Scam alert banner

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

Hays NewZealand

Resumes & Cover letter tips and advice for employment from Hays

Resumes & cover letters main, resumes & cover letter tips from hays.

When you apply for a job online the first thing a hiring manager will ask of you is to submit a resume, also known as a CV, and usually a cover letter . These are critical documents that enable you to showcase your skills, experience and professional profile onto paper to help support your case for securing an interview. Without them, your application may be rejected without reason or simply left unanswered. As an authority on hiring skilled workers for a vast number of specialist areas in Australia, Hays understands what is takes to get a CV through to the hiring manager’s ‘yes’ pile. Our recruitment experts possess an abundance of knowledge on resume writing and tips for candidates of all backgrounds and needs, from permanent roles to contract assignments, or even finding a job within the government or public sector.  

The best CV advice is that there is no hard and fast rule for creating a resume for a job, however, there are certain principles that if you follow will help your chances. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Providing an opening statement to summarise your profile and intentions
  • Listing your most valuable and recent working experience with detailed information about dates, locations, and duties set for all places of work
  • Denoting skills and expertise inclusive of platforms, tools and programs
  • Providing referees that hiring managers can call upon to verify your credentials

Our resume tips articles cover all bases so you can begin your job search journey with confidence. From understanding how to structure your CV or to download our free CV template or cover letter template, explore more below.  

Resume & cover letters promo blocks

Lady in glasses reading CV

How to write a resume

Learn about the fundamentals of crafting a winning resume by the experts at Hays.

Download resume template

Man reading Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter

Discover what it takes to create a highly professional cover letter for a job application.

Download cover letter template

hays australia cover letter

CV hacks that work

Looking to upgrade your resume with ease? Follow these short-hand tips for success.

5 tips to boost your CV

hays australia cover letter

CV cliches to avoid

Beware of these red herrings when crafting your CV and cover letter. 

Create a winning CV

hays australia cover letter

One simple resume trick

Is this the one essential trick you are missing on your resume? Find out today!

Bring achievements on your CV

a young male working and smiling

Optimising your resume

Find out how to optimise your resume for job website algorithms.

Follow our tips

HaysSearchForm Portlet

Search for jobs.

  • Enter Keywords / Reference No.

Career Advice | RH Promo block

Career advice.

CVs & cover letters

View templates and tips to help you start your job search journey.

Job hunting

Access expert advice for all stages of the job hunting process.

Interview tips

Master the art of job interviews with helpful articles and tips.

Career development

Discover tips and actions you can take to enhance your career path.

Supercharge your skillset with a series of practical online guides.

Salary Guide

Access Hays Salary Guide to discover the latest salary trends.

Newsletter promo block kc

A woman working on her laptop

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter and get expert career advice delivered to your inbox.

  • Czech Republic
  • Hong Kong SAR
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Switzerland
  • United States

How to write a cover letter that stands out

10 min read | Jane McNeill | Article | Job searching CV & Cover letters

Woman at desk with laptop

What should a job application cover letter include? Learn what to include – and what to leave out – with our cover letter basics guide.

Writing a cover letter to accompany your job application can really help you stand out in the mind of a hiring manager or recruiter. Taking the time and effort to write one positions you as a proactive candidate who is genuinely interested in the role you’ve applied for.

Before we begin – let’s go back to basics; what is a cover letter? This is a document that candidates sometimes submit alongside their CVs when applying for a job. It serves as a personal introduction to you as a professional and enables you to briefly summarise why you are the right person for the job. The reader can then find out more about you in your CV.

But not all candidates make the effort to write a tailored and personalised cover letter. So, if you do, it’s more likely that you will catch the attention of the reader. As Jodi Glickman, a communications expert and author of "Great on the Job", has observed: “Not sending a cover letter is a sign of laziness. It’s akin to making spelling and grammar mistakes in your resume. You just don’t do it.”

How to write a cover letter at a glance

Your cover letter needs to communicate that you are genuinely interested in the opportunity – and why. This means the letter needs to be tailored, and not just a standard letter that you’ve edited. 

Here, then, are some of the things you should and shouldn’t do when writing yours.

What should a job application cover letter include?

