cover letter examples humanitarian job

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Examples of cover letters for a humanitarian position

To get a humanitarian position, you need a well-written cover letter that showcases your passion for and dedication to the industry. When writing a cover letter for a humanitarian position, these are some of the essential things to include in your letter:

Upon learning of your need for a Humanitarian worker, I am writing you to submit my resume for consideration. As a Humanitarian with 10 years of volunteer experience and a recent recipient of a Master’s degree in Sociology, I believe I have the education and experience necessary to succeed as a Humanitarian worker for your organization.

My professional experience includes 10 years of volunteering for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. While this was not paid work, I think my experience has prepared me well for helping your organization achieve its goals.

Earned Master’s degree in Sociology from Boston University

Recruited and trained other volunteers

In practical, I utilized my In-depth experience in humanitarian affairs, data collection, management, research and report writing, to ensure all vulnerable communities and those at risk have access to basic services such as: sanitation, education, health facilities and especially water. As a humanitarian staff of Mercy Corps Nigeria, I conduct myself in a way which is acceptable to the community, hence easy acceptability of Mercy Corps to the community.

My work experience, qualifications and skills include:

Your Signature

Mary Holbert

Enclosure: Resume”

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are your professional career objectives examples.

General career objective examples

Why should we hire you with no experience?

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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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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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Humanitarian Cover Letter Example

Writing a cover letter for a humanitarian position can be overwhelming. It’s important to make sure that your cover letter stands out among the other applications and accurately reflects your experience and qualifications. To make sure your cover letter contains all the necessary information, this guide provides an overview of what to include and an example of a well-crafted cover letter to help you get started.

Download the Cover Letter Sample in Word Document – Click Below

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Humanitarian Cover Letter Sample

Dear [Recipient],

I am writing to apply for the [position] with [Organization]. I am motivated by my long- standing passion for making a positive impact in the world and am confident that my experience and skills make me an ideal candidate for this role.

I have been working in the humanitarian sector for the past [length of time], with experience in [type of position], primarily in [country/region or sector]. During this time, I have gained an in- depth understanding of the challenges faced in this field and have had the chance to work on projects aimed at making a real and lasting difference in people’s lives.

I am confident that I possess the necessary qualifications and experience to be an effective member of your team. Not only do I have a [qualification/degree] and a [number] of years of experience in the humanitarian field, but I also have extensive knowledge of [topics relevant to the position]. Additionally, I have strong communication and organizational skills, a deep understanding of the issues faced by those in need, as well as the ability to work well in a team or independently.

I am excited by the prospect of working with [Organization] to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. I believe that my experience and dedication make me an excellent candidate for this role and I look forward to hearing from you regarding the next steps.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name]

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What should a Humanitarian cover letter include?

A humanitarian cover letter should include information about the applicant’s experience and qualifications, as well as a brief overview of why they are interested in the position and why they are well- suited for the job. It should also include the applicant’s contact information, including an email address, phone number, and physical address.

When writing a humanitarian cover letter, the applicant should focus on their relevant experience in the humanitarian field, including any volunteer work they may have done, or any relevant courses or degrees they may have completed. They should also demonstrate their understanding of the sector and how their skills and abilities could contribute to the organization. Additionally, the applicant should highlight any relevant professional achievements or awards they may have earned.

The applicant should also discuss why they believe they are well- suited to the organization, and why they are passionate about the humanitarian cause that the organization is working towards. This should illustrate how their skills, abilities, and experience can be put to use in the organization.

Finally, the cover letter should conclude by expressing enthusiasm for the position and expressing a desire to be contacted for an interview. Furthermore, the applicant should thank the reader for their time and consideration.

Humanitarian Cover Letter Writing Tips

If you are looking to write a stand- out humanitarian cover letter, these tips can help give you an edge in the job search.

• Start with a strong opening: Your cover letter should start by introducing yourself and demonstrating why you are the best fit for the position. Focus on unique accomplishments or activities that demonstrate your commitment to humanitarian work.
• Research the organization: Research the organization you are applying to and incorporate that knowledge into your cover letter. This will show that you are familiar with the company’s values and are invested in making a meaningful contribution to their mission.
• Highlight your skills: Showcase your skills and experiences that make you the ideal candidate for the job. Focus on qualities that make you an asset to the team, such as strong problem- solving skills, communication abilities, and knowledge of the organization’s mission.
• Demonstrate your commitment: Demonstrate your commitment to humanitarian work by highlighting any volunteer or humanitarian projects you’ve been involved with in the past. This will show the hiring managers that you are serious about making a difference in the world.
• End with a call- to- action: End your cover letter with a call- to- action that encourages the hiring manager to reach out and schedule an interview.

By following these tips, you can create a memorable and effective humanitarian cover letter that will make you stand out from the competition. Good luck with your job search!

Common mistakes to avoid when writing Humanitarian Cover letter

Writing a cover letter for a humanitarian job can be a daunting task, however, with the right guidance and preparation, you can make sure that your cover letter is the best it can be. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a humanitarian cover letter:

• Not considering the organization’s mission and values: Make sure you take some time to research about the organization you’re applying to and tailor your cover letter to match the mission and values of the company. Show that you’re aware of their goals and objectives and can bring value to the organization.
• Not being concise: It’s important to keep your cover letter concise. Avoid writing long paragraphs and focus on getting the key points across without rambling.
• Not proofreading: This is an important step that many people overlook. Always, always proofread your cover letter and make sure that there are no typos or grammatical errors.
• Not tailoring your cover letter: You should make sure that your cover letter is tailored to the job you’re applying for. Don’t make generic statements that could be applied to any job; make sure your experience and qualifications match what the company is looking for.
• Not including a call to action: At the end of your cover letter, you should include a call to action that encourages the employer to reach out to you for an interview. Make sure you provide your contact information so that it’s easy for the employer to get in touch with you.

Following these tips will help you write a great cover letter for a humanitarian job and will increase your chances of getting an interview. Good luck!

Key takeaways

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience. Writing a Humanitarian cover letter can be a challenging task, as you need to make sure that your message is clear and concise, while still conveying the passion and dedication that make you a great fit for the role. Here are some key takeaways to help you craft an impressive Humanitarian cover letter:

• Take the time to research the organization you are applying to. Make sure you understand their mission and values, and demonstrate how your skills and experience align with them.
• Avoid simply repeating the same information that is included in your resume. Instead, write something unique that shows your knowledge and understanding of the organization and the Humanitarian field.
• Provide concrete examples of how you have used your skills and experience to benefit people in need.
• Be concise but comprehensive. Make sure that you provide a clear and concise message, but also make sure that you provide enough detail to give the reader a full understanding of your abilities.
• End your letter with a request for an interview. Show your enthusiasm for the role and let the reader know that you are interested in meeting with them to discuss the position further.

