seek cover letter nz

7 cover letter openers to land you an interview

When your job application is jostling for attention, a great cover letter can set you apart from the crowd – so starting out with strong opening lines is key.

A letter that grabs the employer’s attention from the first paragraph will give you a far better chance of scoring an interview.

“If a recruiter is finding it difficult to cut down their shortlist due to a number of really strong candidates, then the cover letters may help them narrow down that list,” says Leah Lambart, a Career Coach at Relaunch Me.

Research for SEEK shows nearly 2 in 3 (62%) employers say a customised cover letter impacts their decision of hiring the applicant. And nearly half (47%) of employers think a personal introduction that’s relevant to the role is one of the most important things for applicants to do in their cover letter.

A great opener to your cover letter can help you show both your genuine interest in the role, and your skills – so it’s worth putting some extra effort into those first few lines.

How to start out strong with your cover letter

So, how do you convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job in the first few sentences?

“Be confident that you have the skills and attributes to be successful in the role,” Lambart says. If you’re unsure how to convey that, preparation will help.

• Read the job ad closely: Take time to fully understand what the employer is looking for in an employee. Make a note of the key requirements and check back after you’ve written your letter draft to ensure you’ve covered them all.
• Sell your soft skills:  Don’t just write about your technical skills, qualifications and experience, Lambart says. Also show that you have the soft skills, like communication and flexibility , that they would desire in an employee.“It’s particularly important not to overlook this for technical roles in IT, engineering or data analysis,” she says.

When you start writing, it can help to think about your 30-second-elevator pitch and ask yourself:

• What can I do that this employer would really want?
• Why am I best for the role and organisation?
• What experience and strengths can I highlight?

“At the end of the day, your cover letter needs to convey three things: that you can do the job, that you want the job and that you will fit into their organisation,” Lambart says.

Cover letter opener ideas

With all this in mind, it can still be hard to start writing your cover letter when you’re staring at a blank screen. To get you started, here are some ideas for opening lines that you can adapt to your situation:

• Highlight the job title and your achievements:  Get right to the point and highlight your background, says Pete Noblet, senior regional director at Hays. ‘As a Social Media Consultant for [Company A], I manage many digital media channels to help drive engagement and brand awareness with consumers. By implementing new social media marketing initiatives, I have tripled our audience on Facebook and doubled our followers on Twitter. This has led to an increase in website traffic, lead generation and sales.’
• Show your knowledge of the industry and its challenges . Lambart suggests an opening such as: ‘With 10+ years’ experience in the wine industry, representing international brands in global markets, I have developed a strong network of customers across hospitality and retail. I understand the challenges faced by both sellers and suppliers in navigating international supply chain logistics, accessing new markets/products and optimising commercial performance. I’m excited by the potential for digital solutions to transform the wine industry and recognise [Company X]’s emerging leadership in this space.’
• Show your genuine interest in the role and explain how the role will enable you to follow your career interests, Lambart says. ‘Having worked as a senior Procurement Specialist for diverse businesses, primarily in the SME sector, I am keen to join [Company X] to develop my procurement career within a large and complex multinational FMCG business. The dynamic nature of this role and the opportunity to be actively involved in value chain analysis and value engineering is of particular interest to me, as I have a natural aptitude for analysis and critical thinking.’
• Use keywords . Employers love keywords, Noblet says, and they’ll also be picked up by automatic applicant tracking systems. ‘Written and verbal communications are two of my key strengths. My extensive experience in public relations has honed my skills in media relations, social media, community engagement and leading a team. By combining these skills, I believe I am the best candidate for the position of Communications Manager.’
• Refer to your network of contacts . Name dropping can work well, Noblet says. ‘My name is _____ and recently I spoke to your Communications Coordinator, _____, who informed me about the opening in your human resources department. She recommended I contact you about the position because of my strong interest in HR.’ However, Lambart adds: “Be wary of name dropping if it’s possible that the person won’t remember you.”  
• Show you’re informed . Employers are impressed if you’ve taken the time to research the company, Noblet says. ‘Your company has recently been featured in the Sydney Morning Herald and the AFR because of your partnership with not-for-profit [Company A]. The articles have inspired me to seek employment with your company and I would like to apply for the position of Receptionist.’
• Show your enthusiasm . Employers love to see potential employees who are excited about the company and are genuinely interested in what the company does. “If you’re applying for a graduate program, try to avoid being generic. Explain why this organisation stands out from their competitors,” Lambart says. ‘I was excited to find an opening in IT with [Company X] because of your work with data analytics. I have been watching for openings at your organisation for a while now. I’m an ideal candidate for this position because it combines my experience with IT and data analytics.’