  • Do your research before you start writing. This will help to give you a clue about the appropriate tone to use in the cover letter and the points you should include. Look at such factors as the organisation’s industry, culture and values. Explore sources like the organisation’s official website and social media profiles, its executives’ social media profiles and any online employee reviews.
  • Personalise it. This information is easier to find than it has ever been before. There’s no excuse for getting any names wrong or not addressing the cover letter personally to the hiring manager. And certainly, don’t just copy and paste your cover letter for every position you apply for – make it personal and targeted every time. It’ll be obvious to an employer if you’ve just edited a few words of the same cover letter that you send to everyone else, which may suggest you have little real interest in the vacancy.
  • Start with a strong intro to hook the reader in . The first sentence of the cover letter will either grab the hiring manager’s attention or lose it. It needs to powerfully demonstrate that you understand what they are looking for and need. Instantly communicate your unique selling points that will help to solve the hiring manager’s problems, such as relevant industry know-how, skills, experience and achievements, instead of the generic “I’m applying for the role of XXX.”
  • If you’ve come across this opportunity via a friend or have a previous connection with the organisation, mention it. Maybe you were previously introduced to the hiring manager by this person because they thought you were a good fit for the role. Or perhaps you crossed paths as an intern or an employee at one of the company’s suppliers or competitors?
  • Optimise the subject line if you can . Also, check the job description again – the employer might ask applicants to include something specific in the subject line, for example.
  • Use keywords mentioned in the job description , but don’t keyword-stuff in the hope that your application will get picked up in any applicant tracking software (ATS) – it is possible to overdo your use of keywords!
  • Include your contact information including your name, phone number, email address and LinkedIn URL.
  • Sign off professionally . Conclude the main body of the cover letter with a power phrase such as, “I would like to discuss in greater detail the value I could bring to your organisation,” and close with the formal and widely accepted “Best regards” or “Sincerely”.
  • Spell check and ensure the formatting is correct . If you’re submitting your cover letter as an attachment online, write it in a Word document so that the program can flag up obvious issues like misspellings. Also, check that any formatting in Word translates properly into the email or online form. In terms of formatting, break any intimidating blocks of text into more readable paragraphs and bullet points.
  • If possible, put your cover letter and CV in the same document , which will help to avoid your cover letter being misplaced if the employer uses an automated online applicant tracking system.  

What not to do when writing your cover letter

  • Don’t drone on – keep it succinct . The reader is interested in concrete facts rather than quirkiness or clichés.
  • Don’t overlook the finer points . Have you taken the time to find out the name of the recipient so that you can address the cover letter to them personally? What about confirming your availability towards the end of the letter, and signing off appropriately? It’s small touches like these that could really help you to stand out from other candidates.
  • Don’t just repeat what you’ve said on your CV or LinkedIn profile – a cover letter should be complementary to these other means of marketing yourself professionally, and should therefore support and enhance your story. What is it about your hobbies, interests and background that made you especially interested in this position?
  • Don’t go overboard with the flattery , as this could risk you coming across as insecure, insincere or sycophantic. Professionalism, maturity and authenticity are vital qualities to communicate from the beginning of your relationship with the employer.
  • Don’t write in the third person . A cover letter is, after all, a letter, addressed directly to the employer. You are using this document to sell yourself. While a cover letter’s tone of voice should be professional, it should also be sufficiently conversational to engage the reader and communicate your personality, values and interest in the role.
  • Don’t use WordArt or unusual fonts. Use a standard professional font like Arial, which is readable and clean. This isn’t just about making the right impression on hiring managers and lessening their eye strain, as the automated scanning systems used by applicant tracking systems can also sometimes struggle with more unusual fonts.  

How to write a cover letter

While the purpose of the cover letter has never changed, the way it is presented and submitted has evolved. For example, cover letters can now take the form of a personalised note to add to your LinkedIn application or an email attaching your CV.

Your cover letter needs to communicate that you are genuinely interested in the opportunity that the given role represents and why. This means the letter needs to be tailored, and not just a standard letter that you’ve edited. Here below is an example of how your cover letter should look.  

Example job application cover letter

                                                                                                            45 King Edward Street                                                                                                             Name                                                                                                             Phone Number                                                                                                             Email                                                                                                             LinkedIn URL Organisation Name Address Date

Dear Mr Carl Smith, Subject line : Experienced senior manager for X position

I was previously introduced to your company by your colleague, Susan Bainbridge, at the recent X trade fair, and became particularly intrigued by the work you do and the culture of the business. Subsequently, I was especially excited to see the role of X recently advertised on your website.

I believe my 15 years as a senior manager for one of the biggest names in the X sector, overseeing a 25 per cent rise in revenues over the last half-decade, uniquely equips me to build upon the experience I already have, apply my knowledge and skills to the role of X, and dedicate myself wholeheartedly to your business.  

From reviewing the job description, I believe that I am a great match for this role and could become a key team player in helping your business to attain its ambitions. Pinsent Media is at a similar stage of its development to my present employer when I began my role with them, and I would love nothing more than to be able to help drive similarly incredible growth and success for your business.  

I would like to draw your attention to the following skills and achievements that I would appreciate the opportunity to build on as your brand’s next X:

  • Exceptional people, resource and process skills that have helped to drive consistent and measurable improvements in the company’s productivity, performance and sales in my present role – all skills that are well-matched to Pinsent Media’s search for an X with a “proven track record” in these areas
  • An influential player in the transformation of my present company from a small business generating £2.2 million in annual revenue with an 18-member staff team, into one of the most thriving and respected firms in its industry, employing 48 staff and recording revenue of £26.2 million last year. I would be delighted to draw upon my skills and contacts to further Pinsent Media’s own ambitious growth objectives
  • The conceptualisation and establishment of such strategic initiatives as X, X and X, as reported by Forbes and HuffPost and driving the company to new heights of operational success. These achievements are highly relevant to Pinsent Media’s intention for its next X to assist in significantly expanding its international media profile and reputation for innovation.