By following these key takeaways, you can create an impressive Humanitarian cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

1.how do i write a cover letter for an humanitarian job with no experience.

When writing a cover letter for a Humanitarian job with no experience, focus on emphasizing your soft skills and how they can benefit the organization. Describe the skills you’ve gained from other activities such as volunteering, taking courses, or participating in extracurricular activities that may help you succeed in a Humanitarian job. Most importantly, talk about why you are passionate about the cause and how you can contribute to the organization.

2.How do I write a cover letter for an Humanitarian job experience?

When writing a cover letter for a Humanitarian job with experience, it is important to showcase your knowledge and skills related to the organization’s mission. Talk about the projects you have worked on and the impact you have made. Describe your experience and how it has prepared you for the role. Additionally, emphasize the qualities that make you an ideal candidate and highlight your successes.

3.How can I highlight my accomplishments in Humanitarian cover letter?

When highlighting your accomplishments in a Humanitarian cover letter, you should focus on the measurable results and impact that you have made. For example, if you have volunteered for a Humanitarian organization, talk about the number of people you have assisted and how you have improved the organization’s operations. Additionally, if you have taken courses related to Humanitarian work, explain the skills and knowledge you have gained from the experience.

4.What is a good cover letter for an Humanitarian job?

A good cover letter for a Humanitarian job should start by expressing your enthusiasm for the organization’s mission and how your skills, experiences, and interests make you a perfect fit for the role. Talk about the experiences you have had, such as volunteering or taking courses, that have prepared you for the job and how you can add value to the organization. Finally, express your commitment and explain why the organization should hire you.

In addition to this, be sure to check out our cover letter templates , cover letter formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

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Human Rights Cover Letter: Templates, Examples and Tips

A cover letter is a formal document typically submitted alongside a job application or resume. It serves as a complement to your resume and provides an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to a human rights employer, highlight your qualifications and skills, explain your interest in the job, and convey why you are a strong candidate for the position. In contrast to your resume, a cover letter is more narrative and can include information not found in your CV. It allows you to tell a story about your career, explain career gaps, or address specific job requirements. In this article you will learn how you can create your own cover letter.

Let’s first have a look how a typical cover letter is structured:

Your Name Your Address City, State, ZIP Code Your Email Address Your Phone Number

Recipient's Name Organization Name Organization Address City, State, ZIP Code

Dear [Recipient's Name] ,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Human Rights Internship position at [Organization Name] , as advertised on your website. With my educational background in [Your Relevant Degree] , a deep passion for human rights issues, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the field, I am eager to contribute to your organization’s mission and objectives.

Throughout my academic journey at [Your University] , I have developed a solid foundation in human rights, international law, and social justice advocacy. My coursework has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations worldwide and the legal frameworks that underpin human rights protection.

My previous experiences have further enhanced my dedication to human rights advocacy. I have had the privilege of volunteering with [Name of Human Rights Organization or Project] , where I assisted in researching and documenting human rights violations, organizing awareness campaigns, and collaborating with local communities to promote education and empowerment. These experiences have not only sharpened my research and communication skills but also deepened my commitment to effecting positive change in the realm of human rights.

I am particularly drawn to [Organization Name] because of its exceptional reputation for its work in [specific area of focus, e.g., refugee rights, gender equality, indigenous rights]. Your organization’s dedication to upholding human rights and empowering marginalized communities aligns perfectly with my personal values and career aspirations.

As an intern at [Organization Name] , I am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to your projects. I am confident that my strong research abilities, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively will allow me to excel in this role. I am also excited about the opportunity to learn from your experienced team members, gain exposure to real-world human rights issues, and make a meaningful contribution to your ongoing initiatives.

Enclosed is my resume, which provides additional details about my educational background and relevant experiences. I am available at your earliest convenience for an interview to discuss how my skills and passion align with the goals of [Organization Name] . You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining the dedicated team at [Organization Name] and contributing to your vital work in promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.

[Your Name]

Download: Human Rights Cover Letter Template

How to use the human rights cover letter template above

The template above is a good starting point. You can use the text as a basis to formulate your own cover letter. Don’t simply copy and paste and fill in the gaps. Work on your own unique version that sets you apart. Recruiters will notice the difference.

#1 Identify your strongest qualifications and skills

The first step in the process is to identify what information you should put into your cover letter. There are some obvious ones like your master’s degree and previous work experience. However, as an entry level professional you won’t have ten years of experience to draw from. That means you’ll need to explore what other skills/experiences could be relevant. Below are some examples:

I landed my first Amnesty International internship because I had video-editing and photography skills. That’s what the organization needed to cover our vigils for the blogger Raif Badawi. Over time, when I earned the trust of my team, I was able to take on different tasks, that were more in line with my ambitions.

Don’t underestimate what you bring to the table for the organization. Even if you are very young, you have plenty of experiences to draw from. You could be well-versed in the latest social media tools, possibly surpassing the current social media manager’s familiarity (e.g. with TikTok or Mastodon). Your grasp of trends within your age group may align closely with the organization’s target audience, enhancing your ability to connect effectively. Additionally, your fresh perspective and energy could invigorate the team, injecting vitality into a well-established environment. Your potential to introduce unconventional viewpoints may foster positive disruption, and as a relatively “blank slate”, experienced mentors and leaders may find joy in nurturing your development into a thriving professional.

If you are not so sure what other skills could be helpful, consider reading some of our articles:

• 8 Skills to Expand Your Human Rights CV
• 10 Skills You Need as An NGO Development Coordinator
• 10 Skills You Need as Advocacy Officer
• 5 Skills You Might Need in a Human Rights Job

#2 Tailor your experience to the specific job

Tailoring your cover letter to each job application is a strategic move that makes a significant difference in your job search. Unlike generic templates, a tailored cover letters directly addresses the specific requirements of the position, showcasing the relevance of your background and experience, and ultimately setting you apart. Below is an example how you could tailor the same experience “led a volunteer group” to different positions. Please note that you should never “invent” anything that is not true, but you can choose where you put emphasis, what you highlight and what you skip.

