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

cover letter nz student

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

cover letter nz student

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

cover letter nz student

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 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.

Using a cover letter template and examples are a great way to get 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 letter nz student

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.

It’s not always easy to know what to put in your cover letter.

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:

Here's how to start your cover letter.

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:

You have options when choosing your cover letter intro.

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.

Your cover letter should tell the hiring manager why you want to work there.

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.

Use your cover letter to highlight core relevant skills.

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:

Sign off your cover letter with a call to action.

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

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

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  • You are currently on: Your CV and cover letter

Your CV and cover letter

Your CV and cover letter are the first impression most employers will have of you. This is your opportunity to showcase your skills and experience to a potential employer.

Remember that you need to tailor your CV for each role. You should not have one version of your CV that you use for multiple applications. Each job is different and you need to demonstrate you have the right skills and experience for that role. 

Make sure you get friends or family members to read your CV and give you feedback. They can spot achievements or skills you've forgotten to include and help you make it easier to read.

Recruiters from some of New Zealand's leading companies share their tips about preparing your CV in the video below.

Cover letters

Your cover letter is your personal sales pitch. Use it to introduce yourself and explain why you want the job and are the right person for it.

Recruiters from some of New Zealand's leading companies share their tips about writing a cover letter in the video below.

Tips from Business School students for CVs and cover letters

In our recent Business School student recruitment experience survey, students had the following advice for you:

  • Always apply early! It's really important to put your best foot forward, so use the resources offered at the Business School. Get your CV checked and talk to our Business School Career Development team – they often know the recruitment teams and can tell you what to focus on. Most importantly, be yourself. Tell them what makes you unique and what you can bring to the role.
  • Be sure to check your CV, CL and application form thoroughly before submitting it, to ensure that there are no grammar, spelling or other mistakes and that your CV is consistently formatted (e.g. dates and bullet points are aligned consistently). Ensure that all information provided is correct and updated. In addition, it is important to ensure that your CV, CL and application form is tailored to the company's values and job description – not just a general CV.
  • Structure your CV well to highlight certain skills you have that would make you more attractive towards the role. Also make sure you come across as an all-round student.
  • While applying, make your CV the best possible representation of who you are as a person. Include a list of relevant skills on your CV that are specific and tangible – not just things like “punctual” or “passionate”.

General application tips

  • Start early, the application takes a while to complete.
  • Get all your CV and cover letters checked and done before the start of the semester, and also create a LinkedIn profile beforehand as well.
  • Go to Networking events. These companies get flooded with applications - you need to put a face to your application.
  • Never underestimate yourself, you’re just as good as anybody else!

CV and cover letters explained workshop

To find out more, register and attend our workshop "CV and cover letters explained". You can view workshops and registration details on our Book a workshop page .

Drop in with your CV and cover letter

Come and see us at drop-in to get your CV and cover letter reviewed.

  • Located in the red booths on Level 1, OGGB, between 12-2pm, Monday to Friday, during undergraduate teaching periods.You don't need to make an appointment.
  • During semester 1 2022 it will be held online. You can find the link in the Business School newsletter (BizBuzz) which is emailed to you each Thursday.
  • During the breaks you are welcome to make an appointment via MyCDES .

Application checks

  • Come and see us

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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 NewZealand

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 new zealand.

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Intro + Form | UB

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:

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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Resumes & cover letters.

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How to write a resume

How to write a cover letter

CV hacks that work

Make your CV stand out

CV cliches to avoid

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, 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

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Career Services

Cover letters.

When you apply for a job your CV or Resume can be accompanied with a cover letter. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and outline exactly why you believe you are the right candidate for the job.

A cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a short letter which accompanies your CV or Resume. Your cover letter is the first impression an employer has of you, if your cover letter stands out, they will go on to read your CV. An employer may look at a cover letter for only   6 seconds before they decide to read further or not.

It is good practice to send or hand out a cover letter with your CV. As all employers are different, it is best to provide all the information when first applying for the job.

