cover letter melbourne university

Graduate Research Hub

• Planning my future
• Career planning

Explore your options

Deciding what you’ll do after your degree requires planning, preparation and an understanding of how your degree can guide your career options. There are many resources to help you reflect on your unique skills and experience and how this can translate into a meaningful career. Careers may be in academia, public service, corporate or not-for-profit sectors as well as small, medium and entrepreneurial enterprises.

Professional careers

Your graduate research degree equips you with both general and specialised skills, preparing you for professional roles in a wide variety of industries and organisations.

The University's  Careers and Employability team, along with the Researcher Development Unit , provide you with advice and resources to set you on the right path for a professional career, including putting you in touch with alumni who are working in professional fields. Your supervisors and advisory committee are another resource on professional careers, not just your academic future – start by asking them about their experience of industry, application of research, leading employers in the field and their networks.

Then build on your own network! The University’s Ask Alumni program is a great tool for graduate researchers. It is open to all students, offering one-off professional conversations with alumni from across the world, anywhere, anytime. Its quick and simple to register, to start connecting and to find out more visit our website . Use the program to understand more about pathways beyond academia, translating skills for industry and gain employer insights – our alumni know what it is like to make the jump to industry and are ready to share.

Unsure where to start? Join the Careers and Employability LMS Community here to help guide you through the services available to you, including finding up to date labour market data to support your decision making and how to research industries and employers that fit you. A great place to start is our module Exploring the world of work – remember to join first so you can access our free modules.

To receive weekly updates on graduate employment programs, jobs, careers events and more, login to the EmployMe platform , where you can access a range of career tools and articles. Once logged in you’ll automatically be registered for the weekly careers newsletter, sent every Friday afternoon.

Academic Careers

Most academic positions involve undertaking research and teaching in higher education. The University provides you with a number of opportunities to help set yourself up for an academic career.

The following programs are designed to help you prepare for a career in academia:

• The Careers Centre also has useful advice and links that will help you to find out more about pursuing a career in academia.
• Pivot-RP is a comprehensive database of national and international funding opportunities available to Australian researchers. Pivot-RP also lists additional information on how to look for funding sources.

Careers and Employability

Develop your employability while you study. Whether you’re exploring your employment options, crafting your resume and cover letter, or applying for roles —we’re here to equip you with the services you need to develop your career.

The Careers and Employability team offer specialised advice, programs, and tools to help you kickstart your career while you study. We also offer tailored and general support such as 1:1 consultations, workshops and discussion groups. These services are designed to develop your ability to translate research skills into employability skills, find jobs with purpose and fit, and prepare you for recruitment.  Learn more about our services

Testimonials

“Very valuable discussion and great panel of presenters. Fantastic facilitators and the conversation flowed smoothly and in a timely manner as a result. Thank you for providing this opportunity for students.”

“Great sessions that showed me there are many options for careers after a PhD. Thank you to the organisers and panel members.”

- 2020 Graduate research student survey responses

How career-ready are you?

Before you know where you want to go, you need to understand where you are – we call this your  career readiness stage . Find out more about your career readiness stage and what you need to do next to prepare for your transition from study to work.

Career development and job application guides

Join our Careers and Employability LMS Community to access guides on a range of career topics from finding a career that’s right for you to responding to key selection criteria, and much more.

Once you’ve joined the community , explore the self-pacing learning modules here .

Popular tools to help you with your job search and job applications

• Resume builder
• Cover letter builder
• Virtual resume check (SMART Resume, our AI powered resume feedback tool)
• Interview simulator
• Assessment centre simulator
• Example psychometric and aptitude tests
• Careers Online Jobs Board

Internships and placements

There are a number of opportunities for you to undertake internships and placements. These are a good way of getting experience in your field and building up your network of contacts for future job opportunities.

Visit the Graduate Research Internships page for more information on internships for graduate researchers at the University of Melbourne.

Become a member of the alumni community

The alumni community at the University offers many fantastic benefits and services to thousands of past students. After graduation, you too can become a member of this connected and supportive community.

The  Alumni website has information for recent graduates including access to a portal for you and your fellow alumni to fully participate in this community and to build mutually beneficial relationships. Once you have registered with Alumni and Friends , you will have access to the full range of events, services, benefits and news available to you – and make sure to keep your contact details updated!

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Writing a cover letter?

By Melbourne Careers 20 May 2016, 8:12 am

www.pureresume.com.au are giving away Cover Letter templates to university students to help with their job hunting until the end of May 2016. All you need to do is visit our site www.pureresume.com.au , choose a Cover Letter template and use the code UniFreeCL2016 to receive 100% off (valued at $14.99).