#3 A few things to avoid

While there is no universally accepted right way to do cover letters, there are a few things you should avoid in the context of human rights organizations.

• Don’t start with “Dear Sir or Madam”. “Sir” and “Madam” are binary gender-specific terms. Using them may exclude individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female, as well as non-binary and gender-nonconforming individuals. If the organization works specifically on such issues, you are better off using a different salutation.
• Don’t include an image. Including a photo can introduce bias into the hiring process. Employers should make hiring decisions based on qualifications, not on a candidate’s physical appearance, race, age, gender, or other personal characteristics. A photo can inadvertently lead to bias, even if unintentional.
• Don’t be overly passionate. Focus on your professional qualifications and how they relate to the position. You won’t get hired just for being passionate and highlighting your passion too much makes you look less experienced.
• Don’t Make It Too Long. Human rights cover letters should be concise and to the point. Avoid lengthy paragraphs or excessive details that may overwhelm the reader. Less than 1 page is enough.
• Don’t Generalize: Be specific in your statements. Don’t make general claims like “I’m passionate about human rights.” Instead, provide examples and evidence of your commitment, such as relevant coursework, internships, or volunteer experiences.
• Don’t Ignore Format and Proofreading: Neglecting proper formatting, grammar, and proofreading can detract from your professionalism. Ensure your cover letter is well-structured and free from errors.
• Don’t Overstate or Exaggerate: Be honest about your qualifications and experiences. Avoid exaggerating or making false claims, as they can be easily verified and may damage your credibility.
• Don’t put your best qualifications at the end. Put them first. In movies it’s great to have the showdown at the end but in cover letters they should come at the beginning. Recruiters are busy people and unlikely to read your entire cover letter at the first glance. You need to make a great impression immediately to be considered for the next round.

How to use AI Tools to improve your human rights cover letter

There is nothing wrong about using AI tools to improve your cover letter. But keep in mind what we mentioned above: Tailor! Be specific! Be authentic! If your cover letter sounds too generic, exaggerates or feels out of touch with your real background, an AI written cover letter will be a disadvantage.

If you choose to use AI, the quality of your prompt matters. You should provide the tool with enough information to return more tailored and unique results otherwise your cover letter will be too boring and generic. Below is an example of a prompt. Flesh it out further. Consider adding some achievements, more nuance and detail.

“Please write a cover letter for the internship position as social media intern at Amnesty International. I have studied the Vienna Master of Arts in Human Rights and wrote my thesis about MOOCs as a tool for Human Rights Education. I have worked in a bar for three years and took dancing classes throughout high school. I also worked at a book store, where I was responsible for accounting and sales. I speak three languages fluently.”

And here are some excerpts of AI responses, that demonstrate how ChatGPT has “translated” the information into a cover letter:

• With my diverse work experiences, and proficiency in multiple languages , I am enthusiastic about contributing my skills […]
• My thesis allowed me to explore innovative approaches to making human rights education accessible to a global audience.
• My work experience has further honed my skills and adaptability. I have spent three years working in a bar, where I developed exceptional interpersonal and communication skills while managing diverse customer interactions . My high school years were dedicated to dancing classes, fostering discipline, teamwork, and creativity .

You might want to tone it down a bit in your cover letter and highlight only what find most relevant. AI tools sometimes exaggerate and you don’t want to display a lack of humility or judgement. Working in a bar for three years will probably not make you an expert in human rights law.

While AI written content is normally grammatically flawless it also lacks soul and surprise. So instead of just entering a prompt and sending off your application, spend time editing it and make it sound more like yourself and be prepared that everything you mention in your cover letter could be subject of a more in-depth conversation in the interview. So if you are not convinced that your dancing classes were fostering discipline, teamwork and creativity, don’t mention it.

Strategies for improving your human rights cover letter

There are a variety of other strategies and tools that you can use when drafting your cover letter. Below are some that I’ve used in my job search frequently.

#1 Mimic the language

Before you write your cover letter, you might want to explore the website of your potential future employer. Familiarize with the terminology and language they use. Take a closer look at the job description as well. Mimicking an organization’s language and terminology helps you align your application with the organization’s culture and values. Organizations often use specific words and phrases that reflect their unique identity, and using these in your cover letter can signal that you’re a good fit culturally.

#2 Improve Readability

In academia and during our studies we are taught to write in a very specific way. Unfortunately, this kind of writing is less effective in other contexts. Your cover letter should be catchy with short sentences and easy to read and understand. Use readability tools to identify sentences that are too long and complicated.

#3 Let others read it

Last but not least, ask friends, family or a former professor to read it. The feedback will help you improve it and you’ll learn something in every feedback loop. If this short guide was helpful and you successfully landed a job, please consider sharing your cover letter with us so we can make it accessible to our readers.

Humanitarian Aid Worker Cover Letter

Introduction

A humanitarian aid worker cover letter is a crucial document that can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for a position in the humanitarian sector. This cover letter provides an opportunity for you to showcase your skills, experience, and passion for helping others in need. It should effectively communicate why you are the perfect candidate for the job and highlight your relevant qualifications.

In this blog post, we will explore two example cover letters for a humanitarian aid worker position, answer some frequently asked questions about writing a cover letter, and provide a conclusion on the importance of a well-crafted cover letter for a humanitarian aid worker application.

Cover Letter Examples:

Example 1: [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

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

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the humanitarian aid worker position at [Organization’s Name] as advertised on [Job Listing Source]. With a strong background in humanitarian work and a passion for making a positive impact in people’s lives, I believe I am an ideal candidate for this position.

I have recently completed a Master’s degree in International Development with a focus on emergency response and relief. During my studies, I had the opportunity to work as an intern at [Humanitarian Organization] where I gained valuable experience in project coordination, needs assessment, and emergency logistics. I also collaborated with local communities to develop sustainable solutions for disaster prevention and recovery.

Additionally, my previous experience working in conflict-affected areas has equipped me with the ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations. I am highly adaptable and possess strong interpersonal skills, allowing me to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders, including beneficiaries, local authorities, and team members.

I am particularly drawn to [Organization’s Name] due to its commitment to empowering local communities and its holistic approach to addressing humanitarian needs. I am confident that my skills and experience align with the organization’s mission and vision.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to [Organization’s Name]. I look forward to the possibility of working together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Example 2: [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

I am writing to apply for the humanitarian aid worker position at [Organization’s Name]. As a dedicated and compassionate individual with a strong background in humanitarian work, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your organization’s mission of providing assistance to vulnerable populations.

