job application cover letter template nz

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.

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:

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.

How to write a resume

How to write a cover letter

CV hacks that work

Make your CV stand out

CV cliches to avoid

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.

Try our Salary Comparison Tool

The Hays Salary Checker provides you with quick access to salaries for your specific job role in your location. Covering hundreds of jobs in 19 industries and sectors, and further customised geographically by 3 different regions across New Zealand. Our New Zealand salary comparison tool provides instant insights on pay and salary benchmarking for your exact job and location.

• NZ AU SG HK CN
• Search Jobs
• Contracting FAQs
• Web timesheets and resources
• Job interviews
• Psychometric testing
• Leadership development resources
• Insights – The Blog
• Hudson Career
• Accounting & Finance
• Business Support & Contact Centre
• Engineering
• Human Resources
• Marketing & Communications
• Policy & Program
• Risk & Compliance
• Technology & Digital
• Frontline Recruitment
• Graduate Recruitment
• Psychometric Assessment
• Scaleup by Hudson Blog
• Outplacement & redeployment
• Career transition
• Navigate change
• Realign capability
• Mobilise careers
• Coaching For Your Team
• Hire Now, Pay Later Solution
• flexhive – temporary staffing solutions
• Hellomonday – people development & coaching
• Hudson Executive – top-tier recruitment
• JobAccelerator – Career Transition & Outplacement
• Sapia – AI Smart Chat Interviewing
• scaleup – volume & graduate recruitment
• About the Hudson group

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.

Hudson recently decentralised its activity to better serve each employer’s requirements - with one objective in mind: get the job to be done.

Wed 01 Feb, 12am

Hiring: Managing workplace culture in the time of COVID-19

Culture and engagement are critical factors in driving organisational performance, and yet they have had to be re-invented during the COVID-19 disruptions. The hip office, workplace drinks, onsite gym and days off for birthdays, plus the casual banter around the water cooler: these are all aspects of work which go into creating a cohesive and…

Wed 16 Dec, 03pm

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.

Similar Posts

25 Best Side Hustles Ideas in New Zealand [2024]

Money seems to be never enough, if you want to earn more in addition to your day job, getting a side hustle is a great option. In fact, 12% of all taxpayers in New Zealand have a second job, according to the survey made by Sorted. However, creating a second income doesn’t necessarily mean getting…

Are You Well-Paid? Full Guide on Salaries in New Zealand 2024

Before you move to New Zealand or accept a job offer, it’s crucial to know what earnings perspectives are in your profession. Salaries range widely between professional areas, and you should know the baseline for a successful negotiation. That said, the median income in New Zealand in June 2022 was NZ$57,072 per year or NZ$29.66 per hour….

Apprenticeships in New Zealand: All You Need To Know

Apprenticeships are quite common in New Zealand and are typically paid career paths. The apprentice receives both on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Apprenticeships are prevalent in tradies, which are known for their practical skills and hands-on approach, making them indispensable in fields that require craftsmanship, hard work, and technical skills. In New Zealand, apprenticeships are…

Finding a good and reputable recruitment agency is the best bet for increasing your chances of employment. If you are on a job hunt in New Zealand, you will come across many recruiters who look for talent, yet, you shouldn’t trust all of them as it might lead to huge time waste.  The top best…

Electrician Salary in New Zealand: 2024 Guide

Electricians are one of the most in-demand professions in New Zealand. All industries and even business sectors require an electrician in their workforce. So, qualified electricians can expect great income and added benefits while working in New Zealand. Certified electricians in New Zealand have an annual average salary of anywhere between NZ$58,072 and NZ$95,000. Hourly…

Nurse Salary in New Zealand: What To Expect In 2024?

Recent development in pay equity pay has helped increase the salary trajectory for New Zealand’s nurses. Raises by multiple thousands of dollars have been seen among all professionals, which came into force in March 2022. But what is the salary outlook for nurses in New Zealand in 2023? Nursing is one of the most sought-after…

Work homepage

We can help you get ready to apply and find the right job for you. We can even help you while you're working.

• Get ready to work

You can get training, help with CVs and cover letters, and advice for job interviews.

Find out what jobs are available, which job is best for you and how you can plan your career.

Whether you've just started a job or need some help at work, we've got your back.

• Lost your job

We'll help you get ready to find a new job and support you while you're between jobs.

• Start your own business

Get help to plan and set up a successful business or be a self-employed contractor.

Benefits and payments homepage

Take a look at the range of benefits and payments we have available.

Not working

Redundancy, health condition or disability or another reason you can’t work

Living expenses

Food, school costs, power, accommodation or other living expenses you need help with

Relationship changes

You’ve had a relationship break-up, family breakdown or violent relationship end

Health and Disability

Counselling, prescription and GP costs, medical alarms and other costs we can help with

Travelling overseas, how to apply, payment rates and dates, overseas pensions, income and other info for Seniors

Caring for someone else’s child or someone with a health condition, injury or disability

Urgent or unexpected costs

Dental, glasses, car repairs, fridge, washing machine, funeral or other urgent costs you need help with

Childcare, school uniforms, stationery, having a baby and other costs if you have children

Moving to New Zealand

Payments you can get from us, settling into NZ, overseas pensions and more.

