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What to include in a NZ cover letter (with templates)

Here’s everything your cover letter needs to contain.

Last updated: 31 March 2023

What you’ll learn:

How long should your cover letter be.

• What to include in your cover letter

Do you need to write a different cover letter for each job application?

Yes, you should write a cover letter for every job application you make in New Zealand. Whether it’s your first job helping out at your local dairy, or you’re applying for a CEO role , this document needs to be submitted.

But what exactly do you need to include in your cover letter? Well, spoiler alert, it shouldn’t just be your CV written out in full sentences.

In this article, we’ll break down the core essentials that you need to include in your cover letter, and also provide some free downloadable cover letter templates to make things even easier for you. Aren’t we nice?

One of the key challenges of writing a cover letter is cramming all the necessary information in, so before we tell you what you need to include, you need to know how much space you have..

Luckily’ it’s a pretty easy one to remember: a cover letter in New Zealand should fit onto a single A4 page.

However, remember, you need to lay your cover letter out like a formal letter. If you don’t know what we mean, check out our free downloadable cover letter templates , but in practice this means that you only have two or three paragraphs to make your key points, because the formatting takes up lots of space.

What to include in your cover letter (with examples)

1. your name and contact details.

At the top left-hand side of the page should be your name and contact details. These need to be presented in a block style, as they would appear on a formal letter. The contact details you need to provide are:

• Your current home address.
• Your email address.
• Your best contact number.

Here’s an example of what it should look like:

Nina Manmain

123 Brooklyn Road

02012345678

[email protected]

This is what the top of your cover letter should look like.

2. The date

As with any formal letter, you need to include the date.. This should also go at the top, typically in the middle or in the top right corner.

3. The name, address and business name of the person you’re writing to

Make every possible effort to find a name to address your cover letter to. It provides a really important personal touch to your job application, and instantly grabs the attention of the reader.

There are a few places you can look to find who you should be addressing your cover letter to:

• The job advert : in an ideal world, the company will have included the name of the hiring manager, or a contact person, in their listing on Trade Me Jobs . This will normally be at the end of the listing, and will look something like “Contact NAME with your CV and cover letter.”.
• The company’s website : hopefully you’ll know what department you’re applying to, so you might be able to check out the staff page on the company’s website to look up the manager’s name.
• The company’s social media : similar to the above, this can be another avenue for scoping out the best person to address your cover letter to.

You also need to include the name of the business and its physical address on your cover letter. This should be written in a block format, and should look something like this:

MANAGER NAME

COMPANY NAME

COMPANY ADDRESS LINE 1

COMPANY ADDRESS LINE 2

4. Your cover letter salutation

A cover letter salutation is just a fancy way of your greeting. Typically, this will be something like Dear HIRING MANAGER NAME .

You have a judgement call to make here. If you think the company is an informal one, you might choose to go for the most personal salutation, and use the hiring manager’s first name, i.e. Dear Sarah.

If, however, you’re applying for a role in a formal company, or a formal sector like law or banking, you’ll probably want to go with something along the lines of Dear Rawiri Smith. Of course, if you know the hiring manager has a different title, Dr, for example, then you’ll want to use that.

In the circumstances where you really can’t find a real person to address your cover letter to, then the standard fallback is Dear Sir/Madam . It’s not ideal, but if there isn't a name, this is your best bet.

Your cover letter saluation is like a written handshake.

5. The role you’re applying for, and how you heard about it

It might sound pointless, but you do need to directly name the role you’re applying for in the first paragraph of your cover letter. You need to remember that the business, and maybe even the hiring manager you’re writing to, has multiple vacancies that they’re recruiting for, so make it clear which one you’re applying to.

You also need to mention where you saw the job listing. This is a useful piece of info for the company to gather, as it shows them where their pipeline of quality candidates is coming from.

Finally for this paragraph, you should express some enthusiasm about the job, and give them an indication of why it appeals to you.