With a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and experience in the field, I have developed a solid understanding of the challenges faced by communities affected by conflict and natural disasters. My previous work with [Organization’s Name], where I facilitated community development programs and implemented emergency response initiatives, has honed my skills in project management, needs assessment, and capacity building.

I am particularly impressed by [Organization’s Name]’s approach to sustainable development and its efforts to promote community participation in decision-making processes. I firmly believe in the power of empowering communities and fostering local ownership of development projects.

Furthermore, my experience working in diverse cultural settings has allowed me to develop strong cross-cultural communication skills. I am adept at building relationships and collaborating with various stakeholders, including local partners, government officials, and beneficiaries.

I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to [Organization’s Name]’s ongoing efforts and make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. My resume is attached for your consideration. I am available for an interview at your convenience to further discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to your organization.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining [Organization’s Name] and using my skills and passion to help create a more equitable and just world.

10 FAQs about Humanitarian Aid Worker Cover Letter:

1. How long should a humanitarian aid worker cover letter be? It is recommended to keep the cover letter concise and focused, ideally not exceeding one page.

2. How should I format my cover letter? Use a professional format, including your name and contact information at the top, followed by the recipient’s name and address. Use a formal greeting and a professional tone throughout the letter.

3. Should I include my educational background in my cover letter? Yes, highlight relevant degrees or certifications that align with the role you are applying for, including any specialized training or coursework.

4. How can I showcase my passion for humanitarian work in my cover letter? Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to helping others and making a positive impact. Show enthusiasm and dedication in your language and tone.

5. What should I include in the body of my cover letter? Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications that make you an ideal candidate for the position. Discuss specific projects or initiatives you have been involved in and how they have prepared you for the role.

6. Should I address the recipient by their name? Whenever possible, address the recipient by their name to personalize your cover letter. If you are unsure of the recipient’s name, do some research or call the organization to find out.

7. Should I mention my salary expectations in the cover letter? It is typically not necessary to include salary expectations in the cover letter unless specifically requested by the employer.

8. Can I include references in my cover letter? It is generally not necessary to include references in the cover letter. Instead, state that references are available upon request.

9. How can I stand out from other applicants in my cover letter? Focus on presenting a unique combination of skills, experiences, and qualifications that make you an outstanding candidate. Tailor your cover letter to the specific organization and role, showing a genuine interest and understanding of their work.

10. Should I proofread my cover letter? Absolutely! Ensure that your cover letter is free from errors, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. Ask a friend or mentor to review it as well to catch any errors you may have missed.

A well-crafted cover letter is essential for a humanitarian aid worker application. It provides an opportunity for you to showcase your skills, experiences, and passion for helping others. By tailoring your cover letter to the specific organization and role, you can demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Follow the examples and guidelines provided in this blog to create a compelling cover letter that will help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of landing your dream job in the humanitarian sector.

Introducing John Smith: Your Expert Resume Writer, Cover Letter Specialist, and Career Coach. Meet John Smith, your dedicated partner in crafting the perfect resume, compelling cover letter, and charting your career path to success. With a passion for helping individuals reach their professional aspirations, John brings a wealth of expertise to the table as a resume writer, cover letter specialist, and career coach.

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Cover Letter

• Cover-letter
• Social-services
• Humanitarian-ai

Humanitarian Aid Worker Cover Letter Examples - US Format and Tips

Explore our curated collection of Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter examples tailored for the USA job market. Crafted to showcase key skills and experiences, these examples serve as valuable templates to help you create a standout cover letter for success in providing crucial humanitarian assistance on a global scale. Elevate your job application with our expertly curated cover letter samples and increase your chances of securing the Humanitarian Aid Worker role you aspire to.

Cover Letter examples for top Humanitarian Aid Worker jobs

Use the following guidelines and Cover Letter examples to choose the best Cover Letter format.

Humanitarian Aid Worker Cover Letter Sample

Introduction:

Embark on a rewarding journey to make a global impact with our guide on crafting impactful cover letters for those aspiring to become Humanitarian Aid Workers in the USA job market. Your cover letter is a powerful tool to showcase your commitment to providing assistance in times of crisis and making a difference in the lives of those affected by humanitarian emergencies. Let us guide you through creating a compelling cover letter that reflects your passion for humanitarian aid and global solidarity.

Advise on Salary Details in Dollars:

When addressing salary in your Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter, express your openness to negotiation and mention a salary range based on industry standards, such as $60,000-$75,000 annually. Consider the specific demands of the position and the region.

Career Transformation with Cover Letters - Humanitarian Aid Worker:

• Express Commitment to Global Humanitarian Causes: Your Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter is an opportunity to express your unwavering commitment to global humanitarian causes. Showcase your passion for providing aid and support to vulnerable populations in crisis.
• Highlight Field Experience and Deployments: Emphasize your field experience and deployments in humanitarian emergencies. Discuss instances where you've successfully contributed to relief efforts, demonstrating your ability to thrive in challenging environments.
• Illustrate Multicultural Competence: Showcase your multicultural competence and ability to work in diverse settings. Discuss your experiences collaborating with international teams and adapting your approach to meet the unique needs of different cultural contexts.
• Demonstrate Crisis Management Skills: Detail your crisis management skills. Share examples of how you've effectively coordinated and managed resources during emergencies, ensuring timely and impactful humanitarian assistance.
• Address Collaboration with NGOs and Government Agencies: Highlight your experience collaborating with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and other stakeholders. Discuss how you've worked in partnership to maximize the impact of humanitarian aid initiatives.

Tips and Best Practices - Humanitarian Aid Worker:

• Customize your Cover Letter: Tailor your Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter for each application, aligning your skills and experiences with the specific requirements outlined in the job description.
• Quantify Achievements: Use quantifiable metrics to illustrate your achievements in humanitarian aid, demonstrating the positive impact you've had on the lives of those affected by crises.
• Address Specific Employer Needs: Identify and address the specific needs and challenges faced by employers seeking Humanitarian Aid Workers, showcasing how you can contribute to their success.
• Incorporate Relevant Keywords: Integrate relevant keywords from the job description into your cover letter to optimize visibility in applicant tracking systems (ATS) and capture the attention of hiring managers in the humanitarian aid field.
• Maintain Professionalism: Keep your cover letter professional and focused, emphasizing your enthusiasm for the Humanitarian Aid Worker role while maintaining a polished and business-like tone.

