don’t give it to them. Your cover letter is a key tool in convincing the NGO hiring manager that you are a strong candidate for the job, and that they should short-list you for an interview. Putting a photograph does not help with this argument, and therefore it shouldn’t be included.

If, on the very rare occasion, an NGO does ask you to include a photograph in your application. Ensure it is professional and clear. Don’t use a passport photo… everyone looks bad in passport photos!

If you want to know more about how to get a job with an NGO, as well as application tips, check out our page on the top NGO online courses here .

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Useful Phrases and Language For Your NGO Cover Letter

Cover letters are challenging. No one enjoys writing them. When written carefully, cover letters give you an advantage over other job applicants. They expand on your resume and reveal more about who you are. When thinking about how to write your NGO cover letter, think like the person hiring you. What will stand out to them? Beginning with your introduction and leading up to the end, here are useful phrases and language that can separate you from the bulk of applicants.

Introducing your letter

The first few sentences of your letter are extremely important. If you fail to hook the reader, they may skip the rest of your letter entirely. They have lots of letters to get through. Never open your letter with something like “I’m applying for (x) job.” The hiring manager already knows that. What should you open with, then? You’ll find a lot of advice on cover letter introductions, but not everything applies to the NGO sector. As an example, you might be advised to open your letter with humor. We don’t usually recommend that. It’s better to start with passion and enthusiasm about the organization.

Passion alone isn’t sufficient. Simply stating that you’re excited about the company won’t grab anyone’s attention. Contextualize that excitement with something specific. Has the organization done anything newsworthy recently? Is there a particular project/campaign they’ve worked on – past or present – that you’re especially impressed by? Express your enthusiasm about these specifics, then state how your skills and experience match the organization’s values and goals. Including something about the organization and yourself in the introduction shows you’re excited about the job, you know what the organization has been up to recently, and that you’re a good match. If you know someone in the organization, your introduction is the best place to mention this.

Elaborating on your skills with action keywords

This part of a cover letter is tricky because you don’t want to just repeat what your resume says. First, look at the action keywords in the job position. These are the words that describe skills the organization is looking for. Common keywords include “specialized” and “proficient.” You’ll also most likely see keywords like “teamwork,” “leadership,” and “detail-oriented.” Next, consider the skills you have that match. Choose up to three that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for. Use language similar to what you see in the job description. Why? Cover letters are often scanned by resume software looking for those keywords. This cuts down on the amount of time a human needs to spend looking through letters. The software narrows the hunt down to people who meet the basic qualifications.

You want to be careful not to copy the job description too closely. If it sounds like you just copy-and-pasted the whole desired skills section, you’re doing something wrong. You’re most likely not being specific enough. You want to mirror the language while showing that your specific experiences support those skills.

Employing action verbs

Action verbs are also important to your cover letter. These verbs describe the different things you’ve done in your previous positions. Think about your work experiences. Have you helped programs get off the ground? Led a team on a project? The action verbs there are “helped” and “led.” Choosing powerful action verbs gives your cover letter punch and highlights your experiences more effectively. Is “helped” the best action verb you could use? Consider alternatives like “assisted,” “advised,” “supported,” or “aided.” For “led,” a word like “facilitated,” “piloted,” “coordinated,” or “spearheaded” is punchier. Choosing your action verbs carefully polishes and sharpens your cover letter. You’re making the most out of a very limited space.

Closing your cover letter

Your letter’s ending is just as important as your opening. While the introduction serves as the hiring manager’s first impression of you, the ending is their last impression. They might be interested so far, but if the end of your cover letter is really weak, you probably won’t get a second look. What impression should the end of your cover letter send? You want to make it clear that you have something valuable to bring to the organization. You want to convince the hiring manager to follow up with you.

One way to do this is to promise more information. Something like, “I’d love to share how my success on/with (name a successful project or team) can translate to (organization/job you’re applying for)” shows your eagerness to bring something to the table. Whatever you decide to do, be confident and enthusiastic. For your sign off, keep it simple. Something like “sincerely” or “best regards” followed by a space, then your full name, is all that’s necessary. If you have an online portfolio, provide the link at the end.

Non-Profit Cover Letter

Navigating the non-profit sector requires a blend of passion and professionalism. Our guide on “Non-Profit Cover Letter Examples, How to Write, Tips” offers you a comprehensive toolkit to stand out in this noble field. Discover meticulously crafted cover letter samples specifically tailored for non-profits, coupled with step-by-step writing instructions. Plus, arm yourself with invaluable tips to ensure your application truly resonates with your dedication to cause and community. Elevate your non-profit journey today!

What is a Non-Profit Cover Letter?

A non-profit cover letter is a formal written document accompanying a job application targeted towards non-profit organizations. Given the unique nature of the non-profit sector, which emphasizes mission-driven work, community impact, and volunteer experiences, this great cover letter highlights not only the applicant’s professional qualifications but also their passion, commitment to the cause, and alignment with the organization’s values and objectives.

What is the Best Example of a Non-Profit Cover Letter

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, Zip Code] [Your Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Job Title] [Non-Profit Organization’s Name] [Organization’s Address] [City, Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to express my deep interest in the [Specific Role] position at [Non-Profit Organization’s Name], as advertised on [Where You Found the Job Posting]. With [Number of Years] years of experience in [Relevant Field or Role], coupled with my genuine passion for [Specific Cause the Organization Works On], I am eager to bring my skills and commitment to your esteemed organization.

At my previous role with [Former Employer or Non-Profit Name], I successfully [Specific Achievement, e.g., “coordinated a nationwide fundraising campaign that raised over $500,000 for children’s education”]. This experience taught me the importance of [Specific Skill or Value, e.g., “collaboration and strategic planning in mission-driven work”]. Moreover, my volunteer stint at [Another Non-Profit or Relevant Experience] deepened my understanding of [A Specific Issue or Aspect Related to the Organization’s Cause, e.g., “the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing quality healthcare”].

What excites me most about the possibility of joining [Non-Profit Organization’s Name] is your innovative approach to [Specific Initiative or Project of the Organization, e.g., “sustainable community development”]. I believe that my experience in [Relevant Experience, e.g., “grassroots mobilization and donor engagement”] aligns perfectly with your organization’s goals and would allow me to contribute effectively to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my skills, experience, and passion for [Cause] align with [Non-Profit Organization’s Name]’s mission and needs. Please feel free to reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to schedule a conversation.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

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Free Non Profit Cover Letters – Copy & Paste

Non profit cover letter format.

