sample cover letters nz

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How to write an NZ cover letter (with examples and templates)

Along with your CV, a cover letter is essential to any NZ job application. Let's get you started.

Every New Zealand job application should include a cover letter.

This document is key to showing an employer you’re serious about their vacancy, and for demonstrating what you bring to the table . Despite its importance, many people aren’t sure how to write a cover letter – and their applications suffer as a result.

That’s why we’ve created this guide, giving you advice on everything from what to include, to how to lay it out.

We’ve also snuck in a few examples to make life even easier for you … aren’t we nice?

Cover letters vs. CVs: what’s the difference?

To understand the role cover letters play in job applications, it’s important to realise how they differ from CVs:

1. Purpose:

CVs give a broad picture of you as an applicant – providing details such as educational background and employment history . By contrast, a cover letter targets why you want this specific role, and how your skills and experience make you a great candidate.

While there will be areas of overlap as you select qualifications or abilities to draw out in your cover letter, it definitely should not be an elongated version of your CV.

An NZ cover letter should be no longer than one page, while CVs are usually between one and two.

The most obvious visual difference between these documents and CVs hinges around bullet points.

While your CV should be a bullet point bonanza, cover letters favour full sentences. That’s not to say you can’t have any bullets in a cover letter, just use them more sparingly.

You should include a cover letter with every job application.

What to include in a cover letter

1. your contact info, the date and the business’ address.

At the top of your cover letter should be:

• Your full name, contact details and home address
• The date you submit the application
• The business’ postal address

It should look like this:

Head up your cover letter like this.

2. Your opener

People worry about how to start a cover letter , but there’s a simple formula and structure for getting this right:

Make it personal : start with ‘dear’, and address it to a person – i.e. the hiring manager. If their name isn’t in the job listing, try a good old fashioned stalk of the company website, or ring the business and find out. ‘To whom it may concern’ is a no go.

Make it clear : organisations often list multiple vacancies at a time, so make it obvious which position you’re applying for. A sentence like, ‘I’m writing to apply for the Marketing Assistant role, as advertised on Trade Me Jobs’, will do the trick.

Make it punchy : next, add a snappy one-liner summing up why you’re interested in the role and what you’d bring to their business. Remember, you can go into more detail in the interview itself. For example:

3. Why them

A common cover letter mistake is to only focus on yourself. Before choosing you, employers want to know why you’re choosing them. This helps sort candidates who are genuinely passionate about their organisation from those who are mass applying to anything and everything.

Warning : this section is not about inflating the hiring manager's ego by flattering the company – be positive, but be thoughtful.

Now, it’s time to sell yourself.

This section of your cover letter is where you highlight your most relevant skills and experience.

You can draw on anything from previous work experience to certificates and qualifications. The important bit is linking whatever you mention to the job – simply listing skills is not the answer.

To do this effectively, you need to carefully study the job ad and identify what capabilities the employer values most. If your Trade Me Jobs Profile is up-to-date, you can then quickly skim your skills and experience to find those which most closely match the job description.

Top tip: the more detail you can give, the better. Helped raise sales? Great. Helped raise sales by 6%? Even better.

If you want to add some extra skills or information to this section, a bullet point list is a good option. Note : only do this after introducing your headline examples in full sentence form, as above, and keep your list to three or four concise bullets.

5. Signing off

The end of your cover letter should (politely) prompt the reader to get in touch with you to arrange the next steps. Make sure you end on a high, and continue the energy from earlier in your closing sentence, for example:

How to format a cover letter

With your content sorted, it’s now about nailing the visuals. Cover letters are usually easier than CVs in this regard, as they’re laid out like a traditional letter. However, there are a few things to bear in mind:

• What font should I use? Keep it simple, and the same as on your CV. If your font is hard to read, or too small, the letter will end up in the wrong pile.
• How long should a cover letter be? New Zealand cover letters should be under one page long.
• Should I use paragraphs? Would you read huge, unbroken chunks of text? We doubt it, so make sure to break up your cover letters into paragraphs.
• What are the correct cover letter margins? Leave these at their default setting so your cover letter has plenty of blank space, and doesn’t look crowded.