FAQs - Humanitarian Aid Worker:

• Q: How crucial is a cover letter for a Humanitarian Aid Worker position?

 A: A cover letter is crucial, providing a platform to express your dedication to global humanitarian causes, showcase your relevant skills, and stand out as a candidate committed to making a positive impact in crisis situations.

• Q: Should I include salary expectations in my Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter?

 A: While it's generally advisable to discuss salary later in the hiring process, you can express your openness to negotiation regarding compensation in your Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter.

• Q: What is the ideal length for a Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter?

A: Aim for a concise one-page cover letter, focusing on key experiences, skills, and your genuine interest in the Humanitarian Aid Worker role.

• Q: How can I address employment gaps in my Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter?

A: Be honest and succinct in addressing employment gaps, emphasizing any skills acquired during that time and expressing your eagerness to contribute as a Humanitarian Aid Worker.

• Q: Can I use the same cover letter for different Humanitarian Aid Worker applications?

A: While you can use a template, ensure you tailor each cover letter to the specific requirements of the Humanitarian Aid Worker position to maximize its impact.

More CV Examples for the Next Step in Your Humanitarian Aid Worker CV Career jobs

• Case Manager CV
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• Juvenile Probation Officer CV
• Rehab Aide CV
• Social Worker CV
• Drug And Alcohol Counselor CV
• Volunteer CV
• Medical Social Worker CV

More Cover Examples for the Next Step in Your Humanitarian Aid Worker Cover Career jobs

• Case Manager Cover Letter
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• Counselor Cover Letter
• Domestic Violence Counselor Cover Letter
• Human Service Worker Cover Letter
• Humanitarian Aid Worker Cover Letter
• Job Coach Cover Letter
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• Juvenile Probation Officer Cover Letter
• Rehab Aide Cover Letter
• Social Worker Cover Letter
• Drug And Alcohol Counselor Cover Letter
• Volunteer Cover Letter
• Medical Social Worker Cover Letter

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500+ ats-approved u.s. cover letter samples: your key to hr-approved success.

Unlock the door to HR-approved success with our vast collection of 500+ ATS-optimized U.S. cover letter samples. Each sample is meticulously designed to ensure it not only impresses U.S. employers but also passes through Applicant Tracking Systems with ease. Whether you're a recent graduate, an experienced professional, or transitioning to a new career, our diverse range of formats adhering to U.S. cover letter standards has you covered. Say goodbye to rejection and embrace a future filled with job interviews. Your next career achievement is just a click away.

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Refugee Volunteer Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Ready to make an impact as a refugee volunteer? Don't just dust off your resume , craft a compelling refugee volunteer cover letter , too. It's the perfect recipe to demonstrate your professionalism, compassion, and commitment to the cause.

And don't worry, we've got your back  — with handy tips, real-world examples, and compelling templates that will put your cover letter head and shoulders above the rest.

Continue reading to learn how to:

• Give your refugee volunteer cover letter structure and visual organization
• Tailor your cover letter for a specific position as a refugee volunteer
• Write a strong introduction that conveys your top qualifications
• Highlight your best and most relevant skills and accomplishments
• Conclude your refugee cover letter persuasively
• Find useful job search resources for refugee volunteers

1. Give your refugee volunteer cover letter structure and visual organization

When applying to an essential position such as a refugee volunteer, it is crucial to make sure the volunteer organizer can easily navigate and make sense of your cover letter .

To do this, you must give your cover letter visual structure and organization using a cover letter header and cover letter headline . 

Starting with your header, this element must include all the necessary identifying information, such as:

• Your name and professional title
• Your professional contact information
• The name of the volunteer organization you are applying to

Additionally, your header should be left-aligned in the top left corner of the document to make it as visually appealing as possible. 

Here is an example of a well-formatted refugee volunteer cover letter header

Owen Kramer , Refugee Volunteer (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/owen-kramer

To: American Red Cross Refugee Volunteers Department 1234 Street Address Washington, D.C. 20001

Once you have created your header, you must now write a compelling headline that lets the reader know you are not only passionate about this position but have the necessary skills for it. 

To do so, make sure your header includes: 

• A keyword that relates to the position
• A number or trigger word that grabs the reader’s attention
• An adjective and/or verb that compliments your skills and professionalism
• A promise statement that lets the reader know this letter is exclusively for them

Here is an example of an effective headline from a refugee volunteer cover letter

The 3 Key Skills that Make Me a Passionate Refugee Volunteer & These Skills Can Support Your Team

Trigger Word/Number: 3 Skills Keyword: Refugee Volunteer Adjective/Verb: Passionate, Support Promise: Your Team

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2. tailor your cover letter for a specific position as a refugee volunteer.

With your header and headline in place, you must now ensure that the rest of the text found in your cover letter is highly specific to the volunteer organization as well.

This is accomplished by researching the organization thoroughly before beginning the writing process. Important details to look for include what types of refugees the organization works with, what types of duties volunteers are responsible for, and what the organization’s overall goals and values are. 

Additionally, you should look up who at the organization is responsible for onboarding new volunteers and use this information to create a personalized greeting .

This type of greeting will address this specific person by name and let them know right away that you have taken the time and effort to complete research before applying for the position. 

Here are 3 examples of personalized greetings from a refugee volunteer cover letter

• Dear Head Volunteer Jane Miller,
• Dear Refugee Volunteer Organizer Jane Miller,
• Dear Mrs. Jane Miller,

3. Write a strong introduction that conveys your top refugee volunteer qualifications

After completing your header and headline, as well as the research you will use to make your letter as personal to the reader as possible, you can begin writing your introduction .

The introductory paragraph is essential, as it is often the deciding factor in whether or not the reader considers you a worthwhile candidate for the position.

To impress volunteer organizers in your cover letter introduction, make sure to include: 

• A concise summary of your professional qualifications and experience
• A statement on why you have chosen to apply and/or why you believe you are the ideal candidate
• A mutual acquaintance — a mutual acquaintance can be any professional acquaintance that has a relationship with both you and the employer, including former bosses or mentors. If you do not have a mutual acquaintance, you can build your professional network using a professional social platform such as LinkedIn. 

Here is an example of a strong introduction from a refugee volunteer cover letter 

Dear Head Volunteer Jane Miller, As a long-time and passionate refugee volunteer, I have more than 7 years of experience working with refugees from Latin and South America, particularly young refugees separated from their families. With a background in social work and fluency in Spanish, I believe I am the ideal addition to your volunteer team. My employer, Mr. Jack Smith, helps fundraise for your organization and recommended I apply to this volunteer position. 