Benefits and forms

A-Z list of benefits, forms, benefit rates

On a benefit homepage

Check out what you need to do when you're getting a benefit or other payment from us.

Something's changed

Address, contact details, overseas travel, childcare, relationship or anything else that’s changed.

Declare income and income deduction tables

Change in your childcare situation, continue childcare payments, cohort entry schools and other childcare information

Going overseas

Going on holiday or going to live overseas

Re-apply for Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support, Temporary Additional Support and more

Check or stop your payments, payment cards and other information

Check your debt, repayments and other debt information

Rights and responsibilities

Our commitment to you,  obligations, complaints, benefit fraud and more

Housing homepage

Find out how we can help you with housing.

Nowhere to stay

Get help if you have nowhere to stay right now.

Find a house

Find out where to look for private housing, or apply for public (social) housing.

Living in your home

Get help with accommodation costs, and advice on any housing issues and public housing tenancies.

Find out how we can help if you’re moving house.

Other languages

Read some of our housing information in other languages.

• Go to the Work and Income home page

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.

What's available

'build my cv' service.

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.

You can sign up if you're getting Jobseeker Support or Sole Parent Support.

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 .

Step-by-step CV builder

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

• Makes sure your CV has all the information employers look for.
• Tips and advice to help you build a CV to get you noticed.
• Your CV will save automatically to your account, and you can download, print and email it in Word and PDF.

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.

• Tips for nailing your CV
• Writing the perfect cover letter
• Searching for jobs
• Landing your first job
• Effective interviewing
• Your online presence
• Workplace tips & wellbeing
• Changing careers
• Growing your skills
• Managing job loss
• Taking leave
• Market updates
• Newshub Summer Series
• Careers advice

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.

Other articles you might like

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

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

A Trade Me Jobs Profile lets employers come to you, and means you can download a professional looking CV in seconds.

• List an item
• My Trade Me
• Marketplace
• Latest deals
• Closing soon
• Browse categories
• Salary guide
• Advertisers advice
• Boats & marine
• Other vehicles
• International property
• News & guides
• Homes.co.nz
• OneHub for agents
• Domestic services
• Events & entertainment
• Health & wellbeing
• Announcements
• Trust & safety
• Seller information
• Desktop site
• Privacy policy
• Terms & conditions
• Follow Trade Me on Facebook
• Follow Trade Me on Twitter

Download the student app

Contact centre hours

Mon to Fri: 8:30am - 5pm

This website may not work correctly because your browser is out of date. Please update your browser .

Develop a New Zealand-style CV

Most employers will quickly scan your CV to decide if it is worth reading in more detail. So it needs to make a good impression quickly.

What to include in your CV

New Zealand employers only want to see relevant information on your CV. They do not need a list of every job or course you have ever done.

Employers are most interested in your:

• technical and personal skills
• work experience
• qualifications and education
• community and volunteer experience.

They also like to see some evidence of how you have applied your skills.

It is best to only include relevant details of your skills and experience and to give brief examples of how you have used your skills in the past.

Skills employers are looking for | careers.govt.nz

Previous employers

Local employers may not be familiar with the organisations you have worked for overseas. It helps if you include a short description of organisations you list on your CV, like:

• the number of employees
• the location
• a website link so they can get more information if they need it.

The careers.govt.nz website has tips on how to write a CV for New Zealand employers.

How to write a CV | careers.govt.nz

Make a good impression

It is important to make a good impression of yourself as a potential employee, but not to appear too boastful about your achievements.

Many people make the mistake of writing a CV and using it for every job application. New Zealand employers expect you to adjust your CV to suit each job so that it highlights the skills that are relevant to the job.

People suggested that my CV was not what New Zealand employers would look at. Where I come from we prepare a CV in a different way: we give all our experience right from day one. Here, nobody likes to read a story! Darshan Desai

Cover letters

Most New Zealand employers expect a cover letter with your CV when you apply for a job. A cover letter is a ‘sales pitch’ about why you think you are ideal for the job.

Your cover letter should:

• briefly introduce yourself
• outline your main relevant skills and experience
• make an argument for why you are the right person for the specific job.

Just like your CV, it should focus on details that are relevant to the job you are applying for and it should be brief – no longer than 1 page.

Use a formal and persuasive style when writing a cover letter. It is a good idea to have a generic letter that you can adjust to match the job description you are applying for.

How to write a cover letter | careers.govt.nz

Your qualifications

Remember to bring your qualifications with you to New Zealand. If you are sending them in with an application, send a copy. Keep the originals safe and get copies made and certified. If you are in New Zealand, a Justice of the Peace (JP) can certify them.