All done? Not quite.

Perhaps the most important stage of cover letter writing is proofreading. After all that hard work, you don’t want a few silly typos or poor punctuation letting you down.

So check it yourself, then get someone else to have a look, then have a final glance.

Once you’re happy, it’s time to attach it to your application, and hit send.

Al Hall is a regular contributor at Trade Me Jobs and Trade Me Property. He’s dedicated to helping people succeed in their aspirations to find their dream job and place to live.

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Free cover letter template

A cover letter is all about making a great first impression and giving your job application the best chance of making progress. A well-written cover letter will encourage a potential employer to read through to your resumé and get in touch to find out more or set up an interview.

We’ve come up with a template to help you get this all down on paper. Use it as your starting point and you’ll be on track to a great cover letter that will get your application noticed.

Remember, this is just a basic outline of the information to include, so make it your own by including skills and experience specific to you.

Download our free cover letter template

Download cover letter template

Think of your cover letter as a pitch – a way to introduce yourself professionally and show the value you could bring to the role you’re applying for. Your resumé is there to document your skills, experience, and achievements, but your cover letter sums these things up in a way that speaks to the job and offers a sense of who you are.

It’s also your chance to show why you’re interested in the particular role, and that you’ve done your research about the company or organisation.

You can tailor the cover letter to you and the job you’re applying for, by explaining:

• why you’re interested in that role
• what the most relevant skills and experience you could bring to it.

“I’m starting out my career in…"

You want to open your cover letter by giving the reader a sense of who you are and why you’re interested in the role.

Alternatively, you could pick an element of the role or field that is exciting and start on that.

Don’t be afraid to vary from the standard opening line by using these first sentences to introduce yourself and your skills in a more personal and unique way.

You might write an opening that explains where you’re at in your career, and where you’re aiming for next. Or perhaps you’d like to emphasise a particular aspect of the job or field of work that appeals to you, and relate it back to the skills or attributes required for the role. For example:

• “ I’ve committed myself to building skills in <aspect of the job> and <another aspect > throughout my work as an <your current role> . Now, I’m ready to take the next step in my career. The <job title>  role at <company name>  would allow me to contribute my skills to the <team name>  team, and in doing so, help <company name>  to succeed in <what the company does> .”
• “ Providing patient-centred care has grown to become my key focus as I establish my nursing career. I’m passionate about ensuring dignity and respect, and that’s why this role as Graduate Nurse at Smith Hospital appeals so greatly to me .”

"<Company name>  has been of interest to me since …"

By showing your genuine interest and enthusiasm in this role and the business, you’re showing the reader why you’re interested and that you’ve done your research.

This is your time to shine with the knowledge you have about the business, what you admire or like and where you think you fit or can help them achieving their business goals.

"I welcome the opportunity…"

This final section of the cover letter should sum up your enthusiasm for the role and how you believe you can make a contribution to both the role and the business. It’s also an opportunity to suggest next steps in the process and thank the reader for their time.

Once you’ve used the template to create your own cover letter, come back to it with fresh eyes and ensure there are no errors or things you’ve missed. Try reading it aloud, or better yet, have someone you trust look over it to give you feedback.

Ultimately, you want to make your cover letter as compelling as possible, to capture the reader’s attention then make them want to get in contact with you. And the best way to do that is to make sure it’s a true reflection of you as a person and what you’ve achieved.

Discover what roles are right for you and the job opportunities available, with our  explore careers tool .

Read more 

Cover letters: the good and the bad, 7 cover letter openers to land you an interview, 8 things to cut from your cover letter.

Cover letters

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How to Write a Cover Letter: Template & Tips | Hays

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The importance of cover letter, what is a cover letter.