A non-profit cover letter format establishes the structure and presentation of content, allowing candidates to highlight their passion for making a difference, aligned with the organization’s mission and values.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number] [Date]

[Recipient Name] [Organization’s Name] [Organization’s Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient Name],

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the [Specific Role] at [Organization’s Name]. With a strong background in [relevant experience, e.g., “community engagement”] and a deep passion for [specific aspect of non-profit work, e.g., “child welfare”], I am eager to contribute to your esteemed organization and further its mission.

My experience at [Previous Organization or University Name] has equipped me with the necessary skills to thrive in a non-profit environment. Collaborating with diverse teams and managing projects under tight deadlines are challenges I approach with determination and enthusiasm.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss in detail how my skills and experiences align with the needs of [Organization’s Name].

Warm regards, [Your Name]

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Non Profit Cover Letter for Entry Level Position Example

This cover letter for fresher or entry level candidates emphasizes passion, potential, and transferable skills, focusing less on direct experience and more on eagerness to contribute and grow within the non-profit sector.

As a recent graduate from [University Name] with a degree in [Specific Degree, e.g., “Social Work”], I am eager to apply my academic knowledge and volunteer experiences to a full-time role in the non-profit sector. Your recent opening for an entry-level position at [Organization’s Name] immediately caught my attention due to its alignment with both my personal and professional aspirations.

During my time at [University Name], I volunteered with [Relevant Volunteer Group], where I learned the importance of [specific non-profit activity, e.g., “community outreach”]. While I may be at the start of my professional journey, my dedication, adaptability, and keen interest in [specific non-profit focus, e.g., “education reform”] make me a valuable asset.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am excited about the potential to kick-start my non-profit career at [Organization’s Name] and contribute meaningfully to your mission.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Non Profit Cover Letter for Program Coordinator Example

This cover letter targets program coordination roles in non-profits, emphasizing project management skills, collaboration, and the ability to oversee and execute programs aligned with the organization’s objectives.

I am writing to express my interest in the Program Coordinator role at [Organization’s Name], a position that aligns perfectly with my professional journey over the past [X years]. My background in program development, coupled with a passion for [specific non-profit focus], positions me as an ideal candidate.

In my previous role at [Previous Organization’s Name], I successfully coordinated and launched [specific program, e.g., “an adult literacy initiative”], impacting over [specific number] of beneficiaries. This involved everything from liaising with stakeholders to ensuring the program ran efficiently and achieved its objectives.

I look forward to potentially coordinating impactful programs at [Organization’s Name] and am available for further discussions on how I can bring value.

Yours sincerely, [Your Name]

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Non Profit Cover Letter for NGO Program Officer Example

This letter showcases the candidate’s ability to manage, strategize, and implement programs for NGOs, indicating understanding of the unique challenges and requirements in the NGO sector.

With [X years] of experience serving as a program officer for notable NGOs like [Previous NGO’s Name], I am keen to bring my expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and program management to [Organization’s Name]. Your recent endeavors in [specific focus, e.g., “clean water initiatives”] deeply resonate with my professional and personal values.

My tenure at [Previous NGO’s Name] involved overseeing [specific task, e.g., “the deployment of clean water solutions to remote regions”], directly benefiting over [specific number] of households.

I am eager to further the mission of [Organization’s Name] and am excited about the prospect of discussing the mutual benefits of my potential involvement.

Non Profit Executive Cover Letter Example

An executive-level cover letter , emphasizing leadership skills, vision alignment with the non-profit’s goals, and a proven track record of impactful decision-making in senior roles.

As an experienced non-profit executive with over [X years] of dedicated service in leadership roles, I am reaching out regarding the executive position at [Organization’s Name]. Your organization’s commitment to [specific mission or cause] aligns seamlessly with my professional trajectory and personal values.

During my role as [Specific Previous Role, e.g., “CEO at Charity ABC”], I led a team of over [X number] and managed projects with budgets exceeding [specific amount], ensuring not only fiscal responsibility but also the alignment of all initiatives with our core mission.

I am confident in my ability to provide visionary leadership to [Organization’s Name], and I would be honored to discuss the future and potential synergies further.

Kind regards, [Your Name]

NGO Volunteer Cover Letter Example

This cover letter exemplifies passion for social causes, highlights relevant volunteer experiences, and showcases an individual’s dedication to the NGO’s mission and vision.

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

As someone deeply passionate about [specific cause, e.g., “child welfare”], I was thrilled to find the volunteer opportunity at [NGO’s Name]. With my extensive background in community service and leadership roles, I’m eager to contribute to your organization’s impactful work.

In my time with [Previous NGO/Charity Name], I coordinated community outreach programs that reached over 5,000 residents, fostering understanding and support for our initiatives. This experience ingrained in me the skills and patience necessary for grassroots mobilization, which I believe will be beneficial in your upcoming campaigns.

What resonates with me most about [NGO’s Name] is your commitment to [specific detail about the NGO]. I’m genuinely eager to contribute my energy, time, and skills to further this cause.

Thank you for considering my application. I’m looking forward to the possibility of contributing to [NGO’s Name].

Sincerely, [Your Name]

CFO Cover Letter Example

A cover letter that reflects a seasoned financial leader’s capabilities, emphasizing strategic financial management, teamwork, and contributions to business growth.

Having spearheaded financial operations in [Previous Company’s Name] for the past [number] years, I am writing to express my interest in the Chief Financial Officer position at [Company’s Name]. My expertise in financial strategy formulation, combined with my collaborative approach, positions me as a prime candidate for your team.

Under my leadership at [Previous Company], we achieved a 30% reduction in operational costs and increased profitability by 20% within two years. This was a result of an innovative restructuring strategy I introduced, emphasizing efficiency and cost-saving. I also played a pivotal role in securing investments worth $50M, ensuring our company’s robust growth trajectory.

Your company’s reputation for [specific trait, e.g., “innovation in financial technology”] is particularly appealing to me. I’m eager to bring my strategic financial insights to foster [Company’s Name]’s growth and profitability.

I appreciate your time and consideration. I’d be delighted to discuss in detail how my expertise aligns with your company’s goals.

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Cover Letter for Fundraising Example

This letter captures the skills of an experienced fundraiser, demonstrating abilities in donor relations, event management, and campaign execution.

With a track record of raising over [$X amount] for various causes during my career, I am excited about the opportunity to lead fundraising efforts at [Organization’s Name]. My ability to connect with donors and craft compelling narratives has consistently resulted in successful fundraising campaigns.

During my tenure at [Previous Organization], I orchestrated a gala event that not only raised [$X amount] but also significantly increased our donor base. My strength lies in creating innovative strategies that resonate with our target audience, fostering trust and encouraging consistent contributions.

I’m keen to bring my fundraising acumen to [Organization’s Name] and contribute to [specific cause or project of the organization]. I value the chance to discuss how my skills can support your organization’s vision.

