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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.

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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.

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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 .

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A free, interactive tool from Careers.govt.nz.

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How to write a cover letter

Careers.govt.nz has great advice about:

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

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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The importance of cover letter, what is a cover letter.

Let’s go back to basics – what is a cover letter? A cover letter acts as a personal introduction in a professional setting. Usually, it’s a separate document that you attach to a job application along with your CV. You should use it to demonstrate your personality and summarise why you are the right person for the job, so the reader can consider the rest of your CV with this set up in mind.

Follow our tips for how to write a cover letter or download our cover letter template.

Why write a cover letter? 

The idea for writing cover letters for your resume is simple: it needs to be engaging enough for an employer to read to feel compelled to find out more about your skills and experience in your resume, before (hopefully) calling you in for an interview.

Not all candidates make the effort to write a tailored and personalised cover letter, so by making sure you write a cover letter that answers specifics needs in the job ad, it’ll help separate you from other applicants. In turn, giving you a greater likelihood of being shortlisted for an interview.  

Download your Cover Letter template 

Enter your details below to download your Cover Letter template:

How to write a cover letter | Video | UB

Cover letter advice.

Recruiters & hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications for each job. You need to start with a great cover letter to gain attention. Learn how with this video from Hays.

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Resumes & cover letters.

How to write a resume

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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

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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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How to write a cover letter for your first job in New Zealand (with templates)

Writing a great cover letter for your first job can be tough. But these tips will get you on the right track.

What you’ll learn:

• What are cover letters? 
• The importance of cover letters 
• Tips for creating your first cover letter 

So, you’re wondering how to write a cover letter for your first job. 

Good on you. 

In New Zealand, these documents aren’t optional extras on top of a CV – they’re a vital part of showing you’re the right person for the job. By submitting one, you’re putting yourself on the front foot, which is what successful job hunting is all about. 

However, first cover letters aren’t easy – especially if you lack experience. To help, we’ve created this step-by-step guide on what to include, where and why. Let’s get cracking. We’ve also got a sample cover letter you can download and use for yourself when applying for jobs.

Writing an entry level cover letter doesn't have to be stressful.

What are cover letters?

A cover letter is a document you submit along with your CV when you apply for a job. In New Zealand, cover letters should be no longer than one page, and should aim to highlight your interest in the job, as well as why you’re the right person in terms of your previous skills and experience.

Why are cover letters important?

You might be asking yourself, ‘why do I need to submit a cover letter as well as a CV?”. Well, the two documents should complement each other, and neither is effective in isolation as they are together. 

On a CV, you should present your key skills and experience in short snappy bullet points that are easy for the reader to digest. A cover letter provides you the space to expand upon your CV, and the first opportunity for the hiring manager to get a handle on who you are and what you’re about. For this reason, you need to make sure that your cover letter underlines your most attractive skills and experiences so that there’s no way the reader will miss them. 

In addition, unlike a CV, which should be entirely focussed on you, a cover letter needs to explain why you’re interested in the job, and the company advertising it. Importantly, employers don’t just want to hear how skilled you are, they also want to know that you’re looking for more than just a salary. In other words, you need to explain why this role/organisation speaks to you, and why you want to work there, as opposed to simply anyone who will offer you a job. 

What’s more, a cover letter in itself shows interest. Anyone can keep the same CV on file and throw it in to any employer who’s advertising a job. However, a cover letter is more personal, and employers know they take longer to write. Therefore, if you only submit a CV, and someone submits a CV and a cover letter, guess who looks more interested from the employer’s perspective?

Tips for creating your first cover letter

1. your details.

You’ll probably submit your cover letter online, but still format it like a real letter. This means starting with:

• Your full name, contact details and home address
• The date you submit the application
• The business’ postal address

Start your cover letter like this.

Top tip : Don’t put this info into a document’s header. Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to initially scan cover letters for important details, and sometimes this software can’t read headers.

2. Introduce yourself

You should address the cover letter to a real person. This is an important personal touch that can help you stand out, and the hiring manager’s or recruiter’s name is usually given in the job listing.

