customer service cover letter nz

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Templates and examples to help you create your own CV's (resumes) and cover letters.

What's on this page?

Cover letter template and example, skills-focused cv for changing career or gaps in your work history, work-focused cv for career progression, skills-focused cv for school leavers, specialist cv's, find out more, create a cv online with cv builder and it saves automatically.

You can use our CV Builder to create your CV.  It'll automatically save to your careers.govt.nz account.

• CV Builder – create your own CV online  

Don't want to use CV Builder? Use our CV and cover letter templates by saving them to your computer

If you don't want to use CV Builder, you can use the templates on this page to create your CV and cover letter. 

Save and name your templated CV and cover letter

• When you download the templates, remember to save them on your computer as a Word document and a PDF.  Employers may need either format.
• Name your documents with your name, the application date, and the job you're applying for. For instance, "Mere Smith 1 Oct 2023 Water Engineer CV". This helps employers keep track of your documents.

Read our examples and use our templates to create your cover letter. Remember to save it on your computer.

Cover letter examples:

• Cover letter example (Word - 16KB)
• Cover letter example (PDF - 0.1MB)

Cover letter templates:

• Cover letter template (Word - 20KB)
• Cover letter template (PDF - 0.1MB)

Use a skills-focused CV template if you haven't had many jobs, have gaps between jobs or are changing career.

Skills-focused CV examples:

• Skills CV example (Word - 27KB)
• Skills CV example (PDF - 0.1MB)

Skills-focused CV templates:

• Skills CV template (Word - 25KB)
• Skills CV template (PDF - 0.4MB)

Read about describing skills in your CV:

Use a work-focused CV template if you're changing to a similar job or a higher-level role in the same area, or want to highlight your work experience and career progression.

Work-focused CV examples:

• Work CV example (Word - 27KB)
• Work CV example (PDF - 0.4MB)

Work-focused CV templates:

• Work CV template (Word - 26KB)
• Work VV template (PDF - 0.4MB)

Use a skills-focussed school leaver CV template if you're about to leave or have recently left school.

School-leaver CV examples:

• School leaver CV example (Word - 26KB)
• School leaver CV example (PDF - 0.3MB)

School-leaver CV templates:

• School Leaver CV template (Word - 25KB)
• School Leaver CV template (PDF - 0.4MB)

Some careers require a particular style of CV.

CV's for academic, creative, engineering, health, legal and teaching careers:

• University of Otago website - CV and Cover Letter Guide (PDF - 0.3MB)
• University of Oxford website - CVs for creative careers
• Victoria University website - CV/Resume Preparation for Teaching (PDF - 0.7MB)
• Free job hunters' workbook

Updated 22 Sep 2023

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Customer Service Cover Letter Tips & Examples to Land Your Ideal Role

Published: August 10, 2022

The best cover letters  highlight your skills and abilities and leave recruiters and hiring managers interested in and eager to learn more about you, your skillset, and your ability to succeed in the role they’re hiring for.

In this post, discover everything you need to include in a customer service cover letter to leave a lasting impression, including:

What to Include in a Customer Service Cover Letter

Customer service cover letter example, entry-level customer service cover letter.

• Entry-Level Customer Service Cover Letter Example

Best Practices for Writing a Customer Service Cover Letter

When writing a customer service cover letter, it’s essential to include information highlighting your skills and abilities in the customer service industry.

Some key information to include is:

• Your interest in the role you’re applying for and why you’re interested in it.
• Relevant customer service experience you have and the responsibilities you’ve held in your previous related roles.
• The specific skills you’ve developed and perfected that make you an excellent fit for the roles you apply to. It’s important to get as specific as possible for each position, as a generic cover letter not relevant to the role won’t help you stand out.
• Any awards or recognitions you’ve received for your customer service skills as they demonstrate your ability to be successful at the job and that you possess the qualifications hiring managers are looking for.
• The qualities you have that make you an excellent team player.
• The passion you have for customer experience.

It’s mentioned above, but it’s worth driving home that anything you include in your customer service cover letter should be specific and related to the role you’re applying for. Aim to create a new cover letter for each position so you can call attention to your skills that will help you fulfill the role expectations for each job.

Let’s go over an example of a high-quality customer service letter.

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

My name is [Your name], and I am a seasoned [Industry] professional with over [Number] experience. I am very interested in [Position] at [Company name], and my experience in [Previous customer service experience] makes me an excellent candidate. I believe my [Insert role-relevant skills] can help [Company Name] achieve [Desired goals for role].