Let’s go back to basics – what is a cover letter? A cover letter acts as a personal introduction in a professional setting. Usually, it’s a separate document that you attach to a job application along with your CV. You should use it to demonstrate your personality and summarise why you are the right person for the job, so the reader can consider the rest of your CV with this set up in mind.

Follow our tips for how to write a cover letter or download our cover letter template.

Why write a cover letter? 

The idea for writing cover letters for your resume is simple: it needs to be engaging enough for an employer to read to feel compelled to find out more about your skills and experience in your resume, before (hopefully) calling you in for an interview.

Not all candidates make the effort to write a tailored and personalised cover letter, so by making sure you write a cover letter that answers specifics needs in the job ad, it’ll help separate you from other applicants. In turn, giving you a greater likelihood of being shortlisted for an interview.  

Download your Cover Letter template 

Enter your details below to download your Cover Letter template:

How to write a cover letter | Video | UB

Cover letter advice.

Recruiters & hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications for each job. You need to start with a great cover letter to gain attention. Learn how with this video from Hays.

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Resumes & cover letters.

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How long should a cover letter be , how to write a cover letter | 3rd content block | ub, cover letter format, how to write a cover letter | 4th content block | ub, 1. do your research, 2. address your cover letter to the right person, 3. how to start a cover letter write an attention-grabbing introduction, 4. add evidence of your successes  , 5. highlight key skills, 6. sign off professionally, 7. review your cover letter , how to write a cover letter | 5th content block | ub, what not to include in a cover letter, excessive details, repeat your cv, don’t write in the third person, can ai write the perfect cover letter, how to write a cover letter | 6th content block | ub, final tips around how to write a cover letter.

• Keep it succinct and relevant to the job you’re applying for. Your cover letter should not exceed five paragraphs. 
• State what your motivation is behind your application. 
• Just as you would in your CV,  use strong verbs  to demonstrate action and accomplishments, such as ‘organise’ or ‘supervise’. 
• Optimise the subject line. Also check the job description again, in case the employer asks applicants to include something specific in the subject line. 
• If you are applying for a job online rather than email, consider putting your cover letter and resume into the same document so they don’t get separated. 
• Remember, our cover letter template is free to download and can be used as another way to capture the attention of a recruiter or hiring manager and encourage them to more closely review your resume. Good luck.

How to write a cover letter | 7th content block | UB

Do i really need a cover letter, how long should a cover letter be, what are some common mistakes people make when writing cover letters, how do i format a cover letter, hays new zealand salary guide 2022-2023 - salary checker | ub.

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Resumes & cover letters: Cover letter templates

A cover letter is often your first communication with a potential employer, and therefore it is vital that when writing a cover letter  you make it compelling and professional from the very first line, marking you out as a candidate they need to contact.

A good cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your written communication skills and your motivation for applying for the role. Writing a cover letter customised to the job demonstrates you have taken the time to put some effort into your application. You can also use a cover letter as an opportunity to highlight and provide more detail on any specific skills or experience which are relevant to the role you are applying for.

To help you structure your cover letter, we’ve developed 4 free cover letter templates and cover letter samples you can use to write a cover letter that will catch the eye of hiring managers and recruiters and increase your chances of getting an interview. For additional tips and advice on cover letter writing, check out our article How to write a cover letter .

Download our free cover letter templates

Cover letter template 1: response to a job ad, cover letter template 2: response to a job ad, cover letter template 3: letter to a recruiter on linkedin, cover letter template 4: ‘cold contact’ prospecting letter to a hiring manager, related insights.

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CVs and cover letters

Take the hard work out of writing your CV and cover letter. Get advice about what to write, support to show you what to do, and free templates you can use.

When you apply for a job, employers will look at your:

• CV, to see your skills, any qualifications, and your work history
• cover letter, to find out what kind of person you are and why you want this job.

They'll use this to decide if they want to interview you, so it's really important to make a good impression.