For example, your opening paragraph could like this:

“I’m writing to apply for the kayak guide role I saw advertised on Trade Me Jobs. As an experienced kayaker, with several qualifications under my belt, and with previous experience working in tourism, this role struck me as one where I could contribute to your team and also learn vital skills.”

6. Why you’re suitable for the role

This section, and the one after, are the real bread and butter of your cover letter.

For this first one, you need to provide a summary of the skills and experience you have that make you qualified for the role. Crucially, this should not be a complete rewrite of your CV. You need to specifically cherry pick skills from your previous employment (or education) that fit with what the company is looking for.

The best thing to do is look for key skills and competencies listed in the job description, and provide tangible examples of how you meet the mark, using facts and figures. For example, rather than just saying you’ve ‘increased sales’ in your previous role, tell them you ‘increased sales by X%’. Giving a precise figure like this catches the eye and sticks in the mind, and, as long as you’re not exaggerating or lying, can be a real asset in a job interview.

This section could look something like this:

My BCom in Marketing gave me a solid grounding in crucial marketing skills, ranging from statistics to e-Commerce. I particularly enjoyed tasks which involved using data to develop and run successful email and paid advertising campaigns.

I added to this experience in summer 2022 as an intern at The Business Company, where I worked alongside full-time staff to grow their email engagement by 4% in three months. I’m now looking to build on what I’ve learnt in a fast-moving and customer-centric organisation like yours, while continuing to develop myself professionally.

The heart of your cover letter should emphasise what you bring to the table, and why you want to work for them.

7. Why you want to work for them

While the main point of writing a cover letter is to sell yourself, you also need to convince the reader that you really do want to work for them. In other words, they want to see that this isn’t just another cover letter you’ve written because you really need a job, and that instead you’ll be an engaged and proactive team member.

Crucially, this isn’t an exercise in bootlicking. Telling the hiring manager that you’ve always dreamed of working at their two-month old startup isn’t going to convince anyone, and really doesn’t mean a whole lot. Instead, you need to give specific reasons why their organisation and this role speak to you.

Solid examples of what to include in this section of your cover letter include:

• Company values and culture : company values have really come to the fore in recent years, so describing how well you feel you’d fit into these is important. Many companies post their values on their website, so read these carefully, and pick a couple that really speak to you.
• The product or service : if you really do have a passion for what the organisation does, sells or promotes, talk about it. Where possible, try and weave a narrative that explains why you’re into it, rather than just stating that you are.
• T heir past achievements : if the organisation is known for having done something that you find impressive, this is worth mentioning. This helps prove to the reader that you have indeed heard about them before you saw their listing on Trade Me Jobs.

For example:

“Having worked in data analysis for years, the opportunity to use my skills for a cause that I really believe in is something I’ve been seeking for some time. COMPANY NAME’S reputation for using data to show businesses how they can cut down on their fossil fuel emissions is not only innovative and impressive, but is something that would allow me to continue to develop my skills within an organisation that shares my passion for environmental sustainability.”

8. Your sign off

Keep the end of your cover letter simple. All you need to do is convey again how keen you are for the role, thank the reader for taking the time to assess your application and provide a friendly goodbye.

“The idea of working for a news organisation that puts the stories of its readers at the heart of its reporting is something that really motivates me.. I believe my skills and experience, as well as my passion for your mission, would allow me to do this effectively, and I’d love to become a part of your team. Thank you for taking the time to read my application, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

YOUR NAME’.

Yes, you absolutely do need to write a different cover letter for each job application you make. As we hope this article has emphasised, you need to tailor your cover letter to both describe how you fit the role, and how the role fits you.

If a hiring manager or recruiter gets even the slightest sniff of a mass-produced cover letter that they think you’ve sent to a whole bunch of other organisations, chances are your application is dead in the water and they’ll go with someone else.

Al Hall is a regular contributor at Trade Me Jobs and Trade Me Property. He’s dedicated to helping people succeed in their aspirations to find their dream job and place to live.

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CVs and cover letters

Take the hard work out of writing your CV and cover letter. Get advice about what to write, support to show you what to do, and free templates you can use.

