Free cover letter template

A cover letter is all about making a great first impression and giving your job application the best chance of making progress. a well-written cover letter will encourage a potential employer to read through to your resumé and get in touch to find out more or set up an interview..

  • why you’re interested in that role,
  • what the most relevant skills and experience you could bring to it.

“I’m starting out my career in…"

  • “I’ve committed myself to building skills in <aspect of the job> and <another aspect> throughout my work as an <your current role>. Now, I’m ready to take the next step in my career. The <job title> role at <company name> would allow me to contribute my skills to the <team name> team, and in doing so, help <company name> to succeed in <what the company does>.”
  • “Providing patient-centred care has grown to become my key focus as I establish my nursing career. I’m passionate about ensuring dignity and respect, and that’s why this role as Graduate Nurse at Smith Hospital appeals so greatly to me.”

"<Company name> has been of interest to me since …"

"i welcome the opportunity…", browse top search terms, popular on seek, ready for a pay rise these in-demand jobs are paying more, industries where the jobs are right now, a guide to salaries in your industry    , free resume template                   , explore related topics, subscribe to career advice.

  • AU NZ SG HK CN
  • Search jobs
  • Contracting FAQs
  • Web timesheets and resources
  • Job interviews
  • Psychometric testing
  • Leadership development resources
  • Insights – The blog
  • Jobs Academy Partnership
  • Victoria digital jobs program
  • Hudson Career
  • Temporary Staffing
  • Accounting & Finance
  • Accounting Support
  • Engineering
  • Executive and Leadership
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing & Communications
  • Program & Policy
  • Project Management
  • Property & Construction
  • Risk & Compliance
  • Supply Chain Procurement
  • Technology & IT
  • Volume Recruitment Services
  • Graduate Recruitment Services
  • Frontline Recruitment Services
  • Psychometric Assessments
  • Scaleup by Hudson Blog
  • Outplacement & redeployment
  • Career transition
  • Navigate change
  • Realign capability
  • Mobilise careers
  • Coaching and leadership development
  • Hire Now, Pay Later Solution
  • flexhive – temporary staffing solutions
  • Hudson Executive – Leadership recruitment
  • Hellomonday – People development and coaching
  • Hudson Technology and Projects for tech recruitment
  • JobAccelerator – Career transition & outplacement
  • Sapia – AI Smart Chat Interviewing
  • scaleup – volume and graduate recruitment
  • About the Hudson group

Resumes & cover letters: Cover letter templates

Free 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.

Career Success Australia

Best Cover Letter Example Template for Australia

Cover Letter Example Templates For Australia

The Best Cover Letter examples in Australia in 2022 will prompt a prospective employer to read your Resume. They do this by demonstrating how your skills and experience align with those sought after by the employer.

By briefly outlining how you can add value to their business, the hiring manager will see that you are someone worth investigating further.

Oftentimes, however, an application will be dismissed before the Resume is even read, as a result of mistakes in the Cover Letter.

Cover Letters play a massive role in whether you get called in for an interview or not. According to a survey conducted by ResumeLab, 83% of recruiters believe that Cover Letters are important in making hiring decisions, and can even convince recruiters to schedule an interview with an applicant despite a poor Resume.

While writing your Cover Letter, you may not be realising that you are making mistakes that are severely impacting your chances at securing the job. Our experts have analysed 100+ Cover Letter examples to highlight the most common mistakes to avoid.

It’s good to get into the habit of understanding these mistakes now before you jeopardise your chances of securing employment any further!

Here are the most important Cover Letter mistakes to avoid:

Best Cover Letter Examples: Avoid Typographical Errors

Page Contents

Most hiring companies in Australia are looking for people with outstanding communication skills.

Communication skills are one of the most important soft skills to have when looking for a job. Demonstrating high-quality communication skills helps to build trust, boost teamwork and furthers your professional relationships.

This will usually include written skills, as well as, verbal communication skills. Your Cover Letter is your first opportunity to show your prospective employer that you have the necessary language capabilities.

Typographical and grammatical errors will often see your application rejected immediately.

Here are some tips:

  • Make sure to use a spellchecker after drafting your Cover Letter . This is an easy step that you shouldn’t overlook! If your Cover Letter contains any spelling errors or typos, this immediately sends the message that the rest of your application is weak too.
  • Re-read it to make sure the content is grammatically and contextually correct. Present yourself in a strong and accurate way!
  • Ask someone else to read through it as well. Sometimes we can miss some obvious mistakes as we have read the content a number of times and are ‘too close to it’. Having someone else read your Cover Letter to check for any mistakes is always a fantastic idea!