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How to write a cover letter

Careers.govt.nz has great advice about:

• what your cover letter needs
• how to make it look good
• templates you can use.

Simple New Zealand

How To Master a Cover Letter for New Zealand [Examples & Tips]

Although you might don’t want to, yet in most cases, you need to include a cover letter when applying for a job in New Zealand. NZ cover letter is similar to other countries; it should show the company why you are the right candidate for the job. Take your time to write a personal and customized letter. Never send the generic one; this can ruin your application from the start.

A cover letter is a monumental part of your job application in New Zealand. A good cover letter should answer the main question, which is why the company should hire you. Additionally, it must provide information on how you can bring value to the company and help them with the challenges. A cover letter should showcase the relevant skills and experience you have.

In most cases, businesses and recruiters in New Zealand will require you to attach a customized cover letter. And it’s a good thing for you. In the end, the cover letter is a claim for the role – it’s your chance to highlight and match your experience against the job description and to clearly state what you can offer your potential employer.

If you are looking for a job in New Zealand, I would highly recommend going through the Job Hunter’s handbook made by Careers.govt.nz.

Table of Contents

Is a cover letter necessary in New Zealand?

Unfortunately, yes, you need to include a customized cover letter when applying for a job in New Zealand. Almost  half of the recruiters reject applications without a cover letter. A high-quality, customized cover letter tells the manager you are a dedicated professional. It should be only a page long.

A resume or CV alone can show your achievements and qualifications, but it can’t tell the story and explain why you choose this company in particular. That’s why we need a cover letter. It’s also a great tool to show your personality and motivation. It must show the employer you are an asset to their company.

Are you resigning from your previous job? Read how to write a proper resignation letter .

Resignation Letter in New Zealand (Examples + Template)

Tips and guidance for a winner cover letter.

So what is a cover letter, and why it’s so important for your job application in New Zealand?

• Cover letter is your first point of contact with employers .
• It should fit on one page .
• It needs to explain why you want this job .
• It should relate to your CV .
• It should describe your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments .
• It should show the evidence that you have researched the company and that you are the right candidate.

If you follow these simple statements, you should already be able to create a decent letter. Yet, if you want more, read this article to the end and follow the advice.

The winning tactic here is focusing on  them , not just on  you,  which will ultimately make you stand out from other applicants

When writing your cover letter, pay attention to the following:

• Do very extensive research about the company. Show it in the cover letter.
• Reflect on the company’s vision.
• Highlight specific achievements and successes that show you can address the challenges the employer is facing.
• Show your personality.
• Prove that you understand the challenges of the company.
• Explain your motivation and fit for the position.
• Presents how your skills and experience as a solution for the company.
• Create a list of job keywords that are mentioned in the job ad. Include them in the cover letter.
• Address the cover letter to the right person, e.g., the hiring manager or recruiter
• Be clear and concise
• Have a structure in the letter – beginning, middle, end
• Use active words to describe your work – accomplished, achieved, led, created, increased, identified
• Finish with a call to action and ask for a meeting.
• Try to be funny
• Send a generic cover letter — customize each one for the specific job.
• Forget your full contact details
• Generic and boring opening paragraph
• Copy-paste from the CV or job ad
• Start every sentence with “I”
• Write more than one page

Looking for a job? Check out the best recruitment agencies in New Zealand .

Best Recruitment Agencies in New Zealand 2024

1. Research about the company and position

Your knowledge about the company you are applying to work for is crucial. You must also know all the essential details about the advertised position and how your skills and experience fit in.

When someone reads your cover letter, they must be sure you are the right candidate for this position and for this company. That’s why you must include as many tailored to the job ad details as possible (yet not too many).

So, look for information on the company, its key products or services, its mission, and anything else that gives you an insight into them. Notice the most important details and mention them in the cover letter where appropriate.

You might want to check out the company’s website, its executives’ Twitter feeds, and LinkedIn profiles.

The culture of the organization is vital to note. This will influence your communication style. For instance, you might be more casual with start-ups or advertising agencies but more formal with banks and large corporations.

