How to Write a Cover Letter for Jobs in Australia (2025 Guide)

When it comes to landing your dream job, a powerfully crafted cover letter isn’t just an option, it’s your secret weapon. While your resume lays out the facts, your cover letter ignites a personal connection, showcasing your passion and proving you’re the perfect fit. This guide will reveal the essential strategies to write a truly compelling cover letter that will make you stand out and help you conquer the job market in Australia. 

What is a cover letter and why is it important?

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume. Its purpose is to:

• Introduce you to the hiring manager.
• Highlight why you are the right fit for the role.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the company.
• Offer a snapshot of your relevant skills and achievements.

While your resume lists your career history, a cover letter showcases your personality and ability to align with the company’s goals. Australian employers place high importance on a customised cover letter because it signals effort and genuine interest in the position.

Do you still need a cover letter in 2025?

With evolving hiring practices, some employers may state that cover letters are optional. However, submitting a thoughtful one can give you a strategic advantage. Here’s why:

• Personalisation matters: A tailored cover letter helps build a connection with the recruiter, showing that you’ve researched the company and role.
• Stand out in competitive markets: Even if not mandatory, a cover letter can make your application memorable, especially if it includes strong examples of your achievements.

When to include a cover letter

• The job description explicitly requests one.
• You’re applying for a role that values communication, such as marketing or public relations.
• You want to explain employment gaps, career changes or unique experiences.

It’s generally best-practice to include a cover letter in your application unless the company specifically asks you not to. 

Preparing to write your cover letter

Before you put pen to paper, take the time to prepare. Thorough preparation ensures your cover letter is tailored and impactful.

Researching the company and role

• Visit the company’s website, read its mission statement and explore recent news or initiatives.
• Identify their values and priorities to align your cover letter with their culture.
• Use the company’s career page or platforms like LinkedIn to understand the role’s requirements.

Understanding the job description

• Highlight key responsibilities and required skills.
• Note keywords mentioned in the posting, such as specific tools or qualifications. These can help you craft a cover letter that feels targeted.

Identifying key skills and experiences

• List achievements and experiences that match the role’s requirements.
• Reflect on situations where you made a measurable impact, such as improving processes or exceeding targets.

Hero Tip! Prepare for your interviews by planning answers to questions on culture fit. 

Step-by-step guide to writing a cover letter

Writing a cover letter becomes easier when you break it into manageable steps:

1. How to start a cover letter

Start your cover letter with a professional greeting, then clearly state the role you are applying for and convey your enthusiasm for the position.

Example opening: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name], I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With [X years] of experience in [industry/role], I am eager to bring my skills in [specific expertise] to your team.

2. How to address the hiring manager

Always address your cover letter to a specific person if possible, ideally the hiring manager by name. This shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the role. If you cannot find a specific name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is an acceptable and professional alternative. However, avoid outdated and impersonal salutations like “To whom it may concern,” as they suggest a lack of effort and a generic approach, which can negatively impact your application.

• Use the manager’s name whenever possible. 
• Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern.”

3. Writing the body of your cover letter

When you write your cover letter, clearly show how your skills and past jobs match what the new job needs. Keep the main part of your letter to two or three short paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on one reason why you’re a good fit for the job, so it’s easy to read and makes a strong impression.

• Focus on showcasing how your skills and experiences align with the role.
• Break the content into 2–3 concise paragraphs.

4. How to tailor your cover letter to the job description

To make your cover letter stand out, it’s a good idea to include words and phrases from the job advertisement itself. Also, directly mention any specific tools or tasks the company mentioned, and show that you understand and share their values.

• Use relevant keywords from the job ad.
• Directly reference any tools, responsibilities, or values highlighted by the company.

5. Highlighting achievements using the STAR method

Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework to showcase accomplishments. 

 Example: 

• Situation: At my previous job, sales had stagnated. 
• Task: I needed to revitalise the sales process. 
• Action: By introducing a CRM system and training sessions, we streamlined customer management. 
• Result: The team exceeded revenue targets by 20% within six months.*

6. How to end a cover letter

Close confidently by reiterating your enthusiasm and inviting the recruiter to contact you.

• Example Closing:  Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills can contribute to [Company Name]’s success. Please feel free to reach me at [your phone number] or [your email address].

How to avoid common cover letter mistakes

• Avoid repetition: Don’t repeat everything from your resume.
• Keep it specific: Avoid generic language like “I’m a hard worker” without backing it with examples – try to include unique skills that match the JD
• Stick to one page: Aim for brevity without sacrificing impact.

Cover letter templates and examples for 2025

Having the right structure is key. Here are some templates to help guide you:

Generic cover letter example

To the hiring manager, 

I’m excited to apply for the position of Social Media Coordinator at Green Thumb Garden Centre. I love your mission of ‘making gardening easier and more rewarding than ever’, and I believe my unique set of digital skills – plus passion for all things plants – would make me a great candidate.