Best Cover Letters in Australia: Avoid using a standard or generic Cover Letter

You need to tailor your Cover Letter to the position you are applying for, and the best Cover Letter examples in Australia have shown that.

One of the quickest ways to have your application overlooked is to send out a generic Cover Letter which does not address the specific key selection criteria or skill set required.

Things to include in a tailored Cover Letter in Australia are:

  • Your contact information like email address, mobile number and LinkedIn Profile
  • The position you are applying for
  • The skills and experience you have which qualify you as being suitable for this specific job
  • An example of how you applied as many of those skills in a previous role – this should directly tie in with one of the key selection criteria listed in the job advertisement
  • The name of the organisation you are applying to; the name of the hiring manager and change the date of your Cover Letter if you are using a template from a previous application

Best Cover Letters Template Tips: Don’t write too much!

Your Cover Letter should be concise, encouraging the hiring manager to want to learn more about you by reading your Resume, and, ultimately, inviting you to an interview.

By rambling on too much and including unnecessary information, you risk alienating yourself and having your application dismissed. Recruiters love simple, short and concise Cover Letters. Get to the point!

Keep your Cover Letter to one page, highlighting your most relevant achievements and skills, always ensuring they match the key selection criteria stated in the position description.

Best Cover Letters in Australia: Avoid buzzwords

Using Buzzwords or clichés in your Cover Letter shows a lack of imagination and effort. You don’t want to give off the impression to recruiters of being unoriginal or lazy, do you?

Simply recycling those qualities listed in a job ad word-for-word and attributing them to yourself won’t do you much good. Without giving concrete examples of how they apply to you will see your application immediately brushed aside. Examples of such buzz words include: “team player”, “good communication skills”, “hard worker”, and “detail-oriented”.

Don’t just tell them you’re a hard worker, show them! Back-up your statements. You can do this by detailing specific tasks and outcomes you were responsible for, and successful at, while in your previous role(s).

Your Cover Letter and Resume may promise a certain level of personality or value, which is what will get you an interview, but once you’re face-to-face with a recruiter, that level of value will need to be made evident.

Best Cover Letters: Include appropriate personal details

Personal details such as your age, hobbies, and marital status should not be included in your Cover Letter .

Not only are they usually irrelevant to the job you are applying for, but they could also give the person reading your Cover Letter an excuse to dismiss your application without having read your Resume.

An employer wants to see how your previous work experience relates to the position on offer.  So, unless your outside interests are pertinent to the role, it’s best to not include them in your Cover Letter.

Best Cover Letters: Don’t exaggerate or lie about skills or experience

Sometimes job seekers are tempted to exaggerate their skills or experience to improve their chances of obtaining an interview. This is a big mistake.

Whether the prospective employer asks you about it during an interview or calls your previous employer to ask them, you will nearly always be found out.

It is much better to really think about how your actual experience relates to the qualities and key selection criteria being sought after. Once you have found qualitative and quantitative examples of this experience, aim to express this honestly and in your own words.

Even if you don’t have enough experience required for the job you’re applying for, you can overcome this by selling yourself in other ways.

A Cover Letter that highlights your achievements and includes similar projects or relatable experience can work in your favour. This will provide evidence of your value in terms of accomplishments which is what recruiters want to know about.

Also, if you’re qualified in any way, you can sell this in a Cover Letter or in the interview to convince recruiters of your value, regardless of any gaps in your experience, skill set or job history.

Download our Cover Letter Example Template For 2022 

To conclude, a good Cover Letter is a pivotal factor in the job application and job interview process. A Cover Letter should be well-written and engaging, and should convince the hiring manager that you are the best candidate.

A Cover Letter is a brief introduction of a job applicant that captures the employer’s attention and conveys competence, professionalism, and enthusiasm. The Cover Letter should provide some basic facts about the applicant such as their current position, career goals, and key skills.

To help you develop the perfect Cover Letter, download our free Cover Letter Template today to get started! Our Cover Letter template includes tips and advice from top Australian recruiters which will help you catch the recruiter’s attention – so you land a job in 2022.

The template can be customised to apply for jobs in all industries including Information Technology, Engineering, Business, Finance, and Accounting.

Cover Letter Example Template Download 2021

If you would like one-to-one support to create a high-quality and impactful Cover Letter to get more job interviews and jobs in Australia, please feel free to get in touch.

We wish you all the best in your job search! Careers Team, Career Success Australia

writing services

Our Career Counsellors have helped more than 3000+ Job seekers to get their Dream Job in Australia.

