Work in Australia in 2025: How To Write a GOOD Cover Letter (Complete Guide), by Living Simply Australia on YouTube. 12 min 14 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 14 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Read the job ad twice and highlight the duties, must-have skills and keywords the employer repeats. Note the exact job title and any reference number.
Research the company on its website and LinkedIn. Write down what it makes or sells, who its customers are and one recent piece of news you can mention.
Focus your letter on what the employer needs, not on what you want from the job. Match each main requirement in the ad to something you can show.
Use a simple structure: your contact details, the date, the employer's name and address, a greeting, three to five short paragraphs and a sign-off.
Open with the job title, where you saw the ad and one sentence on why you fit. Name the hiring manager if the ad gives it, otherwise use Dear Hiring Manager.
In the middle paragraphs, give one clear example for each key skill. Describe the situation, what you did and the result, using numbers where you can.
Pick the top three skills in the ad and write a short proof sentence for each, such as a task you handled or a problem you solved.
No paid work experience? Use study projects, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport or community groups to show reliability and teamwork.
Check spelling, grammar and the company name, keep the letter to one page and save it as a PDF named with your own name.
Close with a short line thanking the reader and saying you are available for an interview. Add your phone number and email again.
Tips and common mistakes
Mirror the exact words the ad uses for skills and job titles so the letter passes keyword checks.
Avoid one letter for every job, since a tailored half page beats a generic full page.
Do not repeat your resume word for word, use the letter to explain why your examples matter for this role.
Use Australian spelling such as organisation, licence and centre when applying in Australia.
Questions
How long should a cover letter be in Australia?
One page is standard. Aim for three to five short paragraphs, roughly 250 to 400 words.
Do I need a cover letter if I have no work experience?
Yes, most ads still expect one. Use school, study, volunteering or sport examples to prove you are reliable and can learn quickly.
Should I address the letter to a named person?
Yes if the ad or company website gives a hiring manager's name. Otherwise use Dear Hiring Manager rather than To Whom It May Concern.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