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Non Profit Executive Director Cover Letter Example

A executive cover letter embodying leadership, vision, and a deep commitment to the mission of nonprofit organizations.

Dear [Board’s Name/ Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Executive Director position at [Organization’s Name]. With over [number] years steering nonprofit organizations, I have cultivated a blend of leadership, strategic planning, and passion for [specific cause, e.g., “education for underprivileged children”].

Under my direction at [Previous Organization], we expanded our outreach programs by 40%, touching the lives of thousands more. I believe in fostering a culture of collaboration, ensuring that every stakeholder, from staff to beneficiaries, works towards a unified vision.

I am deeply inspired by [Organization’s Name]’s mission and would be honored to contribute my leadership and vision to further its reach and impact.

Thank you for your consideration. I’m eager to explore the synergy between my experience and the future goals of [Organization’s Name].

Best wishes, [Your Name]

Non Profit Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

An administrative cover letter letter showcasing the skills for a nonprofit setting, focusing on organizational capabilities, program support, and dedication to the cause.

Upon learning about the Administrative Assistant position at [Organization’s Name], I was immediately compelled to apply. Having served as an administrative backbone for [Previous Organization’s Name] for over [number] years, I am adept at streamlining processes, supporting program management, and ensuring seamless daily operations.

I played a key role in organizing our annual [specific event, e.g., “charity walkathon”], coordinating logistics, managing participant communications, and handling event-related administration. My commitment to [specific cause, e.g., “environmental conservation”] mirrors that of [Organization’s Name], and I am enthusiastic about contributing to your team.

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills can benefit [Organization’s Name]. Thank you for considering my application.

Warmly, [Your Name]

Non Profit Program Director Cover Letter Example

This letter emphasizes a candidate’s experience in program development, stakeholder engagement, and impact evaluation in the nonprofit sector.

I am reaching out to express my genuine interest in the Program Director role at [Organization’s Name]. With a history of conceptualizing, executing, and refining programs that have made tangible differences in communities, I am eager to bring my expertise to your esteemed organization.

At [Previous Organization], I initiated a [specific program, e.g., “youth mentorship program”] that served over 500 individuals in its first year, with 90% reporting improved [specific metric, e.g., “academic performance”]. My approach involves continuous feedback loops with beneficiaries, ensuring our programs remain relevant and impactful.

I am drawn to [Organization’s Name] because of its dedication to [specific cause or mission]. I would be thrilled to lead and enhance programs that align with this mission, amplifying the organization’s positive footprint.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I am excited about the potential to collaborate and drive impactful initiatives at [Organization’s Name].

Non Profit Manager Cover Letter Example

A manager cover letter tailored for a non-profit indstry role emphasizes leadership, program management, fundraising experience, and a commitment to the organization’s cause.

I am writing to express my passion for driving positive change and my desire to bring my management experience to the role of Non-Profit Manager at [Organization’s Name]. With over [number of years, e.g., “five years”] in nonprofit leadership roles, I have honed my skills in program development, stakeholder engagement, and fundraising strategy.

In my previous role at [Previous Organization Name], I led a team that boosted fundraising efforts by 25% in a year, directly impacting our outreach programs and community services. Collaborating with both local businesses and international donors, I ensured that resources were efficiently utilized to serve our mission and that our message resonated globally.

Your organization’s commitment to [specific cause or mission, e.g., “child education in underserved communities”] aligns with my personal and professional values. I’m eager to bring my managerial prowess and passion to foster growth at [Organization’s Name] and ensure that we continue to create a significant impact.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of collaborating with your esteemed organization.

Non Profit Cover Letter for Job Application Example

This cover letter for job application is a general expression of interest in a non-profit role, showcasing one’s skills, experience, and alignment with the organization’s mission.

As an avid supporter of [specific cause, e.g., “sustainable agricultural practices”], I was thrilled to find an opening for the [specific role, e.g., “Program Coordinator”] position at [Organization’s Name]. My experience in project management, combined with my deep commitment to driving change, makes me a perfect fit for this role.

I’ve had the privilege to work with teams at [Previous Organization Name], where we pioneered initiatives that [specific achievement, e.g., “reduced food waste by partnering with local farmers and communities”]. This experience ingrained in me the importance of holistic approaches in non-profit efforts.

Your organization’s innovative methods have always been an inspiration. Joining your team would be a significant step in my journey to make tangible differences in our community. I am excited to contribute my skills and learn from esteemed professionals like you.

I appreciate your time and consideration. Hoping for an opportunity to further discuss my suitability for the role.

Best wishes,

Non Profit Cover Letter for Resume Example

This resume cover letter serves as an introduction accompanying a resume, summarizing one’s qualifications and highlighting alignment with the non-profit’s goals.

Enclosed is my resume for the [specific role, e.g., “Outreach Specialist”] position at [Organization’s Name]. With a background in community engagement and a track record of [specific achievement, e.g., “establishing partnerships with five local schools for our educational programs”], I am keen on contributing to your esteemed organization.

Your commitment to [specific cause, e.g., “empowering underprivileged women”] resonates with my personal mission. At [Previous Organization Name], I had firsthand experience seeing the transformative power of community-driven initiatives.

I believe my experiences align well with the objectives of [Organization’s Name], and I am eager to bring my skills to your dynamic team.

Thank you for reviewing my application. I look forward to the prospect of working together.

Kind regards,

Non Profit Cover Letter for Grant Proposal Example

This cover letter introduces a grant proposal, emphasizing the organization’s impact, need for funds, and alignment with the grant’s objectives.

Dear [Grant Committee or Foundation’s Name],

I’m writing on behalf of [Your Organization’s Name] to introduce our grant proposal for our project titled “[Project Name]”, aimed at [project’s mission, e.g., “providing clean drinking water to rural communities”]. We have recognized a dire need for [specific cause], and with your support, we believe we can make a tangible difference.

Our organization has successfully executed [previous similar project or achievement], directly benefiting [number, e.g., “over 2,000 individuals”]. This grant would allow us to expand our reach and make our solutions sustainable in the long run.

We are confident that our objectives align with [Grant Committee or Foundation’s Name]’s vision. Your partnership would be invaluable in furthering our shared mission.

Enclosed is our detailed proposal. I eagerly await your feedback and hope for a positive collaboration.

[Your Name, Position]

Charity Cover Letter Example

This cover letter is tailored for roles within charity organizations, emphasizing one’s dedication to charitable causes and relevant experiences.

The admirable work of [Charity Organization’s Name] in [specific achievement or mission, e.g., “providing medical aid to war-torn regions”] has always inspired me. I am writing to express my keen interest in contributing to your mission as a [specific role, e.g., “Fundraising Coordinator”].

