When applying for charity or not-for-profit roles, your CV and cover letter are your voice on paper, a chance to show what you care about and how you can help make a difference.

Whether you’re starting out in the charity world or ready to take your next step, getting the basics right today can open doors to the opportunities of tomorrow.

At Charisma Charity Recruitment, we review hundreds of applications every month and the ones that truly stand out are genuine, well-considered, and ready for the future of the sector.

1. Start with the essentials

It may sound simple, but many strong candidates lose credibility over small details. Here’s what to double-check before you hit ‘send’:

Reference the right charity and job title: Always ensure your documents reference the correct organisation and role. For example:

·       Poor: Cover letter mentions when applying to “Save the Children”

·       Good: Cover letter clearly addresses “Save the Children - Fundraising Manager role”

Attach only relevant documents: Include only files that strengthen your application. Recruiters have seen everything from 24-page cover letters to unrelated personal files.

2. Write a purposeful cover Letter

A great cover letter doesn’t need to be long, but it does need to be thoughtful.

Adam Stacey, CEO of Charisma Charity Recruitment, highlights three essentials every strong cover letter should include:

1. You’ve read the brief - reference the specific job and organisation.
2. You understand the cause - mention the charity’s mission or recent work.
3. You can make a difference - explain clearly how your skills and values align.

If your letter could be sent to any charity, it’s unlikely to stand out. The best ones feel like a personal, purposeful conversation: professional, human, and sincere.

3. Tailor your CV for the charity sector

Recruiters and hiring managers in the UK charity space care deeply about motivation, values, and long-term impact. Your CV should show not only what you’ve achieved but why it matters.

Tips for a standout charity CV:

• Start with a short profile linking your experience to the charity’s mission.
• Keep formatting clean, with clear fonts, headings, and concise bullet points.
• Highlight measurable impact (e.g. Increased fundraising income by 20%).
• Include volunteering or trustee roles where relevant.
• Keep it focused, ideally two pages or less.
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4. Using AI wisely

AI can help polish your application, but it can’t replace your authentic voice. Adam Stacey shares practical guidance:

• Personalise first, then run via AI. Write your own CV, hiring managers want to know your voice but use AI to help tidy your CV up.
• Proofread, don’t replace. Let AI check clarity and grammar, but don’t let it replace your words entirely.
• Brainstorm and practise. Use AI to generate ideas for interview answers, then practise saying them aloud until they feel natural.
• Write your story first. Never copy-paste a cover letter prompt; write your story first, then let AI tidy the edges.

Think of AI as your assistant, not your author, the human connection is what ultimately makes the difference in interviews.

5. Make a current and future impact

The charity sector continues to evolve, with greater focus on digital innovation, sustainable funding, and community-led change. Your CV and cover letter should reflect how you can contribute now and adapt for the future.

Ask yourself:

• How does my experience help charities deliver long-term impact?
• Am I demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning?
• Does my tone reflect empathy, professionalism, and purpose?

6. Final check before you submit

Before sending your application, take a few minutes to review:

• Correct job title and charity name
• Personalised, purposeful cover letter
• Clean, well-named files
• Relevant experience clearly highlighted
• Authentic tone, not copied or AI-generated

These small touches can be the difference between being overlooked and being shortlisted.

Creating a standout CV and cover letter for charity roles is about presentation and connection. Show that you understand the mission, believe in the cause, and bring the expertise to make a real difference.

At Charisma Charity Recruitment, we seek purpose-driven professionals ready to make an impact today and inspire the future of the UK charity sector.