How To Write A Cover Letter That Stands Out In 2021

How to Write a Cover Letter that Stands Out [Beginner’s Guide]

How To Write A Good Cover Letter

How To Write A Great Cover Letter For A Job [Top Tips]

Man Writing Notes Down For A Perfect Cover Letter For His Job Search

Top 7 Cover Letter Phrases to Avoid

cover letter for cv australia

Hello, It’s been a real challange finding job(s) that DON’T require vaccinations. How does one succeed in getting THAT job where this isn’t a requirement?

While the initial advertisment for a job doesn’t mention the need for a double vaccantion, it isn’t until the end or indeed, when one is called for a interview, that the question arises.

What can I, as one that has been stood down from a 15 year job, do to succeed in getting a job? And one where the mandate hasn’t been implemented or has been rescinded. It just seems so prejudicial.

Many thanks, Armand Haine

cover letter for cv australia

Hi Armand, yes, we have heard of many cases where the person hasn’t been able to have the vaccination due to medical reasons. At some point in time the vaccination certificate requirement that some companies ask for will phase out. What you can do Armand is increase the number of job interviews you attend. The more interviews you get, the more offers you will get which means you may find an employer that does not require the vaccination certificate. Also, it depends which industry you are trying to get into. Some industries require it, others, not so much. Feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss your case in detail. Best wishes, Career Success Australia

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Unlock your potential with career coaching in australia, top australian startups to consider for your next job, top 20 career counsellors to watch out for, best resume templates, 3 steps to get an internship on your own, copy short link.

Scam alert banner

Beware there has recently been an increase in reported recruitment scams currently targeting jobseekers. These scams trick you into handing over your money by offering you a ‘guaranteed’ way to make fast money or a high-paying job for little effort. Click here for more details.

Hays Australia

How to Write a Cover Letter: Template & Tips | Hays

How to write a cover letter | hero banner | ub, how to write a cover letter - template & tips australia.

a girl with glasses holding an ipad

Form + Intro - Cover Letter | UB

The importance of cover letter, what is a cover letter.

So, what is a cover letter? Let’s go back to basics. A cover letter acts as a personal introduction in a professional setting. Most commonly, it’s a separate document that you should attach to a job application along with your CV. You should use it to demonstrate your personality and summarise why you are the right person for the job, so the reader can consider the rest of your CV with this set up in mind.

Follow our tips for how to write a cover letter or download our cover letter template. 

Why write a cover letter? 

The idea for writing cover letters for your resume is simple: it needs to be engaging enough for an employer to read to feel compelled to find out more about your skills and experience in your resume, before (hopefully) calling you in for an interview.  

Not all candidates will make the effort to write a tailored and personalised cover letter, so by making sure you write a cover letter that answers specifics needs on the job ad, it’ll help separate you from other applicants. In turn, giving you a greater likelihood of being shortlisted for an interview. 

Download your Cover Letter template 

Enter your details below to download your Cover Letter template:

How to write a cover letter | 2nd content block | UB

Cover letter advice.

Recruiters & hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications for each job. You need to start with a great cover letter to gain attention. Learn how with this video from Hays.

Resumes & Cover letters rh menu

Resume & cover letters.

a girl working on her computer

How to write a CV

How to write a cover letter

CV cliches to avoid

Updating your resume

How to optimise your CV

Make your CV stand out

Resume & cover letters

Content block | cover letter | ub, how long should a cover letter be , how to write a cover letter | 3rd content block | ub, cover letter format, how to write a cover letter | 4th content block | ub, 1. do your research, 2. address your cover letter to the right person, 3. how to start a cover letter write an attention-grabbing introduction, 4. add evidence of your successes  , 5. highlight key skills, 6. sign off professionally, 7. review your cover letter , how to write a cover letter | 5th content block | ub, what not to include in a cover letter, excessive details, repeat your cv, don’t write in the third person, can ai write the perfect cover letter.

There’s no doubt that AI can aid the application process and it certainly makes sense to use all available tools to help you craft a strong cover letter and make the interview shortlist. 

How to write a cover letter | 6th content block | UB

Final tips around how to write a cover letter.

  • Keep it succinct and relevant to the job you’re applying for. Your cover letter should not exceed five paragraphs. 
  • State what your motivation is behind your application. 
  • Just as you would in your CV,  use strong verbs  to demonstrate action and accomplishments, such as ‘organise’ or ‘supervise’. 
  • Optimise the subject line. Also check the job description again, in case the employer asks applicants to include something specific in the subject line. 
  • If you are applying for a job online rather than email, consider putting your cover letter and resume into the same document so they don’t get separated. 
  • Remember, our cover letter template is free to download and can be used as another way to capture the attention of a recruiter or hiring manager and encourage them to more closely review your resume. Good luck.

