cover letter in new zealand

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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.

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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: Template & Tips | Hays

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

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

Do i really need a cover letter, how long should a cover letter be, what are some common mistakes people make when writing cover letters, how do i format a cover letter, hays new zealand salary guide 2022-2023 - salary checker | ub.

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How to write a great cover letter

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to a potential employer and spark their interest in reading your resume.

When you’re prepping job applications, a cover letter might seem like an afterthought compared to your resume. But your cover letter is worth just as much attention . That doesn’t mean it needs to be overly detailed – in fact, a simple single page is best.

Here are the key points to know about cover letters, plus the steps to follow to write one.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a short letter that accompanies your resume when you apply for a role. It’s often the first point of contact you make with a potential employer, hiring manager or recruiter for a job application.

It’s a way to give the employer a sense of who you are, highlighting your skills and experience, before they read the information in your resume. Just as if you were meeting someone for the first time, you’d introduce yourself first before getting into the detail.

Sometimes, a short email can take the place of a cover letter, but the way you write it is much the same.

Take a look at this article comparing an average cover letter to a great one to help you see how to craft yours well.

How does a cover letter compare to your resume?

Your resume and cover letter complement each other but do slightly different things. Your resume summarises the key details of your skills, work experience and education. Resumes are best formatted with bullet points and broken into sections with subheadings, across about two pages.

A cover letter is shorter and sharper: a single page is best. It’s also more of a conversation opener – you’re speaking to the person responsible for the role you’re applying for, expressing your interest in the job and showing them why you’re a good fit for it.

The language in a cover letter is more personal. For example, a social worker’s resume might include, Redeveloped community youth program, increasing participation by 20 per cent. But in a cover letter you can write in the first person, which might read as, I’m a dedicated and driven social worker, with a strong commitment to supporting disadvantaged youth. It’s a chance to describe your skills and experiences in a way that also gives some insight into you and your career.

How to write your cover letter

• Start with a brief introduction about yourself and why you’re writing. Mention the job you’re applying for and your interest in it.
• Give a snapshot of the relevant skills, experience and qualifications you have that relate to the job. Think about the key two or three points in your resume and explaining these in a way that links them to why you’d be great for the role.
• Give examples of your skills or mention how you’ve used them – you might need to do this in more detail if the job ad requests that you address selection criteria.
• Note that your resume is attached. To finish, you can say that you’d welcome the opportunity to meet to discuss the role, or that you’re happy to provide more information, before signing off.

How to make your cover letter stand out

A cover letter should be engaging – you want to capture the interest of the person reading it so that they turn to your resume to find out more.

It’s also about showing the employer how your skills and experience are a good match for the role. That’s why you should always create a cover letter especially for the role you’re applying for – it shouldn’t be a generic letter. These tips can help you tailor your cover letter to the job.

A good cover letter can also demonstrate your written communication skills. Write for the environment you’re applying to: if it’s a more informal workplace or a creative type of work, don’t be afraid to inject some personal style into your writing to stand out.

Reading the 5 things employers wish they could say about cover letters and what recruiters look for in cover letters can also help you to write one that will impress.

Quick tips for improving your cover letter

• Use clear, concise language. It’s best to avoid complicated or flowery wording.
• Avoid overly long sentences. Try reading it aloud to see if there are any you struggle with.
• Always tailor your cover letter to the job. An application is all about showing how you’re a good fit for the role on offer, and you don’t want your cover letter to seem reused.
• Rather than writing ‘To whom it may concern’ or ‘Dear Sir or Madam’, find out who to address your letter to; you could phone the company to ask. It’s more personal that way and shows you’ve taken initiative.
• Triple check your spelling and grammar. Try printing your letter out then coming back to it fresh, or get someone with a keen eye to look over it for you.
• Keep your letter to around 250-350 words on a single page.
• Take a look at these examples of cover letters written by successful job seekers .

Writing your cover letter might feel intimidating at first when you’re facing a blank page. But by following these steps and tips, you can focus on crafting a cover letter that captures what you can bring to the role and makes a winning impression to the employer.

• Why your personal brand is so important now – and how to build it
• 4 tips for getting your application noticed
• How to stand out in a crowded job market

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Free Cover Letter Templates

Stand out and get hired faster with our collection of free professional cover letter templates expertly-designed to land you the perfect position.