Thank you for your consideration. I have attached my CV and look forward to speaking to you further about this opportunity.

Yours sincerely, Simon M. Taylor  

What you need to remember about cover letters

The principle of a successful cover letter is simple: it needs to be sufficiently interesting to an employer to leave them feeling compelled to find out more by reading your CV. Hopefully, they’ll then decide to call you in. By following the above advice, you can help to make yourself a more attractive candidate so that you have a greater likelihood of being shortlisted for an interview.

Updating your CV? Our CV writing tips and advice will help you get started. You can also contact your local Hays recruitment consultant to discuss your career options.

About this author

Jane McNeill, Director, Hays Australia

Jane McNeill joined Hays in 1987 as a graduate trainee in their London head office after graduating with an MA (Hons) in Psychology from Edinburgh University. She began her career recruiting accountancy & finance professionals, before spending 11 years recruiting senior permanent professionals for London’s banking & finance sector. During this time, she quickly progressed through management roles and in 1992 she was appointed Director after leading the London city business to a phenomenal post-recession recovery.

Jane transferred to Perth, Western Australia, in 2001. Over the next decade, she grew Hays’ business in that state from a team of 15 to nearly 250 staff. She also established and managed Hays’ banking & financial services business.

She was appointed to the Hays Australia & New Zealand management board in 2007. Now based in Sydney, Jane oversees Hays’ operations in both NSW and WA. She is responsible for 400 staff located in two states that are separated by a five-hour flight and a three-hour time difference. At the same time, she retains her keen interest and passion in banking & financial services recruitment by adding national responsibility for Hays Banking and Hays Insurance to her remit.

Click here for more details.

Hays Japan

Hays Japan Header

Writing a great cover letter

hays australia cover letter

Recruiters and hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications for each job. If yours is to gain the attention it deserves, you need to start with a cover letter that instantly demonstrates the relevancy of your skills and the value you could bring to the employer.

That’s why it is very important not to rush this document.

What is a cover letter?

Before we begin – let’s go back to basics. A cover letter serves as a personal introduction to you as a professional. It most commonly takes the form of a personalised note to add to an online application or an email attaching your CV . 

It enables you to briefly summarise why you are the right person for the job, before the reader goes on to find out more about you in your CV.

How to write a cover letter

1. Firstly, do your research. Go through the job advertisement or position description and underline the keywords used to describe the skills, training and experience sought. But be careful not to keyword-stuff your cover letter in the hope that your application will get picked up by applicant tracking software (ATS) – it is possible to overdo your use of keywords!

Your research shouldn’t end there though. Review the organisation’s website and social media profiles, its executives’ social media profiles and any online employee reviews. This will give you an indication of the appropriate tone to use in your cover letter and the points you should include, bearing in mind such factors as the organisation’s industry, culture and values.

2. Use this information to tailor your cover letter. Not all candidates make the effort to write a tailored and personalised cover letter that communicates why you are genuinely interested in, and suitable for, the job you are applying for. This means your cover letter must be tailored rather than a standard message that you’ve edited. If you do this, you’re more likely to catch the attention of the reader.

3. Next, write an attention-grabbing introduction. Think of a strong opening to hook the reader in. The first sentence of your cover letter will either grab the hiring manager’s attention or lose it, so it needs to powerfully demonstrate that you understand what the organisation requires.

One way to do this is to communicate your unique selling points (USP) that will help you solve the hiring manager’s problems, such as relevant industry know-how, skills, experience and achievements, instead of the generic “I’m applying for the role of XYZ.”

Another option is to mention an existing connection, if you have one. For example, if you’ve come across this opportunity via a friend or have a connection with the organisation, mention it. Maybe you were previously introduced to the hiring manager by this person, because they thought you were a good fit for the role? Or perhaps you crossed paths as an employee at one of the organisation’s suppliers or competitors?

4. Add evidence of your successes. Throughout your letter, talk about what you would bring to the organisation, role and opportunity. Support this with specific and relevant examples of your achievements to demonstrate you have what the employer is looking for. Remember, the recruiter or hiring manager is interested in concrete facts not quirkiness or clichés. The aim is to paint a picture of success so that he or she cannot possibly pass your application over without opening your CV.

5. Don’t overlook the finer points. Find out the name of the recruiter or hiring manager so you can address your cover letter to them personally. This information is easier to find than it ever has been before, so there’s no excuse for getting names wrong or not addressing your cover letter to the correct person.

Towards the end of your cover letter, confirm your availability and sign off with a power phrase such as, “I would like to discuss in greater detail the value I could bring to your organisation.” Then close with the formal and widely accepted “Kind regards” or “Yours sincerely”. Make sure you include your phone number, email address and LinkedIn URL.