How to write a cover letter | 7th content block | UB

Do i really need a cover letter, how long should a cover letter be, what are some common mistakes people make when writing cover letters, how do i format a cover letter, sg - check your salary blurb + image.

check your salary

Try our Salary Comparison Tool

The Hays Salary Checker provides you with quick access to salaries for your specific job role in your location. Covering thousands of jobs in 28 different industries and sectors, and further customised geographically by 11 different regions across Australia. Our Australian salary comparison tool provides instant insights on pay and salary benchmarking for your exact job and location.

  • Bookkeeping
  • Financial Planning
  • Animal Care
  • Animal Science
  • Dog Training
  • Horse Breeding & Equine Studies
  • Pet Grooming
  • Veterinary Nursing
  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Design
  • Photography
  • Building & Construction
  • Real Estate
  • Business Administration
  • Business Development
  • Business Operations
  • Change Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Human Resources
  • Leadership & Management
  • Organisational Development
  • Professional Development
  • Project Management
  • Quality Management
  • Small Business
  • Supply Chain Operations
  • Alcohol & Other Drugs
  • Community Services
  • Individual Support
  • Education Support
  • Training & Assessment
  • Manufacturing
  • Agriculture
  • Conservation & Land Management
  • Health Science
  • Horticulture
  • Sustainability
  • Dermatology
  • Eyebrow Specialist
  • Eyelash Extension
  • Hairdressing
  • Nail Technology
  • Allied Health
  • Dental Assisting
  • Health Administration
  • Health Services Assistance
  • Herbal Medicines
  • Life Coaching
  • Medical Administration
  • Natural Therapies
  • Naturopathy
  • Nutritional Medicine
  • Practice Management
  • Sports & Fitness
  • Event Management
  • Hospitality
  • Wedding Planning
  • Cloud Computing
  • Cyber Security
  • Data Science & Analytics
  • Programming
  • Systems Administration
  • Web Development
  • Compliance & Risk
  • Criminal Justice & Psychology
  • Work Health & Safety
  • Customer Engagement
  • Digital Marketing
  • Digital Media
  • Social Media Marketing
  • New South Wales
  • Northern Territory
  • Western Australia
  • South Australia
  • Graduate Diploma
  • Advanced Diploma
  • Associate Degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Undergraduate Certificate
  • Certificate
  • Certificate II
  • Certificate III
  • Certificate IV
  • Courses by Provider
  • Government Funded Courses
  • Student Hub
  • The Workforce Training Hub
  • Resumes Cover Letters

Cover Letters: A Comprehensive Guide [+ Templates and Samples]

In this post, free cover letter template, cover letter examples for different kinds of jobs, creative cover letter design template, how to message a recruiter on linkedin.

Claudia Reiners

In this post Show

Write the perfect cover letter for a job application in every industry. Download our free cover letter templates and examples to impress the hiring manager and nab the job you want.

The purpose of a cover letter is to convince a hiring manager or recruiter to read your resume. Your cover letter tells the story of why you’re applying, and why you’re a great fit for the role. Then your resume backs it up with essential data and details.

But for a new or inexperienced job seeker, figuring out how to write an effective cover letter can be super confusing.

That’s why we’ve created various cover letter templates for you to download and use. They’re no-fuss, easy to edit and are even targeted at certain jobs (so you know they have the right information).

Use these cover letter templates as a starting point and personalise them however you want.

Are cover letters still relevant in 2021?

Cover letters are a hotly-debated topic amongst job seekers, recruiters, and people giving career advice. Doubt that? Try searching ‘cover letters’ on Reddit and see how many different opinions are out there.

Almost every job application requires a cover letter. It’s the first thing that hiring managers see, and creates a first impression (whether positive or negative) that can determine whether your application makes it past the skimming stage.

No wonder we often dread writing them. It’s common to stress over how to write it, what to include, and wonder if they even matter at all.

How much time should you spend on it? Does anyone actually read cover letters in 2021? (Yes, they do).

The most challenging thing about writing one is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Different industries and levels of seniority will have different sets of expectations.

If you’re applying for a position as a project manager in construction, your cover letter will sound very different than if you were applying for a customer service role. Likewise for roles in the creative industry, technology, and healthcare – they all have different flavours.

In 2021, cover letters are still very relevant, and many employers won’t even consider your application without one. But there are more modern ways of delivering them, as well as a few ways to make yours stand out.

cover letter for cv australia

Cover Letter Template

This is a generalised cover letter template that projects passion for any job. Just add your own information!