When you apply for a job, employers will look at your:

• CV, to see your skills, any qualifications, and your work history
• cover letter, to find out what kind of person you are and why you want this job.

They'll use this to decide if they want to interview you, so it's really important to make a good impression.

What's available

'build my cv' service.

A free service to help you write or review your CV and cover letter. It's run by the Auckland Business Chamber, and it's available online throughout New Zealand.

You can sign up if you're getting Jobseeker Support or Sole Parent Support.

If you've been getting one of these benefits for less than 12 months, you can sign up through MyMSD:

If you've been getting one of these benefits for more than 12 months talk to your local service centre or call our Job Search line on 0800 779 009 .

Step-by-step CV builder

A free, interactive tool from Careers.govt.nz.

• Makes sure your CV has all the information employers look for.
• Tips and advice to help you build a CV to get you noticed.
• Your CV will save automatically to your account, and you can download, print and email it in Word and PDF.

How to write a cover letter

Careers.govt.nz has great advice about:

• what your cover letter needs
• how to make it look good
• templates you can use.

• CV Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• CV Examples High School Student Teacher Academic Nurse Farm Worker View all
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover Letter Examples Caregiver Administrative Nursing Teacher Cleaner View all
• Cover Letter Builder

Free cover letter examples and expert-approved guides

Crafting a general cover letter is essential for a strong job application; however, not all cover letters are created equal. 

At cvapp.nz, we're dedicated to helping Kiwi job-seekers achieve their professional goals. If you're looking for a customisable, professional cover letter template to help elevate your job application, our user-friendly tools and templates make creating successful cover letters a breeze. Let’s begin!

Dear Mrs. Knight, 

If you're looking for a Sales Assistant with a passion for tech and a deep understanding of the latest trends and advancements in the industry, I'm the tech-savvy sales professional you're looking for! My name is Teina Te Hira, and  I am confident that my unique blend of skills and experiences make me the ideal candidate to support your team and elevate the customer experience at Connect Tech.

I have a proven track record of successfully promoting new products and technology solutions, resulting in a 20% increase in the adoption of cutting-edge products by customers. My ability to communicate the features and benefits of products in a clear and engaging manner has been instrumental in driving sales and enhancing the overall customer experience.

In my previous role as a Sales Assistant, I spearheaded initiatives that led to a 25% increase in monthly sales revenue within the first quarter. By leveraging my strong interpersonal skills and product knowledge, I was able to effectively identify customer needs and tailor recommendations that resulted in a 30% boost in upselling opportunities. These achievements not only demonstrate my ability to drive revenue but also my commitment to providing exceptional service that exceeds customer expectations.

In addition to my sales skills, I'm a team player who thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. I have a collaborative spirit and enjoy working closely with staff to achieve common goals. Through my strong organisational skills, I have streamlined inventory management processes, reducing stock discrepancies by 15% and ensuring a more efficient workflow that optimises the customer shopping experience.

I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to bring my passion for technology, sales expertise, and customer-focused approach to the team at Connect Tech. I believe that my proven track record of driving sales growth, authentic sales demeanour and commitment to fostering a positive team environment make me the perfect fit for the Sales Assistant role.

Thank you for considering my application. I would love to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of Connect Tech. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. I hope to hear from you soon. 

Ngā mihi nui, 

Teina Te Hira

Our best cover letter examples

Keen to see what a great cover letter actually looks like? Check out our top-ranked cover letter examples: 

• Caregiver Cover Letter Example
• Accounting Cover Letter Example
• Nursing Cover Letter Example
• Truck-Driver Cover Letter Example
• Customer Service Representative Cover Letter Example
• Doctor Cover Letter Example
• Internship Cover Letter Example
• First Job Cover Letter Example 

Essential features of an impressive cover letter: 

A well-structured and organised cover letter is essential to effectively showcase why you're the ideal candidate for the job. To really impress potential employers, your cover letter should be both visually appealing, well-formatted and organised. Here are the most important components to include in your cover letter:

• Header: Your cover letter's header, positioned at the top or sometimes on the side of your cover letter, features your name, contact details, and any relevant links to professional websites. The header is essential for helping your cover letter stand out and enhancing the cover letter’s overall visual presentation. 
• Greeting: The greeting of your cover letter should be personalised to the person who will be reading your cover letter. We recommend using a polite and friendly greeting and using the name of the potential employer when known to help establish a connection with the reader. 
• Introduction: Your cover letter introduction should grab the attention of potential employers and make them want to learn more about you. It’s essential to include both the company name and the specific position you’re applying for in this section.
• Body paragraphs: The body paragraphs of your cover letter provide room for you to detail your accomplishments and essential qualifications for the role. This section is often considered the most important component of your cover letter. 
• Conclusion & sign off: The conclusion of your cover letter usually includes a strong call-to-action statement that encourages employers to reach out to you at a later stage. In this section of your cover letter, you should reiterate your passion for the job role, and sign-off with an appropriate farewell, such as “Yours sincerely,” or “Ngā mihi nui.”

Simple cover letter examples

Keen to check out some more simple cover letter examples? No worries, we’ve got you covered (pun intended!) 

Here are some of our favourite simple cover letter examples: 

• Teacher Cover Letter Example

Get noticed and hired faster by using this Teacher cover letter example. This cover letter has been especially designed for Teacher roles in 2024. We make it easy to make effortlessly stunning cover letters quicky and efficiently.

• Care Assistant Cover Letter Example

Get noticed and hired faster by using this Care Assistant cover letter example. This cover letter has been especially designed for Care Assistant roles in 2024. We make it easy to make effortlessly stunning cover letters quicky and efficiently.

• Physical Therapist Cover Letter Example

Get noticed and hired faster by using this Physical Therapist cover letter example. This cover letter has been especially designed for Physical Therapist roles in 2024. We make it easy to make effortlessly stunning cover letters quicky and efficiently.

Expertly-designed, free professional templates

Simple New Zealand

How To Master a Cover Letter for New Zealand [Examples & Tips]

Although you might don’t want to, yet in most cases, you need to include a cover letter when applying for a job in New Zealand. NZ cover letter is similar to other countries; it should show the company why you are the right candidate for the job. Take your time to write a personal and customized letter. Never send the generic one; this can ruin your application from the start.

A cover letter is a monumental part of your job application in New Zealand. A good cover letter should answer the main question, which is why the company should hire you. Additionally, it must provide information on how you can bring value to the company and help them with the challenges. A cover letter should showcase the relevant skills and experience you have.

In most cases, businesses and recruiters in New Zealand will require you to attach a customized cover letter. And it’s a good thing for you. In the end, the cover letter is a claim for the role – it’s your chance to highlight and match your experience against the job description and to clearly state what you can offer your potential employer.

If you are looking for a job in New Zealand, I would highly recommend going through the Job Hunter’s handbook made by Careers.govt.nz.

Table of Contents

Is a cover letter necessary in New Zealand?

Unfortunately, yes, you need to include a customized cover letter when applying for a job in New Zealand. Almost  half of the recruiters reject applications without a cover letter. A high-quality, customized cover letter tells the manager you are a dedicated professional. It should be only a page long.

A resume or CV alone can show your achievements and qualifications, but it can’t tell the story and explain why you choose this company in particular. That’s why we need a cover letter. It’s also a great tool to show your personality and motivation. It must show the employer you are an asset to their company.

Are you resigning from your previous job? Read how to write a proper resignation letter .

Resignation Letter in New Zealand (Examples + Template)

Tips and guidance for a winner cover letter

So what is a cover letter, and why it’s so important for your job application in New Zealand?

• Cover letter is your first point of contact with employers .
• It should fit on one page .
• It needs to explain why you want this job .
• It should relate to your CV .
• It should describe your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments .
• It should show the evidence that you have researched the company and that you are the right candidate.

If you follow these simple statements, you should already be able to create a decent letter. Yet, if you want more, read this article to the end and follow the advice.