6. Finally, review your cover letter. Spell check and ensure the formatting is correct. If you’re submitting your cover letter as an attachment online, write it in a Word document so that the program can flag up obvious issues like misspellings. Also, check that any formatting in Word translates properly into the email or online form. Break any intimidating blocks of text into more readable paragraphs and bullet points.

Final tips for a great cover letter

• Keep it succinct and relevant. Your cover letter should not exceed one page. • State what your motivation is behind your application. • Don’t just repeat your CV  or LinkedIn profile. Your cover letter should complement these, but it must also enhance your story. What is it about your background that makes you especially relevant for this position? • Don’t write in the third person. A cover letter is, after all, a letter, addressed directly to a recruiter or hiring manager. You are using this document to sell yourself, and while a cover letter’s tone of voice should be professional, it should also be sufficiently conversational to engage the reader and communicate your interest in the role. • Just as you would in your CV, use strong verbs to demonstrate action and accomplishments, such as "organise" or "supervise". • Optimise the subject line, if you can.

Career Advice Promo block

hays australia cover letter

Career insights

Career planning

Future-proof your employability

How to craft your job post COVID-19?

Six soft skills you will need in the next era of work

Networking in the new era of work

Should you take the job just because it pays more money?

Why coding is the new ‘language’ of the world?

hays australia cover letter

The job search / CV support

How to optimise your CV for the algorithms

Writing a great CV

How to stand out from the crowd

Working with a recruitment consultant

How to add quantifiable results to your CV

CV writing: your questions answered

Considering contracting for your next career step?

hays australia cover letter

The job interview

The word you are saying too much in job interviews

Hays Interview Guide

Discussing your salary expectations

Answering competency-based interview questions

Answering behavioural job interview questions

How to answer, “Why should we hire you?”

Questions to ask following the pandemic outbreak”

How to deal with a counter offer

How to deal with multiple job offers

A guide to references

hays australia cover letter

Progressing your career

Are you ‘learning agile’

How to be a good mentee

Using mindfulness to improve how we work together

Five tips to help you ace your next performance appraisal

Starting your new job remotely 

Popular searches

Popular articles.

Hays - link to home page

  • Hays Worldwide
  • Key performance indicators
  • How it works
  • What it gives us
  • People and culture
  • Technology and data
  • World class brand
  • Modern Slavery Act
  • Our history
  • Hays Oil & Gas
  • Employee services
  • Employer services
  • Enterprise Solutions
  • Job searching tips
  • Interview tips
  • Job offer tips
  • Starting a new job
  • Performance appraisals
  • How to ask for a pay rise
  • Career progression tips
  • International mobility
  • Wellness and vitality
  • Careers Advice podcast
  • Leadership tips
  • Team motivation & engagement tips
  • Talent attraction
  • Talent development
  • Leadership Insights podcast
  • Financial Markets
  • Life Sciences
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Hays CV Guide
  • Hays Interview Guide
  • Latest issue
  • From the archive
  • Find & Engage
  • Hays Global Skills Index
  • Hays Salary Guides Centre
  • Confederation of British Industry
  • Partnership content
  • Hays and Manchester City Women
  • Careers at Manchester City
  • Manchester City Player Career Development
  • New York City FC Partnership
  • From the ground up
  • Oxford Economics
  • /our-partnerships/seedcamp"> Seedcamp
  • /our-partnerships/seek"> SEEK
  • Meet our people
  • Could you be a recruiter?
  • Developing experts
  • Global opportunities
  • Culture and values
  • More than just a job
  • Your future
  • Investment case
  • Results centre
  • Annual reports
  • Events calendar
  • Governance framework
  • Matters reserved for the board
  • Board of directors
  • Investor day
  • Regulatory news
  • Share price calculator
  • Total return calculator
  • Share dealing
  • Investment account & ISA
  • Warning to shareholders
  • Shareholder contacts
  • Advisors & analysts' consensus
  • Press releases
  • Africa & Middle East
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Australasia
  • New Zealand
  • Czech Republic
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • North America
  • South America
  • Global Services
  • We are Hays
  • Global recruitment
  • Our expert view
  • Strategic partners
  • Viewpoint - careers advice blog

Cover letter mistakes-Hays careers advice

Common cover letter mistakes

' src=

Philip Charsley

27 May 2015

Most people find a new job either through a recruitment service like Hays or via a direct application to an employer. When using a recruitment service, all the initial employer introductions and negotiations are left to your recruiter. In this case a cover letter is almost always unnecessary; it is the responsibility of your recruiter to write a letter of recommendation for you. You are advised, in this instance, to write your recruitment professional a short email outlining your recent achievements and current ambitions, for which some of the below may still be relevant.

The second route is to contact prospective employers directly, without the use of a recruiter. For this method of job searching your cover letter is the first point of contact with your prospective employer. It’s your opportunity to make a great first impression, whilst showcasing relevant skills and experience.