More cover letter tips to keep in mind

Lambart also has a couple of other pieces of advice to consider when crafting your cover letter opener:

• Mention leaders in the organisation you admire . “You might highlight that you recently listened to a podcast where the CEO was interviewed which really inspired you,” Lambart says.
• Match the language used in the job ad and on the company website , Lambart says. For example, if the company refers to “client service” on their website, use that term in your letter, rather than “customer service”.
• Even if a job ad doesn’t ask for a letter, write one anyway , Lambart says. “It shows that you’re serious about the job and not just sending out resumes all over town. It’s also a great way to clearly demonstrate that you meet the criteria for the role, have done your research on the organisation and have a genuine interest in both the role and the company.”

When there’s strong competition for a role, your letter can set you apart from other candidates and help you land an interview. Using the opening lines of your cover letter to showcase your genuine interest in the role, your knowledge of the industry and your soft skills will tell employers why you’re a great fit for the role, right from the start.

Source: Independent research conducted by Nature of behalf of SEEK, interviewing 4000 Kiwis annually. Published November 2021.

• How to write a great cover letter
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How to write an NZ cover letter (with examples and templates)

Along with your CV, a cover letter is essential to any NZ job application. Let's get you started.

Every New Zealand job application should include a cover letter.

This document is key to showing an employer you’re serious about their vacancy, and for demonstrating what you bring to the table . Despite its importance, many people aren’t sure how to write a cover letter – and their applications suffer as a result.

That’s why we’ve created this guide, giving you advice on everything from what to include, to how to lay it out.

We’ve also snuck in a few examples to make life even easier for you … aren’t we nice?

Cover letters vs. CVs: what’s the difference?

To understand the role cover letters play in job applications, it’s important to realise how they differ from CVs:

1. Purpose:

CVs give a broad picture of you as an applicant – providing details such as educational background and employment history . By contrast, a cover letter targets why you want this specific role, and how your skills and experience make you a great candidate.

While there will be areas of overlap as you select qualifications or abilities to draw out in your cover letter, it definitely should not be an elongated version of your CV.

An NZ cover letter should be no longer than one page, while CVs are usually between one and two.

The most obvious visual difference between these documents and CVs hinges around bullet points.

While your CV should be a bullet point bonanza, cover letters favour full sentences. That’s not to say you can’t have any bullets in a cover letter, just use them more sparingly.

You should include a cover letter with every job application.

What to include in a cover letter

1. your contact info, the date and the business’ address.

At the top of your cover letter should be:

• Your full name, contact details and home address
• The date you submit the application
• The business’ postal address

It should look like this:

Head up your cover letter like this.

2. Your opener

People worry about how to start a cover letter , but there’s a simple formula and structure for getting this right:

Make it personal : start with ‘dear’, and address it to a person – i.e. the hiring manager. If their name isn’t in the job listing, try a good old fashioned stalk of the company website, or ring the business and find out. ‘To whom it may concern’ is a no go.

Make it clear : organisations often list multiple vacancies at a time, so make it obvious which position you’re applying for. A sentence like, ‘I’m writing to apply for the Marketing Assistant role, as advertised on Trade Me Jobs’, will do the trick.

Make it punchy : next, add a snappy one-liner summing up why you’re interested in the role and what you’d bring to their business. Remember, you can go into more detail in the interview itself. For example:

3. Why them

A common cover letter mistake is to only focus on yourself. Before choosing you, employers want to know why you’re choosing them. This helps sort candidates who are genuinely passionate about their organisation from those who are mass applying to anything and everything.

Warning : this section is not about inflating the hiring manager's ego by flattering the company – be positive, but be thoughtful.

Now, it’s time to sell yourself.

This section of your cover letter is where you highlight your most relevant skills and experience.

You can draw on anything from previous work experience to certificates and qualifications. The important bit is linking whatever you mention to the job – simply listing skills is not the answer.