In my current role as a [Your current role] at [Current company], I’ve achieved results with [Insert achievements or data that shows expertise]. I’m eager to bring these skills to [Insert position] and help customers achieve success.

Additionally, [Insert other relevant experience or skills related to the role].

I look forward to further discussing my past achievements and how they will help me succeed as [Insert role title].

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name Here]

If you’re applying for a customer service position and haven’t yet held any customer service roles, not to worry. Below we’ll explain why.

If you’re applying for an entry-level customer service position but you don’t have significant customer service experience, you can still write a cover letter that highlights you as a standout candidate.

Take care to mention:

• The transferable skills you have that relate to the customer service role you’re applying for. For example, you’re a skilled communicator, which can come in handy when talking to customers over the phone or in person.
• Any customer service or related training you’ve received, even if it’s minimal. This shows a commitment and genuine interest in the role you’re applying for.
• Any relevant coursework or extracurriculars that have helped you develop the necessary skills for the role.
• Your passion for helping others and resolving issues, which are key qualities in any customer service professional.
• The qualifications that make you a good team member because, regardless of experience, you’ll be working with people.

Overall, highlighting any of your strengths, even if you don’t have direct experience, shows recruiters and hiring managers that you’d be an excellent fit for the role and what you can contribute to their company. Let’s go over a sample entry-level customer service cover level that you can use for inspiration.

Entry Level Customer Service Cover Letter Example

Dear [Hiring manager name],

My name is [Your name], and I am writing to express my interest in the [Role title] position at [Company name]. I am drawn to the role because [Insert interest] and my skills with [Insert relevant skills] make me an excellent candidate.

My relevant customer service experience is with [Explain applicable or transferable experience], and I believe this would allow me to excel at [Insert role requirements]. I’ve been recognized for [Insert data or achievements that demonstrate skill set], and I’m eager to achieve the same results for [Company name].

As I look forward to my next chapter, I hope to apply my experience and perspective to help the [Company Name] team hit and exceed goals. I admire [Company Name]’s commitment to [Business Priority] and feel passionate about your mission to [Company Mission Here].

Attached is my resume for further review, and I look forward to further discussing my experience and how my background fits [Company name] needs.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

[Your Name]

Above, we’ve outlined key elements to include in your customer service cover letter, whether you have years of experience or are just getting started in the field. Regardless of the type of letter you’re writing, though, there are always best practices to keep in mind.

• Always address the letter to a specific person, if possible. If you can’t find a hiring manager's name , you can say something like “Dear [company name] recruiter” or Dear [position title] Hiring Manager.”
• Use a professional tone throughout the letter, but you can also display your unique personality without being informal.
• Keep the letter short and to the point — recruiters and hiring managers are busy and might be reading through a lot of applications, so they’ll be appreciative of a concise letter that stays on track.
• Always highlight your relevant skills, experience, and qualities.
• Use concrete examples to back up your claims.
• Edit carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

A bonus tip and a unique way to leave a lasting impression with your cover letter is to tell a story. You can call out an experience that makes you uniquely qualified for the role, a story that expresses your interest in the company and what led you to them, or a story about a significant customer service-related experience you excelled at.

An excellent customer service cover letter gets you hired.

An excellent customer service letter leaves an impression on hiring managers and recruiters and can get you hired. Follow the tips and best practices we’ve mentioned above, and you’ll likely find yourself getting interviews that land you new customer service roles.

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Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

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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.

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Free cover letter examples and expert-approved guides

Crafting a general cover letter is essential for a strong job application; however, not all cover letters are created equal. 

At cvapp.nz, we're dedicated to helping Kiwi job-seekers achieve their professional goals. If you're looking for a customisable, professional cover letter template to help elevate your job application, our user-friendly tools and templates make creating successful cover letters a breeze. Let’s begin!

Dear Mrs. Knight, 

If you're looking for a Sales Assistant with a passion for tech and a deep understanding of the latest trends and advancements in the industry, I'm the tech-savvy sales professional you're looking for! My name is Teina Te Hira, and  I am confident that my unique blend of skills and experiences make me the ideal candidate to support your team and elevate the customer experience at Connect Tech.

I have a proven track record of successfully promoting new products and technology solutions, resulting in a 20% increase in the adoption of cutting-edge products by customers. My ability to communicate the features and benefits of products in a clear and engaging manner has been instrumental in driving sales and enhancing the overall customer experience.