Find a JP | Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices' Associations

Helpful resources

The careers.govt.nz website has many resources that can help you to make a New Zealand-style CV and cover letter. There is material to help you:

• understand the parts of a CV
• learn how to put transferable skills on your CV
• learn how to write a cover letter
• fill in job application forms.

CV and cover letter templates | careers.govt.nz

Back to top

• Share on facebook
• Share with Linked.in

Interested in coming to New Zealand?

Sign up to receive relevant job opportunities from New Zealand employers and practical advice on how to make your move to New Zealand a reality.

Help us improve the Live and Work NZ site

Free cover letter examples and expert-approved guides

Expertly-designed, free professional templates

• Our campus and environment
• Campus maps
• Sustainability Hub
• Canterbury University Press
• Donating to UC
• Partnering with UC
• Corporate information
• Our structure
• Our rankings
• Getting started
• Admission and enrolment
• Study costs
• Qualifications
• Study support
• Scholarships
• Engineering
• Academic study options
• UC Graduate School
• Other study options
• School & community outreach
• Support and wellbeing
• Accessibility
• Accommodation
• Communities and clubs
• Financial support
• IT logins and tools
• Jobs and careers
• Safety and security
• Sports, fitness and recreation
• Student ID | Canterbury Card
• Student life
• Sustainability
• About UC's research
• Doing research at UC
• IP and commercialisation
• Research facilities and equipment
• Research and Innovation
• Research groups and centres
• Research specialities and projects
• Field stations

News and Events

Rongo o te wā.

• Regular events and celebrations
• Future students
• Current students
• International students
• Postgraduates
• open_in_new UC Online

Writing CVs and job applications

Writing a targeted CV and job application is a life skill. Our interactive tools and self-help guides can help you write your CV, Cover Letter, and set up a LinkedIn Profile. Learn more about writing CVs and job applications.

CV keyboard_arrow_down

A CV is a summary of your personal, education and work history to help you sell your skills to an employer. A well planned and targeted CV will considerably boost your chances of getting to the interview stage, so it’s worth spending some time and effort on it. Use the step-by-step guides and tools to help you write your CV:

• Preparing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) (PDF 423KB)
• Take the  CV & Application tutorial  for a step-by-step guide.
• CV Builder  Use this to create a professional, ATS-friendly CV
• CV360  Optimise your CV and get instant feedback
• For specific Teaching CV tips, refer to Page 26 in the  Preparing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) (PDF 423KB)

Cover letter keyboard_arrow_down

A cover letter is the first opportunity you have to impress an employer and positively influence them to read your CV.

• Use the  Cover Letter  Builder for a quick and easy way to create a customized cover letter. You will also find examples and gain valuable tips and advice.
• Cover letters tips and guide (PDF 136KB)

Applications keyboard_arrow_down

Many employers require you to application forms and usually ask for similar information required in a CV. 

Refer to the guide to  Application forms (PDF 69KB)  to help you fill out an application form in full.

LinkedIn keyboard_arrow_down

LinkedIn  is a fast-growing professional network. Your LinkedIn profile can evolve as you learn new skills, achieve new accomplishments and enter new phases of your career. You can also use LinkedIn to identify opportunities by networking.

Follow these easy steps and tutorials to help you share your professional story through LinkedIn:

Set up your LinkedIn profile

• Tutorial: take the guided  LinkedIn  tutorial to set up your profile
• How to set up a LinkedIn profile (PDF 354KB)
• Developing your LinkedIn profile (265 KB)
• Creating a great LinkedIn summary
• LinkedIn Cheat Sheet

Networking on LinkedIn

• Video:  How to use LinkedIn to explore opportunities with your degree
• Doc:  Quick tips: How to network on LinkedIn
• Video:  How to connect on LinkedIn
• Video:  Smart social networking

Top tips for LinkedIn networking:  Add people you know and the industry leaders that inspire you. It's also worth getting in touch with UC alumni who work in the companies you're interested in to conduct an information interview and learn more about the employer or their career experience. Connect and follow company profiles on LinkedIn to update you with the latest employer insights.

LinkedIn for Job Seekers

• Video: LinkedIn for job seekers
• Slides:  LinkedIn for Job Seekers
• Video:  How do employers use LinkedIn
• Video:  Optimising your profile for recruiters
• Doc:  Easy Apply on LinkedIn

Boost your LinkedIn Profile

• Video:  Endorsements & recommendations on LinkedIn
• Video:  Do's and don'ts on LinkedIn etiquette

Book a one-on-one LinkedIn appointment

Write a winning CV!

Connect with us.

By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

General enquiries

0800 827 748 (within NZ) +64 3 369 3999

info@canterbury.ac.nz

International enquiries

+64 3 364 3443

Ask a question

More contact details

See all contacts

Emergency contact details

Ext: 92111 (from a campus landline) Direct dial: 0800 823 637

Emergency information

University of Canterbury | A Fair Trade University