How to write a community development worker CV (and example)

Updated 22 November 2022

Community development specialists inspire change and improve the quality of life in their local area. If you aspire to work in this role, it's necessary to demonstrate to recruiters that you have the right qualifications and experience in the sector. Learning how to create an engaging CV is one of the key elements to securing a job as a community development professional. In this article, we show you how to write a good community development worker CV and share a template and an example, which you can use as inspiration to create your job application.

What is a community development worker?

Before you learn how to write a community development worker CV, it's helpful to review the role's key duties and responsibilities. Community development officers are public service professionals responsible for the development and maintenance of local communities. On a daily basis, they work with individuals, families and groups of citizens, helping them identify and explore personal and career opportunities. In a way, these professionals give a good example and inspire others to build confidence and determine what they want to accomplish in life.

How to write a community development worker CV

If you're preparing for changing jobs in the field of community development, a CV is one of the key documents employers may require from you. Here are some steps you can take to write your CV:

1. Choose a CV type

Before you start writing your document, it's necessary to decide what type of CV you want to create. Depending on your level of experience and work history, there are three popular types of CV to consider:

Functional CV: Also known as a skills-based CV, this formal allows you to attract recruiters' attention to your professional abilities rather than your job history. It's an effective format for career changers with strong transferable skills and professionals with gaps in their CVs.
Chronological: A chronological, also known as traditional, CV allows you to demonstrate your work experience before mentioning your skills and education. It's effective for candidates without gaps in their CVs who've worked in the same profession for at least a few years.
Combination: This CV formal combines elements of both functional and chronological CVs, as it gives you a chance to demonstrate your skills and experience at the same level of importance. Candidates who meet most employer and role requirements use this format often.

2. Find a template

Next, consider using a template. Although you can create your CV from scratch if you want to, templates help you make sure your CV is complete and features all the necessary elements that recruiters expect to see. There are various platforms that offer free or paid templates for job applications and a quick online search can usually provide you with a lot of templates and other resources.

3. Provide your contact information

After deciding what type of CV you want to create and find a template, it's time to start writing your CV. Start by providing your contact information at the top of the page. Firstly, write your full name. In the next line, provide your phone number, email and location. If you have an online portfolio, you can also include a link to it. This way, recruiters can easily access any media you prepare to demonstrate any work and volunteering experience you've done for your community.

4. Write a professional summary

Next, write your professional summary. This element of a CV provides recruiters with a brief and engaging overview of you as a candidate. A good summary is usually up to three sentences long and concisely describes your ambitions, goals and notable work accomplishments. You can also express your excitement about joining the organisation to which you're applying.

5. Mention your experience

In a separate section, provide vital information about your work experience. Start by listing your most recent or current role. In the first line, mention your title and dates of employment. In the next one, write the name of the company and its location. Then, use bullet points to list key duties and responsibilities you had as a part of each job you want to mention.

When you're applying for a community development officer role, it's important to give examples of both administrative and practical duties you had. For recruiters, it's important to know you have hands-on experience in helping the members of your community. You can also impress them by listing administrative duties you had in the office, like handling appointment scheduling or writing reports.

6. List your skills

After describing your experience, concentrate on listing your role-specific skills. It's important that you demonstrate both the hard and soft skills that you have. Some essential professional abilities for community development professionals include:

written and verbal communication
empathy and interpersonal skills
intervention and prevention techniques
knowledge of office and scheduling software
ability to write reports and apply for funding
ability to manage volunteer programmes

7. Describe your educational background

Lastly, make sure your CV includes a section that describes your educational background. This is especially important if you have a degree or diploma in community development or social work. To list your education, write your degree and title. In the same line, provide the name of the school or university from which you graduated. This is optional, but you can also mention the year you graduated.

8. Proofread and edit

When you feel like your CV is ready, make sure to proofread and edit the document. Making sure there are no grammar errors or typos demonstrates your attention to detail. To proofread the CV, you can use a free online editing tool. It's also helpful to ask a more experienced friend or family member to read through your application and share any helpful suggestions they have.

CV template for a community development role

Using a template helps you make sure you include all relevant information in your application and put them in the right order. Here's a simple CV template you can use:

[First name] [Last name]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [Location]
Professional Summary
[A few sentences describing your experience, professional aspirations and work accomplishments.]
Experience
[Job title] | [Dates of employment]

[Bullet points describing key job duties]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

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Example CV for community development workers

Reviewing an example CV is one of the most effective ways to get inspiration and make sure your job application is complete. Here's an example you can use to create your CV:

Mary Robbins +44 (0)7878 135790| maryrobbins@email.com| Bradford, Leeds
Professional Summary
Ambitious and experienced professional with over four years in community development and planning. Quick and effective problem-solver with exceptional interpersonal and intervention. Seeing a position to further develop my skills and have the opportunity to make a real impact in a community.
Experience
Community development officer | June 2018–Current
Leeds Green Housing Association | Leeds

Liaising with officers to identify community needs
Drafting and submitting funding applications with an 80% success rate
Preparing reports and conducting client progress evaluations
Overseeing the implementation of the free adult schooling programme
Communicating public statements to local media and press

Assistant to community development leader | January–June 2018
Blue Wave Association | Leeds

Took minutes during the community development team's meetings
Scheduled appointments with clients and greeted them at the office
Assisted with other day-to-day duties as necessary

Education
BA (Hons) Social work, Leeds University of Public Services

Disclaimer: The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.