How to Write a Charity CV (Examples & Tips)

A charity CV needs to demonstrate more than professional competence. Employers in the charity and not-for-profit sector are looking for candidates who can show values, motivation and measurable impact, alongside the skills required for the role.

Whether you’re applying for a fundraising position, programme management role or a charity operations post, this guide explains how to write a charity CV that stands out to recruiters and hiring managers.

What Makes a Charity CV Different?

Charity employers tend to look beyond job titles and responsibilities. They want to understand:

• why you’re drawn to the sector

• how your work has made a difference

• how well your values align with their mission

A strong charity CV balances professional capability with purpose, without sounding vague or overly emotive.

Key Sections of a Charity CV

Personal Profile

Your personal profile should quickly explain who you are, what you offer, and why charity work matters to you.

Instead of generic statements, focus on:

• relevant sector experience

• transferable skills (stakeholder engagement, fundraising support, project delivery)

• genuine motivation for working in charities

For general guidance on structuring effective profiles, see our CV Writing Tips hub.

Skills & Experience

When outlining experience:

• prioritise relevance over chronology

• highlight experience working with communities, donors or beneficiaries

• show adaptability and collaboration

Even if your background is commercial, focus on transferable skills rather than sector labels.

Achievements with Impact

Charity recruiters respond strongly to evidence of impact. Where possible, include:

• funds raised

• programmes delivered

• efficiency improvements

• outcomes achieved

Framing your experience this way shows you understand how charities measure success.

Tailoring Your Charity CV to the Role

Charity roles vary widely. A CV for a small grassroots organisation will differ from one aimed at a national or international charity.

Before applying:

• research the charity’s mission and priorities

• mirror the language used in the job description

• emphasise the most relevant experience

You can find more examples across different roles in our Industry-Specific CV Guides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on a Charity CV

• Using overly emotional or vague language

• Focusing only on job duties rather than outcomes

• Failing to explain why you want to work in the charity sector

• Treating the CV as identical to a corporate application

FAQs

Should I include volunteering experience on a charity CV?
Yes. Volunteering experience is highly relevant and can demonstrate commitment, values and transferable skills.

How long should a charity CV be?
Most charity CVs should be two pages, focusing on clarity, relevance and evidence of impact.

Is a cover letter important for charity roles?
Often yes. Charity employers frequently use cover letters to assess motivation and alignment with their mission.