It’s a crucial part of any direct job application, so try to avoid making one of these common mistakes.

1. Droning on

83 per cent of employers report that the average length of time they spend reading a cover letter is under a minute. So, keep it short and snappy.

Furthermore, don’t try and be too quirky, and avoid clichés. Such things are distractions for employers who have a primary interest in extracting concrete facts.

Structure your cover letter in a way that helps the employer find what they are looking for, quickly. For instance, the first thing they will be interested in is where you worked last, so make sure that you address this in your first paragraph.

In essence, use your cover letter to tell the employer exactly what they want to know in a short and concise way.

2. Cutting corners

It’s not hard to tell when someone has edited a few words of a cover letter that they use for bulk applications. This tactic implies to the employer that you haven’t fully read the job description and do not have a real interest in the role. Put yourself in the employer’s shoes – if you put this little effort into your job application, how much effort are you realistically going to put in when you are in the role?

Instead, use your cover letter to highlight your genuine interest and understanding of the role and provide a clear insight into how you would make a positive contribution and add value.

3. Overlooking the finer points

It’s the little touches that will help you stand out from other candidates. For instance, if you can, find out the recipient’s name, and address the letter to them personally. This may not always be possible, but going the extra mile here will demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.

I also recommend other personal touches such as signing off your cover letter with your signature and confirming your availability towards the end of the letter – despite this being of vital information to the employer, it is often something that candidates neglect to mention.

Lastly, send your cover letter in PDF format. Don’t risk sending over a type of document that the employer may struggle to open. You want your cover letter to be a pleasure to read, not a chore.

A final thought

A well-crafted, concise and personal cover letter can make all the difference when applying for a new position. CVs often lack personality and context, so use the cover letter as your opportunity to add depth and dimension to the sort of candidate that you are.

  • A simple guide to writing the perfect resume/CV
  • How to impress a recruiter with your resume/CV
  • Securing yourself a satisfactory salary during the recruitment process
  • How to optimise your LinkedIn profile
  • How to make full use of technology during your job search
  • How to market yourself in your job search
  • Focus your interview on fit
  • Stop making these common job search mistakes
  • Make your interviewer love you

' src=

Philip Charsley joined Hays in 2009 and now Heads the Front Office Investment Banking & Private Equity recruitment team within the Hays Financial Markets division in London. His team works with a broad range of clients such as: top-tier investment banks, boutique Corporate Finance Houses, Stockbrokers, Private Equity and Venture Capital firms, covering everything from junior Analyst positions to Managing Directors. With over 15 years of recruitment experience, Philip regularly leads training programs within Hays that underline the importance of interview preparation and seminars on the financial markets as a whole.

Related blogs

A male worker bored at his computer

Looking for the latest jobs where you are?

  • Hong Kong SAR
  • United States

Want to speak to our experts about employer services?

hays australia cover letter

Power the world of work Join Hays

hays australia cover letter

Unrivalled scale, balance and diversity

hays australia cover letter

Annual Report 2023

  • Our partnerships

Quick links

  • Hays Journal

Hays worldwide

Hays on social

© Copyright Hays plc 2024. HAYS, the Corporate and Sector H devices, “Working for your tomorrow”, the HAYS “Working for your tomorrow” logo and Powering the world of work are trademarks of Hays plc. The Corporate and Sector H devices are original designs protected by registration in many countries. All rights are reserved.

  • Accessibility
  • Cookies and privacy policy
  • Terms of use

Click here for more details.

Hays Malaysia

Writing a great cover letter

hays australia cover letter

Recruiters and hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications for each job. If yours is to gain the attention it deserves, you need to start with a cover letter that instantly demonstrates the relevancy of your skills and the value you could bring to the employer.

That’s why it is very important not to rush this document.

What is a cover letter?

Before we begin – let’s go back to basics. A cover letter serves as a personal introduction to you as a professional. It most commonly takes the form of a personalised note to add to an online application or an email attaching  your CV . 

It enables you to briefly summarise why you are the right person for the job, before the reader goes on to find out more about you in your CV.