The winning tactic here is focusing on  them , not just on  you,  which will ultimately make you stand out from other applicants

When writing your cover letter, pay attention to the following:

• Do very extensive research about the company. Show it in the cover letter.
• Reflect on the company’s vision.
• Highlight specific achievements and successes that show you can address the challenges the employer is facing.
• Show your personality.
• Prove that you understand the challenges of the company.
• Explain your motivation and fit for the position.
• Presents how your skills and experience as a solution for the company.
• Create a list of job keywords that are mentioned in the job ad. Include them in the cover letter.
• Address the cover letter to the right person, e.g., the hiring manager or recruiter
• Be clear and concise
• Have a structure in the letter – beginning, middle, end
• Use active words to describe your work – accomplished, achieved, led, created, increased, identified
• Finish with a call to action and ask for a meeting.
• Try to be funny
• Send a generic cover letter — customize each one for the specific job.
• Forget your full contact details
• Generic and boring opening paragraph
• Copy-paste from the CV or job ad
• Start every sentence with “I”
• Write more than one page

Looking for a job? Check out the best recruitment agencies in New Zealand .

Best Recruitment Agencies in New Zealand 2024

1. Research about the company and position

Your knowledge about the company you are applying to work for is crucial. You must also know all the essential details about the advertised position and how your skills and experience fit in.

When someone reads your cover letter, they must be sure you are the right candidate for this position and for this company. That’s why you must include as many tailored to the job ad details as possible (yet not too many).

So, look for information on the company, its key products or services, its mission, and anything else that gives you an insight into them. Notice the most important details and mention them in the cover letter where appropriate.

You might want to check out the company’s website, its executives’ Twitter feeds, and LinkedIn profiles.

The culture of the organization is vital to note. This will influence your communication style. For instance, you might be more casual with start-ups or advertising agencies but more formal with banks and large corporations.

2. Show how you can help

A company hires you to solve a problem or to help with challenging tasks they are unable to manage. Point out the things you can do for a company and which potential results it might bring. Or maybe you already were challenged with similar tasks? Mention it in your cover letter!

3. Why are you a perfect fit?

The second paragraph of your cover letter should give a clear idea to the reader why you are the one and that you will satisfy the company’s specific needs.

Here you should match the keywords mentioned in the job ad with your skills and experience. You also must show the hiring manager why you want this job, not just any job. Include all the enthusiasm and passion you have.

Match your skills with a job ad

Highlight the key skills and qualities in the ad, e.g.:

• strong written and verbal communication
• technical skills
• analytical thinking
• team player or teamwork
• problem-solving
• time management
• knowledge of software & tools
• specialized or technical competencies
• high level of computer competency
• ability to work well under pressure
• enthusiasm and initiative
• excellent customer service

Include them in the cover letter with real-life examples.

Connections matter in New Zealand

About 70% of all jobs in New Zealand are so-called hidden. They are simply not advertised because hiring managers seek candidates within the company, their circle of colleagues, and people they know before they post a job ad. For that reason, having connections in New Zealand is very crucial.

You are more likely to be invited to an interview if you know a friend of a friend and they got a reference they you rather than just based on your qualifications and experience.

That might be good news for some and bad news for others. Nonetheless, it’s highly recommended to start networking as soon as you land in New Zealand. Join groups, participate in social and professional events, work on your Linkedin profile, and just be proactive.

And if you are lucky to know someone in the company you are applying to work for, mention it in the first sentence or two of your cover letter.

Don’t forget to include

Your cover letter shouldn’t miss these small but key elements:

Your personal value and personality

While skills and experiences are indeed critical, New Zealanders love human connection. If they find you an interesting and nice person, they are more likely to move forward with your application.

Try to be personal in your cover letter; tell them more unique things about you and your experience. Avoid being general at any cost.

Reflect on your experience that relates to the job ad and company profile. What challenges have you faced, and how did you solve them? You also want to provide evidence of the things you mention by using concrete examples, situations, numbers, and facts. For example:

“During the last quarter, my company was challenged by the supply shortage of …We have had 200% more orders than we can ever fulfill. To solve this problem, I was on the lookout for new suppliers for several weeks; after dozens of selling calls, I finally managed to sign a contract with our best supplier so far. I will never come across them otherwise.”