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4. Highlight your best and most relevant volunteer skills and accomplishments

With your introduction out of the way and the reader’s attention firmly hooked on your words, you can begin diving into the juicier details about your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments .

Employment cover letters are more focused on showcasing the value you can provide to a business, while volunteer cover letters focus more on conveying your compassion and commitment to the role. As such, you should include details that highlight your ability to work with a wide range of people and communicate effectively.

Make sure all the details you include are concise, highly relevant, and quantifiable. You want to make it as clear as possible why you are a good fit for this position. 

Here are 6 skills to describe in a refugee volunteer cover letter

• Fluency in other languages
• Effective communication (describe your exact communication style)
• Leadership (describe your exact leadership style)
• Teamwork and collaboration 
• Distribution of supplies
• Crowd and conflict management

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a cover letter

As a refugee volunteer with [Organization], I worked closely with individuals who had become separated from their families when fleeing war and violent conflicts. My primary responsibility was to assist the Head of Communications to reconnect these individuals with loved ones who had already reached our location and been registered in the system. During my time in this role, I was able to reconnect more than 400 family members over the course of 6 months. 

5. Conclude your refugee volunteer cover letter persuasively

You have reached the end of your refugee volunteer cover letter but your work is not yet done.

To end your refugee volunteer cover letter effectively , it is critically important to reiterate your commitment and passion for the position. Additionally, the conclusion is where you should re-state your contact information and provide the reader with the best times to contact you. 

Keep in mind that your conclusion should be persuasive, encouraging the reader to get in touch with you quickly. 

Here is an example of a persuasive conclusion from a refugee volunteer cover letter

With my passion for helping families stay connected in times of uncertainty, I am certain I will be an excellent addition to your team of refugee volunteers. I eagerly await your response and can be best reached any day between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (123) 456-7890.

Yours Truly, 

[Applicant Name]

6. Valuable job search resources for refugee volunteers

Let's not forget  — having solid resources can make your job search, as a refugee volunteer, significantly smoother. Check out this practical list we've put together:

• Non-profit job boards: Websites like Idealist and MissionImpact are filled with volunteer opportunities within the non-profit sector, including refugee support roles.
• Refugee-focused organizations: Reputable NGOs like Doctors Without Borders and UN Refugee Agency often advertise volunteer positions on their websites.
• LinkedIn : Don't overlook the biggest professional network. Use relevant search terms, like 'refugee', 'volunteer', or 'human rights', to dig out opportunities.
• Volunteer databases: Check out VolunteerMatch or HandsOn Network for a wide range of volunteer roles distributed across the globe.
• Local community centers: They often have info on how you can get involved as a refugee volunteer.

Remember, these tools are just stepping-stones. The more you network, follow NGOs, and get involved, the more resources you'll uncover. Happy hunting!

If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two .

Refugee Volunteer Cover Letter FAQ

What should i highlight in my refugee volunteer cover letter.

Focus on your understanding of the refugee situation, your ability to manage in crisis scenarios, and any relevant skills or experiences. Apart from this, be sure to showcase your compassion, commitment, and resilience. 

Should I mention my previous volunteer experience?

Absolutely. Any previous volunteering experience, directly related or otherwise, helps to illustrate your readiness to contribute and work within a community setup.

How long should my refugee volunteer cover letter be?

Generally, try to keep it under one page. This forces you to concentrate on your most significant skills and experiences. Bulleted lists can be a great way to achieve this. 

Do I need to tailor my cover letter for each application?

Yes, always. Different organizations will have different needs, cultures, and missions. Make sure your cover letter showcases how you can meet their specific needs.

What's the most common mistake on refugee volunteer cover letters?

One of the biggest pitfalls is focusing too much on what the experience can do for you, rather than what you can bring to the role. Remember, it's about demonstrating your value to them.

Martin Poduška

Martin is a resume expert and career advice writer at Kickresume. In his five years at Kickresume, he has written hundreds of in-depth, painstakingly researched resume advice articles and, as chief editor, he has also edited and revised every single article on this website. Tens of thousands of job seekers read Martin’s resume advice every month. He holds a degree in English from the University of St Andrews and a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Amsterdam .

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International aid program coordinator sample cover letter

This free sample cover letter for an international aid program coordinator has an accompanying international aid program coordinator sample resume and sample international aid program coordinator job advertisement to help you put together a winning job application.

Reece Brown Programs Manager Emergency Hunger Action Lighthill QLD 7800 Dear Ms Brown Re: International Aid Program Coordinator position I am writing to apply for the position of International Aid Program Coordinator, as advertised recently on the EHA website. I am a qualified, dedicated and experienced international humanitarian aid worker, specialising in nutritional program coordination. My most recent role has been the coordination of all aspects of local nutrition programs in South Sudan for Exfam International, a small humanitarian relief organisation. My time in South Sudan has seen me plan, implement, evaluate and report on programs that provide both immediate emergency relief and sustainable local development. I have overseen the distribution of essential foods and supplements, coordination of primary health care services, training of program delivery teams, provision of logistical and technical support, and the preparation of funding submissions and grant proposals. This role has also involved collecting and analysing data on the impact and effectiveness of our health programs on communities, as well as ensuring WHO compliance in every aspect of our program delivery. This experience, in addition to my previous experience in humanitarian relief in South East Asia, has given me knowledge and perspective in humanitarian emergency situations, and an understanding of the importance of developing sustainable community development programs. I have a strong academic grounding in international aid, health and project management, having completed a Bachelor of Arts (International Aid and Development), a Graduate Diploma in International Health and a Certificate IV in Project Management. I possess excellent organisational skills and an ability to maintain the big picture while attending to details and logistics. I am an excellent communicator, with an ability to manage large teams of people; and I remain calm and positive under pressure, especially in what can be difficult or traumatic situations. My life and career have been driven by a strong passion to alleviate the suffering of disadvantaged people around the world. I believe the West has a responsibility to help poorer nations, and I would love to play an integral part in enacting that. My resume is attached and I look forward to being able to discuss the position with you further. Kind regards, [sign here] Cindy Nickel

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Sample cover letter for Full Time position at UNHCR

Protection officer.

Cover Letter

Protection Officer (Cluster Support), UNHCR

Dear Madam/Sir,

I am keen to offer my services for the position of Protection Officer (Cluster Support) with UNHCR . Based on my relevant qualifications, experience and skills, I am confident that I would be an appropriate candidate for this position.