How to write a cover letter

  • Firstly, do your research.  Go through the job advertisement or position description and underline the keywords used to describe the skills, training and experience sought. But be careful not to keyword-stuff your cover letter in the hope that your application will get picked up by applicant tracking software (ATS) – it is possible to overdo your use of keywords. Your research shouldn’t end there though. Review the organisation’s website and social media profiles, its executives’ social media profiles and any online employee reviews. This will give you an indication of the appropriate tone to use in your cover letter and the points you should include, bearing in mind such factors as the organisation’s industry, culture and values.
  • Use this information to tailor your cover letter.  Not all candidates make the effort to write a tailored and personalised cover letter that communicates why you are genuinely interested in, and suitable for, the job you are applying for. This means your cover letter must be tailored rather than a standard message that you’ve edited. If you do this, you’re more likely to catch the attention of the reader.
  • Next, write an attention-grabbing introduction.  Think of a strong opening to hook the reader in. The first sentence of your cover letter will either grab the hiring manager’s attention or lose it, so it needs to powerfully demonstrate that you understand what the organisation requires. One way to do this is to communicate your unique selling points (USP) that will help you solve the hiring manager’s problems, such as relevant industry know-how, skills, experience and achievements, instead of the generic “I’m applying for the role of XYZ.” Another option is to mention an existing connection, if you have one. For example, if you’ve come across this opportunity via a friend or have a connection with the organisation, mention it. Maybe you were previously introduced to the hiring manager by this person, because they thought you were a good fit for the role? Or perhaps you crossed paths as an employee at one of the organisation’s suppliers or competitors?
  • Add evidence of your successes.  Throughout your letter, talk about what you would bring to the organisation, role and opportunity. Support this with specific and relevant examples of your achievements to demonstrate you have what the employer is looking for. Remember, the recruiter or hiring manager is interested in concrete facts not quirkiness or clichés. The aim is to paint a picture of success so that he or she cannot possibly pass your application over without opening your CV.
  • Don’t overlook the finer points.  Find out the name of the recruiter or hiring manager so you can address your cover letter to them personally. This information is easier to find than it ever has been before, so there’s no excuse for getting names wrong or not addressing your cover letter to the correct person. Towards the end of your cover letter, confirm your availability and sign off with a power phrase such as, “I would like to discuss in greater detail the value I could bring to your organisation.” Then close with the formal and widely accepted “Kind regards” or “Yours sincerely”. Make sure you include your phone number, email address and LinkedIn URL.
  • Finally, review your cover letter.  Spell check and ensure the formatting is correct. If you’re submitting your cover letter as an attachment online, write it in a Word document so that the program can flag up obvious issues like misspellings. Also, check that any formatting in Word translates properly into the email or online form. Break any intimidating blocks of text into more readable paragraphs and bullet points.

Final tips for a great cover letter

  • Keep it succinct and relevant. Your cover letter should not exceed one page.
  • State what your motivation is behind your application.
  • Don’t just repeat  your CV  or LinkedIn profile. Your cover letter should complement these, but it must also enhance your story. What is it about your background that makes you especially relevant for this position?
  • Don’t write in the third person. A cover letter is, after all, a letter, addressed directly to a recruiter or hiring manager. You are using this document to sell yourself, and while a cover letter’s tone of voice should be professional, it should also be sufficiently conversational to engage the reader and communicate your interest in the role.
  • Just as you would in your CV, use strong verbs to demonstrate action and accomplishments, such as "organise" or "supervise".
  • Optimise the subject line, if you can.

Career advice

Career insights.

Building your personal brand and online profile

Career planning

Future-proof your employability

The job search

How to optimise your CV for the algorithms

Writing a great CV

How to stand out from the crowd

Working with a recruitment consultant

Tips to ace your job interview

The word you are saying too much in job interviews

Hays Interview Guide

Discussing your salary expectations

Answering competency-based interview questions

Answering behavioural job interview questions

The job offer

A guide to references

How to deal with multiple job offers

How to deal with a counter offer

How to make a good impression on your first day

Progressing your career

Are you ‘learning agile’

How to be a good mentee

Using mindfulness to improve how we work together

Five tips to help you ace your next performance appraisal

  • Czech Republic
  • Hong Kong SAR
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

Resume & Cover Letter Career Advice | Hays Canada

Resumes & cover letters.

  • Career Development
  • Interview Advice
  • Job Searching
  • Resumes & Cover Letters

Topics in this section include everything you need to know about drafting a successful resume and cover letters to impress hiring managers.                                           

Click here to view all / clear filters

How to Write a Cover Letter 

How to optimize your resume for the algorithms, four steps to an error-free resume, download your how to write a successful resume guide, 6 resume top tips for java developers, must know resume tips for a construction estimator, how to write a winning construction superintendent resume, soft skills that hiring managers are looking for on your resume, nail your construction project manager resume with these tips, what you should include on your resume.

Showing 1 to 10 of 10 entries.

  • Previous Page
  • Page  1

Scam alert banner

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

Hays Australia

Jobs in Australia | Temp, Permanent & Contract Jobs | Hays

Jobs main content, finding a job in australia with hays.

two young professionals

Search jobs            Send your CV

Browse temporary, contract or permanent jobs in Australia with Hays

Browse jobs by industry, 3 stack industry promo block | ts.

Accountancy & Finance Architecture Banking Construction Contact Centres Defence Education Energy Engineering Executive

Facilities Management Healthcare Human Resources Insurance Legal Life Sciences Logistics Manufacturing & Operations Marketing & Digital Office Support

Oil & Gas Policy & Strategy Procurement Property Resources & Mining Retail Sales Sustainability Technology Trades & Labour

Jobs Main Region #2 Locations | TS

thin banner refer a friend

Search jobs across Australia

Jobs promo block | ts.

hays australia cover letter

Search for jobs

Perm  or  Temp & Contract jobs

Find permanent, temporary or contract jobs with Hays. 

