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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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How do I apply for a job on SEEK?

Updated: 13/9/2023

If you are looking to apply for a job on SEEK, here are some helpful tips and advice on submitting an application through SEEK: Are you an international candidate that wants to work in Australia or New Zealand? It's not easy to find the information you need, so we've answered 10 common questions about working in Australia here and working in New Zealand here . Need help searching for the right job? Follow these instructions  for the best way to search for a job. Can SEEK find me a job? Unfortunately we can’t, as we publish job ads from employers but SEEK itself is not a recruiter. As such, we are unable to provide you with personal advice regarding career prospects. Found the job and need help applying? So, you’ve clicked the job you want to apply for. Next step is to click Apply for this job . You may be asked to sign in or register if you haven't already done so. Once you’re signed in to SEEK, there are four steps to applying*:

• Choose documents (your resume & cover letter)
• Answer employer questions
• Update SEEK Profile
• Review and submit

Step 1 Choose documents

Your resumé Select a resume stored on SEEK, or upload a new one, by selecting Upload a resumé. The file can be in the following format (Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx), Adobe PDF (.pdf) or a text file (.txt or .rtf). There is a file size limit of 2MB. You can also choose not to include a resumé. Need help with your resumé?:

• Have a SEEK Profile, but no resumé? Generate one using these instructions .
• Need a resumé template? We have a free one you can download here .
• No experience? Read this article , which explains what to put on your resumé when you have limited or no experience.
• Not sure exactly what you should include? Read this article for the low-down on cover letters.
• Need a cover letter template? Download a free one here .
• Check out these great cover letters to get some inspiration.

Step 2 Answer employer questions

Some employers may ask questions to determine if you meet the criteria for the role e.g. What is your right to work in Australia, or New Zealand? Do you have a driver's licence? How many years experience do you have in this role? They use these questions to shortlist suitable candidates for the role. They are an indicator that you meet the criteria for the role you are applying for.  

Step 3 Update SEEK Profile

Your SEEK Profile (which includes your career history, education, licences & certifications, and skills) is sent with your application, so ensure it is up-to-date and includes your career history and qualifications. Need help with your SEEK Profile?

• What to know how your SEEK Profile looks to employers? Read this article to find out.
• Need help filling out your SEEK Profile? Find tips here .
• If you don't have a lot of experience, this article may help.

Step 4 Review and submit

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How to Write a Cover Letter: Template & Tips | Hays

How to write a cover letter | hero banner | ub, how to write a cover letter - template & tips new zealand.

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. A copy of the template will be emailed to you shortly.

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.

Resumes promo menu

Resumes & cover letters.

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How to write a cover letter

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Make your CV stand out

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Content Block - Cover Letter | UB

How long should a cover letter be , how to write a cover letter | 3rd content block | ub, cover letter format, how to write a cover letter | 4th content block | ub, 1. do your research, 2. address your cover letter to the right person, 3. how to start a cover letter write an attention-grabbing introduction, 4. add evidence of your successes  , 5. highlight key skills, 6. sign off professionally, 7. review your cover letter , how to write a cover letter | 5th content block | ub, what not to include in a cover letter, excessive details, repeat your cv, don’t write in the third person, can ai write the perfect cover letter, how to write a cover letter | 6th content block | ub, final tips around how to write a cover letter.

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

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

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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Create CVs, cover letters and profiles

Create an effective CV, cover letter, application form and online job hunting profile.

How to write a CV employers will want to read.

Templates and examples to help you create your own CV's (resumes) and cover letters.

Make your CV stand out to employers by showing them your skills and how you’ve used them.

How to write a cover letter employers will want to read.

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Use our checklist before you send in your job application.

Updated 8 Mar 2022

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Free cover letter examples and expert-approved guides

Crafting a general cover letter is essential for a strong job application; however, not all cover letters are created equal. 

At cvapp.nz, we're dedicated to helping Kiwi job-seekers achieve their professional goals. If you're looking for a customisable, professional cover letter template to help elevate your job application, our user-friendly tools and templates make creating successful cover letters a breeze. Let’s begin!

Dear Mrs. Knight, 

If you're looking for a Sales Assistant with a passion for tech and a deep understanding of the latest trends and advancements in the industry, I'm the tech-savvy sales professional you're looking for! My name is Teina Te Hira, and  I am confident that my unique blend of skills and experiences make me the ideal candidate to support your team and elevate the customer experience at Connect Tech.

I have a proven track record of successfully promoting new products and technology solutions, resulting in a 20% increase in the adoption of cutting-edge products by customers. My ability to communicate the features and benefits of products in a clear and engaging manner has been instrumental in driving sales and enhancing the overall customer experience.

In my previous role as a Sales Assistant, I spearheaded initiatives that led to a 25% increase in monthly sales revenue within the first quarter. By leveraging my strong interpersonal skills and product knowledge, I was able to effectively identify customer needs and tailor recommendations that resulted in a 30% boost in upselling opportunities. These achievements not only demonstrate my ability to drive revenue but also my commitment to providing exceptional service that exceeds customer expectations.

In addition to my sales skills, I'm a team player who thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. I have a collaborative spirit and enjoy working closely with staff to achieve common goals. Through my strong organisational skills, I have streamlined inventory management processes, reducing stock discrepancies by 15% and ensuring a more efficient workflow that optimises the customer shopping experience.

I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to bring my passion for technology, sales expertise, and customer-focused approach to the team at Connect Tech. I believe that my proven track record of driving sales growth, authentic sales demeanour and commitment to fostering a positive team environment make me the perfect fit for the Sales Assistant role.

Thank you for considering my application. I would love to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of Connect Tech. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. I hope to hear from you soon. 

Ngā mihi nui, 

Teina Te Hira

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Keen to see what a great cover letter actually looks like? Check out our top-ranked cover letter examples: 

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Essential features of an impressive cover letter: 

A well-structured and organised cover letter is essential to effectively showcase why you're the ideal candidate for the job. To really impress potential employers, your cover letter should be both visually appealing, well-formatted and organised. Here are the most important components to include in your cover letter:

• Header: Your cover letter's header, positioned at the top or sometimes on the side of your cover letter, features your name, contact details, and any relevant links to professional websites. The header is essential for helping your cover letter stand out and enhancing the cover letter’s overall visual presentation. 
• Greeting: The greeting of your cover letter should be personalised to the person who will be reading your cover letter. We recommend using a polite and friendly greeting and using the name of the potential employer when known to help establish a connection with the reader. 
• Introduction: Your cover letter introduction should grab the attention of potential employers and make them want to learn more about you. It’s essential to include both the company name and the specific position you’re applying for in this section.
• Body paragraphs: The body paragraphs of your cover letter provide room for you to detail your accomplishments and essential qualifications for the role. This section is often considered the most important component of your cover letter. 
• Conclusion & sign off: The conclusion of your cover letter usually includes a strong call-to-action statement that encourages employers to reach out to you at a later stage. In this section of your cover letter, you should reiterate your passion for the job role, and sign-off with an appropriate farewell, such as “Yours sincerely,” or “Ngā mihi nui.”

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