[Today’s Date]

[Your full name] [Your phone number] [Your email] [Your address, city, state, postcode] [Your LinkedIn]

[Hiring Manager’s Name] [Company Address, City, State] [Phone number] [Email address]

Dear [Hiring Manager],

RE: <insert role title> position

I am thrilled to submit my application for the <insert role title> role at <insert company name>. I believe I would be a perfect fit for the position as I am passionate about <insert your passion that aligns with the role you’re applying for> and possess the motivation and perseverance to overcome any challenge thrown my way.

Your company’s mission to <insert company mission you are passionate about> is inspiring, and I would be thrilled to contribute to this mission. I feel my relevant experience and skills match well with your company values, including:

<Experience: insert a sentence about your relevant experience. E.g.: Working in my role as XXX for X years, I’ve gained a deep understanding of XXX> <Skills: insert a sentence that covers your key technical skills relating to the job. Avoid talking about soft skills or personal traits here.> <Achievement: insert a sentence about an achievement or result that demonstrates your suitability for the role or exemplifies your work ethic.>

I can see myself vastly developing my skills and professional expertise at <company name>, which would be an exhilarating opportunity. I’m always hungry to improve myself and am dedicated to continuously learning.

From previous work experience at <insert company name>, I have learned valuable communication skills, problem solving, and teamwork. I thrive working in high-pressure situations and am a highly adaptable professional.

I am confident that I am a great candidate for this position and that I would be able to navigate the challenges of the <insert role title> role at <insert company name> successfully. I’d appreciate the chance to meet with you to further discuss this job opportunity. Thank you for considering my application.

[Your name]

How to Write a Cover Letter That’s Unique (Like You)

Got questions about editing your cover letter template? The answers are here.

Best Cover Letter Examples and Why They Work

Discover how to win over the hiring manager with just your cover letter.

Sometimes, you need an industry-specific cover letter, because generic ones just aren’t relevant to the positions you’re applying for. Here is a range of examples for the most commonly searched cover letter types.

cover letter for cv australia

Hospitality cover letter

Craft the perfect letter for a culinary or tourism job with this hospitality cover letter

cover letter for cv australia

Nursing cover letter

A sample to use when building your nursing cover letter.

cover letter for cv australia

Administration cover letter

Create the perfect application with this administration cover letter example.

cover letter for cv australia

Receptionist cover letter

Get noticed and hired using this receptionist cover letter example.

cover letter for cv australia

Retail cover letter

A quality sample of a cover letter for retail.

cover letter for cv australia

Customer service cover letter

Get a head-start on drafting the perfect customer service cover letter with this example.

How to address key selection criteria in a cover letter

Discover examples and templates to help you properly address key selection criteria.

If you’re looking to enter a creative industry, or a role where you’ll be expected to offer some creative flair, these templates have been designed for you. Submitting a well-designed cover letter not only feels more premium, but it demonstrates your passion for creativity and creating high quality work.

This kind of cover letter won’t be appealing to employers in all industries, so be discerning about whether it will make the right impression for the job you’re applying for.

cover letter for cv australia

Artistic Flair Cover Letter Template (Orange)

A cover letter with a bold design to get noticed. Perfect for design-centred jobs.

cover letter for cv australia

Artistic Flair Cover Letter Template (Beige)

cover letter for cv australia

Creative Communications Cover Letter Template

A cover letter perfect for communications jobs, pairing bold design with a professional style.

cover letter for cv australia

Modern Corporate Cover Letter Template

A sleek and professional cover letter that offers readability and style. Perfect for corporate jobs.

Because, after all: it’s not always what you know, it’s who you know.

Making a great impression through a LinkedIn DM can be tricky. But, done well, it has the potential to propel you to the top of the interview shortlist.

This is how to message a recruiter on LinkedIn:

Cold contact with a recruiter to ask about future job openings

Message title: speculative job application — [role title you’re interested in].

Hi <recruiter’s first name>,

I’m keen to connect with you to stay up to date on job openings with <company name>. As a recent <field of study> graduate, I’ve been on the lookout for a <specify the kind of role you want (e.g.: marketing assistant)> role in a company where I’ll be encouraged to strive for excellence in my work and have the chance to develop as a professional.

Through my research, I found <company name> to hold values that align with my own, and have a mission I feel passionately about pursuing myself. <Insert statement about how you relate to the company’s mission, or why you feel strongly about it.> Because of this, I feel we’d be a perfect fit for each other.

