cover letter examples for first job nz

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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:

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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

How to write a cover letter

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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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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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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 start a cover letter: 6 attention grabbing intros + examples

A good cover letter intro is like a good espresso – short, sharp and energising. Here’s how to brew one of your own.

What you’ll learn:

• The contact information you should include in a cover letter
• The best greeting to use in a cover letter
• Attention-grabbing ways to start an NZ cover letter

A cover letter is your chance to prove you’re the perfect candidate for the role, and a vital step towards clinching that all important interview. 

But this won’t happen if the reader doesn’t get past the first sentence. Your opener needs to grab their attention, and make them hungry to find out more. 

Today, we’re going to answer your questions by exploring how to start a cover letter, NZ style. We’ll look at greetings, what to do when there’s no name in the job ad and some different approaches you can adopt. As well as examples, we’ve also included a download link for some free cover letter templates that you can take and use in your own job applications.

Will your readers fall at the first sentence?

What contact information should you include on your cover letter?

The first things you’ll see on a cover letter are the names and contact details information for both the intended reader, and yourself. These should be formatted like a letter (as in the old timey paper things we used to send before we had emails). If this doesn’t make sense, you can check out the templates linked above to see what we mean. 

At the top left of the cover letter, you should include:

• The manager's name 
• The manager’s job title 
• The company name 
• The physical address from the company

At the top right, you should include: 

• Your full name 
• Your email address 
• Your phone number

What is the best greeting for a cover letter?

Before you start working your wordsmith magic, you need to say hello … the right way.

You may see this section referred to as a ‘cover letter salutation’, but we’ll stick with ‘greeting’, because we aren’t from the Middle Ages. The ideal cover letter greeting looks like this:

• “Dear James Webster,”

Use ‘Dear’, because it’s a formal letter, and address it to the recruiter or hiring manager by using their full name. This is often included in the job listing, or can usually be found easily by stalking the company website.

How to start a cover letter without a name

We recommend putting serious time into finding a name when addressing your cover letter – this tiny bit of personalisation goes a long way. 

Even if you’re not 100% sure it’s right, no one will penalise you for addressing the letter to the head of the department the role sits within. If you’re applying to a really small business, you could even go with the owner – it shows you tried. 

Failing all of this, the next best option is, ‘Dear Hiring Manager’. While it lacks the personal touch, this greeting works because it’s basically invisible. It’s not as cold as ‘To whom it may concern’ (avoid this at all costs), and not overly informal like, ‘Hi there’.

Attention grabbing ways to start a cover letter

None of the below examples are better than the others, we just gave you a choice to fit your personal style, and the type of role you’re applying for.

1. Being energetic from the get-go

Enthusiasm for the role and/or company always goes down well. While it’s important not to come across as fake, when done well, this intro can really help you stand out .

“I was hugely excited to see the assistant restaurant manager role you’re listing on Trade Me Jobs. I’m an experienced head waiter, with a track record of effective leadership and a passion for delivering great customer experiences. What’s more, I’ve been a loyal customer of yours for years, and would love to join your team!”

Try adding some extra energy into your cover letter opener.

2. Leading with your values

While some careers (think doctors, teachers and charity workers) are considered ‘callings’, personal values are becoming increasingly important across New Zealand’s job market.

If you think it’s appropriate, a value-led cover letter can be highly memorable.

“Businesses should take climate change seriously. As a software engineering graduate with a passion for sustainability, I believe technology is key to making the commercial sector greener. Your reputation for pioneering this technology, and partnering with businesses to implement it, excites me, and I’d love to become part of your mission.”

3. Targeting an achievement

Evidence-backed success stories grab the reader’s attention, and get them thinking about the improvements you could make to their company. The trick here is to get your message over without appearing arrogant.

“In the last 18 months, I’ve beaten my quarterly sales target by a minimum of X%, every time. In total, this has brought in an additional $XX,XXX of revenue for the business. I’d love to bring this track record, and my passion for customer service, to the Sales Manager position listed on Trade Me Jobs.”