Melbourne Careers also has an extensive range of templates and information to help you in your job preparation. Please visit our website  http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student  and view your discipline specific information. 

Build your global research career with an international joint PhD degree

Undertake a PhD degree, while being jointly supervised by leading academics here in Melbourne and at one of our overseas partner institutions.

Through a joint PhD you will:

• Access expertise, resources and world-class training at Melbourne and a leading institution abroad, spending at least 12 months of your candidature at each institution
• Gain complementary skills from international colleagues to increase the impact of your research
• Grow your international networks and develop a truly global perspective
• Become part of two high-quality research environments and cultures
• Have the joint nature of your PhD recognised by two testamurs – one from each partner university.

We provide funded opportunities to conduct a joint PhD with our partner institutions by supporting cohorts of graduate researchers, known as International Research Training Groups (IRTGs) . These IRTGs provide a supportive and collegiate environment for you to excel in your research training.

Fully funded opportunities

There are many fully funded joint PhD opportunities currently available through our International Research Training Groups. They exist across a range of disciplines, at universities and research institutions around the world.

Browse international partner institutions

In addition to existing opportunities within our IRTGs, you could also explore joint PhD options in a different subject area with one of our international partner institutions listed below.

• University of Toronto
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• Università di Corsica Pasquale Paoli
• IMT Atlantique
• Université PSL
• Université Paris-Saclay
• Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour (UPPA)
• Université de Lyon - Jean Moulin (Lyon 3)
• Sorbonne Université
• Claude Bernard University Lyon 1
• Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS) de Lyon
• Université de Lille
• Université Paris Cité
• Freie Universität Berlin
• Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
• Technische Universität Berlin
• Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• RWTH Aachen
• University of Bonn
• University of Cologne
• University of Düsseldorf
• University of Wuppertal
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
• University of Potsdam
• University of Bayreuth
• University of Hamburg
• Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
• Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupati
• Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
• Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
• Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
• University College Dublin
• Hebrew University of Jerusalem
• University of Amsterdam
• University of Birmingham
• University of Manchester

How does a joint PhD work?

When you apply for a joint PhD you nominate either Melbourne or an overseas institution as your Home Institution. Your Home Institution is usually the one where you spend most of your time. This is normally predetermined by the project or joint PhD opportunity you are applying for.

Your project plan will include a research stay of at least 12 months at your Host Institution.

Your PhD will be jointly supervised by at least one supervisor from each partner institution.

The level of funding support (for example, to cover tuition fees or a stipend) will depend on the joint PhD activity, partner institution, and which of the partners is your Home Institution.

Details of your enrolment and candidature will be governed by an agreement between us and your partner institution. This Individual Graduate Researcher Agreement (IGRA) will outline your location periods (of at least 12 months) at each institution, thesis requirements, as well as supervision, funding, examination and graduation arrangements.

If Melbourne is your Home Institution

If we are your Home Institution you will:

• Receive a fee-remission scholarship to waive your Melbourne tuition fees
• Access one of more than 600 living allowance scholarships made available to graduate researchers every year (see the Graduate Research Scholarships page for more information)
• Continue receiving a living allowance scholarship while undertaking your research overseas at your Host Institution*
• Be encouraged to apply for travelling scholarships and other financial support offered through your home faculty, graduate school, or an external sponsor.

A fee-remission scholarship will be awarded at your host institution for the duration of your PhD.

If Melbourne is your Host Institution

If the University of Melbourne is not your Home Institution, funding will usually be allocated by the partner institution through a competitive process. This scholarship or stipend would support your Home Institution’s tuition fees and living allowance for the duration of your degree, including the time when you are conducting research in Melbourne with us as your Host Institution. *

As your Host Institution, we will award you a fee-remission scholarship for the duration of your PhD.

*Note that in some arrangements scholarship funding is split between the partners and paid for by the institution at which you are located at any given time.

Discover what it's like to complete an international joint PhD

German PhD candidate Susi Seibt had always wanted to experience life in Australia. The international joint PhD program enabled her to fulfil both her personal and professional ambitions. After completing her PhD in chemistry, Dr Seibt secured her dream job at the Australian Synchrotron.

How to apply

• a project your wish to apply for from the list of joint PhD opportunities ; or
• supervisors at Melbourne and a partner institution listed above conducting research in your area of interest
• Submit your cover letter, CV, transcripts and any supporting documentation to the proposed supervisors
• Once advised to do so by your proposed supervisors, follow the steps to apply for entry to the relevant PhD course (determined by the Faculty that your supervisor is in) at Melbourne as either a domestic or international candidate. Be sure to specify that you want to be considered for a joint PhD and indicate the appropriate details under the Partner University Details section
• Apply independently for entry to a PhD at your partner university via their application process
• Request additional documentation, including the Individual Graduate Researcher Agreement (IGRA) that sets out the terms and conditions of your jointly awarded PhD, from your Melbourne supervisor - or from the appropriate coordinator if you are applying for a joint PhD as part of an IRTG. IRTG Coordinator contact details can be found on the IRTG website . The IGRA should be completed before you commence your PhD.

