COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE: WRITING A CAPTIVATING COVER LETTER FOR NEW ZEALAND EMPLOYERS
A well-written cover letter can make a significant difference in capturing the attention of potential employers in New Zealand. This comprehensive guide will help you create an effective cover letter that stands out and increases your chances of landing an interview.
Key Elements of an Effective Cover Letter
Contact Information: Include your full name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter.
Date: Write the date of submission below your contact information.
Employer's Contact Information: Include the name of the hiring manager, their title, company name, and address.
Salutation: Address the hiring manager by their name (e.g., "Dear Mr Smith"). If you cannot find their name, use a general salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager."
Opening Paragraph: Briefly introduces yourself, the position you are applying for, and how you learned about the job opening.
Body Paragraph(s): Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that make you the ideal candidate for the position. Use specific examples and quantify your achievements when possible.
Closing Paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the position, thank the employer for considering your application, and mention your availability for an interview.
Complimentary Close: Use a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Kind regards," followed by your full name and signature.
Tips for Tailoring Your Cover Letter
Research the company: Learn about the company's values, mission, products/services, and latest news. Use this information to demonstrate your genuine interest and explain how you can contribute to their success.
Use keywords: Review the job description and incorporate relevant keywords and phrases in your cover letter. This will help your application pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the hiring manager's attention.
Focus on the employer's needs: Address the specific requirements and qualifications mentioned in the job description. Explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the role.
Highlight your personality: While maintaining professionalism, let your personality shine through by sharing your passions, values, and enthusiasm for the role and company.
Keep it concise: Limit your cover letter to one page, using clear and concise language to communicate your message effectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a generic template: Customise your cover letter for each job application, tailoring it to the specific company and position.
Focusing on yourself: While it's essential to highlight your skills and accomplishments, remember to focus on what you can offer the employer and how you can contribute to their success.
Repeating your CV: Use your cover letter to expand on your CV and provide context for your experiences rather than simply restating the information.
Typos and grammatical errors: Proofread your cover letter multiple times and consider asking a friend or family member to review it as well.
Addressing the wrong person: Double-check the hiring manager's name and title to ensure you're addressing them correctly.
Examples of Successful Cover Letters / Cover Email
Example 1:
[Your Name]
[Your Address
[City, Postal Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[Employer's Name] [Employer's Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, Postal Code]
Dear [Employer's Name], I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Source].
With a strong background in [Industry/Field] and a passion for [Company's Mission/Values], I am confident in my ability to make a valuable contribution to your team.
In my previous role as a [Previous Job Title] at [Previous Company], I successfully [Relevant Accomplishment or Responsibility], resulting in a [Quantifiable Result].
My experience in [Specific Skill or Task] has prepared me to achieve beyond my manager’s expectations in the [Job Title] role and align with [Company Name]'s commitment to [Company Goal or Value].
My strengths are my ability to [Unique Skill or Quality].
For example, during my time at [Previous Company], I [Specific Example of Unique Skill or Quality in Action], leading to [Positive Outcome].
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my [Relevant Skills] and dedication to [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. I believe I would become a asset for your organisation..
Thank you for considering my application.
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my suitability for the role in an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well on your way to crafting a captivating cover letter that captures the attention of potential employers in New Zealand. Balancing being humble while ensuring your highlight the actual (real) experience and skills you have that can be verified via reference check is the key to your success.
All the best in securing the role of your dreams.
Hope those who read this blog find it helpful.
nāku noa (Yours sincerely)
Tony Cutting (Tony Cutting Digital)
for The Job Market