2. Show how you can help

A company hires you to solve a problem or to help with challenging tasks they are unable to manage. Point out the things you can do for a company and which potential results it might bring. Or maybe you already were challenged with similar tasks? Mention it in your cover letter!

3. Why are you a perfect fit?

The second paragraph of your cover letter should give a clear idea to the reader why you are the one and that you will satisfy the company’s specific needs.

Here you should match the keywords mentioned in the job ad with your skills and experience. You also must show the hiring manager why you want this job, not just any job. Include all the enthusiasm and passion you have.

Match your skills with a job ad

Highlight the key skills and qualities in the ad, e.g.:

• strong written and verbal communication
• technical skills
• analytical thinking
• team player or teamwork
• problem-solving
• time management
• knowledge of software & tools
• specialized or technical competencies
• high level of computer competency
• ability to work well under pressure
• enthusiasm and initiative
• excellent customer service

Include them in the cover letter with real-life examples.

Connections matter in New Zealand

About 70% of all jobs in New Zealand are so-called hidden. They are simply not advertised because hiring managers seek candidates within the company, their circle of colleagues, and people they know before they post a job ad. For that reason, having connections in New Zealand is very crucial.

You are more likely to be invited to an interview if you know a friend of a friend and they got a reference they you rather than just based on your qualifications and experience.

That might be good news for some and bad news for others. Nonetheless, it’s highly recommended to start networking as soon as you land in New Zealand. Join groups, participate in social and professional events, work on your Linkedin profile, and just be proactive.

And if you are lucky to know someone in the company you are applying to work for, mention it in the first sentence or two of your cover letter.

Don’t forget to include

Your cover letter shouldn’t miss these small but key elements:

Your personal value and personality

While skills and experiences are indeed critical, New Zealanders love human connection. If they find you an interesting and nice person, they are more likely to move forward with your application.

Try to be personal in your cover letter; tell them more unique things about you and your experience. Avoid being general at any cost.

Reflect on your experience that relates to the job ad and company profile. What challenges have you faced, and how did you solve them? You also want to provide evidence of the things you mention by using concrete examples, situations, numbers, and facts. For example:

“During the last quarter, my company was challenged by the supply shortage of …We have had 200% more orders than we can ever fulfill. To solve this problem, I was on the lookout for new suppliers for several weeks; after dozens of selling calls, I finally managed to sign a contract with our best supplier so far. I will never come across them otherwise.”

Your enthusiasm

In many cases, people don’t get hired because they aren’t enthusiastic and convincing enough. So, it’s not the lack of skills; it’s your desire and how you show it. If you make it as if it was your dream job, you are more likely to be invited. Avoid at any cost writing in a manner as you are doing a company a favor by working for them.

Hiring managers even say, “Enthusiasm conveys personality.” Some tips that help you to point out your enthusiasm include:

• Show that you have thought about the job and why you would like to work for them.
• Why is this company so brilliant? What they do the best? How they stand out?
• Mention their reputation, performance, and product.
• Remember, it’s about what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.

NZ cover letter structure

Following the formal structure when piecing together a cover letter is as much as important as its content. So, make sure you stick to New Zealand standards. Here is an example:

Dear [Ms. or Mr. Surname],

• Opening – Explain why you are writing this letter (add an interesting one-liner summarizing why you’re interested in the role and what you’d bring to their business.)
• Explain your interest in the job, show knowledge about the company and position
• Demonstrate your skills and experience related to the job
• Explain why you will fit into this role and which value you will bring to the company
• Sign off and offer them to contact you

Yours sincerely,

Your name – Andrew Black.

Make sure you check your cover letter via Grammarly for spelling and grammar mistakes!

Cover letter introduction

The introduction sentences will determine whether the hiring manager will read on or skip your resume. Start your cover letter in an unconventional way and hold the reader’s interest. Here are some tips for a stellar introduction:

• Highlight your achievements in the industry.
• Display your passion and enthusiasm.
• Mention some names and numbers.