For further general information and advice see the FAQs below.

Frequently Asked Questions

The University of Melbourne administers jointly awarded PhD degrees with partner institutions with whom we agree to support cohorts of graduate researchers: International Research Training Groups (IRTGs). If your proposed joint PhD arrangement fits within your University of Melbourne supervisor’s plans to develop an IRTG with a new partner university, then please direct them to the Joint PhD and IRTG Staff Hub page for more information.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer Joint PhDs in a part-time capacity at this time.

Upon completion of your Joint PhD, the degree is conferred through two testamurs, one from each participating institution. Both testamurs will state the joint nature of the degree and name the partner institution.

Usually your graduation ceremony takes place at the home institution, although you may wish to attend both graduation ceremonies.

As well as being accepted into a PhD program at each university you must fill-out the individual Graduate Researcher Agreement . This agreement varies depending on the partner institution and can be obtained via the coordinator of the Joint PhD activity. Once complete you should submit the form back to the coordinator.

The agreement must be completed, signed, and dated by all parties as soon as possible after you have been accepted at both institutions. It must be processed within the first year of candidature.

As a Joint PhD candidate you have up to a maximum 4 years of enrolled candidature to submit your thesis to Melbourne. Melbourne stipends are awarded for up to 3.5 years, and Melbourne fee-remissions are awarded for up to 4 years.

Whether Melbourne is your Home or Host Institution, information regarding student visas , accommodation , and other international student support is available for all incoming international candidates. The University also offers a free airport pickup service to interstate and international students who are commencing their first semester of study.

Student visas for time spent at your partner institution (where you are a non-national of the partner institution country) will depend on the location of the partner institution and its country’s national regulations. You should seek independent advice regarding necessary visas and accommodation specific to your partner institution.

If you are an International graduate researcher, you must arrange compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your time at Melbourne, as part of your visa requirements. If you receive a scholarship from Melbourne for your time spent in Melbourne, single cover OSHC will be provided.

Please consult with your proposed partner institution regarding health insurance requirements for your time at the partner institution.

Yes, mobility costs are included for you when successfully enrolled as part of a Joint PhD activity. However, you will be encouraged to apply for external funding to support these activities.

PhD completion and assessment policies differ between UoM and partner institutions. To receive your Joint PhD degree you must abide by the requirements of both institutions, as outlined in your individual agreement.

The program Coordinator along with the lead academics of the Joint PhD activity will make reasonable efforts to assist you in resolving the conflict, which may include finding an alternative supervisor, provided that you are in good standing and in accordance with University of Melbourne policies and procedures.

More questions?

If you still have questions your proposed supervisor and the coordinator of the Joint PhD activity can provide more information.

Applying for a job

Ready to start your job search and launch your new career?

Applying for a job often involves a written or online application (including cover letter, resume and sometimes further documentation) and an interview.

The process might also include:

• psychometric or ability testing
• a phone interview
• group assessment
• an informal meeting
• a task or presentation.

Find out more about these tasks, as well as the career support available to VU students through  VU Employ .

Written applications

Your written application is your crucial first chance to show potential employers that you have the skills, knowledge and ability they need. They will use it to decide whether to consider you for the job.

If your application lets you down, you probably won’t get any further in the recruitment process – no matter how perfect you are for the role.

Tips for written job applications

• include a cover letter, regardless of whether they ask for one.
• use the job title or reference number in the email subject and, in the body, state your name and what is attached.
• follow application instructions exactly
• send electronic applications in a format that can be universally opened
• keep track of your applications with a list.
• sending a generic application to several employers
• making false claims about your skills or qualifications
• attaching documents that were not requested – including academic transcripts.

Online applications

Keep these hints and tips in mind when you submit an online application.

• Research the organisation What skills are they seeking? Do you meet the selection criteria? What has been happening in the organisation?
• Start your application early Applications can take time. Check if you are able to partly complete the application and save it or whether it must be completed in one sitting (and plan accordingly). If you can, save regularly!
• Complete responses offline You can cut and paste from your offline version - use the spell check!
• Ask someone else to read your responses and give you feedback Get your reader to look at the application from an employer's point of view - you can submit your answers to [email protected] for an online review.
• Save a copy Record each application you submit, and make a note of any contact you have with the organisation in relation to your application.