Government & Public Sector

Government and public sector roles available through Hays.

Coming to Australia 

We can provide you with fast, easy access to job opportunities.

hays australia cover letter

Career Advice

CVs & cover letters

View templates and tips to help you start your job search journey.

Job hunting

Access expert advice for all stages of the job hunting process.

Interview tips

Master the art of job interviews with helpful articles and tips.

hays australia cover letter

Tools & Resources

Create a job alert

Simplify your job search by setting up a Hays job alert.

Check your salary

Find out if you're earning the salary you deserve.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to get expert career advice delivered to your inbox.

Jobs - Hays Salary Checker 2022-2023 Promo Box

hays salary checker

The Hays Salary Checker provides you with quick access to compare the highest, typical and lowest salaries for a job role in a specific location.   Check salaries now

  • International edition
  • Australia edition
  • Europe edition

flowers at a memorial

Two charged with murder over Kansas City Super Bowl parade shooting

Suspects charged with second-degree murder in shooting at Chiefs’ victory parade that left one person dead and 22 injured

Two men were charged on Tuesday afternoon with murder in connection with a mass shooting in Kansas City on 14 February that killed one person and wounded 22 others at a rally for the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs, according to prosecutors.

As celebrations were winding up for the Chiefs and thousands of fans, after they returned triumphantly having won the Super Bowl in Las Vegas the previous weekend, gunfire erupted among the crowd.

Two armed people were arrested on the day. Last Friday, two individuals described as juveniles were charged with crimes but no specific indictments were released publicly.

The two suspects, identified as Dominic Miller of Kansas City and Lyndell Mays of nearby Raytown, each face charges of second-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon, according to a statement from the Jackson county prosecutor’s office.

“According to court records, the defendants attended a Super Bowl parade and rally on February 14, 2024, and were armed with firearms,” the statement said. It added: “A verbal altercation occurred and gunfire broke out with no regard for thousands of other individuals in the area.”

The woman who died in the shooting , Elizabeth Lopez-Galvan, 43, was a popular radio disc jockey, her station and friends said.

At a brief news conference announcing the charges, Jackson county prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said the investigation showed the violence began when Mays became involved in a verbal argument with another person, who was a stranger to him.

Baker told reporters on Tuesday that their quarrel “very quickly escalated”, with Mays pulling out a pistol, followed by others in the vicinity “almost immediately” drawing their weapons.

While both Mays and Miller are charged with murder, Baker said the evidence shows it was gunfire from Miller’s weapon that struck and killed Lopez-Galvan.

Twenty-two other people, including at least nine children, were wounded by gunfire, authorities said.

The shooting unfolded following a parade and rally near the city’s landmark Union Station, where many thousands of fans had gathered as the Kansas City Chiefs were celebrating their Super Bowl triumph over the San Francisco 49ers just days earlier in a nail-biting finish that went into overtime.

The day after the terrifying incident, the Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes , and his wife, Brittany, visited two young sisters who were both shot in the legs.

The Mahomeses dropped in on 10-year-old Madison Reyes and Melia Reyes, aged eight, at Children’s Mercy hospital in Kansas City, where they were recovering from surgeries.

The Reyes family called Wednesday’s shooting at what had been the exuberant festival celebrating the Chiefs’ third Super Bowl championship in four years “a senseless act”.

Player Travis Kelce called the shooting “deeply tragic” and players had to comfort terrified children in their entourage last Wednesday after bullets began flying and many bystanders fled or took cover.

Some fans said they were almost trampled as they tried to escape the carnage, while others reportedly helped tackle a suspected shooter.

  • Kansas City Chiefs

Most viewed

IMAGES

  1. 5 steps to writing the perfect cover letter

    hays australia cover letter

  2. HAYS Cover Letter

    hays australia cover letter

  3. Haley cover letter[1] business version

    hays australia cover letter

  4. Basic Cover Letter Template Australia : It even has a matching resume

    hays australia cover letter

  5. Cover Letter Template Hays

    hays australia cover letter

  6. Cover Letter Australia / A comprehensive guide + templates and samples

    hays australia cover letter

VIDEO

  1. Red Dead Redemption 2

COMMENTS

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

    The document is a Word file. To download, your device must support this, but we will also send you an e-mail with the document. 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.

  2. Resume & cover letter tips and advice

    How to write a resume Learn about the fundamentals of crafting a winning resume by the experts at Hays. Download resume template Writing a cover letter Discover what it takes to create a highly professional cover letter for a job application. Download Cover Letter template CV clichés to avoid

  3. How to Write a Resume

    Resume advice A good CV is vital. Discover tips and advice on how to write a resume with this video. Follow our tips to update your CV or download the free resume template! How to write a resume: Template & Tips | Career Advice | Hays Watch on CV versus resume - what's the difference?