Your enthusiasm

In many cases, people don’t get hired because they aren’t enthusiastic and convincing enough. So, it’s not the lack of skills; it’s your desire and how you show it. If you make it as if it was your dream job, you are more likely to be invited. Avoid at any cost writing in a manner as you are doing a company a favor by working for them.

Hiring managers even say, “Enthusiasm conveys personality.” Some tips that help you to point out your enthusiasm include:

• Show that you have thought about the job and why you would like to work for them.
• Why is this company so brilliant? What they do the best? How they stand out?
• Mention their reputation, performance, and product.
• Remember, it’s about what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.

NZ cover letter structure

Following the formal structure when piecing together a cover letter is as much as important as its content. So, make sure you stick to New Zealand standards. Here is an example:

Dear [Ms. or Mr. Surname],

• Opening – Explain why you are writing this letter (add an interesting one-liner summarizing why you’re interested in the role and what you’d bring to their business.)
• Explain your interest in the job, show knowledge about the company and position
• Demonstrate your skills and experience related to the job
• Explain why you will fit into this role and which value you will bring to the company
• Sign off and offer them to contact you

Yours sincerely,

Your name – Andrew Black.

Make sure you check your cover letter via Grammarly for spelling and grammar mistakes!

Cover letter introduction

The introduction sentences will determine whether the hiring manager will read on or skip your resume. Start your cover letter in an unconventional way and hold the reader’s interest. Here are some tips for a stellar introduction:

• Highlight your achievements in the industry.
• Display your passion and enthusiasm.
• Mention some names and numbers.

A no-go cover letter introduction looks like this:

In response to your posting for the Digital Marketing Manager position, I would like to express my interest in participating in the recruitment process. As a digital marketing manager with 8+ years of experience, I am optimistic that I would succeed in this role.

Top cover letter example

Since you already know how to write the header, here is only the main part of the cover letter.

” I am writing regarding the Marketing Manager position you currently have open. As a marketer with over 5 years of experience managing small and larger teams, I would love to take a challenge and work for your company. Marketing is my passion, so it’s to achieve monthly goals, generate new leads & sales, and train the team for success.

In my previous role at (company name), I reached not only the set marketing goals but exceeded them by 80% and, in some months, even 120%. Your company (name) already has brilliant strategies in place, you use paid advertising, social media, and outreach, but I would add other channels to ramp up the reach and revenue. I am experienced and knowledgeable in the SEO scene; hence we can explore new opportunities for your business in this area of marketing.

My previous team of marketing assistants was great! I love to work with people and guide them in our current strategies. At the same time, responsibility for people does not make me stressed or scared but ignites my motivation to bring even better results so we can all be proud as a team.

Besides, my Master’s degree in Business taught me fundamental knowledge about organizations, management, strategy, and agility, which I would be happy to apply when working for (company).

It will be great to talk in person one day. You can reach me at 123456789 any time or via email at [email protected] to arrange an interview. Thank you for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you.

Cover letter for a visa application

Im most cases, Immigration New Zealand, will request a cover or so-called motivational letter together with your visa application. This is generally a less complex document that you would write for the employer.

Your cover letter for a visa should include:

• Reasons why you are moving or visiting New Zealand
• How are you going to support yourself
• Demonstration of how you meet the criteria for the visa

The content of the cover letter will vary depending on the visa type you are applying for. If it’s, for instance, to join a partner in New Zealand, you should include your relationship to them and explain it briefly.

Therefore, your cover letter should target your visa category’s main requirements. 

When I was applying for a student visa, my cover letter described why I decided to study in New Zealand and what are my plans after my studies. Immigration New Zealand also mentioned in their requirements that the cover letter must include these details.

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Resumes & cover letters: Cover letter templates

A cover letter is often your first communication with a potential employer, and therefore it is vital that when writing a cover letter  you make it compelling and professional from the very first line, marking you out as a candidate they need to contact.