To do this effectively, you need to carefully study the job ad and identify what capabilities the employer values most. If your Trade Me Jobs Profile is up-to-date, you can then quickly skim your skills and experience to find those which most closely match the job description.

Top tip: the more detail you can give, the better. Helped raise sales? Great. Helped raise sales by 6%? Even better.

If you want to add some extra skills or information to this section, a bullet point list is a good option. Note : only do this after introducing your headline examples in full sentence form, as above, and keep your list to three or four concise bullets.

5. Signing off

The end of your cover letter should (politely) prompt the reader to get in touch with you to arrange the next steps. Make sure you end on a high, and continue the energy from earlier in your closing sentence, for example:

How to format a cover letter

With your content sorted, it’s now about nailing the visuals. Cover letters are usually easier than CVs in this regard, as they’re laid out like a traditional letter. However, there are a few things to bear in mind:

• What font should I use? Keep it simple, and the same as on your CV. If your font is hard to read, or too small, the letter will end up in the wrong pile.
• How long should a cover letter be? New Zealand cover letters should be under one page long.
• Should I use paragraphs? Would you read huge, unbroken chunks of text? We doubt it, so make sure to break up your cover letters into paragraphs.
• What are the correct cover letter margins? Leave these at their default setting so your cover letter has plenty of blank space, and doesn’t look crowded.

All done? Not quite.

Perhaps the most important stage of cover letter writing is proofreading. After all that hard work, you don’t want a few silly typos or poor punctuation letting you down.

So check it yourself, then get someone else to have a look, then have a final glance.

Once you’re happy, it’s time to attach it to your application, and hit send.

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.

Other articles you might like

A good CV can make all the difference to your job hunting hopes. Check out our must-read advice and free templates.

A good cover letter intro is like a good espresso – short, sharp and energising. Here’s how to brew one of your own.

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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 rewrite your CV and cover letter. It's run by the Auckland Business Chamber, and it's available online and by phone 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.

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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How to write a cover letter

A well-written cover letter is one of the most important tools you have to convince your employer that you are the right person for the job. When crafted carefully, a cover letter will demonstrate how your skills and expertise can add value to the company you want to work for.

As one of the top recruitment agencies in Auckland , we created the ultimate guide to crafting the perfect cover letter. Whether you’re looking to understand what a cover letter is, what to include or exclude in a cover letter, or for tips on how to write a persuasive cover letter - we can help you get your application to the top of the pile.

Cover letter writing

Writing a cover letter is a task that requires research, consideration and personalisation. If you nail the cover letter, you’ll be well on your way to landing the job you’ve dreamed of. But a poorly written cover letter - even if you are the perfect candidate for the job - will see your CV go straight to the bottom of the pile.

What is a cover letter?

A resume cover letter is a letter to the hiring manager that accompanies the resume. These days, most CVs are emailed or submitted electronically, and the cover letter will either be the first page of the document or included as an accompanying attachment.

The purpose of a cover letter is to give a preview, or a sneak-peak, into what your resume will contain. It links your CV to the role that you are applying for and persuades the hiring manager that your application is worth the time to read.

A cover letter is often overlooked, or approached as an after-thought. After all, you’ve spent hours perfecting your resume – surely the CV is the most important element? Wrong. The cover letter is usually the first thing an employer will see, before they begin to read your CV. Therefore, it’s critical that you invest the time to get your resume cover letter right.

Is a cover letter mandatory?

Imagine your CV is a book: the story of your career. You’ve laboured over the manuscript and hope that it will be published one day. The cover letter is the letter to the publisher, convincing them why they should read your manuscript. It’s the opportunity for you to make a connection and to convince them that your book – or the story of your career – is worth reading.

Some employers specifically request a cover letter. If they do, then you can be confident that they will read it. A cover letter is not always mandatory – however, even if employers don’t specify that a cover letter is required, you should still invest the time to write one. It demonstrates your enthusiasm for the job and shows that you have taken the time to consider the particular role’s requirements and how you can add value to their business.

How long should a cover letter be?

The purpose of a cover letter is to sell your skills and ability to the hiring manager - think of it as your one chance to catch their eye to read your resume.

A good cover letter should be succinct. Keep your cover letter to four paragraphs that fit on one page in total. If your cover letter is any longer, it will only demonstrate to your employer that you lack focus.