A no-go cover letter introduction looks like this:

In response to your posting for the Digital Marketing Manager position, I would like to express my interest in participating in the recruitment process. As a digital marketing manager with 8+ years of experience, I am optimistic that I would succeed in this role.

Top cover letter example

Since you already know how to write the header, here is only the main part of the cover letter.

” I am writing regarding the Marketing Manager position you currently have open. As a marketer with over 5 years of experience managing small and larger teams, I would love to take a challenge and work for your company. Marketing is my passion, so it’s to achieve monthly goals, generate new leads & sales, and train the team for success.

In my previous role at (company name), I reached not only the set marketing goals but exceeded them by 80% and, in some months, even 120%. Your company (name) already has brilliant strategies in place, you use paid advertising, social media, and outreach, but I would add other channels to ramp up the reach and revenue. I am experienced and knowledgeable in the SEO scene; hence we can explore new opportunities for your business in this area of marketing.

My previous team of marketing assistants was great! I love to work with people and guide them in our current strategies. At the same time, responsibility for people does not make me stressed or scared but ignites my motivation to bring even better results so we can all be proud as a team.

Besides, my Master’s degree in Business taught me fundamental knowledge about organizations, management, strategy, and agility, which I would be happy to apply when working for (company).

It will be great to talk in person one day. You can reach me at 123456789 any time or via email at [email protected] to arrange an interview. Thank you for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you.

Cover letter for a visa application

Im most cases, Immigration New Zealand, will request a cover or so-called motivational letter together with your visa application. This is generally a less complex document that you would write for the employer.

Your cover letter for a visa should include:

• Reasons why you are moving or visiting New Zealand
• How are you going to support yourself
• Demonstration of how you meet the criteria for the visa

The content of the cover letter will vary depending on the visa type you are applying for. If it’s, for instance, to join a partner in New Zealand, you should include your relationship to them and explain it briefly.

Therefore, your cover letter should target your visa category’s main requirements. 

When I was applying for a student visa, my cover letter described why I decided to study in New Zealand and what are my plans after my studies. Immigration New Zealand also mentioned in their requirements that the cover letter must include these details.

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How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter for a NZ Partnership Visa Application

May 18, 2023

Applying for a partnership-based visa can be a lengthy and complicated process. However, one of the most important parts of your application is the cover letter.

The cover letter helps you explain your relationship, demonstrate how you meet the criteria, and persuade Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to grant you a visa.

Many applicants think that writing a brief letter stating their connection and love for their partner is enough, but that’s usually not the case. In reality, the cover letter allows you to showcase your relationship and convince the INZ case officer that your relationship is genuine and committed. Hence writing a compelling cover letter is crucial.

In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write a convincing cover letter for a partnership-based visa application. By following our tips and tricks, you will be able to structure your letter, address potential issues, and include all the necessary information to make your application a success.

• Understand the eligibility criteria:

Before you begin writing your cover letter, it is essential to understand the eligibility requirements for your partnership visa application. You should read the INZ website to determine the main requirements for your visa category. Be sure to review the requirements carefully so that you can tailor your letter to meet the specific criteria.

For example, if you are applying for a partnership-based resident visa, you need to demonstrate that you have lived together for at least 12 months before applying for the visa.

• Structure your letter:

In the cover letter, you need to describe your relationship with your partner and how it has developed over time.

Your cover letter should consist of four main parts: an introduction, your relationship history, how you meet the eligibility criteria, and a conclusion.

Start with an attention-grabbing introduction that sets out the purpose of your letter and your reasons for applying for the visa. Next, provide a detailed account of your relationship, how you met, and your plans for the future. The third part of your letter should answer how you meet the criteria for your visa category. You should be explicit in demonstrating how your relationship meets each criterion. Finally, conclude your letter by summarizing why you believe that you and your partner meet the requirements for the visa category.