A good cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your written communication skills and your motivation for applying for the role. Writing a cover letter customised to the job demonstrates you have taken the time to put some effort into your application. You can also use a cover letter as an opportunity to highlight and provide more detail on any specific skills or experience which are relevant to the role you are applying for.

To help you structure your cover letter, we’ve developed 4 free cover letter templates and cover letter samples you can use to write a cover letter that will catch the eye of hiring managers and recruiters and increase your chances of getting an interview. For additional tips and advice on cover letter writing, check out our article How to write a cover letter .

Download our free cover letter templates

Cover letter template 1: response to a job ad, cover letter template 2: response to a job ad, cover letter template 3: letter to a recruiter on linkedin, cover letter template 4: ‘cold contact’ prospecting letter to a hiring manager.

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We've got cover letters covered

If you were giving a beautiful piece of jewellery to someone, you wouldn't wrap it in yesterday's newspaper would you?

So why would you go to all the trouble of crafting a fabulous resume, only to send it with a half hearted, poorly crafted covering letter?

Well, you wouldn't. Not if you were really serious about getting that ideal job.

A well thought out and carefully written covering letter is the first step to selling yourself to a prospective employer. So make it count.

Focus on the job at hand. It's fine to tell a prospective employer how great you are. But people are only interested in how your greatness relates specifically to the position they are looking to fill. In other words, do you have the particular skills and talents they need? So make it relevant. Find out exactly what the job will entail and tailor your cover letter accordingly.

Less is more. There is no need to write more than one single page for a covering letter. Successful people are busy, and brevity is appreciated.

Do some research first. Before you write your letter, why not call or visit the place where you wish to be employed? A bit of background will add some substance to your letter.

The best type of letter is one which is typed. Don't handwrite unless specifically instructed to do so, which would be highly unusual. (Unless you were going for a job as a calligrapher).

Get the little things right. Make sure that the names are spelled correctly - in fact, make sure ALL words are spelt right. Check the grammar and punctuation. Don't use words that sound impressive if you're unsure of their meaning. Make sure that the date is correct and of course, that your contact information is right.

Don't exaggerate ... too much. It's OK to gild the lily a little bit when it comes to your experience and credentials. Everyone tries to put as a positive a spin as they possible can on themselves. But don't go overboard. You should be able to work out how much is too much.

Some fine cover letter examples

Here are some examples of some great cover letters examples written by some successful job applicants before you. Have a read, and get some inspiration.

Project Manager

Why it was a winner...

• Covers the requirements indicated in the ad
• Solid précis of work experience, - easy for a consultant to refer to
• Indicates by default what the candidate considers to be his strengths

I am a professional project manager with expertise in the use of personal computers to manage the projects and risk analysis; and dealing with customers and staff. My strengths include the ability to manage staff during periods of change, generating management reports and problem solving, and creating satisfied customers. I have worked for six different organizations, from a private enterprise small business, to a large domestic telecommunications provider, two multinational telecommunications suppliers, two large metropolitan hospitals and an entertainment organization. The skills I can bring immediately to the job are:

• To prepare Project Management procedures for a new IT organization, assume control of existing projects inherited from other divisions and manage and create the project office environment for new staff.
• Project Management of critical telecommunications projects (PABX's, radio paging, networked dictation solution) for a hospital group spread over a large area.
• Year 2000 project management training and experience in implementing solutions to overcome risk exposure.
• Hands on experience in work station rollout for a state government department.
• Telecommunications network design experience and business financial management of design sections.
• IT teams management during a critical development phase for a major telecommunications provider.
• Specifications, design and project management of a Dictation system.
• Project management experiences that involved negotiating contract variations and substantial management of sub-contractor relationships.
• Developed and maintained performance reporting (to senior management) which was linked to generate the necessary reports, thereby enabling a proactive approach to dealing with the customer.
• Approved the invoicing of the project management service.
• Analysed data to identify regional performance issues and develop options for corrective action to be taken.
• Negotiated the equipment type and timing for customer's projects, resolving any contractual issues that arose.