My experience at [Previous Charity Name] taught me the intricacies of donor management and event coordination. I spearheaded a campaign that raised [amount, e.g., “$50,000”] in just three months, funds that were pivotal for our [specific initiative, e.g., “mobile clinic services in rural areas”].

I am eager to bring my expertise to [Charity Organization’s Name] and support the incredible work you do. I’m confident that together, we can achieve remarkable feats.

Thank you for considering my application. I am hopeful for the opportunity to join your team and further the cause we’re both passionate about.

Non Profit Cover Letter for Internship Example

This internship cover letter is for those seeking internships within non-profit organizations, showcasing one’s eagerness to learn and contribute.

As a student of [Your Major, e.g., “Social Work”] at [Your University], I’ve always been drawn to making a positive societal impact. The internship program at [Organization’s Name] presents a perfect opportunity for me to merge my academic learnings with practical experience. I am enthusiastic about joining your team as an intern.

While I am still at the early stages of my career, my role as [previous related experience, e.g., “a volunteer coordinator for our university’s community outreach program”] has given me a glimpse into the transformative work non-profits can achieve.

I am confident that an internship at [Organization’s Name] will not only enrich my professional journey but also allow me to contribute meaningfully to your ongoing projects.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the potential of growing under the guidance of your esteemed organization.

Best regards,

Volunteer Cover Letter Example

This cover letter is tailored for volunteer positions, highlighting one’s dedication to the cause and eagerness to contribute without monetary compensation.

Passion for [specific cause, e.g., “animal welfare”] has driven me to seek out opportunities where I can make a difference. I am writing to express my desire to volunteer at [Organization’s Name], an organization I deeply admire for its commitment to [specific mission or initiative, e.g., “rescuing and rehabilitating stray animals”].

During my time at [previous experience or organization, e.g., “City Animal Shelter”], I witnessed the profound impact that dedicated volunteers can have. While there, I [specific task or achievement, e.g., “helped rehome over 100 animals and assisted in their medical care”].

By volunteering at [Organization’s Name], I hope to further support the cause close to my heart and make a positive impact in any way I can.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to start this journey of service and learning with your organization.

Warm wishes,

Environmental Non-Profit Cover Letter Example

This cover letter emphasizes passion for environmental causes, relevant experiences, and a commitment to sustainable practices, which are essential traits for a role within an environmental non-profit organization.

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my profound interest in the [Specific Position] at [Organization’s Name], an organization I deeply admire for its commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable change. Having spent over five years in the realm of environmental advocacy, I’m eager to contribute to your impactful initiatives.

At [Previous Organization], I spearheaded a city-wide tree planting campaign, which resulted in the planting of over 10,000 trees in a span of two years. This initiative not only positively impacted our city’s air quality but also fortified my belief in grassroots movements and their potential for genuine change.

I’m particularly impressed by [Organization’s Name]’s recent initiative [Specific Initiative/Program], and I see a wonderful alignment between your goals and my experience in community mobilization and project management. My adeptness in partnering with local communities, stakeholders, and volunteers can further amplify the reach and success of such campaigns.

Joining [Organization’s Name] would not just be a professional move, but a personal commitment to an ethos I deeply resonate with. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to be part of a team that drives significant environmental progress and am confident that my experience and passion will be valuable assets.

Thank you for considering my application. I eagerly anticipate the possibility of contributing to the vision and mission of [Organization’s Name].

Non-Profit Cover Letter for Support Specialist Example

This cover letter highlights the candidate’s expertise in offering support, coordination, and administrative skills essential for a Support Specialist role within a non-profit setting.

I am reaching out to express my strong interest in the Support Specialist position at [Organization’s Name]. With my extensive background in administrative support and project management, coupled with my passion for [Specific Cause the Non-Profit Supports], I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to your team.

In my previous role at [Previous Organization], I effectively coordinated between departments, ensuring smooth communication and timely execution of projects. My proficiency in utilizing tools like [Specific Tools e.g., ‘Salesforce and Microsoft Suite’] allowed me to streamline processes, enhancing team efficiency and donor relations. Furthermore, my ability to empathize and communicate has always enabled me to provide exceptional support to all stakeholders involved.

I’m particularly inspired by [Organization’s Name]’s work in [Specific Project or Initiative], and I see immense potential for me to bring in my skills in donor communication and database management to further enhance this project.

I am eager to bring my proven record of professional excellence to [Organization’s Name] and assist in amplifying the incredible work you do. I’m available for an interview at your earliest convenience and look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed organization.

Non-Profit Cover Letter for Board Member Position Example

Targeted for senior professionals, this cover letter emphasizes leadership, strategic insight, and a commitment to the organization’s cause, essential for a Board Member position.

Dear [Board’s Chairperson’s Name],

I am writing to express my sincere interest in serving as a Board Member for [Organization’s Name]. With over [Number of Years, e.g., ‘fifteen years’] of experience in the non-profit sector and a strong commitment to [Specific Cause the Non-Profit Supports], I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to provide strategic leadership and guidance to an organization I deeply respect.

During my tenure as [Previous Position, e.g., ‘CEO’] of [Previous Organization], I led our team through a transformative phase, expanding our outreach by 300% and doubling our annual fundraising. I believe that my skills in governance, strategic planning, and stakeholder management can be invaluable to [Organization’s Name]’s future endeavors.

I’ve long admired [Organization’s Name]’s commitment to [Specific Cause or Initiative] and believe that my professional background, coupled with my passion for the cause, can bring a unique perspective to your board.

I am honored to consider contributing at such a pivotal level to [Organization’s Name] and would be available for any further discussions or clarity you might seek regarding my candidacy.

With gratitude, [Your Name]

Non-Profit Cover Letter for Philanthropy Position Example

Focused on donor relations and fundraising, this cover letter emphasizes the candidate’s success in fundraising campaigns, relationship-building, and alignment with the organization’s philanthropic goals.

I am reaching out to express my deep interest in the [Specific Position, e.g., ‘Director of Philanthropy’] role at [Organization’s Name]. With a decade-long career in fundraising and donor relations, I believe I can significantly contribute to your organization’s philanthropic objectives.

At [Previous Organization], I led a team that raised over [$ Specific Amount, e.g., ‘$2 million’] in donations over two years, setting a new record in our organization’s history. This achievement was not just about numbers but building and nurturing relationships with donors, understanding their motivations, and aligning their philanthropic desires with our goals.

I’m particularly inspired by [Organization’s Name]’s recent [Specific Project or Campaign], seeing it as an opportunity where my skills in donor engagement and campaign strategy could greatly benefit the cause.