I have skills in <insert short list of key technical skills> founded in work experience at <company name>. I’m also dedicated to pushing for strong results, for example, <insert example of a situation where you’ve used one/multiple of these skills to push for an excellent result. Make sure it aligns with the role you want, and ensure you outline the result you achieved.>

I am a <insert snappy summary of who you are as a professional, e.g.: I am a proven writer with an adaptable mentality and a desire to exceed expectations and continuously learn.> I’d love the opportunity to work for <company name>. Although I can see there are no jobs advertised at the moment, I’d like to submit my resume for your future consideration.

If you’d like to discuss what else I can bring to <company name> as a <role title>, feel free to call me on <mobile number>.

Kind regards, <Your name>

(Remember to attach your resume.)

LinkedIn message to complement recently submitted job application

Message title: regarding the position of [role title] or concerning the recently advertised [role title] position.

I’ve recently applied for the position of <role title> with your organisation, and am keen to reach out to formally introduce myself. Working for your company has been a dream of mine since I began my studies in <field of study> X years ago. I have a deep respect for <something you respect about the company> and feel my own values align with this.

Through my studies and work experience at <insert company>, I’ve developed a broad skill set which would be highly beneficial in this role. For example, <insert example of a situation where you’ve used one/multiple of these skills to push for an excellent result. Make sure it aligns with the job description, and ensure you outline the result you achieved.>

I’ve outlined further examples of what I can bring to the company as a <role title> in my job application.

I hope we’ll have the opportunity to speak more about this role and what I can bring to it.

Regardless of whether I’m a successful candidate, it would be great to connect with you so I can stay on top of job opportunities with <company name>. Thank you for considering my application.

Warm regards, <Your name>

If you’re struggling to find the right person to message, check out this video tutorial.

cover letter for cv australia

So they’ve read your cover letter, and decided your resume is worth a look. Make sure it’s doing you justice!

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Resumes for templates, examples and more.

Latest Articles

Top 5 entry level it jobs in australia.

Entry level IT jobs are a great way to get your foot in the door. They offer aspiring tech enthusias...

Avatar photo

10 High-Paying Jobs in Australia (based on real data)

Looking for a list of the highest paying jobs in 2022? We've collected job data, industry insights a...

Avatar photo

Navigating Your IT Career Path: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, pursuing a career in information technolo...

Want to read more?

How to format your cover letter [+ examples].

Learn how to format your cover letter, and what you need to include. Use this example as a base to b...

Avatar photo

Best Cover Letter Examples & Why They Work

Looking for the best cover letter examples to help you produce a great cover letter, or to build a c...

How to Explain a Resume Gap

Worried about explaining gaps in your employment history? Here's how to address tricky resume gaps w...

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.

  • Popular Subjects
  • Qualification Type
  • Courses by Location
  • Business Admin
  • Counselling
  • Mental Health
  • Courses In ACT
  • Courses In NSW
  • Courses In NT
  • Courses In QLD
  • Courses In Tasmania
  • Courses In VIC
  • Courses In WA

Newsletter sign up

Newsletter sign up.

We’ll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.

You are currently visiting our Australian website Training.com.au

Would you like to visit our New Zealand website instead?

  • AUD CAD CNY GBP NZD SGD USD
  • 1300 217 374

How Do You Write a Cover Letter in Australia?

How Do You Write a Cover Letter in Australia?

The job search can be frustrating when the employer doesn't leave their contact details on the job advertisement to call them. It's even more annoying when they don't provide clear instructions about what is expected from you. Well, don't despair. If you try to accommodate the following tips when writing your cover letter, you'll immediately be well above average.

Your most valuable job search tools include your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile.

Together, these resources give the hiring manager a clear picture of your personality, experience, and skill level - if they are written correctly. These tools provide a foundation for weighing your expertise against others and determining whether it is worth inviting you in for an interview to get a more accurate assessment of whether you meet the criteria.

"I used to be run off my feet. Hiring people was one of the most stressful parts of my role. You have to make costly decisions with, at times, minimal information." Melissa Peacock – Director

So, to ensure you are not wasting your time applying for a job you won't be considered for, read on to ensure your application offers you the best chance of success.

There is a golden rule to follow when applying for a job

Get your application in on time!

There is no point in spending precious time completing an application if you are not going to finish it to a high-quality standard BEFORE the submission deadline or closing date. If the employer uses applicant tracking system software to fast track their recruitment process, the chances are the cut off is a definitive end time as the computer will tell the ad to close. It will also stop any other applications from being accepted. If you can't get your completed forms to the employer before the deadline AND you know you are a value-added candidate, give the employer a call at the first opportunity and ask if you can email it directly to the manager. Contact the same decision-maker that you were going to address your cover letter to. The company name will be on the ad. If they don't provide a contact number, Google them, and ask to be put through to HR.