Reviewed, community-centred and expert-approved

Good cover letter samples.

Our cover letter templates are designed to support job-seekers in any stage of their employment journey. With our pre-written phrases, in-built spell-checker, expert advice and professional layouts, our cover letter builder will help simplify your job-hunt. 

Cover letters introduce your professional story to employers. We’ve designed our templates to make sharing your profile and professional story as easy as possible. Say goodbye to formatting issues and say hello to sleek, professional designs in minutes. We’ll help get you sorted.

CV Cover Letter examples to help kickstart your career journey 

Picture this: you’re browsing job sites looking for roles that best suit your career profile, when suddenly you see it — a job that matches perfectly with your professional experience and preferences. When reading the job description, you’re overcome with the feeling that this is the job role you’ve been waiting for. 

Only one small problem: you’ve got to submit your CV and the deadline is fast approaching. You want to put your best foot forward, but you’re unsure of how to proceed. That’s where we come in!

Our cover letter templates are designed to show employers that you’re the perfect candidate for the 

role. After years of working with professionals around the world, we’ve got successful cover letter building down to a science. We make standing out in a sea of applicants easy with our expert-approved, professionally designed templates. Your dream career is closer than you think! 

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Our internship cover letter includes professional advice on how to structure your profile, solid formatting tips, and advice on tone of voice and how to best convey your strengths and expertise. Don't forget to browse our blog or check out our free CV internship cover letter sample!

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Whether you’ve had extensive experience in the customer service industry or you’re just starting out, our customer service cover letter template will help promote your professional story to potential employers and help get you noticed in no time. 

Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistants are often the first point of contact for important office tasks. Potential employers are looking for trustworthy candidates who have an eye for organisation, order, and detail. We've designed our administrative assistant cover letter to highlight the skills and qualities you'd bring to the job role.

All of our cover letter templates come with guides to help you successfully build your professional profile and advance your career. Regardless of how much work experience you have, our administrative assistant cover letter template will help potential employers understand who you are and what you have to offer. 

Teachers are tasked with training the next generation of leaders. As a result, making a good first impression with employers is essential. We've created a guide to help you understand how schools and educational institutions make their hiring decisions. You'll learn how to present your professional background in a way that will set you apart from other applicants and give you a much better chance of landing your ideal job role. 

In our teacher cover letter application example, we'll share our best tips on how to create a compelling profile and what elements to include in your cover letter. Once you're happy with your profile, you can choose one of our cover letter templates and submit your application!

If you're interested in a career in nursing, we've got the perfect cover letter template for you. Read our guide for tips and advice on how to write a powerful cover letter that will get you noticed by employers faster. We'll help you highlight the skills and traits important to nursing employers and help you get closer to the nursing career of your dreams.

Creating powerful, impressive cover letters can be difficult without the right resources and guidance. We've got you covered! All of our cover letter templates are expert-approved and can be easily customised. Check out our guide and blog for more information on creating the perfect nursing cover letter application.

Scholarship

Scholarships are a great way to help you explore different career or educational pathways. Writing a compelling scholarship cover letter is essential to getting noticed by scholarship committees and those in charge of reviewing your scholarship application. In this guide, we’ll show you how your academic cover letter differs from other job cover letters and give you important tips on how to create convincing, attractive scholarship applications.

Scholarships are often very competitive, so by using our free cover letter builder and resources, you put yourself at an advantage against other candidates. Use our impressive cover letter builder to design a stand-out cover letter for your next scholarship application! 

Receptionist

Receptionists play an important role in delivering results for companies and organisations. As a receptionist, you’ll be required to manage a variety of administrative tasks. Potential employers will be looking for evidence of skills and experience that may help you in your receptionist role. 

We’ve created our cover letter maker and receptionist cover letter guide to help you advance your career and share your professional story with ease. With impressive designs, sleek layouts and excellent formatting, your receptionist cover letter will help you stand out from the crowd and get noticed faster. 

Engineering

Careers in engineering require a good understanding of the engineering industry and how to impress potential engineering employers. In our cover letter guide, we’ll help you tailor your cover letter to the exact criteria employers are looking for. Plus, with our in-built spell-checker, excellent formatting and professional design layouts, you can write with the confidence of knowing you’re going to make a great first impression. 

In our guide, we explore important features in an engineering cover letter application, the dos and don’ts when writing to engineering employers, and help you create your most compelling professional tips.