I am passionate about making a difference, and I see [Organization’s Name] as the perfect avenue to channel this passion and my professional expertise. I would cherish the opportunity to further discuss how I can be a part of your team.

Warm wishes, [Your Name]

Non-Profit Cover Letter for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Example

This cover letter is geared towards professionals aiming to bridge corporate and non-profit sectors. It underscores the candidate’s expertise in CSR initiatives, partnerships, and sustainable business practices.

I am writing to convey my keen interest in the [Specific Position, e.g., ‘CSR Manager’] role at [Organization’s Name]. With an extensive background in both the corporate sector and non-profit worlds, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact that well-executed CSR initiatives can have.

During my role as [Previous Position, e.g., ‘Head of CSR Initiatives’] at [Previous Company], I successfully onboarded five major corporate partners, leading to sustainable projects that impacted over 10,000 beneficiaries. I understand the nuances of corporate dynamics and how to align them with non-profit objectives, ensuring a win-win for all stakeholders involved.

I’ve always admired [Organization’s Name]’s approach to CSR, especially your recent collaboration with [Specific Corporate Partner or Initiative]. I believe my experience in fostering corporate partnerships and my passion for sustainable development can contribute immensely to your team.

I am eager to explore the opportunity to blend my corporate insights with the noble cause of [Organization’s Name]. I look forward to the chance of discussing my potential contributions to your esteemed organization.

How do I write a cover letter for a non-profit? – Step by Step Guide

1. Understand the Organization’s Mission and Values:

Before you begin writing, take the time to research and understand the non-profit’s mission, goals, and core values. Familiarizing yourself with their initiatives will help you align your cover letter with their objectives.

2. Start Strong:

Your opening should be compelling. Address the hiring manager by name if possible. Clearly state the position you’re applying for and succinctly mention why you’re a perfect fit.

3. Highlight Relevant Experience:

Describe your past roles, emphasizing experiences that resonate with the non-profit sector. Whether it’s fundraising, event planning, or community outreach, demonstrate how your skills can benefit the organization.

4. Showcase Your Passion:

Non-profits want employees who are passionate about their cause. Share personal experiences or motivations that align with the organization’s mission. This shows your genuine interest and dedication.

5. Emphasize Soft Skills:

Skills such as empathy, teamwork, and communication are highly valued in the non-profit sector. Provide examples of how you’ve utilized these skills in previous roles.

6. Tailor Your Tone:

While maintaining professionalism, adopt a tone that mirrors the organization’s culture. Some non-profits may appreciate a more informal, heartfelt tone, while others might prefer a more structured, formal approach.

7. End with a Strong Closing:

Thank the hiring manager for their time and express eagerness to discuss further how you can contribute to the organization’s cause.

8. Proofread:

Errors can undermine your credibility. Review your cover letter several times and consider having someone else proofread it too.

How long should a cover letter be for a nonprofit?

A cover letter for a non-profit should ideally be one page in length, comprising of three to four concise paragraphs. While you want to provide essential details, remember that hiring managers often skim through applications due to the volume they receive. Be succinct and compelling, ensuring every sentence adds value.

Tips for Writing a Non-Profit Cover Letter:

1. Be Authentic:

Non-profits value sincerity. Avoid generic statements. Instead, share genuine experiences and motivations that connect you to the cause.

2. Highlight Transferable Skills:

If you’re transitioning from the corporate sector, emphasize skills that can be beneficial in a non-profit setting, such as project management, team leadership, or stakeholder engagement.

3. Use Quantifiable Achievements:

Support your claims with numbers. Instead of saying “I raised funds for a project,” mention “I spearheaded a campaign that raised $50,000 in three months.”

4. Showcase Knowledge about Grants (if relevant):

If you’re applying for a role related to fundraising or grant writing, demonstrate your understanding of the grant application process, donor relations, or any specific successes you’ve had in securing funding.

5. Address Organizational Fit:

Highlight how your values align with the organization. This not only shows that you’ve done your homework but also that you see a long-term commitment.

6. Avoid Jargon:

While you might be familiar with industry-specific terms, remember that the person reading your letter might not be. Aim for clarity.

7. Follow Instructions:

If the job posting specifies certain points to address or document format, ensure you follow these guidelines. This shows attention to detail and respect for the application process.

8. Display Cultural Sensitivity:

If the non-profit works with diverse communities or internationally, show your understanding and respect for cultural differences.

9. Call to Action:

End your letter by expressing your desire for an interview or further discussion, prompting the hiring manager to take the next step.

Remember, a cover letter for a non-profit should resonate with the organization’s values and demonstrate both your professional competencies and your passion for the cause.

Cover Letter Maker

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Getting your first job

The perfect humanitarian CV and cover letter

Hiring managers from across the aid industry give their advice on what makes a great CV and cover letter. However, they don’t always agree.

There is no shortage of advice on the internet: how to fix a broken washing machine, how to make a crying baby fall sleep, or even how to do a barbell bench press without engaging your anterior deltoids. (Yes, these are the last three things that I Googled for advice.) Unfortunately, not all search engine guidance can be trusted, which explains how I’ve managed to re-injure my deltoid twice in one year.

The untrustworthiness of internet advice also applies to queries about  how to write a humanitarian CV or cover letter . Most of the guidance out there is written by bloggers without inside knowledge the humanitarian sector, and many articles are just fluffed-up generic CV tips masquerading as customised advice for aspiring aid workers , seemingly written by A.I. algorithms.

So what do the people who actually do the hiring for NGOs and the United Nations think should be on your CV and cover letter?

To answer this  question , we  delved into  our humanitarian network to speak with eight program managers and senior specialists – from  across a wide range of technical specialisations – who have personally done extensive  recruitment  in the aid sector.  We asked them: What do they like to see in a CV and cover letter when they are  hiring ?

The good news: the advice below is honest, practical, and comes straight from the people who may actually review your job applications one day. The unfortunate news: many of them disagree on what exactly makes a CV sparkle and a cover letter dance.

But first, some Insider advice for your CV

Before we dive into what the panel of humanitarian experts thinks, we would like to politely hijack this article to share our own homebrewed Insider recipe for the perfect humanitarian CV. (If you want to skip to what the pros in the field think, you can click here .)

There is a lot of room for flexibility — and even creativity — in how you format your CV, if you keep two key principles in mind. First, be consistent. For example, if you bold your job titles and italicise the organisation names in your work experience section, then do it the same way for each entry. Second, aim for a “classic” (i.e. boring) look. Excessive use of colours or graphics don’t fit the humanitarian aid industry standard. If you must use colour, choose only one.

When choosing how to format your CV, remember that the goal should always be to highlight (metaphorically) the relevant aspects of your skills and experience. If your formatting is a distraction, simplify it.