Highlighting a professional achievement can be a strong way to start your cover letter.

4. Mentioning a contact

If someone within the company recommended you apply for the job, make sure the hiring manager knows. Why? They see hundreds of applications a day, and if yours is backed by someone who’s already landed a job at the company, that means something.

“I was excited to learn about the Social Media Manager role from my former colleague, Lauren Irvine. She and I worked together running digital and social campaigns for a wide variety of companies at BUSINESS NAME. She thought my skills and personality would be a good match for your team.”

Another way to make your application easy for the hiring manager is by including a link to your online job profile , or portfolio of work. Today, employers often want to check out your digital presence, and this platform lets them build a better picture of you by viewing your skills and experience at the click of a button.

5. Expressing passion for what you do

Employers aren’t interested in someone who’s just turning up to earn a salary. They want to hire an employee who’s passionate about what their organisation does, and will bring this energy to work every day. Your cover letter is a great place to get this dedication across, as long as you get the tone right. Too gushy, and the reader might think you’re being disingenuous, too laid back and they might not feel the passion coming through. 

Example: 

“I’ve been passionate about conservation since my parents took me on a whale watching tour as a child. Throughout my schooling and career since then, I’ve been focussed on finding a role that allows me to help protect the wonderful marine wildlife we have here in New Zealand.”

6. Starting with a statement of belief

Of course, if you have particularly controversial views on the topic you want to make a statement about, it might be better to keep them to yourself at this early point in the application process. However, there are ways you can use this intro technique to demonstrate a grasp of current issues within your profession, and also your enthusiasm for the work. 

“We need to end the stigma around seeking help for mental health issues. As a counsellor, I strive to provide an environment in which people feel comfortable to talk about the challenges they face, regardless of their background or their concerns about receiving counselling.”

Other articles you might like

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

Done right, your CV can be a powerful tool for helping you stand out from other candidates. Here, we’ll show you how.

A good CV can make all the difference to your job hunting hopes. Check out our must-read advice and free templates.

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• Administrative

Administrative Cover Letter Example

Kia ora and welcome to cvapp.nz’s cover letter guide for administrative candidates! We’ll help you skyrocket your career potential and land your ideal job role. Whether you’re new to job-hunting or a seasoned job-seeker, we’ve got you covered. Read ahead for our top advice on how to create a winning cover letter for potential employers!

Formatting cover letters for administrative candidates

It's essential to understand the importance of formatting when crafting a great cover letter. Good formatting can give employers an accurate glimpse into your professional story and increase the chances of getting an interview. Our cover letter guide can help you create the perfect cover letter for the job you're applying for. Generally speaking, cover letters should include the following structure: 

• Introduction

We’ll go over each section and explain why they’re important. Before starting your cover letter, we recommend researching the company, their website and their social media to better understand their company culture, values and the language they use across their media. This can help you understand the company better and craft a more tailored cover letter. Tailored, personalised cover letters are very important – we’ll get to that in a moment!

Cover letter header

As an administrative candidate, you’ll know the importance of organisation and structure. Your cover letter formatting needs to be clean and professional, and the header is one of the most important elements in your cover letter. 

The header of your cover letter should draw in potential employers and catch their attention. For an effective header, make sure to include your full name, contact information, and any associated links to a professional website such as LinkedIn or Behance. You can optionally include your full mailing address or simply just your city, region and/or postcode if desired.

Cover letter greeting

Your cover letter greeting should be polite and professional. Greetings such as "Dear Mr. /Mrs. /Ms. [Last Name]" or "Tena Koe, [Name]" are always acceptable and show respect to the recipient. To personalize your cover letter and better connect with your potential employer, try to look up the name of your recruiter to use in your greeting. 