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Cover letter strategy

When it comes to writing a cover letter for resumes, remember the three C’s: Connect, Convince and Courtesy. The purpose of the resume cover letter is to first Connect with your hiring manager. Then you should aim to Convince the hiring manager that your CV is worth reading.

Whilst including a cover letter may seem old-fashioned, such Courtesies are highly valued in the professional world, and a professional cover letter will thank the hiring manager for their time reading your CV and considering you for the role.

Learn more >

Career change cover letter

Making the decision to embark on a new career is one thing; convincing a hiring manager that you’re the right fit for a new industry and job type can be a far greater challenge – one that can demand a compelling cover letter.

If you’re struggling to find the right words to land you that new gig, read on for handy tips on how to write a cover letter for a new career.

What information should you include in your cover letter?

Your cover letter should always include your contact details, and follow a clear structure, to convince the hiring manager that your CV is the one they should read. You should ensure your cover letter adheres to a formal letter format, for example addressing the reader by name.

Here is a definitive list of what to include in a cover letter - and what to avoid.

How to personalise your cover letter

In writing a cover letter, remember that it should never be generic – it should be personalised and tailored to the job and company that you are applying for.

Have attention to detail . Scrutinise the job advertisement and ensure the details are exactly mirrored in your resume. For example, if job applications are to be sent to ‘Stephanie Green, HR Manager’, ensure that Stephanie’s name and title are on your cover letter and the spelling is exact. If the job title that you are applying for is ‘Administration Assistant’, ensure that you don’t write ‘Administration Coordinator’.

Reference relevant skills and experience . If you’ve done your research, you will know exactly what kind of skills and experience the hiring manager is looking for. For example, if the advertisement mentions that they are looking for a Project Manager who is ‘excellent at stakeholder engagement’, you could say; “As a Project Manager with 8 years’ experience, I am known for my ability to influence and engage key stakeholders to achieve business goals.”

Reference the company . In your research, you may have identified what the company goals or values are. Ensure that you reference those goals and values when writing a cover letter, and articulate how they reflect your own goals and values.

How to create the perfect cover letter layout

Learning how to write a cover letter can be time-consuming, but once you have practiced it, it will become second nature.

Investing the time to tailor and personalise the cover letter will always stand you in good stead, and help your cover letter – and CV – stand out from the crowd.

Cover letter templates

If you need to write a cover letter, you may consider using a cover letter template, or cover letter examples to inspire you. Whether you decide to use a cover letter template or not in your job search , it is key to use it as inspiration, or as a stepping stone to creating your unique cover letter.

Always remember that your objective is to stand out, and you can only stand out if you invest the time to craft a cover letter that is personalised, tailored and convincing.

Cover letter pros and cons

When deciding whether or not to use a cover letter template, there are some pros and cons to consider.

• Cover letter examples can save you time, as there will be a standard structure that you can follow. You won't have to spend time thinking about what you should include, as there will be clear prompts to guide you.
• Cover letter templates and examples can also give you inspiration in terms of the key messages that you should include, and the type of language you should use. They also give you tips on correct formatting, and the types of formalities that you can incorporate.
• The purpose of a cover letter is to convince the hiring manager that your unique CV is worth reading. That means that your cover letter needs to be unique, personalised and tailored. If you use a template or an existing example, there is a chance your cover letter could be perceived as being generic, and you won’t be as convincing as you need to be.
• If you use a cover letter template that you have downloaded from the internet, there is a chance that someone else might have used the same template. It is hard to stand out if your cover letter looks exactly the same as someone else’s.

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

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

Let’s go back to basics – what is a cover letter? A cover letter acts as a personal introduction in a professional setting. Usually, it’s a separate document that you 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 make the effort to write a tailored and personalised cover letter, so by making sure you write a cover letter that answers specifics needs in 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. A copy of the template will be emailed to you shortly.

How to write a cover letter | Video | 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.

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• 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

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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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Cover letters: The good and the bad

Need to come up with a great cover letter? When it comes to writing a winning cover letter, it’s often the little things that add up to make a big difference.

Here are two examples of cover letters; one that hits the mark, and one that doesn’t.

Keep these examples in mind when you create a new cover letter , or compare one you have already to see what you could add or adjust.

Read more: 

• How to write a great cover letter
• CV vs resumé: understanding the differences 
• 5 things employers wish they could say about your cover letter

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