How to Write a Cover Letter
Your Cover Letter Introduces the Person Behind the Resume
Many job seekers spend hours perfecting their resume but give very little thought to their cover letter.
Some even wonder whether employers still read them.
The answer depends on the role and the organisation, but one thing remains true:
A well-written cover letter allows you to introduce yourself before the employer reads your resume.
While your resume explains what you've done, your cover letter explains why you're applying and why you're interested in the opportunity.
Think of it as the conversation that begins before the interview.
What Is the Purpose of a Cover Letter?
Your cover letter should complement your resume—not repeat it.
Its purpose is to:
introduce yourself professionally
explain your interest in the position
highlight your most relevant experience
demonstrate your motivation
encourage the employer to continue reading your application
A good cover letter connects your experience with the employer's needs.
It helps answer one important question:
"Why are you applying for this role?"
Structure Your Cover Letter Clearly
A professional cover letter is usually no longer than one page.
A simple structure works best.
Introduction
Introduce yourself and clearly state:
the position you're applying for
where you found the vacancy
why you're interested
Capture the employer's attention from the beginning.
Middle Paragraphs
This is where you explain why you're a suitable candidate.
Focus on:
relevant experience
transferable skills
achievements
examples that demonstrate your suitability
Rather than repeating your resume, expand on the experiences that best match the position.
Show the employer how your background aligns with the role.
Closing Paragraph
Finish confidently.
Thank the employer for considering your application.
Express your interest in discussing the opportunity further.
Invite them to review your resume and contact you for an interview.
A professional closing leaves a positive final impression.
Address the Selection Criteria
Some employers ask applicants to respond directly to selection criteria.
Others include the required skills throughout the job advertisement.
Before writing your cover letter, identify:
essential skills
qualifications
experience
personal qualities
Then provide examples demonstrating how you meet these requirements.
Whenever possible, use practical examples rather than simply stating you have the skill.
For example:
Instead of writing:
"I have excellent communication skills."
Explain how you've demonstrated those skills in the workplace.
Specific examples are always more convincing than general statements.
Demonstrate Genuine Motivation
Employers want to know why you've chosen their organisation.
Take time to research:
the organisation
its services
its values
its culture
recent achievements
Then explain why those aspects appeal to you.
Avoid generic statements such as:
"I am applying because I need a job."
Instead, demonstrate genuine interest in the organisation and the opportunity to contribute.
Employers appreciate candidates who understand who they are applying to.
Tailor Every Cover Letter
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending the same cover letter to every employer.
Even small adjustments can make a significant difference.
Review each job advertisement carefully.
Update your cover letter to reflect:
the position title
the employer's name
relevant experience
key skills
language used throughout the advertisement
Tailoring demonstrates professionalism and genuine interest.
It also helps employers see why you're suited to their organisation.
Common Cover Letter Mistakes
Many cover letters fail because they:
repeat the resume word for word
are addressed to the wrong organisation
contain spelling or grammar errors
focus only on what the applicant wants
are too long
sound generic
don't explain why the applicant is suitable
Before submitting your application, read your cover letter carefully and ask yourself:
"If I were the employer, would this letter convince me to keep reading?"
Quality Matters More Than Length
A cover letter doesn't need to tell your entire career story.
It simply needs to explain why you're applying and why you're a strong match for the position.
Keep your writing:
clear
professional
relevant
concise
Employers appreciate applicants who communicate effectively and respect their time.
Final Thoughts
A well-written cover letter remains one of the most valuable tools in a successful job application.
It allows you to introduce yourself, demonstrate your motivation and explain why your experience aligns with the role.
Rather than treating it as an afterthought, see your cover letter as an opportunity to begin building a connection with the employer before the interview.
A personalised, thoughtful cover letter can help your application stand out and encourage employers to learn more about you.
Your Next Step
If you're unsure how to tailor your cover letter or would like personalised feedback before applying for your next role, Career Counselling Australia can help.
Our Career Discovery Session provides practical guidance on preparing professional job applications. At the same time, our Resume Success Toolkits include matching cover letter templates designed to complement your resume and strengthen your applications.
Cover Letter Checklist
Before submitting your application, ask yourself:
✅ Have I addressed the correct organisation and position?
✅ Have I explained why I'm interested in this role?
✅ Have I demonstrated how my skills and experience match the position?
✅ Have I addressed any selection criteria or key requirements?
✅ Have I tailored the letter specifically for this employer?
✅ Have I checked for spelling, grammar and formatting errors?
Remember, your cover letter should complement your resume—not duplicate it. Its purpose is to introduce you, demonstrate your motivation and encourage the employer to keep reading.
