When applying for jobs, focusing on writing the perfect resumé is a great start, but you want to make sure your cover letter is just as well written. It’s a direct message to the employer and your chance to sell yourself for the position. 

While your resumé is an essential document summarising your work experience and qualifications, a cover letter provides additional information and is often specific to the role you’re applying for. Let’s take a look at how to write a cover letter that showcases your most relevant skills and experience, to grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document you submit when applying for jobs, in addition to your resumé. It details how your key qualifications, experience and achievements directly relate to the role. Think of it as an introductory letter to a potential employer, where you tell them why you believe you’re the perfect fit for the job.

What to include in a cover letter

As with your resumé, there are basic things to remember when writing your cover letter, to give yourself the best possible chance of an interview. This includes things like addressing the letter to the correct person, structuring your letter in concise paragraphs for easy reading, and keeping your tone professional. Here are the main things to keep in mind when writing your cover letter.

1. Contact information

In any formal letter, it’s essential to include both your own contact information and that of the recipient – in this case, the address of the organisation you’re applying at. In the top-left corner of your letter, put your own full name, then your phone number and email address (your physical address is not necessary). Under that, put the date of submitting the letter. Then, underneath that, put the hiring manager’s name, the business name and their full address. If needed, you should be able to find the contact information of the business in the job ad, on the company’s website or on their social media profiles. 

2. A salutation

Your cover letter should always start with a professional salutation, greeting the hiring manager by name. The most common and professional greeting is typically, Dear [name]. It’s best to avoid casual greetings, such as Hi, as this is generally too informal for a professional setting. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, you should greet the person by title. For example, in place of their name, you could say, Dear hiring manager at [company].

3. A strong opening paragraph

The first paragraph of your cover letter should pique the reader’s interest by summarising who you are and why you believe you are the best person for the job. Start with an opening sentence that clearly names the job you’re applying for, then provide a snapshot of what you bring to the table. A good opening paragraph may sound something like:

I’m applying for the role of graphic designer at ABC Advertising, as seen on SEEK.com.au. I have more than a decade of experience as a graphic designer across print and digital mediums, with expertise in InDesign, Illustrator and Procreate. I have worked in-house and in agency settings and believe I could be a great asset to your team. 

Avoid writing something simplistic and vague, like:

Hi, My name is Ben. I’m an experienced graphic designer looking for work at a Melbourne agency.

4.  A body paragraph or two about your background

The main body of your cover letter goes into detail about the experience, qualifications and achievements you’ve listed on your resumé. You should always tailor your cover letter to the job ad, specifically linking your experience to its essential and desirable traits, using keywords from the ad to make it easy for the hiring manager to scan. For example, if the job ad asks for experience with specific software, be sure to mention your proficiency in that specific software.

5. A warm closing paragraph 

The closing paragraph should show appreciation to the hiring manager for their time and expressing your excitement or enthusiasm to hear back. It’s good practice to end with a ‘call to action’ like, Please don’t hesitate to contact me… at the end. For example, you may close your cover letter with:

Thank you for taking the time to review my application – I’m more than happy to discuss my suitability for the role in more detail. Please don’t hesitate to contact me for any information. I look forward to hearing from you. 

6. A professional sign-off 

Part of knowing how to write a cover letter for a job application is ending it in a polished and professional way. It’s important to use a proper sign-off, followed by your name.

Some good salutations include:

• Yours sincerely
• Kind regards

Avoid being too casual in your sign off:

• Thanks
• Cheers

How to write a cover letter for a job application

Now you know generally how to write a cover letter, here are some tips for making it stand out from other applications. Some thoughtful finishing touches can make a big difference.

Do your research

Before writing your cover letter, do some research about the company, their culture and their values. In your letter, mention aspects of their organisation or brand that resonate with you personally. Try to understand the challenges they might face as a company and how your particular skills might help them address these. For example, if their mission is to provide outstanding customer service, you could mention your proven track record in handling customer complaints.  

Focus on the future

Hiring managers want to know that the person they employ intends to stay with their organisation for at least a few years. There are two ways you can communicate your intentions to commit. The first is by connecting your skills and experience to the organisation’s future success, mentioning your role in their mission. Secondly, you can show how your career aspirations overlap with the role and organisation you’re applying at. For example, My ultimate goal is to use my skills to help others, ideally a role in the non-profit sector within an international organisation. 

Stand out in your introduction

Your cover letter’s opening paragraph should highlight why you’re the person the company is looking for, without being vague or resorting to clichés. Be specific about what makes you the most fitting person for the job. For example, I believe my seven years of experience in data management in the healthcare industry make me the perfect match for the role. 

If you’re sending your cover letter and resumé by email, use a strong, eye-catching subject line. Be specific, and avoid generic subject lines like Job Application or Applying for Receptionist Role. Mention the job title: Job application for Front-desk Receptionist so that the hiring manager can instantly understand why you’ve emailed and can find your email later on.

Emphasise your value

When choosing what exact skills, experience and achievements to discuss in your resumé, consider what may be unique to you and what will most benefit the company. Highlight two to three skills that:

• are mentioned in the job ad, 
• set you apart, 
• align with the company’s needs and values, and 
• you’ve been complimented on in the past (perhaps something one of your referees can back up.)

Convey enthusiasm, but ensure tone is professional 

While it’s good to show your enthusiasm for a job and company, you should keep your tone as professional as possible. For example, instead I’m keen on working for your company as it has a great reputation, frame it as a match of values: As someone who sets high standards for their own work, I have always wanted to contribute to a highly reputable company like XYZ. Visit the organisation’s website to get a feel for their company culture and tone of voice, then match it in your own cover letter to show you are a good fit for their team. 