• Include supporting evidence:

Your cover letter should include any supporting evidence that demonstrates your relationship meets the criteria for the visa category.

It’s not enough to say that you are in a committed relationship ; you must demonstrate it with evidence. For example, you can provide photographs, proof of joint bank accounts, or joint utility bills that show that you have been living together. You should also explain each piece of evidence and how it helps to support your claim. Be sure to provide a clear and concise explanation so the reader understands each document’s relevance.

Failing to provide evidence to support your claims can harm your application and lead to a visa refusal.

• Address potential issues:

If you anticipate there may be any potential issues with your application; you should address them in your cover letter. This may include any previous visa refusals or convictions. You should explain the circumstances surrounding the issue and how you have taken steps to rectify the situation. It is important to address these issues proactively, as it demonstrates your transparency and willingness to comply with the relevant immigration instructions of INZ.

• Proofread and edit your letter:

Your cover letter should be well-written, clear, and concise. Be sure to proofread and edit your letter carefully before submitting your application. Look for any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes, and ensure that your letter flows logically from one point to the next.

Writing a convincing cover letter for your partnership visa application is crucial in your visa journey. By following our step-by-step guide, you can structure your letter, address any potential issues, and provide the necessary evidence to demonstrate that you and your partner meet the requirements for the visa category. Remember to tailor your letter to meet the specific criteria and to proofread and edit your letter before submitting your application. With determination, effort, and the right amount of preparation, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your dreams of living in New Zealand with your partner.

A common mistake individuals make is not seeking professional advice when writing cover letters. It’s best to seek advice from a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA), like us, who can guide you throughout the application process. The LIA can assist you in drafting a compelling cover letter that addresses all the requirements of the partnership-based visa category and provides evidence to support your claims. Seeking professional advice can improve your chances of a positive outcome.

So, are you and your partner dreaming of a life together in New Zealand? Let  Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd  help you! Our expert Licensed Immigration Advisers can guide you through the visa application process and improve your chances of success. Start your partnership-based visa application today by clicking here

You can also contact us at [email protected] or call on +64 09 3790219.

Author Details

Vandana Rai

(lia 201400900).

Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.

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• Administrative

Administrative Cover Letter Example

Kia ora and welcome to cvapp.nz’s cover letter guide for administrative candidates! We’ll help you skyrocket your career potential and land your ideal job role. Whether you’re new to job-hunting or a seasoned job-seeker, we’ve got you covered. Read ahead for our top advice on how to create a winning cover letter for potential employers!

Formatting cover letters for administrative candidates

It's essential to understand the importance of formatting when crafting a great cover letter. Good formatting can give employers an accurate glimpse into your professional story and increase the chances of getting an interview. Our cover letter guide can help you create the perfect cover letter for the job you're applying for. Generally speaking, cover letters should include the following structure: 

• Introduction

We’ll go over each section and explain why they’re important. Before starting your cover letter, we recommend researching the company, their website and their social media to better understand their company culture, values and the language they use across their media. This can help you understand the company better and craft a more tailored cover letter. Tailored, personalised cover letters are very important – we’ll get to that in a moment!

Cover letter header

As an administrative candidate, you’ll know the importance of organisation and structure. Your cover letter formatting needs to be clean and professional, and the header is one of the most important elements in your cover letter. 

The header of your cover letter should draw in potential employers and catch their attention. For an effective header, make sure to include your full name, contact information, and any associated links to a professional website such as LinkedIn or Behance. You can optionally include your full mailing address or simply just your city, region and/or postcode if desired.

Cover letter greeting

Your cover letter greeting should be polite and professional. Greetings such as "Dear Mr. /Mrs. /Ms. [Last Name]" or "Tena Koe, [Name]" are always acceptable and show respect to the recipient. To personalize your cover letter and better connect with your potential employer, try to look up the name of your recruiter to use in your greeting. 