Along with post-graduation degree in International Law from University of Canberra Australia, I have more than ten years of experience in family law, judiciary and legal family court law practices in Iraq. I am trained professional having skills of need assessment, planning, implementation, coordination, capacity building, reporting and evaluation procedures in the Law department with government counterparts and donors.

My recent degree in International Law focuses in various interdisciplinary legal practices. This exposure of studying abroad encouraged me to explore the topic of International Refugee and Human Rights Law in order to contribute for the improvement of the current devastating situation of my region.

Due to the previous experience, understanding about the key security issues, human right challenges and passion to work in the humanitarian sector emergency programmes for the betterment of vulnerable and marginalized groups of the region; I consider myself to become a central member of UNHCR team.

Cover Letter for Aid Worker

[Aid Workers are responsible for helping victims of natural and manmade disasters, as well as citizens of famine or war-torn countries. Here briefly describe on sample Cover Letter for Aid Worker. Common job responsibilities include coordinating and assigning work to volunteers, assessing the severity of emergency situations, and managing budgets and resource allocation. You need to modify this sample according to your needs.]

Candidate/Your Name…

Full Address…

Contact No…

Mail Address…

Date: DD/MM/YY

High Official Name…

Job Designation…

Department name…

Sub: Cover Letter for Aid Worker

Dear (Sir/Name),

I am writing to express my interest in filling the Aid Worker position at (Organization/Institute name) that is now available. (Describe in your words). As a Humanitarian with (***) years of experience and (degree name) in Sociology (Subject name), I believe I have the education and experience necessary to succeed as an Aid worker for your organization. (Describe all about the situation).

I have invested (***) years as an Aid Worker during which time I have gained a vast amount of experience and knowledge that I would like to share with your company. (Describe all about your job experiences). While this was not all paid work, I think my experience has prepared me well for helping your organization achieve its goals. I have real compassion for those in need and I fully understand how important it is to be discreet when handling delicate situations. (Describe all about your job qualifications).

My work experience, qualifications and skills include:

• High experience in humanitarian aid programs,
• Excellent fluency in a number of foreign languages,
• The ability to work on my own or as part of a team
• The ability to stay on schedule
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to work well under pressure and in high-stress situations.

I have personal experience responding to and coordination emergency situations in which I:

• Coordinated and provided support for volunteers during emergency situations.
• Created reports and proposals for emergency intervention.
• Made sure all the work was conducted in compliance with the national and international regulations, laws and policies

I have an insatiable desire to help people, and I think that makes me a great candidate. (Express your confidence and dedication). I believe that I am qualified to fill this position and that my previous training will aid in the growth of your company as well as my career.

I look forward to meeting you in person to discuss the position in more detail and what I can contribute to your company. (Cordially describe your greetings and requirements). If you would like to grant me an interview, then please contact me at your earliest convenience.

Contact info. and Signature…

Enclosures…

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Humanitarian Aid Worker Cover Letter Sample

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Humanitarian Aid Worker Cover Letter Templates

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Table of Contents

Best Humanitarian Aid Worker Cover Letter

What is the Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter?

Why do Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letters matter?

• Structure of the Product Manager cover letter

How to write a great Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter?

Humanitarian Aid Worker Cover Letter Example Tips

Whenever a job seeker applies for a Humanitarian Aid Worker role in a new company, he/she must signal their value through multiple mediums. While the Humanitarian Aid Worker resume will be the most well-known part of the Humanitarian Aid Worker job application, but, do consider the Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter equally important for landing a job. Writing a great Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter plays an important role in your job search journey.

Many employers no longer ask for cover letters these days, whereas, many employers still ask for cover letters from job seekers. And if you are sending an email to the recruiting team to apply, your email itself acts as a cover letter.

An engaging Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter can help you grab an employer's attention, which can lead to landing an interview for a job. Before creating a job-winning cover letter that really works for you, you need to know what content and format are to be used. Check out our perfect Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter example and start creating one for you on our easy to use cover letter builder.

When writing a Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter, always remember to refer to the requirements listed in the job description of the job you're applying for. Highlight your most relevant or exceptional qualifications to help employers see why you stand out from other candidates and are a perfect fit for the role.

CV Owl's Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter example will guide you to write a cover letter that best highlights your experience and qualifications. If you're ready to apply for your next role, upload your document on CV Owl for a review service to make sure it doesn't land in the trash.

Here we will discuss what a cover letter is, how to write a cover letter, why it matters for your job search, and what its structure should look like.

Must Read: How to Write a Cover Letter & Cover Letter Writing Tips explained

A cover letter is a narrative about who you are and why the recruiter should invest time in evaluating you, rather investing in other candidates. You need to showcase that you're the right fit for that specific job opening. It's important to always remember that the role of the cover letter is to share a narrative which is completely different from a resume for your job application.

Whereas, the Humanitarian Aid Worker resume should highlight all your quantitative values where you need to prove your worth through concrete numbers. Your Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter should be different from your resume where you need to demonstrate a story about yourself in a way that your resume will never be able to do so. Alternatively, students who study web development can ask for Python assignment help at AssignmentCore whose experts handle various projects in Python language.

Your resume acts as a demo video for employers, which includes quick hits and stats on why you are the best solution whereas your cover letter acts like a customer testimonial white paper. Make it sound like an in-depth discussion with a couple of concrete and impactful experiences that bring you to life as a human being.

Check out professional cover letter templates at CV Owl's cover letter directory and you can use those templates for free for creating your Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter using our professional cover letter builder.

Must Read: How to Get Your Cover Letter Noticed by Employers

The cover letter is kind of a test for you. It tests to see whether you can craft a compelling narrative about yourself. By testing your cover letter writing abilities, the company is trying to assess whether or not you would be able to craft compelling narratives on behalf of that company in the future.

Many companies will let you optionally attach a cover letter along with your application. If you take this as a challenge for yourself and do so, it will showcase your firm commitment to the company, and allows you to tell a story about yourself as a leader and as a collaborator. A solid cover letter will leave a long-lasting impression in the recruiters mind and will help make you stand out from other candidates.

And here's the most important reason of all: the process involved is more important than the output. When you get into the cover letter writing process, you're compelled to figure out the story about yourself, and how you are the best solution for the company's pain.

