A strong cover letter still matters in Australia, especially for roles where many candidates have similar CVs. Here's how to write one that gets read.
Keep it to one page
Three to four short paragraphs, around 300–400 words. Recruiters are busy — make every line earn its place.
Structure that works
- Opening: name the role and where you saw it, and lead with a relevant achievement — not "I am writing to apply for…".
- Body 1: connect two or three of your strongest experiences to the job's requirements, with specifics.
- Body 2: show you understand the company and why you want this role there.
- Close: express enthusiasm, reference your attached CV, and invite an interview.
Tone
Professional but warm — Australian workplaces value being personable without being overly casual. Avoid stiff corporate clichés and empty phrases like "results-oriented team player".
Australian English and format
Use Australian spelling, address it to a named person where possible ("Dear Sarah Chen"), and match the formatting of your CV for a consistent, professional package.
Tailor every time
A generic cover letter is obvious and easy to reject. Reference the specific role, company, and a couple of the exact requirements from the ad.
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