Graphic Design

In the graphic design industry, presentation is paramount. That's why we've designed our cover letter applications to present a compelling professional image to potential employers. In our guide, you'll learn what should be included in a graphic design cover letter application, as well as what to avoid.

We’ll help you tailor your cover letter to the exact criteria that graphic design employers are looking for. With impressive formatting, stunning designs and beautiful layouts, we’ll help you create the perfect cover letter for employers.

At cvapp.nz, we understand the importance of being organised and having a good eye for detail. As an accountant, potential employers are looking for candidates who are organised, accurate, and responsible. In our guide, we'll help you highlight these qualities and give you pointers on what to include in an impressive cover letter.

In our guide, we' address important elements such as formatting and tone of voice, and explain how to tailor your application to the accounting and finance industry. With expert-approved advice and professional cover letter layouts, we'll help you unlock your career potential and get closer to your dream career.

Try our professional CV builder now!

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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, related insights.

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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.
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• Your CV will save automatically to your account, and you can download, print and email it in Word and PDF.

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Careers.govt.nz has great advice about:

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

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The perfect cover letter for the New Zealand market

Covering letters are a unique selling tool when approaching a prospective employer directly, and are vitally important to applications sent by overseas candidates. This is your chance to capture the attention of a New Zealand employer and demonstrate the qualities that set you apart from the other applicants.

KEEP IT BRIEF

Your cover letter should ideally not exceed one A4 side, with well-spaced lines.

TAILOR EACH COVER LETTER TOWARDS THE JOB LISTING

Wherever possible, account point-by-point for each of the requirements listed by the employers and detail how you are qualified to meet these requirements.

BE CLEAR AND CONCISE

Use strong, active verbs that demonstrate actions and accomplishments, for example, ‘organise’ and ‘supervise.’

FIND OUT THE DETAILS OF THE CONTACT PERSON

Do a bit of research, and, if a name is not supplied try to find out who the application is going to. Do not forget to include your own contact details, though these should be on your CV regardless.

THINK ABOUT THE STRUCTURE

Your letter should include an introduction and identification of the position (for example, the reference number used in the job advert), relevant qualifications and your current position, and a summary of how you meet their core skill set.

ADDRESS THE EMPLOYER’S ESSENTIAL CRITERIA/CORE SKILLSET

Identify your skills, experience and attributes that match the employer’s criteria. It can sometimes be helpful to use the same headings that they have supplied, with a short sentence or two addressing each one. Look for keywords that reveal what attributes they are looking for, and show how you embody them. If you can demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria, you will greatly increase your chances of an interview.

PROOFREAD YOUR LETTER PROPERLY

Again, this should go without saying. Have a trusted friend or colleague to review both your CV and cover letter, prior to applying. It is vital that there are no errors if you want to be taken seriously.

Start your journey to New Zealand…

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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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Develop a New Zealand-style CV

Most employers will quickly scan your CV to decide if it is worth reading in more detail. So it needs to make a good impression quickly.

What to include in your CV

New Zealand employers only want to see relevant information on your CV. They do not need a list of every job or course you have ever done.

Employers are most interested in your:

• technical and personal skills
• work experience
• qualifications and education
• community and volunteer experience.

They also like to see some evidence of how you have applied your skills.

It is best to only include relevant details of your skills and experience and to give brief examples of how you have used your skills in the past.

Skills employers are looking for | careers.govt.nz

Previous employers

Local employers may not be familiar with the organisations you have worked for overseas. It helps if you include a short description of organisations you list on your CV, like:

• the number of employees
• the location
• a website link so they can get more information if they need it.

The careers.govt.nz website has tips on how to write a CV for New Zealand employers.

How to write a CV | careers.govt.nz

Make a good impression

It is important to make a good impression of yourself as a potential employee, but not to appear too boastful about your achievements.

Many people make the mistake of writing a CV and using it for every job application. New Zealand employers expect you to adjust your CV to suit each job so that it highlights the skills that are relevant to the job.

People suggested that my CV was not what New Zealand employers would look at. Where I come from we prepare a CV in a different way: we give all our experience right from day one. Here, nobody likes to read a story! Darshan Desai

Cover letters

Most New Zealand employers expect a cover letter with your CV when you apply for a job. A cover letter is a ‘sales pitch’ about why you think you are ideal for the job.

