How to Write a Cover Letter in Australia

Every job has different requirements, but generally, you need to send two things when applying: a Resume and a Cover Letter.

The Cover Letter is a document that can set you apart from the rest, demonstrating why you wish to apply for the role. It needs to be written as an intentional introduction to you as not just a candidate, but also as a person, so the recruiter can start to build a picture of how you could fit into their wider team.

Many candidates send a generic Cover Letter with their Resume. By taking the time to personalise yours for each position, you give yourself a great opportunity to stand out in the job market.

For advice on how to write a high-quality resume, check out our recent blog post.

Here is our top advice on how to write a high-quality Cover Letter in Australia.

Preparing to Write Your Cover Letter

When it comes to writing a high-quality Cover Letter, preparation is key.

Go through the job description in detail, and make a list of the key skills and competencies the company is looking for. Some recruiters will specify the information they want you to include in your Cover Letter within the job advert.

The job description also gives you a great indication of the keywords you need to include on your Cover Letter.

Recruiters will often use Applicant Tracking Systems (also known as ATS) to review application documents and find the most relevant candidates for a role. By using keywords in your Resume and Cover Letter, you have a better chance of making it through the initial screening.

Take some time to research the company too. Check their website and social media profiles for any news or recent announcements that would be relevant to reference in your Cover Letter. You could also learn about current and future trends in the wider industry.

Finally, remember that the ideal length for a cover letter is one page. Your Cover Letter is a summary of your Resume. It needs to be succinct to capture attention quickly.

Now that you’re ready to start writing, we will explore the components of a Cover Letter step-by-step, with key tips on how to write each section.

The Components of a Cover Letter in Australia

Subject and Address

To begin, include your name and the open position you are applying for.

If you can, find out who exactly you are sending your Cover Letter to and address them by name.

If you aren’t sure, “To whom it may concern” will suffice as a professional opening line.

Introduction

Try to start your Cover Letter with an attention-grabbing statement: a sentence that sums up your experience and USPs as a candidate.

The recruiter will have a lot of application documents to read, so if you can sum up why you are the best person for the position, it will encourage them to keep reading.

Talk about what attracted you to the role – is this a step up or change in direction for you? Or is there a specific reason you are interested in working for this company? This is a great opportunity to mention your research and demonstrate your interest in the organisation.

You should also use your introductory paragraph to demonstrate your commitment to the field and career ambitions.

Experience and Evidence

Next, spend two to three paragraphs addressing the individual points from the Job Description that best match your experience.

Most of your experience will be explored in your Resume, as it is a much longer document. Therefore, don’t repeat each of these points in your Cover Letter.

Instead, go into more specific detail on the strongest examples of your skills and experience. Make sure everything you include is specific and measurable, with statistics to back up your points.

Here are a few suggestions for the kind of information to include in this section:

Specific qualifications or certifications that are relevant to the role
Related projects you have worked on and the results you achieved.

Accolades or awards you have received.

Non-Work Related Information

The ideal employee is about much more than an experience and skills fit. You need to highlight how you will fit into the company culture too. You can’t achieve this in your Resume so highlighting this in the Cover Letter is essential.

Recruiters will be looking for a well-rounded individual who will fit into their existing team. Spend a couple of lines talking about your other interests and passions, such as volunteer work or hobbies.

This information helps them build a picture of you as a person beyond the workplace.

Conclusion

To finish your Cover Letter, spend a few lines summing up your experience, and reaffirm your interest in the role you are applying for.

You should also include a statement such as “I look forward to hearing from you to discuss this role further”, to highlight your confidence in yourself as a candidate, but leave the ball in their court to contact you to discuss the next steps.

The final sign-off on your Cover Letter needs to be professional. We recommend using “Kind Regards” or “Yours Sincerely” followed by your name.

You should also include a reminder of your contact information here – your email address, phone number, and even your LinkedIn URL so the recruiter can find out more about you and your experience.

We hope this information has helped you understand how to prepare to write your CV, structure it, and the information you need to include to attract a recruiter’s attention.

If your dream job is on the horizon and you would like professional support in writing a Cover Letter that ticks all the boxes, we would love to assist.

Our team of professional CV Writers will learn about you, your skills, and your experience to create a Cover Letter that helps you stand out in a crowded candidate market.

You can find out more about our job application document bundles here