If there’s no name given, check the company’s staff page and find someone (like a department head) to address it to. Even if this isn’t bang on, it shows you made the effort.

As a last resort, ‘Dear Hiring Manager’, will do the trick.

Now, there are several ways you can start your cover letter . The style you choose will largely depend on your personality, and the role you’re going for – e.g. an application for a graphic design role can probably be more creative than one for a dentist’s assistant. However, any good intro will include:

• The job title – Note: make sure you capitalise it
• Where you saw it
• A snappy one liner describing yourself
• A teaser of what you would bring to the role to get them interested

Example 1 :

“Dear Kohia Smith,

I’m writing to apply for the reporter role you’re currently listing on Trade Me Jobs. I’m a recent communications graduate with an interest in community news and digital-first reporting. I’d love to join your team and find stories that will engage and grow your readership.”

Example 2 :

“Dear Richard Hall,

I’m really excited about the Labourer position you’re currently listing on Trade Me Jobs. I’m a hard-working and highly motivated high-school graduate, keen to begin a trades career. I’d love the opportunity to join your team and develop my skills.”

Personalise your cover letter by addressing it to a real person.

3. Your skills, qualifications and attributes

Don’t worry, you can write this section of your cover letter with no experience in the field you’re applying for.

Here, you can include:

• Uni or highschool qualifications
• Volunteer experience, unpaid internships, temporary summer jobs
• Personal qualities that make you a great fit for the role

Whatever you go with, make sure to:

• Be specific
• Tie it back to the role’s requirements

“My BA in Communications Studies gave me a firm grounding in media ethics and law, and also taught me how to find, research and publish stories across platforms ranging from print to social.

I built on this with work experience at NEWSPAPER NAME last summer. As well as shadowing their reporters, I sat in on production meetings to learn how the editors decided which stories to pursue, and what formats they thought were most appropriate”.

“Holiday work in my local Four Square means I’m used to completing long shifts, remaining professional and proactive throughout. This job also emphasised communication, teamwork and problem-solving to make sure the store always met customer expectations.

I’m also physically fit, as I train with my rugby team twice a week and play a match every weekend. On top of this, I have a full, clean driver’s licence and my own transport”.

If you’re struggling to decide what skills or qualifications are most relevant to the position, a good first step is creating a Trade Me Job Profile . This tool can create a template CV based on your experiences and qualifications, which you can use as inspo for your cover letter. What’s more, Trade Me Job Profiles allow employers to approach you with opportunities you haven’t found.

Here are some tips on what Kiwi bosses want from new employees.

4. Why you’re a great fit

By now, the reader knows what you bring to the table, so it’s time to seal the deal.

You can approach this section by:

• Showing passion for their business or industry: only do this if you can make it genuine. Hint: saying you’ve always dreamt of working for a local cafe is a tad unbelievable (even if it’s true).
• Showing your eagerness to learn: this is great for entry level cover letters. Attitude goes a long way, and employers love enthusiasm and ambition.
• Talk about your values: companies today are very values driven. Showing your personal principles align with theirs suggests you’ll be a good fit.

“I now want to take my skills and experience into a fast-paced, 21st century news environment. As a longtime reader of NEWSPAPER NAME, I admire your commitment to balanced storytelling, and the way you’ve adapted to the digitalisation of news reporting,”

“The role appeals to me because I see lots of opportunities to gain new technical skills, due to the wide variety of commercial and residential projects the company takes on. I’m also keen to develop my interpersonal skills, as this is crucial to my long term ambition of managing a team of labourers in the future.”

5. End with a call to action

What do you want from your application? A job interview .

This final section is where you confidently (but politely) prompt the reader to get in touch and set up the next step.

“I believe I have the skills and experience needed to hit the ground running in this role, and I would be thrilled to join your team. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Rebecca Clarke.”

“I believe my past experience, attitude, and willingness to learn would make me a great fit for this role, and I would be thrilled to join your team. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Bradley Brown.”

And voila, one cover letter.

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Along with your CV, a cover letter is essential to any NZ job application. Let's get you started.

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