I am currently working as a Social Media Assistant for Cool Beans Cafe, where I have been essential in growing our social media presence. In this role I create Instagram, TikTok and Facebook video content, taking full ownership of the scripting and shooting process. 

A key objective in my role was boosting our TikTok engagement. I wanted to create a piece of content that would be fun and interactive, so I shot and scripted a TikTok video titled ‘What your coffee order says about you’. This video was one of our strongest performers, with over 70 duets and a total reach of 8.5k users over a week long period. 

I’m eager to stay ahead of all social media trends and use social media platforms in an advanced way, which is why I recently completed my Social Media Certificate at City University, building on my Bachelor of Marketing completed in 2021. 

Through this I gained a deep understanding of the latest content trends and how to access powerful analytics on Facebook Business Manager and TikTok for business. I’m eager to apply these learnings to Green Thumb’s social media channels. I look forward to discussing my skills and experience with you soon.

Thank you for considering my application,

Jane Smith

Career change cover letter example

To the hiring manager, 

I’m excited to apply for the position of Social Media Coordinator at Green Thumb Garden Centre. I love your mission of ‘making gardening easier and more rewarding than ever’, and I believe my unique set of skills – plus passion for all things plants – would make me a great candidate.

I am currently working in administration for Cool Beans Cafe, where I have been responsible for organising orders, managing events calendars and liaising with suppliers. In this role I have supported the business by creating streamlined processes, and in January I successfully implemented a rostering software which has received great feedback from the team. I believe these organisational, technological and communication skills will be highly valuable in a social media role.

In my personal time I run a design Instagram account @minimalistvibes, which has taught me so much about creating interesting content for those who care about home decor. By experimenting with different content types – photography, carousels, videos and Reels – I have been able to create a small but dedicated followership, with each post averaging 30 comments and shares. 

To support my development as a social media marketing professional I completed the Social Media Certificate at City University. Through this I gained a deep understanding of the latest content trends and how to access powerful analytics on Facebook Business Manager and TikTok for business. I’m eager to apply these learnings to Green Thumb’s social media channels. 

I look forward to discussing my skills and experience with you soon. 

Thank you for considering my application,

Jane Smith

Graduate cover letter example

To the hiring manager, 

I’m excited to apply for the position of Social Media Coordinator at Green Thumb Garden Centre. I love your mission of ‘making gardening easier and more rewarding than ever’, and I believe my unique set of skills – plus passion for all things plants – would make me a great candidate.

I have recently completed my Bachelor of Marketing at City University, and I am now seeking my first full time role where I can apply my up-to-date knowledge of digital marketing. During my studies, I completed a work placement at Dynamic Social Media Agency. Assisting the Manager of Social Growth, I was able to gain a useful understanding of what makes a great social media content calendar, which analytics are the most helpful to monitor while growing a following, and which content types work best on different platforms.

I’m a great team player and will always go above and beyond to support my team members and customers. In my part time role of Sales Assistant at Clothing Shop, I received a Customer Service Award for my ability to respond effectively to customer queries. 

I believe that these communication skills will be especially useful for community management on Green Thumb’s social media channels. I am always learning in my spare time and often take steps to gain a deeper understanding of the latest content trends and analytics. I have recently completed the Facebook Blueprint certification which has expanded my knowledge on developing brands and creating paid campaigns across Facebook and Instagram. 

I’m eager to apply these learnings with Green Thumb. I look forward to discussing my skills and experience with you soon. 

Thank you for considering my application,

Jane Smith

Addressing unique situations in your cover letter

Sometimes, your career path doesn’t follow a straight line. Here’s how to handle these variations:

• Employment Gaps: Frame them positively by mentioning any upskilling, volunteering, or personal development undertaken during the gap. 
• Career Change: Focus on transferable skills such as leadership, problem-solving, or creativity. 
• No Experience: Highlight soft skills, academic projects, or any relevant extracurricular activities.

Optimising your cover letter for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies use ATS software to scan applications for keywords. To ensure your cover letter makes it through:

• Use standard fonts and avoid images or fancy formatting.
• Include keywords directly from the job ad.
• Keep formatting straightforward with no tables or unusual symbols.

Leveraging AI tools to craft your cover letter

Tools like ChatGPT can help draft your initial cover letter, but ensure you edit it to add personal touches, accuracy, and alignment with your voice.

Tips:

• Use specific prompts, e.g., “Write an opening statement for a Marketing Manager cover letter.”
• Always proofread AI-generated content and double-check for accuracy.

Take your career to the next level

Take the next step and check out Employment Hero Jobs, your shortcut to the best roles with great Aussie employers. Create a profile and we’ll match you to great roles based on your relevant skills, strengths and interests. Get your profile in front of employers and uncover exclusive hidden opportunities you won’t find on any regular job board.