Phone to confirm your application has been received and save the record of acknowledgement of your application just in case there is a problem.

Resumes, cover letters & selection criteria

Read our tips on cover letters and resumes and access online templates through VU Employ Collaborate , or the 360 resume builder tool through the Careers Toolkit .

Cover letters

Cover letters should never be more than one A4 page. If asked to address selection criteria:

• do so in a separate ‘Response to selection criteria’ document
• make your cover letter brief
• highlight a few key points about yourself – save the detail for the selection criteria document
• outline your interest in the position.

When there are no formal selection criteria:

• provide more evidence of your skills and experience in your cover letter
• read the advertisement and/or position description carefully to determine what skills and experience are required
• if necessary, call the company for more information and/or ask for a position description.

Selection criteria

Many employers, including government and professional associations, will ask you to address specific selection criteria in detail. You are then rated on how closely you meet each of the criteria compared to other applicants.

To address selection criteria:

• provide specific examples for each to demonstrate how you meet them
• present the information in a separate document
• common titles are 'Evidence in Support of the Selection Criteria' and 'Responses to Selection Criteria'.

Examples of common criteria include:

• well-developed communication skills
• teamwork skills
• commitment to the delivery of quality customer service
• flexibility and a willingness to adapt to change
• enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

An interview is your opportunity to sell yourself and to convince the employer that you’re the best candidate for the job. Prepare for interview success by:

• answering mock interview questions
• researching the organisation and the role
• preparing a few of your own questions to ask the employer.

Remember, the interview is a two-way process – your best chance to see if this is really the right job for you.

Some employers screen potential candidates by phone to decide whether to meet in person.

Phone interviews are typically up to 25 minutes long. You may be advised in advance of a phone interview, so make sure you are in an environment where you will not be interrupted.

Motivational fit

Questions that identify if someone wants to do the job, as opposed to someone who is able to do it, are searching for motivational fit. Examples:

• Why are you interested in this job?
• What are the most satisfying aspects of work to date? What is the least satisfying?
• Why are you looking to move on from your current role?
• What are your short-term/long term career goals?

Cultural fit

Cultural fit looks to see if a person's style, values and beliefs align with those of the workplace, which helps to predict a better chance of job success and satisfaction. Examples:

• What is your ideal job?
• In your opinion, what makes a good leader?
• What is your preferred working style?
• Describe the work environment in which you will most effectively be able to contribute.
• Make sure that you have found out as much information as possible about the company and the role.
• Prepare notes to refer to during the interview.
• If you are not able to understand a question clearly, ask the interviewer to repeat it.
• The interview should end on a positive note. Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to speak with them.

Psychometric testing

Some organisations will ask job applicants to undertake Psychometric Testing .

Their aim is to gain objective information about a candidate’s aptitude and suitability for the job, such as whether or not you:

• have the minimum level of ability needed in areas such as literacy and numeracy
• will fit in with the role, team or organisation.
• Verbal reasoning – assesses critical evaluation of written information.
• Numerical reasoning – assesses ability to analyse numerical data.
• Abstract reasoning – often uses diagram sequences.
• Occupational personality/motivations/values-based questionnaires – assesses personality type and features.

Try out these practice tests to help you prepare:

• Psychometric tests
• Institute of Psychometric Coaching
• Practice Reasoning .

Assessment centres

Employers often use assessment centres to review several applicants at once. Common activities may include:

• work-typical exercises
• group discussions (possibly part of a group interview)
• case studies
• presentations.

Ask - /faq/5979/

Assignment cover sheets, where can i find cover sheets for handing in hard copies of my assignments.

Copies of cover sheets are usually kept near the faculty or graduate school's assignment hand-in location, or on the relevant faculty or graduate school website.

Please note that not all Schools or Departments require coversheets, and this list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure whether you need to hand in a cover sheet with your assignment, you should contact the subject coordinator.

Faculty of Arts

Forms which are specific to your studies in a particular area can be obtained online from the relevant Faculty or Graduate School's website.

• Extension forms 
• Essay/assignment cover sheets
• Thesis forms

Faculty of the Victoria College of the Arts and Music

Assignment cover sheets are located on the Faculty of VCA & MCM website :

• VCA subjects
• MCM subjects

Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning

Assignment cover sheets can be downloaded from the  LMS .

Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Melbourne School of Health Sciences

Where required, assignment cover sheets can be downloaded by students via the LMS . Many subjects in this school do not require cover sheets, as assignments are handed in digitally via Turnitin. If you are unsure whether you need to prepared a cover sheet, please contact your subject coordinator.

Faculty of Science

Melbourne school of engineering, school of veterinary science, faculty of business and economics.