Avoid using casual greetings such as "Hi" or "Hey" as it may not be appropriate for some companies. You can research their company culture and values by checking their website or social media pages. At cvapp. nz, we always suggest employers use a personal name in the greeting where possible. Check out a great example of a cover letter greeting below: 

Kia ora Mrs. Eastwood,

Cover letter introduction: Starting off strong 

Start your cover letter off with a strong introduction that emphasises your qualifications and relevant work experience. Draw attention to your impressive accomplishments and strengths that make you the ideal fit for the role. Detail your interest and motivation for applying, as well as your relevant achievements and experience. As an administrative candidate, you could describe your passion for helping others or how much you enjoy the organised structure of an administrative role. Think of your cover letter introduction as the first impression your employer will have of you. Your mission is to start off strong and lay the red carpet for your body paragraph, where you can elaborate on your work experience, accomplishments and any other relevant details. Check out this example of an awesome introduction: 

As an administrative assistant with five years experience, I was delighted to discover the opportunity to apply for an administrative assistant role with LBP Group. I have strong organisational and planning skills, logical thinking skills and data management skills.

Cover letter body paragraph: Persuading your employer

Your body paragraph should be the most comprehensive and persuasive. Any details you mentioned in your introduction can be elaborated upon here. Describe your experience and academic credentials, as well as any relevant skills that make you a great fit for the job. Be specific and include names and institutions you are affiliated with! When tailoring your cover letter to the specific institution, provide details that demonstrate a clear understanding of the role and organisation. 

Employers will have a copy of your CV, so avoid listing out all the job functions you performed at previous companies. Reference the job description as you write and draw upon your experiences to showcase what skills you possess that make you an ideal candidate. You can also incorporate anecdotes that may be relevant to the job description! For example, if the job description states that they’re looking for a team-player that can perform under pressure, can you think of any times where you demonstrated your ability to work in demanding circumstances or where you may have shown great leadership in the workplace? Let your employer know! Don’t forget to match your language with the language in the job description!

Being an administrative assistant requires an in-depth understanding of people and productivity. I am passionate about helping people and boosting productivity to meet company objectives and fulfill goals. Ultimately, my greatest ambition in life is to help as many people as possible. A career in administration allows me to achieve this, to some capacity, every single day.

In addition to the skills listed above, I also have strong social media management skills, time management skills and extensive experience with Microsoft Office. In my previous position with Global Media Group, I managed over five Instagram accounts, including Bread Lover's Bakery, scaling the Instagram account from 500 followers to over 28,000 followers.

Cover letter conclusion: Leave a lasting impression

In the conclusion of your cover letter, remember to thank potential employers for their time and consideration, and express your desire for an interview with an assertive call-to-action. Call-to-action statements are the best way to initiate contact from an employer. For example, you could say, “I look forward to hearing from you soon” or “You can contact me at [insert contact details]. ”

A formal goodbye such as “Ngā mihi” or “Kind regards” is a good way to add a polite touch. For an extra professional finish, you can also include a digital signature. To learn more about our cover letter templates and to explore an example of a cover letter conclusion, check out our cover letter builder!

A great administrative cover letter will reiterate why you’re the ideal candidate for the role. Keep your tone professional, confident and polite. Employers will want to know why you’re the ideal candidate that will help keep their office ticking and advance their company goals. Lastly, as always, don’t forget to proofread your work! Your cover letter conclusion should look a little like this: 

I would love to arrange a time to discuss this position with LBP Group. I would be happy to share more details of my administrative experience with you during this time. I hope to hear from you soon.

Thank you so much for your consideration. Best wishes, David Thomas

Epic cover letters are intentional 

Writing a cover letter is a great way to create a positive, professional connection with potential employers. Don’t be afraid to mention your passions, your “why” or any relevant details that may have influenced your desire to apply for a role with the company. Don’t forget to present yourself as professional and friendly when you are writing your cover letter. If you ever get stuck, we’ve got plenty of great examples, templates and resources on our website. Karawhiua! 

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