Avoid using casual greetings such as "Hi" or "Hey" as it may not be appropriate for some companies. You can research their company culture and values by checking their website or social media pages. At cvapp. nz, we always suggest employers use a personal name in the greeting where possible. Check out a great example of a cover letter greeting below: 

Kia ora Mrs. Eastwood,

Cover letter introduction: Starting off strong 

Start your cover letter off with a strong introduction that emphasises your qualifications and relevant work experience. Draw attention to your impressive accomplishments and strengths that make you the ideal fit for the role. Detail your interest and motivation for applying, as well as your relevant achievements and experience. As an administrative candidate, you could describe your passion for helping others or how much you enjoy the organised structure of an administrative role. Think of your cover letter introduction as the first impression your employer will have of you. Your mission is to start off strong and lay the red carpet for your body paragraph, where you can elaborate on your work experience, accomplishments and any other relevant details. Check out this example of an awesome introduction: 

As an administrative assistant with five years experience, I was delighted to discover the opportunity to apply for an administrative assistant role with LBP Group. I have strong organisational and planning skills, logical thinking skills and data management skills.

Cover letter body paragraph: Persuading your employer

Your body paragraph should be the most comprehensive and persuasive. Any details you mentioned in your introduction can be elaborated upon here. Describe your experience and academic credentials, as well as any relevant skills that make you a great fit for the job. Be specific and include names and institutions you are affiliated with! When tailoring your cover letter to the specific institution, provide details that demonstrate a clear understanding of the role and organisation. 

Employers will have a copy of your CV, so avoid listing out all the job functions you performed at previous companies. Reference the job description as you write and draw upon your experiences to showcase what skills you possess that make you an ideal candidate. You can also incorporate anecdotes that may be relevant to the job description! For example, if the job description states that they’re looking for a team-player that can perform under pressure, can you think of any times where you demonstrated your ability to work in demanding circumstances or where you may have shown great leadership in the workplace? Let your employer know! Don’t forget to match your language with the language in the job description!

Being an administrative assistant requires an in-depth understanding of people and productivity. I am passionate about helping people and boosting productivity to meet company objectives and fulfill goals. Ultimately, my greatest ambition in life is to help as many people as possible. A career in administration allows me to achieve this, to some capacity, every single day.

In addition to the skills listed above, I also have strong social media management skills, time management skills and extensive experience with Microsoft Office. In my previous position with Global Media Group, I managed over five Instagram accounts, including Bread Lover's Bakery, scaling the Instagram account from 500 followers to over 28,000 followers.

Cover letter conclusion: Leave a lasting impression

In the conclusion of your cover letter, remember to thank potential employers for their time and consideration, and express your desire for an interview with an assertive call-to-action. Call-to-action statements are the best way to initiate contact from an employer. For example, you could say, “I look forward to hearing from you soon” or “You can contact me at [insert contact details]. ”

A formal goodbye such as “Ngā mihi” or “Kind regards” is a good way to add a polite touch. For an extra professional finish, you can also include a digital signature. To learn more about our cover letter templates and to explore an example of a cover letter conclusion, check out our cover letter builder!

A great administrative cover letter will reiterate why you’re the ideal candidate for the role. Keep your tone professional, confident and polite. Employers will want to know why you’re the ideal candidate that will help keep their office ticking and advance their company goals. Lastly, as always, don’t forget to proofread your work! Your cover letter conclusion should look a little like this: 

I would love to arrange a time to discuss this position with LBP Group. I would be happy to share more details of my administrative experience with you during this time. I hope to hear from you soon.

Thank you so much for your consideration. Best wishes, David Thomas

Epic cover letters are intentional 

Writing a cover letter is a great way to create a positive, professional connection with potential employers. Don’t be afraid to mention your passions, your “why” or any relevant details that may have influenced your desire to apply for a role with the company. Don’t forget to present yourself as professional and friendly when you are writing your cover letter. If you ever get stuck, we’ve got plenty of great examples, templates and resources on our website. Karawhiua! 

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