Most of this Faculty's assignments are submitted online only. When required, assignment cover sheets can be downloaded by students via the LMS . Please check with your tutor or subject coordinator to confirm the submission method of your assignments.

Melbourne Law School

Assignment cover sheets are no longer required.

About this answer

Last updated: June 26, 2024, 3:03 p.m.

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Sample cover letter for Internship position at University of Melbourne

Research associate.

Dear  Proff. YYY,

I am XXXX, a 3rd Year Undergraduate pursuing B.S. in Chemistry at ZZZZ which is also a partner university of the University of Melbourne.I am currently in my pre-final year and my long-term goal is to carry out independent research in academia in the field of Biochemistry where my interests lie in the use of field of molecular biology for therapeutic purposes. I am looking for an opportunity to gain some quality research experience in your lab for a period of 10 weeks in summers

I have studied about the work going in your lab to study the SWI/SNF class of chromatin remodelling factors by the use of Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a model system which can be helpful in understanding the genetic basis of some diseases in higher eukaryotic organisms.

I have been fascinated by the world of genes and DNA from the first day I was introduced to it in my 10th grade in school and my interest in the field has grown even more after going into details of it in the courses ‘Introduction to Biology’ and ‘Biotechnology and its Applications’ in my college where I was exposed to the immense potential and beauty of this field and I also performed well academically in these courses. This has motivated me to explore research in this field.

I would love to work under your guidance to gain some quality research experience in the field before applying to a graduation school. I am a hardworking and sincere student with a good academic record throughout my life(details in the CV) and I assure you if you would provide me an opportunity to work under your guidance I would work with all my dedication to ensure that you are not disappointed.Please find my CV on the link ....

Pre-Final Year Undergraduate

Department of Chemistry

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Cover letters

Team prosple.

Image source: Aurora Project

Your cover letter is your marketing pitch. Along with your resume it needs to create a positive first impression to convince the reader that you should be selected for an interview.

This is your chance to expand, but not repeat, the information in your CV and to mention other details that are specifically related to the role. For example, it should cover why you are interested in the job, demonstrate that you have researched the organisation and outline the skills and experience you have that relate to the role.

A cover letter should be structured in a logical, informative way and reflect your unique professional brand. It demonstrates your communication skills – so check and recheck that your letter is free from errors.

Get started

Underline the key words in the job advertisement or role description that indicate skills and qualities sought. Use this to form a checklist to help structure your cover letter and ensure you respond to the key requirements of the job.

Now, brainstorm the skills, experience and qualities you have that match each requirement. Include transferable skills along with relevant experience.

Research the employer, sector and role so you can knowledgeably and confidently explain why you want to work for them. For example, if the employer has a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and you have a strong record in volunteer community work, use it as an example to show your alignment with their values.

Now write. Remember to follow the rules of clear communication; visit Prosple Australia  for helpful writing tips. 

The golden rules:

• Keep your letter to one page
• Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors
• Sell yourself
• Address any specific selection criteria in the job advertisement.
• Write a different letter for every job you apply for.

Cover letter dont’s

• Don’t start the letter with ‘My name is...’ These details belong at the bottom of the letter
• Don’t use a template letter or send an identical letter to lots of employers
• Don’t overuse ‘I’ when starting sentences
• Don’t use empty phrases such as ‘I believe I am a great candidate and meet all the requirements of this position’
• Don’t use flattery, such as ‘It would be a great honour to ...’ or ‘Your esteemed organisation ...’

Related articles

Creating a winning cover letter, how to use chatgpt to write your graduate job cover letter, cvs and cover letters for engineering jobs, a graduate engineer’s guide to cover letters and cvs, writing a law cv and cover letter.

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Resume and Job Interview Assistance

Resume writing/ cover letter resources.

Career Services staff will be glad to assist you with building/editing your resume. By reviewing the website listed below, you should be able to begin your draft. This will provide Career Services a starting point for assisting you with your resume.

After creating a draft, email [email protected] to schedule an appointment to fine-tune your resume prior to submitting it for a job. Cover Letters also play a critical role in how you communicate your information to potential employers.