If you do the above, the hiring manager will most likely accept your emailed application; however, they are busy people with a staff member down (because they are hiring). Therefore, the manual steps required to attach your CV and cover letter to the applicant tracking system will most likely not happen…even though they know it would be in their best interest. So, if you don't hear anything back after a week, send them an email to follow them up. It may prompt them to invite you to an interview.

Tip: Cover letters that are addressed to a specific decision maker achieve better results. 

How do I write a simple cover letter?

It's essential to be genuine and keep it brief! A simple, concise, and professional cover letter can be a powerful tool in getting your foot in the door. To structure your cover letter correctly, you need to research your answers to the following questions:

  • What is the employer expected of me?
  • What are my top skills?
  • What quantifiable achievements do I have that are relevant to the job?

Then, start your cover letter with an impactful introduction, followed by the body of the letter, and finish with a closing paragraph thanking them for their consideration. This is not an opportunity to rehash what's already on your resume, so limit mentioning previous jobs/experience unless it adds something important to the application. Show examples of how you present yourself professionally in earlier work contexts; don't exaggerate - be true to who you are. Below are some key tips for how to write a cover letter. 

What are you supposed to write in a cover letter?  

Your cover letter should tell a good story with a clear, concise, engaging, and articulate approach. Firstly, tear up or delete your generic cover letter! They never work! Each organisation and role are subtly different; therefore, in just the same way, as resumes need to be tailored to the position you are applying for, so should the cover letter. A carefully targeted cover letter can easily mean the difference between success and failure instead of changing minor details such as the hiring manager and date.

Like all the best stories that suck you in, the best cover letters have an appropriate introduction, body, and conclusion. They need to be easy for the reader to scan on the first take but also packed with relevant information about your experience, skills, qualifications and, to a lesser extent, your personality when they weigh you against other candidates for the second shortlisting round. Take your time to phrase your thoughts carefully. Don't rush yourself.

How do you write a cover letter manually?  

Generally, you only have a certain amount of space (1 page) and a certain number of words, so unless there are clear instructions to the contrary, a cover letter shouldn't exceed one A4 page in length. So you want to capture the reader's attention to make sure each word counts. Too many people fall into the trap of repeating too much of what resumes already say. The cover letter shouldn't replace your resume, it should complement it as an introduction, so they are tempted to learn more about you.

"I've read thousands of cover letters throughout my career. After a while, I started to notice the people who went to the effort to tailor an application letter over those who didn't." Melissa Peacock, The Perfect Resume Director

To get your short and sweet message across, make sure your letter is structured logically and make an impact with a powerful introduction that gets straight to the point. You can maintain the reader's interest from beginning to end with a handful of paragraphs or even break up large chunks of text with carefully structured bullet points. Draw the reader in with some key selling points. Otherwise, you will find yourself quickly rambling, and your cover letter quality will be rapidly diluted.

Don't be shy in asking for what you want.

End your cover letter with a positive and upbeat closing paragraph where you entice them for an interview. This paragraph also needs to have your name visible, email and one contact number so that they will contact you ASAP.

A request for an interview in the closing statement can show the reader that you have the self-confidence they would value in a new employee. While it would be a definite mistake to blow your own trumpet or arrogantly demand an interview, you can easily undersell yourself. Therefore, you need to do everything in your power to encourage one. One simple sales trick you can adopt is to be direct and ask for what you want. You want the reader to want to give you an interview! After all, people only get what they want if they ask!

Your Job Search Checklist before you hit APPLY!

1.  check your spelling and grammar.

It's a competitive job market, and while it might seem obvious or hard to believe that people apply for jobs with errors, a good 90% of CVs The Perfect Resume reviews have spelling and/or grammar issues. This leaves a damaging first impression. If you can make sure that your application is error-free, you will instantly be at an advantage. Therefore, before sending off any letter or resume, make sure you have read through it very carefully. It's always a good idea to ask someone else to double-check it for you.

2. Check whether you are required to address a s election criteria

The key selection criteria document is separate from a cover letter and one that employers and interviewers will look for and judge you against others. Key selection criteria statements can range from behavioural responses to how you would respond in a specific situation or an explanation about a particularly challenging experience to determine your ability to solve complicated problems. If you are unsure how to respond to selection criteria, send your resume and the job you would like to apply to [email protected] .