The formatting in the images below is suggestive only. Feel free to format your CV in a way that expresses your personality, so long as it consistent and easy to read.

Personal information

This section, which sits at the very top of your CV, should include your name, your location (or full address if you want), a phone number, and email address.  If it’s relevant or advantageous, you can also add your LinkedIn profile, your nationality, or your work permit status in the country you’re applying to. Don’t put your birthday.

While looking chic in the field is serious business for some aid workers, you will be relieved to know that humanitarian hiring processes are not based on appearance. A headshot on your CV is 100% optional. And if you’re unsure, the safe option is probably not to have a photo. (Personally, I have never used a photo on my CV.)

However, if you do choose to have a picture, ensure that the photograph is of professional quality and that you look nice in it.

Due to living conditions in the field , the people hiring you may also live and work with you in very close quarters, so your personality is a weighty consideration. Most humanitarians prefer to work with positive, cheerful people in such tough conditions, so if you have a photo, make sure that it radiates amicable vibes.

Profile summary

If you don’t have a profile summary section at the top of your CV, you’re potentially missing a golden opportunity. This section is your chance to succintly demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements of the job.

To make optimum use of this section, take a close look at the key requirements of the job advertisement that you’re applying to (usually they will be toward the bottom of the advert). Usually the requirements will fall into these categories:

• Years of work experience (e.g. “At least 2 years of relevant experience”)
• Education level (e.g. “Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred”)
• Technical knowledge (e.g. WASH, Shelter, etc.)
• Hard skills (e.g. report writing, project management, etc.)
• Language skills or country-specific knowledge (e.g. previous work related to the Middle East or fluency in Ukrainian).

Once you understand the requirements, craft your profile summary in a way that clearly demonstrates that you meet as many of these as possible. For example:

Entry-level professional with 1 year of combined humanitarian experience in project reporting for WASH programming in Ethiopia. Native French speaker with fluency in English, and a recent master’s degree graduate in International Development.

With a quick scan of these 2 – 4 lines, a hiring manager should be assured already that you could be a great fit for such a role, and intrigued enough to read the rest of your CV in detail.

If you are transitioning into aid work from another career — and your CV is filled with non-humanitarian experience — your profile summary is also the best place to explain your career change in just a few words. For example: “Experienced supply chain manager with 5 years of experience, now transitioning into the aid sector.”

If you are a recent university graduate, this is also the place to acknowledge that while you may not have any humanitarian experience yet, you are aiming for a career in the sector. For example, “Recent graduate and aspiring aid worker…”

Absolutely do not write generic phrases touting how you are “organized and detail-oriented” or “able to work independently” or “have excellent interpersonal and communication skills”. While these claims may be true, they are tedious to read, impossible to verify, and, well, everyone writes these boilerplate phrases and so they won’t set you apart from other candidates.

If you earned your higher education degree at a prestigious university, you may be discouraged to learn that where you studied is not a vital consideration in the humanitarian sector.

Whether you earned your degree at Oxford or Tafila Technical University , the only two things that really matter to HR screeners and hiring managers are: what is the highest degree level that you have attained (either a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree), and if your degree is in a “relevant” field of study — which is typically so broad that it doesn’t matter if you studied humanitarian aid, international relations, international development, a foreign language, or most of the social sciences.

Therefore, in the education section of your CV, clearly state each degree level and title. For example, “Master of Arts in International Development”. Of course, you must also include the name and location of the university and your graduation year.

If you are a recent graduate, your education should be at the top of your CV: after your profile summary, but before your work experience. If you’ve already worked for a few years, put your work experience first.  Adding information about your thesis title or the courses that you took is optional, and is only relevant if you are a recent graduate with minimal work experience.

Work experience

This is the most important part of your CV. When humanitarian hiring managers quickly scan your CV (usually in 1-2 minutes, as you will see below), they want to know what you did in your previous work. Getting it right can make or break your application.

First, you should have between 3-6 bullet points for each work experience, with fewer points for older work experiences. Each bullet point should begin with a verb in the past tense. For example, do not write “I researched…” or “Research…” or “Researching…”. Instead, start the bullet point with “Research ed …”

Second, be specific and quantify your achievements. For example, instead of writing “Organised conferences and events”, you should say, “Organised 3 week-long conferences with over 100 participants from a dozen countries”. Instead of saying that you “Wrote reports”, you should say, “Wrote monthly 5-page progress reports for a variety of projects, and co-wrote the annual 20-page report summarising all the organisation’s field activities and achievements in 2020 and 2021”. Adding these details helps the hiring manager understand the scope and scale of your experience.

Finally, and most importantly, tailor your previous work experience to the job advertisement that you are applying to. You should be adapting the text of the bullet points for each new job applications, even if only slightly. For example, if your previous job called it “grant writing” but the job advertisement calls it “project development”, then use the latter term. If the primary responsibility of the advertised job is managing a team of data enumerators in the field, and if you did something similar in a previous position, then move this bullet point up to the top of that work experience.

As a side note, ensure that any acronyms you use will be understood by the humanitarian hiring manager reading your CV. You — and everyone from your previous job — may know what a “3PL” is, but if it’s not a term in common usage in the aid industry, use the full words instead of an acronym (I still don’t know what a 3PL is but I did see it on a CV once).

It may surprise you that language skills beyond English (or French in francophone Africa) are not often required for international humanitarian positions. However, they are almost always “preferred”. For example, a job advert might read: “Full working proficiency in English required, knowledge of Arabic preferred”.

You should list your language abilities toward the end of your CV. We recommend that you describe your level of proficiency using both widely understood terms like “beginner” or “intermediate”, and also the appropriate CEFR reference level . For example, “Spanish (native), English (fluent, C2), Russian (beginner, A2)”.

Volunteer experience

When trying to launch a career in humanitarian aid, volunteer work is often the best way to gain experience. If you have volunteered in some relevant way — with your local Red Cross society after a natural disaster, with children or the elderly in your community, or perhaps as part of a student initiative in university — you should include it in your CV. You can either make a separate section for volunteer experiences, or you can include them within the work experience section.

...And insider advice for your cover letter

The depressing reality is that, although cover letters are a requirement for nearly all humanitarian job applications, most of them are never read. Hiring managers are too busy to pore over 150 letters when screening applications, and sometimes the Human Resources unit does not even forward the cover letters to the hiring panel.

However, sometimes cover letters are read, usually at the final shortlisting stage when the hiring manager must whittle her list from ten excellent candidates to a final list of just three or four to interview. At this stage, they already know your skills and experiences from your CV, and they are looking to read new information in your cover letter that will set you apart from the other qualified candidates.