•  Excellent resume writing and career guide resources for college students . Resume Lab
• Learn what you need to get started…and how to develop the very best resume! Best College Resumes
• Check out these resume templates for a variety of industries. Resume Examples by Industry
• An example resume so that you can see what a strong resume looks like “on paper” in preparing to develop your own resume. Sample Resume
• Youtube video by Linda Raynier How to Make a Resume Stand Out
• Know the difference between CV & Resume Differences between CV & Resume
• Take a look at the reality of how a cover letter is actually viewed (and reviewed) from a hiring manager perspective. The Reality of Cover Letters
• When and How to use a cover letter to catch HR's attention. Using a Cover Letter
• This is an example cover letter that you can use as a template for developing your personal cover letter. Sample Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Sample for Higher Ed Jobs
• Cover Letter Do's (Tips)
• Sample Letter of Reference
• The Very Best Way To Present Your References

RESUME TIPS and JOB Advice for IT/Technology Job Seekers :

• Writing Resume IT Professionals
• IT Resume samples
• Career Advice for Technology focus job seekers
• Resume tips for tech jobs
• Resume tips for new IT professionals
• IT Resume examples
• Sample Resume for IT professionals

Job Interview Resources

Career Services would be happy to help you polish up your interview skills by having a mock interview with you.  To schedule the mock interview just stop by our office at TTC 201 or email [email protected] .

• Interview Prep for New Grads
• Job Interview Tips for Recent Grads
• Job Interview Tips, Advice and Techniques
• 15 Toughest Interview Questions
• Tell Me About Yourself  (video-clip) - A Good Answer to This Interview Question

Additional Resume and Interview Resources

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• Resumes Cover Letters

Cover Letters: A Comprehensive Guide [+ Templates and Samples]

In this post, free cover letter template, cover letter examples for different kinds of jobs, creative cover letter design template, how to message a recruiter on linkedin.

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Write the perfect cover letter for a job application in every industry. Download our free cover letter templates and examples to impress the hiring manager and nab the job you want.

The purpose of a cover letter is to convince a hiring manager or recruiter to read your resume. Your cover letter tells the story of why you’re applying, and why you’re a great fit for the role. Then your resume backs it up with essential data and details.

But for a new or inexperienced job seeker, figuring out how to write an effective cover letter can be super confusing.

That’s why we’ve created various cover letter templates for you to download and use. They’re no-fuss, easy to edit and are even targeted at certain jobs (so you know they have the right information).

Use these cover letter templates as a starting point and personalise them however you want.

Are cover letters still relevant in 2021?

Cover letters are a hotly-debated topic amongst job seekers, recruiters, and people giving career advice. Doubt that? Try searching ‘cover letters’ on Reddit and see how many different opinions are out there.

Almost every job application requires a cover letter. It’s the first thing that hiring managers see, and creates a first impression (whether positive or negative) that can determine whether your application makes it past the skimming stage.

No wonder we often dread writing them. It’s common to stress over how to write it, what to include, and wonder if they even matter at all.

How much time should you spend on it? Does anyone actually read cover letters in 2021? (Yes, they do).

The most challenging thing about writing one is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Different industries and levels of seniority will have different sets of expectations.

If you’re applying for a position as a project manager in construction, your cover letter will sound very different than if you were applying for a customer service role. Likewise for roles in the creative industry, technology, and healthcare – they all have different flavours.

In 2021, cover letters are still very relevant, and many employers won’t even consider your application without one. But there are more modern ways of delivering them, as well as a few ways to make yours stand out.

Cover Letter Template

This is a generalised cover letter template that projects passion for any job. Just add your own information!

[Today’s Date]

[Your full name] [Your phone number] [Your email] [Your address, city, state, postcode] [Your LinkedIn]

[Hiring Manager’s Name] [Company Address, City, State] [Phone number] [Email address]

Dear [Hiring Manager],

RE: <insert role title> position

I am thrilled to submit my application for the <insert role title> role at <insert company name>. I believe I would be a perfect fit for the position as I am passionate about <insert your passion that aligns with the role you’re applying for> and possess the motivation and perseverance to overcome any challenge thrown my way.

Your company’s mission to <insert company mission you are passionate about> is inspiring, and I would be thrilled to contribute to this mission. I feel my relevant experience and skills match well with your company values, including:

<Experience: insert a sentence about your relevant experience. E.g.: Working in my role as XXX for X years, I’ve gained a deep understanding of XXX> <Skills: insert a sentence that covers your key technical skills relating to the job. Avoid talking about soft skills or personal traits here.> <Achievement: insert a sentence about an achievement or result that demonstrates your suitability for the role or exemplifies your work ethic.>

I can see myself vastly developing my skills and professional expertise at <company name>, which would be an exhilarating opportunity. I’m always hungry to improve myself and am dedicated to continuously learning.

From previous work experience at <insert company name>, I have learned valuable communication skills, problem solving, and teamwork. I thrive working in high-pressure situations and am a highly adaptable professional.

I am confident that I am a great candidate for this position and that I would be able to navigate the challenges of the <insert role title> role at <insert company name> successfully. I’d appreciate the chance to meet with you to further discuss this job opportunity. Thank you for considering my application.