Your cover letter should:

• briefly introduce yourself
• outline your main relevant skills and experience
• make an argument for why you are the right person for the specific job.

Just like your CV, it should focus on details that are relevant to the job you are applying for and it should be brief – no longer than 1 page.

Use a formal and persuasive style when writing a cover letter. It is a good idea to have a generic letter that you can adjust to match the job description you are applying for.

How to write a cover letter | careers.govt.nz

Your qualifications

Remember to bring your qualifications with you to New Zealand. If you are sending them in with an application, send a copy. Keep the originals safe and get copies made and certified. If you are in New Zealand, a Justice of the Peace (JP) can certify them.

Find a JP | Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices' Associations

Helpful resources

The careers.govt.nz website has many resources that can help you to make a New Zealand-style CV and cover letter. There is material to help you:

• understand the parts of a CV
• learn how to put transferable skills on your CV
• learn how to write a cover letter
• fill in job application forms.

CV and cover letter templates | careers.govt.nz

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Information for migrants: How to apply for a job in New Zealand

15 January 2018 by Careers New Zealand

You've found a job you'd like to apply for and it's time to prepare your application. Find out about the different ways to apply.

You’ve found a job you’d like to apply for and it’s time to prepare your application. What happens next, and what does the company expect from you?

There are different ways to apply for a job – you usually apply directly to the employer but you can also do it through a recruitment agency.

What you need

Curriculum vitae (cv).

To apply for a job you’ll need two important things – a curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter. In New Zealand it’s common to provide a CV that is usually two to three pages long.

You may not have any New Zealand work experience so give lots of detail about what you did before you came here and highlight all your skills.

Your CV represents you as a person in the job market – it’s your personal brand – and you need to make sure your CV and cover letter are relevant and correct, with perfect grammar and no spelling mistakes.

Tips for creating a CV:

• Use our CV Builder tool .
• Don’t include a photo or other personal information like age, ethnicity, gender, number of children or marital status.
• Include your current work status, such as “New Zealand skilled migrant visa”, as well as your availability, such as “available immediately”.
• The spelling and grammar needs to be perfect in your CV, so ask someone else to check this. 
• Include a brief personal summary outlining your key skills and strengths, your career ambitions, and what type of role you’re looking for.

Cover letter

The cover letter is your only chance to show you are the ideal candidate for a job. It’s important to include the right information about you and match this to the job requirements.

Tips for creating a cover letter:

• Your cover letter should be only one page long – a maximum of 350 words.
• You need to link the information in the cover letter back to the job requirements.
• Include the company details and job title of the role you’re applying for. 
• Include your name and contact details, including your mobile number.

A reference (or referee) is a person who can provide evidence of your skills, experience and suitability for the job you’re applying for. You will need at least two work references who can answer questions about you by phone.

Tips about references:

• Having positive references is important if you want to get the job. Make sure they are people you trust who can talk honestly about your work and attitude. 
• Use your two last direct managers as references if you can, or one could be a work colleague.
• You can also include a character reference to support your application, such as someone from your church or a community group where you volunteer.
• If you have a written reference letter from your home country, make sure you have the phone contact details for the reference so they can be contacted easily.

The application

The job advertisement will include how to complete the application, usually with a website link.

Tips about making a job application:

• If you’re applying through a job website like Seek or TradeMe, you will need to create an account and then upload your CV, cover letter and supporting documents to complete the application.
• You may need to use the job advertiser’s own website. You will need to create a profile on their system and upload your CV, cover letter and supporting documents.
• Supporting documents may include electronic scanned copies of your passport, work visa and driver’s licence.

So what happens next?

Once you’ve completed your application there are two possible outcomes – you get shortlisted for the job or your application was unsuccessful. 

If you are shortlisted the employer will usually call to set up an interview time. Or they may call to ask more questions about your application – treat this type of call like a job interview. 

If you receive an email saying your application is unsuccessful, try contacting the job advertiser and asking for feedback. Include any useful feedback in your future job search strategy.

Work Connect programme

Work Connect is a free 10-hour programme to help skilled migrants, partners of skilled migrants and international student graduates (Level 7 and above) prepare for the New Zealand job market.

Work Connect supports participants with personalised coaching and mentoring to help them find a job that suits their skills, experience and qualifications.

Eligibility criteria apply. Find out more and apply now .

Updated 23 Jan 2019

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