Keep it short

While you might have years of experience or a list of qualifications that make you a great fit, your cover letter should be no longer than four paragraphs long. The first time a hiring manager or recruiter reads your application, they’ll be looking for keywords that align with the job ad and for specific work experience that matches the role. 

Keep your cover letter concise and to the point, leaving out anything that’s not relevant to the position, and using plain English rather than complicated or wordy sentences. It helps to start your first draft with two to three main bullet points of skills and experiences you want to include, then building short sentences around each point to provide some context.

Cover letter templates and examples 

Taking a look at some templates and examples will give you a good idea of how to write a cover letter that is engaging and professional. Remember to edit the template to suit your own tone of voice, your experience relevant to the role, and the job you’re applying for.  

Graduate job cover letter template

A cover letter for a graduate job is a little different to a job application cover letter with professional experience. As you’re likely entering the workforce with limited experience, you need to highlight your qualifications, extracurricular experience, personal qualities and your eagerness to learn. Always focus on what you can offer the organisation, rather than talking about how they can help you. 

For example:

Dear [hiring manager name],

I am a recent [field of study] graduate from [place of study] applying for the role of [job title] at [company name], as advertised on SEEK. I have two years of experience in [job role] and qualifications in [specific subjects/skills], which I believe make me a great fit for the role. 

Aside from my formal qualifications, I have proven skills in [list up to three skills, like communication or data analytics], acquired through [outline your extracurricular or work experience]. I am also [list personal strengths, like detail oriented, ambitious or a team player], and committed to learning as much as I can on the job. 

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information – I hope to hear from you soon.

Kind regards,

[Your name]

Graduate job cover letter example

Dear Ms. Nguyen,

I am a recent Business Admin graduate from Griffith University, applying for the role of Junior Administrator at X Agency, as advertised on SEEK. I’m an outgoing ‘people person’ with a keen interest in the advertising industry, which I believe makes me a great fit for the role. 

Aside from my formal qualifications, I have strong proven communication skills, software proficiency (bookkeeping, emails, conferencing) and excellent time management, acquired through my casual work experience in data entry. I’m also detail oriented and calm under pressure, with positive energy and a can-do attitude. 

I’m excited about the opportunity of working with an industry-leading agency where I can leverage my diverse administrative skills to one day become an account manager.

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you need any further information – I hope to hear from you soon.

Kind regards,

James Stewart

General job cover letter template

When writing a cover letter for any job, regardless of the industry or position, you should use examples of how you’ve used your skills. If you can, include the specific results you achieved. This will help the hiring manager easily visualise the impact you can have on their organisation.

Dear [hiring manager name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [job title] position at [company name]. With [number of years] years of experience in [relevant industry or field], I am confident I would make a great addition to your team. 

In my previous role at [previous company], I [briefly describe key responsibilities or achievements], giving me a strong foundation in [relevant skills or competencies]. This particular opportunity excites me as [mention something specific that aligns with company values]. 

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of joining [company name] and contributing to the company’s continued success.

Warm regards,

[Your name]

General job cover letter example

Dear Mr Jonas,

I am writing to express my interest in the site manager position at ZZ Plumbing. With 12 years of experience as a civil plumber and pipelayer, I am confident I’d be a great addition to your team.

In my previous role, I led several large projects, including new builds and renovations for local government, supervising teams of more than 10 people. I feel that the role of site manager is a natural next step for me, allowing me to use my existing leadership skills and further develop my experience to help your clients.

Thank you for considering my application. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any other information or to arrange a time to chat.

Kind regards,

Chris Schumer

Knowing how to write a cover letter that shows your skills and experience is essential if you want to stand out from other applicants. Formatting your letter correctly, aligning your skills to the organisation’s values, and highlighting your most relevant experiences will help you get to the next step in the interview process. 

FAQs

How long should a cover letter be?

The ideal cover letter should be between 250 to 400 words, or around half a page. It should address the criteris in three or four short paragraphs. 

How to address a cover letter without a name?

The best way to address a cover letter without a name is to use Recruitment manager or Hiring manager in place of the name. For example, you may wish to say, Dear Hiring manager.

Can I send an email cover letter for a resumé?

A cover letter does not replace a resumé. You should send both a resumé and a cover letter in an email when applying for a job, as well as any other requested documents, such as a portfolio or certifications.

Is a cover letter necessary?

A cover letter is necessary to help you stand out and highlight your best qualities to a hiring manager. While a cover letter is not mandatory, most companies will request you submit one with your job application as it provides them with an idea of your personality, as well as an example of your written communication skills.

What do I write in a cover letter?

When writing a cover letter, you should include a:

• greeting by name or title to the hiring manager, 
• short description of your qualifications and most relevant skills, and
• reasons why you’re the best fit for the role. 

What does a cover letter look like?

A cover letter looks like a one-page document or letter. It is typically formatted like a formal letter, including your name, your recipient’s name and the address of the employer. It’s also helpful to include your own contact information to make it easy for the hiring manager to reach you.

How do you write a cover letter for an internship?

A successful cover letter for an internship should be two or three paragraphs outlining who you are, why you are ideal for the internship and any skills you bring to the table. Express your passion for learning and the industry, as well as why you want to intern for that specific company. If you’re not sure where to start, consider using AI to help you write a cover letter.