[Your name]

How to Write a Cover Letter That’s Unique (Like You)

Got questions about editing your cover letter template? The answers are here.

Best Cover Letter Examples and Why They Work

Discover how to win over the hiring manager with just your cover letter.

Sometimes, you need an industry-specific cover letter, because generic ones just aren’t relevant to the positions you’re applying for. Here is a range of examples for the most commonly searched cover letter types.

Hospitality cover letter

Craft the perfect letter for a culinary or tourism job with this hospitality cover letter

Nursing cover letter

A sample to use when building your nursing cover letter.

Administration cover letter

Create the perfect application with this administration cover letter example.

Receptionist cover letter

Get noticed and hired using this receptionist cover letter example.

Retail cover letter

A quality sample of a cover letter for retail.

Customer service cover letter

Get a head-start on drafting the perfect customer service cover letter with this example.

How to address key selection criteria in a cover letter

Discover examples and templates to help you properly address key selection criteria.

If you’re looking to enter a creative industry, or a role where you’ll be expected to offer some creative flair, these templates have been designed for you. Submitting a well-designed cover letter not only feels more premium, but it demonstrates your passion for creativity and creating high quality work.

This kind of cover letter won’t be appealing to employers in all industries, so be discerning about whether it will make the right impression for the job you’re applying for.

Artistic Flair Cover Letter Template (Orange)

A cover letter with a bold design to get noticed. Perfect for design-centred jobs.

Artistic Flair Cover Letter Template (Beige)

Creative Communications Cover Letter Template

A cover letter perfect for communications jobs, pairing bold design with a professional style.

Modern Corporate Cover Letter Template

A sleek and professional cover letter that offers readability and style. Perfect for corporate jobs.

Because, after all: it’s not always what you know, it’s who you know.

Making a great impression through a LinkedIn DM can be tricky. But, done well, it has the potential to propel you to the top of the interview shortlist.

This is how to message a recruiter on LinkedIn:

Cold contact with a recruiter to ask about future job openings

Message title: speculative job application — [role title you’re interested in].

Hi <recruiter’s first name>,

I’m keen to connect with you to stay up to date on job openings with <company name>. As a recent <field of study> graduate, I’ve been on the lookout for a <specify the kind of role you want (e.g.: marketing assistant)> role in a company where I’ll be encouraged to strive for excellence in my work and have the chance to develop as a professional.

Through my research, I found <company name> to hold values that align with my own, and have a mission I feel passionately about pursuing myself. <Insert statement about how you relate to the company’s mission, or why you feel strongly about it.> Because of this, I feel we’d be a perfect fit for each other.

I have skills in <insert short list of key technical skills> founded in work experience at <company name>. I’m also dedicated to pushing for strong results, for example, <insert example of a situation where you’ve used one/multiple of these skills to push for an excellent result. Make sure it aligns with the role you want, and ensure you outline the result you achieved.>

I am a <insert snappy summary of who you are as a professional, e.g.: I am a proven writer with an adaptable mentality and a desire to exceed expectations and continuously learn.> I’d love the opportunity to work for <company name>. Although I can see there are no jobs advertised at the moment, I’d like to submit my resume for your future consideration.

If you’d like to discuss what else I can bring to <company name> as a <role title>, feel free to call me on <mobile number>.

Kind regards, <Your name>

(Remember to attach your resume.)

LinkedIn message to complement recently submitted job application

Message title: regarding the position of [role title] or concerning the recently advertised [role title] position.

I’ve recently applied for the position of <role title> with your organisation, and am keen to reach out to formally introduce myself. Working for your company has been a dream of mine since I began my studies in <field of study> X years ago. I have a deep respect for <something you respect about the company> and feel my own values align with this.

Through my studies and work experience at <insert company>, I’ve developed a broad skill set which would be highly beneficial in this role. For example, <insert example of a situation where you’ve used one/multiple of these skills to push for an excellent result. Make sure it aligns with the job description, and ensure you outline the result you achieved.>

I’ve outlined further examples of what I can bring to the company as a <role title> in my job application.

I hope we’ll have the opportunity to speak more about this role and what I can bring to it.

Regardless of whether I’m a successful candidate, it would be great to connect with you so I can stay on top of job opportunities with <company name>. Thank you for considering my application.

Warm regards, <Your name>

If you’re struggling to find the right person to message, check out this video tutorial.

So they’ve read your cover letter, and decided your resume is worth a look. Make sure it’s doing you justice!

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Resumes for templates, examples and more.

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When your job application is in the hands of a potential employer you want your cover letter to fit in and stand out.