What is the difference between a CV and a cover letter?

Show key differences

What goes into a good cover letter?

When you see a job advertised that you really want, make sure you tailor your cover letter to the job description and the list of skills required, if you are confident that you have these set skills.

A cover letter should:

A good cover letter is  clear  and  straight to the point and   it should be  focussed  on only one job. You should first clearly state your  main reasons  for choosing that organisation as your preferred place to work. Tell the employer why you are interested in the position at that organisation and what you can offer them - this is important.

It is a good idea to do research on the company as well, so you can say why you want to work for them specifically and express to them how you would add value to their working environment.

Always use  full sentences  and  paragraphs  in a cover letter. It should be no longer than a page in length and makes use of  professional wording  (avoid common fraises like ‘a well rounded person’).

Direct your cover letter to an employer, if their name is not on the job advert, contact the company to ask or do further research to find who to direct it to. This will show you are able to go the extra mile for the role. Pay close attention when writing your cover letter and ensure that you are not addressing it to the incorrect employer.

How to write a Cover Letter

Paragraph one.

Identify which job you are applying for and where the job was advertised (in case the organisation has multiple jobs being advertised at once).

Paragraph two

Briefly explain your current situation - what you’re currently studying/working towards, your experiences and your suitability for the job in general.   

Paragraph three

Provide more details on your situation - talk about any placements you’ve done or are doing during your studies, what skills you have that will support you to get the job, any career plans that include this job and any other relevant factors.

Paragraph four

Do your research about the company - what are their values/goals/aspirations? Do any of these match your own in your career goals? How would you add value to their team environment? Here you are telling them why they should employ you.

Paragraph five

Closing paragraph - thank the employer for their time and provide contact details so they are able to contact you (please make sure your answer phone message is a professional one).

Your cover letter can make you stand out of the crowd.

Cover letter template

Use this template to help with the structure and layout of your cover letter.

Show template

Cover letter template Download the Word version

Here is an example cover letter using this template.

Show cover letter example

Cover letter examples

  • Example 1 - Debra Messing
  • Example 2 - George Bush
  • Example 3 - Lynne Tullett

Careers Coverletters I 2

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“What is the best way to write about your experiences, responsibilities, and accomplishments to find a job in industry, government, or a nonprofit? Join us to learn and practice strategies for organizing resumes, drafting bullet points, and structuring cover letters to create effective job documents. Participants will leave the workshop with resume and cover letter writing resources and tools for editing and strengthening their job documents.

Registration opens two weeks before the event date and is limited to graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.”

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Simple cover letter templates

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Who ever said simple was a bad thing? Sometimes, a basic design that’s both straightforward and classy is just what you need to get your application finished and in the hiring manager’s inbox. After all, you can’t get hired if you don’t submit your materials. Our simple cover letter templates are perfect for the moments when speed and ease count for everything.

One of the biggest advantages of simple cover letter templates is their versatility. Whether you’re a high school student looking for your first job, a seasonal employee or a skilled professional in a trade industry, a simple cover letter template keeps the focus on you, your abilities and experiences.

When to pick a simple job application letter template

There are dozens of instances when a simple job application letter template is the best choice. When applying to multiple positions at similar types of companies, in retail for example, you’ll want a job application letter that you can put together and edit quickly. These templates are perfect for when the content of your job application letter should be the star of the show.

That’s not to say that a simple job application letter lacks style. On the contrary, its strengths lie in its ability to highlight your skills and achievements without calling too much attention to itself. This collection of templates are elegant and timeless, meaning the cover letter you create today will look its best even in future applications.

Top 5 why choose a simple cover letter for a resume

  • This is your first cover letter, and you want to keep the format simple
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  • You appreciate classic design that works well for a variety of positions
  • You work in a skills-based industry where no-frills formatting is preferred
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What makes a basic or simple application letter

A basic or simple application letter doesn’t get bogged down by the details. It remains classy and classic by keeping the focus on the important stuff – your strengths and abilities. Our basic and simple application letter templates help you to achieve this goal by serving as a blank canvas for your personal expression and perspectives.