  4. Hays Specialist Recruitment job employment agency

    Hays recruitment agency is an employment consultancy in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and across Australia. Search for contracts, permanent or temp jobs. Scam alert banner ... Cover letter template; Interview guide; Career goal planner; Job search planner; Refer a friend; Hays app; AU Footer.

  5. How To Write an IT Cover Letter: Template & Tips

    How to write a cover letter: Template & Tips | Career Advice | Hays What is an IT cover letter? First off, let's establish what an IT cover letter is. It is a short, personalised note that you attach to your resume when you apply for a job.

  6. How to write a cover letter for job applications

    Your cover letter needs to communicate that you are genuinely interested in the opportunity that the given role represents and why. This means the letter needs to be tailored, and not just a standard letter that you've edited. Below are some of the do's and don'ts of writing a cover letter. What to do when writing your cover letter:

  7. Why cover letters are still important, and how to write one

    Writing a cover letter to accompany your job application can really help you to stand out in the mind of a hiring manager or recruiter. Taking the time and effort to write one positions you as a proactive candidate who is genuinely interested in the role you've applied for. ... She was appointed to the Hays Australia & New Zealand management ...

  8. Career Advice

    8 resume tips for applying to a tech role 3 min | David Brown | Article | Resumes & cover letters 3 things to consider when writing your superintendent resume 4 mins | Alex Powell | Article | Resumes & cover letters Showing 1 to 7 of 7 entries.

  9. Resumes & Cover letter tips and advice for employment from Hays

    Download resume template Writing a cover letter Discover what it takes to create a highly professional cover letter for a job application. Download cover letter template CV hacks that work Looking to upgrade your resume with ease? Follow these short-hand tips for success. 5 tips to boost your CV CV cliches to avoid

  10. How to write a cover letter that stands out

    Your cover letter needs to communicate that you are genuinely interested in the opportunity - and why. This means the letter needs to be tailored, and not just a standard letter that you've edited. Here, then, are some of the things you should and shouldn't do when writing yours. What should a job application cover letter include?

  11. Should I apply to a job if I don't meet all the requirements?

    Rather than highlighting in your job application or cover letter that you don't meet requirement x, y or z, focus your CV, ... including the role of Director responsible for the operation of Hays in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. In 2004 Nick was appointed to the Hays Board of Directors, and was made Managing ...

  12. Hays Jobseeker Tips- How to write a cover letter

    Did you know? By not submitting a cover letter with your job application you may be setting yourself up to fail. Use our expert tips when writing a cover...

  13. Writing a great cover letter

    Then close with the formal and widely accepted "Kind regards" or "Yours sincerely". Make sure you include your phone number, email address and LinkedIn URL. 6. Finally, review your cover letter. Spell check and ensure the formatting is correct. If you're submitting your cover letter as an attachment online, write it in a Word document ...

  14. How to write a cover letter: Template & Tips

    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 wi...

  15. Hays Australia

    Time to perfect your next job application Download your copy of the Hays Cover Letter Template and get your application to the top of the pile:...

  16. Download your how to write a resume guide

    Learn how to craft a resume and cover letter that will secure your next gig or job you want. Our resume guide provides instructions, examples and insider tips.

  17. Cover Letter Template

    We know cover letters can be challenging to write! That's why we have created a #Coverletter template to make your cover letter writing a breeze. ...

  18. Cover letter

    Revamp Your Cover Letter with Ease! Feeling daunted by the task of updating your cover letter? Don't worry - our straightforward and free guide...

  19. Common cover letter mistakes

    It's a crucial part of any direct job application, so try to avoid making one of these common mistakes. 1. Droning on. 83 per cent of employers report that the average length of time they spend reading a cover letter is under a minute. So, keep it short and snappy. Furthermore, don't try and be too quirky, and avoid clichés.

  20. Writing a great cover letter

    Towards the end of your cover letter, confirm your availability and sign off with a power phrase such as, "I would like to discuss in greater detail the value I could bring to your organisation.". Then close with the formal and widely accepted "Kind regards" or "Yours sincerely". Make sure you include your phone number, email ...

  21. Resume & Cover Letter Career Advice

    What you should include on your resume 1 min | Travis O'Rourke | Article | Resumes & cover letters Showing 1 to 10 of 10 entries. 1 TrustArc Cookie Consent Manager helps ensure online privacy compliance.

  22. Jobs in Australia

    Hays is the market leader in recruitment in Australia with offices right across the country. Whatever your area of expertise, we have thousands of jobs across a range of different industries spread across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Canberra, Tasmania, Regional NSW, Regional Victoria, and Regional Queensland.

  23. Optimise your job applications!

    Do you need to update your #CV and #Coverletter? Download our free templates to optimise your job application submissions! Link in comments #job...

  24. Two charged with murder over Kansas City Super Bowl parade shooting

    Two men were charged on Tuesday afternoon with murder in connection with a mass shooting in Kansas City on 14 February that killed one person and wounded 22 others at a rally for the Super Bowl ...