You want it to fit in because it has the required information and it’s formatted in a way that employers expect. And you want it to stand out because you’ve demonstrated clearly that you’re someone worth interviewing.

Using a cover letter template can be a great way to remember what’s necessary and what’s not, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a simple matter of cut and paste.

Firstly, why are cover letters so important?

Sandy Babiolakis, Senior Career Consultant with DeakinTalent , says we shouldn’t underestimate the significance of cover letters. ‘A cover letter is used to persuade recruiters that you are a suitable candidate and should progress to the next stage of selection,’ she explains. ‘It complements your resume by helping an employer interpret your background by going into more detail and giving specific examples that show why you are a good fit for the role.’

So what should you include when writing a cover letter for a job application?

Be contactable

It goes without saying that the employer needs to know how to contact you. But what’s the best way to ensure that you are contactable? In addition to your name and address, provide an email address that you check regularly and make sure that your email address is professional: [email protected] may not go down too well.

Including the right amount of information in your cover letter is a bit of an art. Don’t go into personal territory such as your date of birth, marital status, religion or nationality. These things don’t affect your ability to do the job.

Start with a confident introduction

Explain why you are writing and where you heard about the position. Keep your language positive and professional but not overly formal and reference the full correct name of both the position and the organisation. Heard about the job from someone who works for the company? You might want to mention them here but be sure to ask their permission first. You can also briefly outline why you are interested in the role.

Adding some depth to your application

When you’re first learning how to write a cover letter, it can be tempting to simply replicate information that is in your resume. Instead remember it’s an opportunity to expand on this and provide a little more context.

The body of the letter is where you outline about why you’re suitable for the role. Babiolakis says you don’t need to disclose every single job and achievement to date. ‘Only include what’s relevant to the role,’ she explains. ‘Highlight two or three relevant qualifications, personal skills, technical skills, experiences or achievements to show what you will bring to the position and organisation.’ These examples can come from paid employment, internships, volunteer work or extra-curricular activities.

Some people feel the need to highlight gaps or weaknesses, including statements like ‘Despite my lack of experience with…’ or ‘While I only have skills related to…’ Babiolakis recommends that you avoid doing this. Instead, focus on the skills and strengths that you do have and explain how they will be valuable for the role.

Be sure to demonstrate that you have researched the organisation and have some knowledge of their brand, products and values. Describe what has attracted you to the organisation. Be specific. Convey enthusiasm for the industry, and show an interest in and understanding of their work.

A strong closing

Before ending the letter, it’s important to reiterate how you could be of value to the organisation. Express interest in an interview and keep your sign off professional: either ‘Yours sincerely’ or ‘Kind regards’ works well.

Rest assured, once you know how to write a cover letter it becomes second nature. It’s worth taking the time to get it right. Your cover letter is an important opportunity to capture the attention of your future employer.

'[A cover letter] complements your resume by helping an employer interpret your background by going into more detail and giving specific examples that show why you are a good fit for the role.' Sandy Babiolakis, Graduate Employment Division, Deakin University

Cover letter checklist

Contact information

Be sure to include:

• your professional email address
• your mobile number (with professional voicemail set up)
• your mailing address
• contact details of the recipient
• greeting (‘Dear Mr Xxx’ or ‘Dear Recruitment Manager’)
• attention line (e.g. ‘RE: Barista job’).

Do NOT include photo, date of birth, marital status, religion, nationality or the words ‘cover letter’.

Introduction

• Start with a brief purpose statement (e.g. ‘I am writing to apply for…’).
• Mention the full, correct name of the position and organisation.
• State where you found the job ad.
• Mention referrer if relevant (i.e. if you have a direct connection to a current or former employee).

You might also consider including a brief reason why you are interested in the role.

Body (1-3 paragraphs)

• Describe why what you can offer makes you suitable for the job.
• Describe relevant qualifications, skills, experiences or achievements.
• Provide evidence with specific examples, results, outcomes or accomplishments.
• Describe why you are interested in the organisation (demonstrate your research and knowledge).

Focus more on what you can offer, rather than what you will gain, from the job.

Closing and sign-off

• Reiterate the value you will bring to the role.
• Refer to attached documents (e.g. resume).
• Request an interview or a response and thank the employer for their consideration.
• Finish with a professional sign-off (‘Yours sincerely’ or ‘Kind regards’) with your full name underneath.

Get insider tips on how to write a cover letter, and become inspired by cover letter examples.

Need ideas on how to start a cover letter in the correct cover letter format?

Learn more about cover letter examples.

Consultant, Graduate Employment Division, Deakin University

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Not only are we one of Australia’s oldest resume specialists but in the thirty years we’ve been operating, we’ve managed to do something rare in the market, we’ve kept it about you.

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