You're advised to conduct pre-interview research about the company so that you know exactly what you're meant to tackle, and you know exactly how to position yourself throughout the interview. Once you've written your Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter, you'll have a mental reference point about how you want to talk about yourself across all of your interviews, and that's incredibly valuable!

Must Read: Things you need to know before start writing a Cover Letter

Structure of the Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter

The most effective and impact making cover letters consists of three core parts.

The first part is the introduction. The first paragraph should include the following key details: which company you're applying to, what role you're applying to, and a summary of how you will add value to the company.

Many cover letters fail to mention either the job title or the name of the company. This provides a clear indication to the employer that you're using the same cover letter for many companies, which further indicates that you aren't serious enough or you don't care enough about making a good impression. If this is the case, it's better to not write a cover letter at all! And, always make sure you're sending the right cover letter to the right company.

Most of the time, applicants take advantage of cover letter examples or cover letter samples , and forget to clean it up. You need to ensure that you've put in all the hard work in personalization of your cover letter - be professional!

It shouldn't really be about you - rather, it should be about how you're excited about what the company is doing, and about how you're the perfect fit to solve their needs. And if you feel that you can't directly address the job requirements on the company website, you may need to consider applying for a different role instead.

The second part is the narrative. The second paragraph includes your story where you tell about yourself, and where you showcase that your past experiences have made you capable enough to be the best suited candidate available for that specific position.

Use it to address questions that might come up in an interview, such as “what was your proudest moment”, “how did you overcome failure”, and “tell us about a time when you took an initiative from start to end successfully.”

Always remember to customize your cover letter to the specific employer and the specific role that you're applying for rather than using a standard one for all which lands in the bin.

Finally, the last part is the conclusion. In the last & closing paragraph, summarize what value addition you'll bring to the company and why you're the perfect fit for the specific role. Express your excitement about being a part of the team in the near future. Remind them that they should reach out to you to schedule an interview so that they can learn more about how you're the best person to solve their problems.

With a cover letter created with the above structure, you're definitely gonna leave a solid impression that will grab the attention of hiring managers which significantly increases your chances of getting a job interview.

Must Read: Tips for Customizing your Cover Letter

Before you write a single word of your cover letter, you must first prepare your thoughts and pen down on a blank paper.

Ask questions to yourself like: What are your strengths? Where do you stand as a Humanitarian Aid Worker? Which of your work experiences is the best so far for the companies you've worked with?

Similarly, conduct research on the company . What is their product, their competitors, their mission, and what is their culture? What problem statement are they trying to solve with the Humanitarian Aid Worker role that you're applying to?

So now you must be having 2 stories - one for you and the other of the company. Write down both the stories on a paper. Review your two stories and your pre-interview research, and use that to hammer out your introduction and your conclusion. !

Now bring the whole thing down to a single page eliminating all the unnecessary and unrequired stuff. When the hiring managers assess your cover letter or your resume, they do not evaluate you on the basis of your sum of your experiences but on the average of your experiences. Hence, try to eliminate or cut out every single irrelevant word you've put in as it's gonna bring down the averages of your experience.

One of the simple ways to make sure that your cover letter stands out from the numerous other candidates' cover letters is to personalize your cover letter which helps you grab the hiring manager's attention. Express your enthusiasm about the job showcasing why you're the perfect fit for that specific role and how excited you are to be the part of the team.

Make use of the job description to which you are applying for which will help you to write a cover letter that clearly demonstrates how your skills, experience, or background make you the best available candidate to be a Humanitarian Aid Worker for the company. You should demonstrate exactly how much you are interested in the organization and the position, showing that you are able to meet the needs of the company.

Don't forget to learn about the organization. Take some time out to peruse the company's website and learn their values, mission, and then incorporate that information in your cover letter. Let the recruiters know how you came across this position and detail how your ideals are in line with the organization's goals and how your plans for your career can benefit their objectives.

Always make sure you only focus on the skills in the cover letter which the organisation demands and have highlighted in their job description. Specifically, the ones that are listed as being required separately, do not forget to put them in. Give a brief on these skills by offering concrete examples of how you are using or have used them with any success story(if any).

Proofreading & Iterating - Once you're finished writing your cover letter, edit your cover letter and ask for the feedback from your friend or of you have any consultant/mentor, and repeat this process until you and your reviewer agree and are satisfied that you are the best fit for the job from all other candidates that are applying. Learn to use grammarly .

Key points to remember - don't worry too much about the salutation or the greeting. It doesn't matter whether you use "dear sir or madam" or "dear hiring manager" or "to whomsoever it may concern" - the ultimate goal is to demonstrate that you're the stand out candidate out of everyone who's applying for that job posting. Just focus on the core value that you're bringing to the company! If you experience difficulty in composing your cover letter professionally, you can hire an essay writer at CustomWritings to have your cover letter or job application paper written from scratch.

Must Read: Things to remember while sending a Cover Letter

Even with a use of a cover letter sample or template, sometimes it can get even more trickier to make a perfect cover letter. Below listed are some tips to keep in mind when writing your Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter.

• Use a proper cover letter format (one-inch margins, line spacing of 1.15, and an 11pt or 12pt classic font).
• Always have an attractive yet professional cover letter header.
• Show you're the best for the position and explain why you want to be part of the company and the value you will bring.
• Always remember to provide your contact information (e.g. phone number and email address), and if possible add a link to your LinkedIn profile which brings more professionalism.
• Do not add or share other social media links such as Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
• Always proofread your cover letter before sharing with hiring managers. Double check for any typos or grammatical errors. Spell check is your best friend here! Use grammarly!

Make note of these key points and remember that you're selling yourself to not only the hiring manager but also the company.

Must Read: Avail Professional Cover Letter Writing Services

Your Humanitarian Aid Worker cover letter is an opportunity for you to tell your story, without being stuck in the formatting constraints of the Humanitarian Aid Worker resume. Make use of this chance and let the hiring managers know why you're the best fit for the role!

Start with an attention grabbing introduction, followed by your key narratives as you were answering an interview question . Make sure that your key narratives focus on the pain of the company and how you can take them out of it. Conclude with a conclusion summarizing your value proposition and expresses your excitement about the role.

Notice how your cover letter answers multiple Humanitarian Aid Worker interview questions. It should answer the questions “tell me about yourself,” “what are your strengths”, “tell me about a time when you led an initiative”, and “tell me about a time when you overcame a challenge.” If you know how to write a good cover letter , you know how to crack a solid portion of the interview process too!

As you write more and more cover letters, you'll find that you've become better at positioning yourself as a product.

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