If you’re a jobseeker in Australia looking to land your dream role in 2025, a well-crafted cover letter can be your ticket to standing out in a competitive job market. Here’s everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter that gets noticed, along with examples, templates, and tips on using tools like ChatGPT to streamline the process.
what is a cover letter for a job?
Understanding what is a cover letter and the power it has in helping you stand out amongst competing talent is key to you securing the all important interview for your next job. A cover letter for a job application is a personalised document that accompanies your resume, and explains why you’re the perfect fit for the role. It’s your chance to:
- address specific qualifications or experiences that make you a standout candidate.
- explain why you’re interested in the job.
- highlight key achievements.
- showcase your personality.
Unlike a resume, which lists your skills and experience, a cover letter allows you to connect the dots and tell a story.
how to start a cover letter
The opening of your cover letter sets the tone and grabs the employer’s attention. Here’s how to start a cover letter to make an impact:
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personalise your greeting
Address the hiring manager by name. If you can’t find their name, try searching LinkedIn, the company website, or job postings for clues. If all else fails, use a professional greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager."
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catchy opening line
Begin with a strong statement or a compelling reason you’re excited about the role. For example: "As a passionate marketing professional with over five years of experience, I was thrilled to see your opening for a Marketing Manager at [Company Name]."
what to include in a cover letter
When deciding what to include in a cover letter, a good cover letter typically includes these sections:
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introduction
State who you are and why you’re writing.
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why you’re the right fit
Highlight your skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job requirements.
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why the company
Show you’ve done your research and explain why you’re excited about working for them.
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call to action
Encourage the employer to contact you for an interview and thank them for considering your application.
how to write a good cover letter for a job
To write a good cover letter for a job, consider the following:
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research the role and company
Tailor your letter to the specific job and employer.
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keep it concise
Stick to 3-4 paragraphs and avoid repeating your resume verbatim.
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show, don’t tell
Use concrete examples to illustrate your achievements and skills.
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use a professional tone
Maintain a balance between enthusiasm and professionalism.
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align with the company culture
Match your tone to the company's values and voice.
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proofread
Ensure your cover letter is free of typos and grammatical errors.
how to make a cover letter stand out
To make your cover letter stand out from the crowd, focus on:
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tailoring your content
Address the specific job and company.
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showing enthusiasm
Let your excitement for the role shine through
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highlighting unique achievements
Share accomplishments that set you apart.
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aligning your tone
Match the tone of your cover letter with the company’s culture and values.
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design, because it matters
Use a clean, professional layout.
cover letter templates and examples
Here are some free cover letter templates and good cover letter examples to get you started. When choosing the right version, consider the role and industry. A creative approach works well for innovative fields like marketing or design, while a general template suits traditional industries like finance or law.
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general cover letter template
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I am excited to apply for the [Position Title] role at [Company Name]. With [X years] of experience in [industry/field], I have developed [key skills or accomplishments].
At [Previous Company], I [specific achievement or responsibility], which resulted in [positive outcome]. I am particularly drawn to this role because [reason related to the company or position].
I would welcome the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to [Company Name] and contribute to your [specific goal or project]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can add value to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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creative cover letter template
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
Your search for a [Position Title] ends here! With a proven track record in [field/industry] and a passion for [specific interest], I am confident I can make an immediate impact at [Company Name].
Highlights of my career include [specific achievements], and I thrive in environments where [specific skill or trait]. [Company Name] resonates with me because [specific detail about the company].
Let’s connect to discuss how my skills can help [specific goal or project]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
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cover letter example: entry-level position
Dear Hiring Manager,
As a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, I am excited to apply for the Junior Analyst role at [Company Name]. During my internship at [Company], I developed [specific skills], contributing to [achievement].
I am drawn to [Company Name] because of your commitment to [specific value or goal]. I am eager to bring my analytical skills and enthusiasm to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your success.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
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cover letter example: career change
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
With a strong background in customer service and a passion for technology, I am excited to apply for the IT Support Specialist position at [Company Name]. Transitioning into tech has allowed me to merge my problem-solving skills with my enthusiasm for IT solutions.
I recently completed [relevant certification or course], equipping me with [specific skills]. I’m inspired by [Company’s goal/mission] and would be thrilled to contribute my unique perspective.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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cover letter example: senior-level professional
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
As a seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience driving growth in [specific industry], I am eager to bring my expertise to [Company Name] as [Position Title]. In my previous role at [Previous Company], I led a team of [number] professionals to achieve [specific achievement, e.g., "a 30% increase in annual revenue"].
What excites me about [Company Name] is [specific detail about the company’s mission, culture, or recent initiatives]. I am confident that my strategic vision and leadership skills can contribute significantly to your goals.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can drive success at [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
how to use cover letter generators and ai tools
AI tools can help you craft a ChatGPT cover letter quickly. Here’s how to use a cover letter generator, and an AI cover letter generator:
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provide clear input
Share the job description, your resume, and any specific points you want included.
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review and customise
AI-generated cover letters should be personalised to match your voice and the company’s culture.
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edit for clarity
Ensure the final version aligns with the job requirements and eliminates generic language.
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consider privacy
Avoid sharing sensitive or confidential information when using AI tools.
For example, you can prompt ChatGPT with:
"Write a cover letter for a Marketing Manager role at XYZ Company highlighting my 5 years of experience in digital marketing and project management."
conclusion
Writing a cover letter to get noticed doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding what a cover letter is, knowing how to structure it, and using tools like AI generators, you can craft a compelling letter that opens doors. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a first-time jobseeker, following these tips will help you stand out in Australia’s job market in 2025.
For more tips and advice to help you stand out in 2025 with your job application and cover letter, go to Part 2.