There are two takeaways from this (rather demotivating) information: First, you must ensure that every crumb of important information is on your CV. Leave nothing vital to the cover letter, because it may not be read. Second, if you’re trying to submit an application with a short deadline, focus your energy on your CV. You should always submit a first-rate CV and, if you must, you can submit a second-rate cover letter.

Our cover letter recipe

Do not write a cover letter that is a repeat of your CV in paragraph form. You must be confident that the hiring manager has already read your CV in detail and knows your skills and experience.

Rather, your cover letter should provide new information.  Specifically for entry-level candidates, your motivation is crucial at this point in your career. A convincing explanation of your personal motivations may be the key thing that separates you from other highly qualified entry-level aspiring aid workers.

Therefore, we recommend a cover letter that focuses on your motivations for the role, using a five-paragraph structure like this:

• Brief introduction (state which position you are applying to, and where you found the advertisement)
• Your motivation for the sector (why do you want to work in humanitarian aid?)
• Your motivation for the organization (there are dozens of humanitarian organisations; why do you want to work for  this one?)
• The skills and added value that you bring to this specific role (identify the 2-3 key requirements for the job and clearly explain how you have all the right qualifications to succeed)
• Closing (state your willingness to discuss everything further in an interview, and give your soonest availability to start working)

Now, on to the experts

Et voilà. That is our advice. Now, on to the opinions of eight humanitarian program managers and senior specialists who have shared their reflections on what makes a great CV and cover letter in the aid industry:

Just job titles and duty stations

“To be honest, when I’m hiring I never ever read the cover letter. But if I do, and if it’s long, it annoys me [laughs]. I feel like the cover letter should be super to-the-point, only summarising your key experience.

The CV does the majority of the talking. I want a two-page CV maximum, just a few bullet points for each position, and nicely laid out. If it’s creatively formatted then I’m extra attracted to it as that shows initiative and attention to detail.

For me, in the humanitarian sector, the main things that I look at on a CV are the previous job titles and duty stations. This tells me what I need to know very quickly.  For example, if I’m looking for a Health staff in Yemen and I see that an applicant was a Health Officer in Bangladesh previously for one year, I’ll automatically interview them because that experience is super relevant.”

– M. has worked for the United Nations and several large international NGOs for the past ten years in Africa, Central America, and the Middle East.

Do not be a misogynist macho racist

“The key elements for a good CV are the following: clear and short. More than two pages is often a no-go for me. It’s important for me to know clearly the name of the humanitarian donors that they have worked with, as well as some quantifiable information about the sizes of the budgets they have managed (if any), and the number of projects or staff that they managed (if any). Language skills are also important, as I need to know that they will be able to communicate clearly with both headquarters and the country office.

On the cover letter, I really appreciate when candidates give personal and non-generic reasons why they are applying. Use  the cover letter to explain why your career path is coherent so far, and how your diverse experiences are suitable for the specific job that you’re applying to.

For newbies in the humanitarian sector, naive statements about “wanting to make the world a better place” or “dedicating myself to others” are not good looks.  Be very careful on how you refer to beneficiaries. Avoid “white saviorism”. You should be able to show some awareness on topics like de-colonialism, safeguarding, or PSEA [protection against sexual exploitation and abuse].

Basically, do not be a misogynist macho racist (you’d be surprised how often it happens), or that will be the end of your application immediately.”

– P. has worked in humanitarian finance and project management for large NGOs for more than eight years in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Two minutes, two pages

“As a manager, I usually spend between 30 seconds and 2 minutes reviewing a CV, especially when I have hundreds of applications to review. So, it should be eye-catching, clear, and to-the-point. In my opinion, a CV should not be more than two pages – maximum. It should focus on the previous one or two jobs that the candidate had, rather than providing long explanations about all of their previous jobs.

Each previous work experience should clearly state the job title, duration, location, and seniority level. Their education should clearly name the institution, duration, and location. These are the things I look at when I quickly scan a CV.

Believe it or not, I spend more time reading and reviewing cover letters than I do reading CVs, just because I feel it’s more personal. However, I will stop reading a cover letter if it is generic and obviously not written for the specific role that I’m hiring.”

– M. is a senior Shelter and WASH specialist in the Middle East and has been working on both NGO and United Nations sides of the industry for the past nine years.

The more information, the better.

“The things that attract my attention the most on a CV are the descriptions of a person’s past experience. It really helps me to better understand what is their technical background and what are their skills.

People often think that it’s better if they only write key words, short lines, or bullet points on their CVs because it looks simpler. But from my perspective as a humanitarian recruiter, the more information that a person has on their CV, the better.

When candidates understate their experience on their CV and don’t write enough, they risk missing out on job opportunities. When I’m headhunting, I often learn after having phone call with candidates that they actually have far more experience than what they have written on their CV.”

– H. is a humanitarian recruiter and HR specialist working for several United Nations clients in the Middle East.

I don’t have time for an 8-page CV

“For me, a CV or résumé should be something short: two pages maximum if you have a senior profile, one page for a junior profile. Sometimes we receive over 400 applications per position, so I don’t have time to read 8 to 10 pages of detailed descriptions of every previous position that a candidate has held.

Visual formatting is important too. If I can, in one look, get the gist of a candidate’s experience and the main skills the person has, I’m happy. For cover letters, honestly, I don’t always read them. I often find cover letters to be very generic. Not many stand out.

As the head of a department, I focus on the CV and save most of my time for the later steps in the recruitment process like the technical tests and the interviews.”

– C. is a Monitoring and Evaluation specialist who has worked for large humanitarian NGOs in Africa and Europe for the past seven years.

Layout and Aesthetics matter

“The aesthetic of the CV is the first thing that grabs my attention: a nice picture in the corner, stylish fonts for titles, and bullet points to list the information. A small bio paragraph can be included but is not always necessary in my opinion.

The body of the CV should include key words that are compatible to the job advertised. The experience that you list should match the description of the job that you are applying to, and irrelevant experience could be taken off. In short, your CV should be updated and tailored for the position that you are applying for.

Unfortunately, I usually only skim a cover letter if it is too long. Cover letters should be short, precise, and get to the point.”

– A. is a junior humanitarian recruiter hiring for United Nations roles in the Middle East.

Education first

“I only care about cover letters when the job will have a strong writing component so I can get a sense of how the person writes. But I don’t bother matching the content with the CV, nor do I use the cover letter as a way to understand the person’s experience. I find cover letters to be mostly a formality. Sometimes they can say something interesting but I’d never hire someone because of what they wrote in their cover letter.

On a CV for researcher positions, I look first at the person’s education because we research sensitive issues and I want to know what they studied and what degrees they have. Experience also matters a lot. I would never hire someone who has never worked as a researcher before, again because of the sensitivity and complexity of the work.”