One mistake many applicants make is writing with too much professional jargon or overly complex grammar. Just like your template, it’s OK to keep your writing simple and effective. Don’t be afraid to capture your natural tone of voice.

In order to make your basic application letter stand out, you should use emotive language and strong action verbs to bring your anecdotes and experiences to life. It’s also important to keep your letter concise and focused on the key qualities that make you a great fit for the position. With an application letter or CV, there’s no need to over-complicate the process – it’s all about writing a letter that gets you hired!

Free simple cover letter template – download as PDF or Word file

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With our free simple cover letter template, you can be sure you’re getting a classic design that will benefit you in virtually any position or industry. These simple templates are the best of both worlds when it comes to style and functionality. And most importantly, they make sure the emphasis stays on you. Check out our collection to see how a free simple cover letter template can enhance any application, and don't forget to check out our simple CV templates!

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    Adaptable cover letter example of the conclusion & sign-off. I am hard-working, honest and creative and I would be happy to discuss further details with you. I would love to work with the Tornado team while studying my degree, and possibly joining full-time after I graduate from The University of Otago.

  2. How to write a cover letter

    To make your cover letter look good: use a black, easy to read font in one size. use simple language and be warm and friendly. use positive phrases like 'I have' and 'I can'. use bullet points to list information. avoid weak words like 'some knowledge' or 'fairly experienced'. avoid starting each sentence with 'I'. avoid repeating your whole CV.

  3. Cover Letters

    Cover Letters Careers NZ resources. How to write a cover letter Cover letter templates. ... When writing your cover letter for a Student Job Search application, it's likely that you won't know the details of the employer. Instead, you can write "Dear Hiring Manager" or "To whom it may concern". In a study of more than 2000 employers, these were ...

  4. Student Job Cover Letter Template

    Along with our Cover Letter template, feel free to download our example cover letter and modify it for your needs. Put your best job application forward with our comprehensive cover letter template and tips. Our guide to student job cover letters gives you everything you need to write the perfect letter when applying for a part-time position.

  5. CV and cover letter templates

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

    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.

  7. How to write an NZ cover letter (with examples and templates)

    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.

  8. Your CV and cover letter

    Drop in with your CV and cover letter. Come and see us at drop-in to get your CV and cover letter reviewed. Located in the red booths on Level 1, OGGB, between 12-2pm, Monday to Friday, during undergraduate teaching periods.You don't need to make an appointment. During semester 1 2022 it will be held online.

  9. How to write a cover letter: (NZ) tips & examples · CVapp.nz

    The cover letter's opening paragraph should leave the employer wanting to hear more, whether by revealing a personal anecdote, showcasing your experience, or recounting a game-changing contribution. Get creative! Introduction & Greeting Customisable Example. Tēnā koe, Mr. Manihera.

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    Job application checklist. Use our checklist before you send in your job application. Updated 8 Mar 2022. Create an effective CV, cover letter, application form and online job hunting profile.

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

    Simply sign off with: "I have attached my resume and look forward to speaking to you further about this opportunity.". Or "I look forward to hearing from you to discuss this role further." Finally, as you'll see in our cover letter template, you can close with the widely accepted "kind regards" or "sincerely".

  12. How to write a cover letter

    The purpose of a cover letter is to encourage the employer to read your CV and meet you for an interview. These days with job applications and CVs being delivered electronically, a cover letter could be the first page of your CV - or a separate document. Either way, a cover letter acts as a 'preview' to what the employer will find in your CV.

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  14. Cover letters » Otago Polytechnic

    When you apply for a job your CV or Resume can be accompanied with a cover letter. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and outline exactly why you believe you are the right candidate for the job. Key differences between a CV and a cover letter. CV. Cover letter. 2-3 pages in length. 1 page in length. Provides referees.

  15. PDF How to write a cover letter

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