Cover Letter Guide Australia 2025
Write compelling cover letters that get you noticed
IntuitiveCalc Team
Financial Content Specialist
Purpose: A cover letter is your chance to show personality, explain why you want THIS specific job, and highlight 2-3 key achievements that make you the ideal candidate.
Cover Letter Structure
| Section | Length | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Header | 4-5 lines | Your contact details |
| Opening | 2-3 sentences | Hook + job you're applying for |
| Body Paragraph 1 | 3-4 sentences | Why you want this job/company |
| Body Paragraph 2 | 3-4 sentences | Your key achievements |
| Closing | 2-3 sentences | Call to action + thank you |
Section-by-Section Guide
1. Header
Your Name
Phone | Email | LinkedIn (optional)
Suburb, State
Date
Hiring Manager's Name (if known)
Company Name
Company Address
2. Opening Paragraph
Good Opening Example
"I am excited to apply for the Customer Service Representative position at Telstra, as advertised on Seek. With three years of experience in fast-paced customer-facing roles and a passion for technology, I am confident I can contribute to your team's success."
Bad Opening Example
"To whom it may concern, I am writing to apply for the job I saw online. I think I would be good at it."
3. Body Paragraph 1 - Why This Company
Show you've researched the company. Mention specific things that attract you: their values, recent achievements, products, or culture. Don't be generic - make it clear you want THIS job, not just any job.
4. Body Paragraph 2 - Your Value
Structure Your Achievements
- Pick 2-3 achievements most relevant to the role
- Use numbers and metrics where possible
- Match your experience to the job requirements
- Show impact, not just duties
5. Closing Paragraph
Strong Closing Example
"I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my customer service experience and problem-solving skills can benefit Telstra. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached on 0412 345 678. Thank you for considering my application."
Cover Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Phone] | [Email] | [LinkedIn]
[Suburb, State]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name or "Hiring Manager"]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name/Hiring Manager],
[Opening: State the position, where you found it, and a hook about why you're a great fit. 2-3 sentences.]
[Body 1: Why this company specifically interests you. Show you've done research. 3-4 sentences.]
[Body 2: Your 2-3 key achievements that match the job requirements. Use numbers and specific examples. 3-4 sentences.]
[Closing: Request interview, provide availability, thank them. 2-3 sentences.]
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Do's and Don'ts
Do
- ✓ Customise for each application
- ✓ Use the hiring manager's name
- ✓ Keep to one page
- ✓ Match resume formatting
- ✓ Proofread multiple times
- ✓ Show enthusiasm
Don't
- ✗ Use "To Whom It May Concern"
- ✗ Repeat your resume word-for-word
- ✗ Use generic templates unchanged
- ✗ Focus only on what you want
- ✗ Include salary expectations
- ✗ Mention weaknesses
Industry-Specific Tips
| Industry | Focus On |
|---|---|
| Retail/Hospitality | Customer service, flexibility, teamwork, sales results |
| Corporate/Office | Professionalism, achievements, career progression |
| Healthcare | Certifications, patient care, compliance, empathy |
| Trades | Qualifications, safety, practical experience, reliability |
| IT/Tech | Technical skills, projects, problem-solving, certifications |
When Cover Letters Are Optional
If the job ad says "cover letter optional" or doesn't mention it:
- Still send one for professional/corporate roles
- Optional for casual retail/hospo if quick-apply
- Always send if applying directly to hiring manager
- Short email can substitute for formal letter
Email Cover Letter Format
Subject: Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]
Keep the body of your email as a shorter cover letter (3-4 paragraphs). Attach your resume and a PDF version of your full cover letter if space allows.