– M. is a researcher in conflict and violence, and works in a senior role at a consultancy firm in Africa with international NGO clients.

It's all about relevant transferable skills

“For me the CV is the most important. I mainly look at cover letters after the first selection of candidates is finished, in order to help in the ‘fine-tuning’ of the shortlist.

For CVs, it’s first of all about relevant experience but this does not mean it has to be in the humanitarian sector. For example, a social worker could be a very interesting candidate for a Protection Case Manager position. It’s mostly about transferable skills and I would recommend candidates to draw them out in some detail in their CV.

I would also advise candidates not to send the same the CV to each job you are applying to, but rather to tailor it case-by-case depending on the requirements of each vacancy notice. This shows real interest and shows that you pay attention to detail.  Another aspect I look at is any volunteering, community work, side projects or initiatives that are broadly aligned with the objectives or tasks of the advertised position.

For education, I focus more on the relevance of the subject of the degree, rather than the name and prestige of the university.”

– I. is a Protection specialist working for the United Nations in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East for the past 8 years 

May 2022 Updated January 2023

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The Perfect CV and Cover Letter for an NGO Job Application

No matter what kind of NGO you want to work for, your CV and cover letter will need to show the same things. They will want to know that you care about their cause and that you have the skills and experience that make you the best person for the job.

1. Start with a strong opening.

Your CV and cover letter need a strong beginning, just like any good story. Make sure that the first line grabs the reader’s attention. This could be a summary of your work history and skills that you could put on your CV. You could quickly say in your cover letter why you’re the best person for the job.

2. Keep it relevant.

Make sure that when you customize your CV and cover letter for an NGO job, you only include information that is important to the role. You don’t have to list every job you’ve ever had. Just focus on the parts that are most important to the NGO you’re going to.

3. Highlight your passion for the cause.

NGOs want to hire people who care deeply about their cause. So, be sure to talk about any time you’ve worked with a similar group or cause in the past. Even if you don’t have any direct experience, you can still show how passionate you are by writing about why you want to work for the NGO and what you hope to achieve.

4. Focus on your skills and experience.

Even though it’s important to show that you care about the NGO’s cause, they’ll also look at your skills and experience to see if you’re a good fit for the job. Make sure that your CV and cover letter show off any skills and experience that are important. For example, if you’re looking for a job in fundraising, make sure to talk about any sales or fundraiser experience you have.

5. Use strong language.

Use strong, convincing wording when writing your CV and cover letter. This is your chance to really sell yourself and your skills, so don’t be afraid to brag a little bit. But don’t go overboard, because you still want to seem humble and likeable.

6. Be concise.

Remember that your CV and cover letter are only an opening to who you are and what you can do. They’re not supposed to be your whole life story, so try to be as brief as you can. Keep to the most important information and leave out anything that isn’t directly related to the job.

7. Proofread.

Make sure to check your CV and cover letter for writing and grammar mistakes before you send your application. Small mistakes like these can make your application look bad, so you should take the time to fix them.

8. Follow the instructions.

Make sure to carefully read the job post and follow any specific directions about how to send in your application. For example, some NGOs may want you to send your cover letter and CV as one document, while others may want them sent separately. Make sure you follow these rules so that your application doesn’t get turned down.

9. Include additional materials.

If the NGO you’re going to wants more information, make sure to send it along with your application. These might be things like samples of your work or letters of reference. Putting these things in your application shows that you are willing to do more to get the job.

10. Send a thank-you email.

Send a thank-you email to the person who accepted your application after you’ve sent it in. This is another chance to show how interested you are in the job and the NGO. In your email, be sure to say again how much you want the job and tell them anything else you think they should know. If you use these tips to make your CV and cover letter, you’ll have a better chance of getting the NGO job of your dreams.

Sample Cover Letter: NGO Jobs

Choose your goal below:

By Elizabeth Benu,

With an increase in the number of applications sent to any opening in an NGO, there is a need for job seekers to stand out and get picked from the pool of applicants.

For those looking for an opportunity at an NGO, here is a sample cover letter for an entry level Field Officer Job:

Sophie Job Seeker P. O. BOX 214-00100 Nairobi.

4th December 2014,

The Human Resource Manger, ABC Kenyan NGO, P.O. Box 123-40100 Kisumu.

Dear Sir/Madam:

RE: APPLICATION FOR A FIELD OFFICER POSITION Following your job advert for a Field Officer position on XYZ Daily on 29th November 2014, I forward my application in response. I possess a Diploma in Development Studies and experience with data collection through surveys, observations, interviews, and focus groups.

Having volunteered at the XYZ Company for two years, I wish to bring to play my skills in conducting stakeholder and beneficiary assessment analysis as well as a positive attitude and flexibility to your organisation. My communication skills will also come in handy as I am comfortable making presentations to large groups of people while demonstrating integrity and understanding during interactions with the public.

Furthermore, I have conducted several practical surveys of community service organizations which have helped create solutions to domestic violence at the county level. My research has also placed me at the center of the policy process where I have worked effectively with government officials and other community groups.

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience to discuss how my experience might best relate to your needs.

Yours Faithfully, (Signature) Sophie Job seeker.

For any Cover letter queries contact [email protected]

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Sample cover letter for Internship position at NGO

Dear Sir, Madam,

With this letter I would hereby like to express my interest to work at the . I dare to say that I am a fresh and prospective graduate with three years of work experience in the government & policy and public administrative, gained whilst studying for my BA degree in the University.

I have always been interested in policy and international relations, and therefore I have applied to work at the Government of [Name the Country], where I was one of accepted candidates over 150 applicants. After one and a half year, I was also suggested for working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, I decided to move abroad, looking forward to gain new experiences. Now I am in London for two years where I work for an International Charity, as a Program Administrator. On this position, I got familiarized myself with activities of your honorable Embassy, and got motivated to work for the.

There are lots of reasons why I would like to work at the Your Embassy. Firstly, I am really impressed with the history of the . It is more than adorable how much has been acheived in such a short time. I am also impressed by the economic policy, and what has national economy achieved in terms of economic growth. As I met of lot of Your nationals, and have friends of your Nation, I am also familiar with your culture, and can say it is one of the richest on the World.

Being fresh graduate, it would be great opportunity to give me a chance to work at the Embassy of [Country name] as an administrative worker due to my work experience.

I hope therefore, that on consideration of my resume, you will be persuaded of my potential to perform well and make a real contribution as a member of your organization. In the meantime, I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. I will be available to attend interview any time this month, and I’d really welcome the opportunity of discussing this position with you.

Yours faithfully,