I have been required to participate in, and manage, teams of up to fifteen members. My management style is participative with a focus on developing and empowering others to achieve business objectives. I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you.

Personal assistant/admin

Why it was a winner:

Shows a clear understanding of:

• The structure of the company
• Where the advertised position fitted into the company
• The company's products and its markets

Dear Mr Klein

I wish to apply for the position of Personal Assistant (your reference 0900/A) as advertised on SEEK.

For your consideration I have enclosed my résumé. I believe that my résumé will demonstrate that I have the complete range of skills and experience to be able to achieve in the advertised position including the communication and computer skills mentioned. It is harder in a résumé to demonstrate the personal qualities and beliefs that I have which are also necessary to be a good Personal Assistant (PA).

The manufacturing industry is going through a period of significant change and it is important that senior managers are able to devote their energies to ensuring that gains result from this change. I believe that PAs should assist in this process by freeing senior managers to devote time to the serious issues while the PA takes care of the more peripheral issues.

To do this successfully the PA must be able to develop a relationship with a senior manager built on understanding, trust and the ability to keep confidences. It is the quality of this relationship which often is as much the measure of the efficiency of a PA as the technical skills.

A good PA also has a broad understanding of the structures of the company, the industry in general, the markets for the company products and influencing factors on those markets.

I understand the importance of a good PA and I am sure that my referees will attest to my good nature and my personal qualities as well as my skills and experience. This is why I am applying for this position.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. I am available for interview any time at your convenience.

Yours sincerely

Alice Smith

Trade/Machinist

• Clear reference to the position
• Brief but succinct - highlights the core skills needed

Dear Mr Wayne

I wish to apply for the position of machinist (ref 301/00) that was advertised on www.seek.com.au on 20 August 2000.

I have over five year’s experience as a Machinist with Weaveanduck and have experience of a wide variety of pattern techniques. My technical skills are second-to-none, and I have an excellent record as a reliable, productive employee.

I am looking for new challenges and the position of Machinist sounds the perfect opportunity. Your organisation has an enviable record in innovation in machining, and an excellent reputation as an employer, making the position even more attractive.

I enclose my resume for your inspection and look forward to hearing from you soon. I am available for interview at your convenience.

An intern letter has to standout from hundreds of others. This one won a Microsoft internship because:

"This is a great letter. It's well written, highlights current projects and degree background and best of all, includes her technical skills. It also showed her motivation when she mentions what an invaluable experience she believes this would be."

Dear Sir/Madam

I wish to apply for the position of Technology Specialist Intern as advertised [publication] on [date]. I believe I would enjoy the challenge and the opportunity to learn provided by this position. I also recognise the invaluable experience that would be gained working with the largest name in the industry.

I am currently completing my Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics)/Bachelor of Information Technology (Computer Science) degrees at [university]. Over the past two years in particular, I have achieved an average Grade Point of 4.96 (on a 7 point ascending scale) in subjects completed. I have attained academic excellence in subjects involving large professional-style projects, communications, management and business skills.

My involvement in the operation of EESEC, the largest single-campus student society in Queensland, has strengthened my leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making abilities and has enabled me to acquire expertise in all facets of successful business administration. I believe that these factors, along with my broad information technology and engineering knowledge base, my extensive experience with the Microsoft suite of products and my personal skills such as initiative, creativity, adaptability and a willingness to learn will enable me to excel in the role of a Microsoft Intern.

Please find attached my resume and academic transcript. I would appreciate the opportunity of an interview and I can be contacted at the above addresses, on my home phone [telephone number] or via a message left on my paging service [number].

Yours faithfully

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Templates and examples to help you create your own CV's (resumes) and cover letters.

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Use our checklist before you send in your job application.

Updated 8 Mar 2022

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Writing a cover letter

Well, after my big outburst a couple of nights ago, a whole shit load of job vacancies have come out that fit my desires, skills and experience.

So, how do I write a decent cover letter that will turn them on to me?

Got any templates, etc I can use?

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