3. Check how many times you have used the word 'I.'

Unlike a CV, a cover letter should be written in the first person. However, 'I' is often overused in cover letters. If you start every sentence with 'I', it can make for some very tedious reading. It also gives off very egotistical vibes. As the person who wrote your letter, it might not even be something you consider as it's hard to proofread your writing; however, if you give yourself a 24-hours break from the document, the next day with fresh eyes, you will be able to instantly spot any spelling, grammar, or overuse of the word 'I'. If you find you have an 'I' strain problem, look at each sentence and see if you can rephrase it or join multiple sentences together that start with 'I' so you can cut out the middle one.

For example,

Could become,

Hint: If you can turn around the sentence, as I have done above, to focus on 'you', it shifts the focus away from 'I' to 'you'.

Would you like some cover letter examples?

Below, there are a handful of cover letter examples for a few different roles. If you would like your Professional Writer from The Perfect Resume to craft a unique cover letter that suits your needs, email us at i[email protected] or visit www.theperfectresume.com.au

Accounts Payable Manager Cover Letter Example

Marketing manager cover letter example.

If you are unsure how to craft The Perfect Cover Letter, we can help. Give us a call at 1300 217 374 or send us the latest copy of your resume to  [email protected] , and one of our Professional Resume Writers will review it for FREE. We will give you tips on making prospective employers hire YOU over ALL OTHER CANDIDATES – without paying anything.  

Likewise, if you find this article helpful, don't forget to share and pass the kindness along to your fellow job seeker!

Other Blogs That May Help

Would you like a professional resume writer or career coach to review your resume or cv, enter your details below. we will review what you have, provide feedback & recommend the services that suit your needs.

IMAGES

  1. Cover Letter Writing Services Sydney, Australia-Resume To You

    cover letter for cv australia

  2. Basic Cover Letter Template Australia

    cover letter for cv australia

  3. Resume Cover Letter Australia

    cover letter for cv australia

  4. Resume Cover Letter

    cover letter for cv australia

  5. Cover Letter Template Australia

    cover letter for cv australia

  6. Cover Letter Template Australia 2017

    cover letter for cv australia

VIDEO

  1. CV Cover letter template 2023

  2. COVER LETTER for CVs and RESUMES #shorts

  3. How To Properly Name Your CV and Cover Letter

  4. Resumes and Cover Letters

  5. English Lecturer Post CV With Cover Letter SSC

  6. CV and cover letter advice

COMMENTS

  1. What Is the Correct Salutation for a Cover Letter?

    The correct salutation on a cover letter should always include the word “Dear” followed by the contact person to whom the letter is addressed. This should be followed by either a comma or a colon, then a blank line and the first line of the...

  2. Stand Out from the Crowd: Writing a Compelling Cover Letter

    In today’s competitive job market, it is crucial to make a strong impression with your cover letter. An effective cover letter can be the difference between landing an interview or being overlooked.

  3. What Employers Look for in a Well-Written Cover Letter

    When it comes to job applications, a well-written cover letter can make all the difference. It serves as your first introduction to potential employers and gives you the opportunity to showcase your skills, qualifications, and enthusiasm fo...

  4. Free cover letter template

    A well-written cover letter will encourage a potential employer to read through to your resumé and get in touch to find out more or set up an

  5. Free Cover Letter Templates

    1. Show genuine interest and enthusiasm · 2. Share relevant skills and experience · 3. Ensure it's an extension of your resume · 4. Include a clear

  6. how to write a cover letter for a job application.

    your name and contact details · the job title you are applying for · a brief summary of your skills and experience and how they match the job description · a

  7. Resumes & cover letters: Cover letter templates

    I'm writing to express my interest in the recently advertised [position title] role. I believe I could bring valuable skills and experience to [company name]

  8. Free cover letter templates

    These are a few cover letter examples for job seekers in Australia. ... letter templates from here or download our resume cover letter examples

  9. Best Cover Letter Example Template For Australia

    Best Cover Letters in Australia: Avoid using a standard or generic Cover Letter · Your contact information like email address, mobile number and

  10. How to Write a Cover Letter: Template & Tips

    Your cover letter should complement, not replicate your CV. Rather than

  11. Cover Letters: A Comprehensive Guide [+ Templates and Samples]

    The purpose of a cover letter is to convince a hiring manager or recruiter to read your resume. Your cover letter tells the story of why you're

  12. 8 Australia cover letter ideas

    Oct 24, 2021 - Explore Maria Freitas's board "Australia cover letter" on Pinterest. See more ideas about cover letter, cover letter for resume, cover letter

  13. How Do You Write a Cover Letter in Australia?

    Your most valuable job search tools include your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile. Together, these resources give the hiring manager a clear picture of

  14. How to write a winning cover letter

    Make sure you tailor your letter to each job application. Employers look for what you can do for them — your letter, along with your resume, is your opportunity