In my previous role as a Sales Assistant, I spearheaded initiatives that led to a 25% increase in monthly sales revenue within the first quarter. By leveraging my strong interpersonal skills and product knowledge, I was able to effectively identify customer needs and tailor recommendations that resulted in a 30% boost in upselling opportunities. These achievements not only demonstrate my ability to drive revenue but also my commitment to providing exceptional service that exceeds customer expectations.

In addition to my sales skills, I'm a team player who thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. I have a collaborative spirit and enjoy working closely with staff to achieve common goals. Through my strong organisational skills, I have streamlined inventory management processes, reducing stock discrepancies by 15% and ensuring a more efficient workflow that optimises the customer shopping experience.

I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to bring my passion for technology, sales expertise, and customer-focused approach to the team at Connect Tech. I believe that my proven track record of driving sales growth, authentic sales demeanour and commitment to fostering a positive team environment make me the perfect fit for the Sales Assistant role.

Thank you for considering my application. I would love to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of Connect Tech. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. I hope to hear from you soon. 

Ngā mihi nui, 

Teina Te Hira

Our best cover letter examples

Keen to see what a great cover letter actually looks like? Check out our top-ranked cover letter examples: 

• Caregiver Cover Letter Example
• Accounting Cover Letter Example
• Nursing Cover Letter Example
• Truck-Driver Cover Letter Example
• Customer Service Representative Cover Letter Example
• Doctor Cover Letter Example
• Internship Cover Letter Example
• First Job Cover Letter Example 

Essential features of an impressive cover letter: 

A well-structured and organised cover letter is essential to effectively showcase why you're the ideal candidate for the job. To really impress potential employers, your cover letter should be both visually appealing, well-formatted and organised. Here are the most important components to include in your cover letter:

• Header: Your cover letter's header, positioned at the top or sometimes on the side of your cover letter, features your name, contact details, and any relevant links to professional websites. The header is essential for helping your cover letter stand out and enhancing the cover letter’s overall visual presentation. 
• Greeting: The greeting of your cover letter should be personalised to the person who will be reading your cover letter. We recommend using a polite and friendly greeting and using the name of the potential employer when known to help establish a connection with the reader. 
• Introduction: Your cover letter introduction should grab the attention of potential employers and make them want to learn more about you. It’s essential to include both the company name and the specific position you’re applying for in this section.
• Body paragraphs: The body paragraphs of your cover letter provide room for you to detail your accomplishments and essential qualifications for the role. This section is often considered the most important component of your cover letter. 
• Conclusion & sign off: The conclusion of your cover letter usually includes a strong call-to-action statement that encourages employers to reach out to you at a later stage. In this section of your cover letter, you should reiterate your passion for the job role, and sign-off with an appropriate farewell, such as “Yours sincerely,” or “Ngā mihi nui.”

• Care Assistant Cover Letter Example

Get noticed and hired faster by using this Care Assistant cover letter example. This cover letter has been especially designed for Care Assistant roles in 2024. We make it easy to make effortlessly stunning cover letters quicky and efficiently.

• Physical Therapist Cover Letter Example

Get noticed and hired faster by using this Physical Therapist cover letter example. This cover letter has been especially designed for Physical Therapist roles in 2024. We make it easy to make effortlessly stunning cover letters quicky and efficiently.

Expertly-designed, free professional templates

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 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.  

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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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• 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.

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7 cover letter openers to land you an interview

When your job application is jostling for attention, a great cover letter can set you apart from the crowd – so starting out with strong opening lines is key.

A letter that grabs the employer’s attention from the first paragraph will give you a far better chance of scoring an interview.

“If a recruiter is finding it difficult to cut down their shortlist due to a number of really strong candidates, then the cover letters may help them narrow down that list,” says Leah Lambart, a Career Coach at Relaunch Me.

Research for SEEK shows nearly 2 in 3 (62%) employers say a customised cover letter impacts their decision of hiring the applicant. And nearly half (47%) of employers think a personal introduction that’s relevant to the role is one of the most important things for applicants to do in their cover letter.

A great opener to your cover letter can help you show both your genuine interest in the role, and your skills – so it’s worth putting some extra effort into those first few lines.

How to start out strong with your cover letter

So, how do you convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job in the first few sentences?

“Be confident that you have the skills and attributes to be successful in the role,” Lambart says. If you’re unsure how to convey that, preparation will help.

• Read the job ad closely: Take time to fully understand what the employer is looking for in an employee. Make a note of the key requirements and check back after you’ve written your letter draft to ensure you’ve covered them all.
• Sell your soft skills:  Don’t just write about your technical skills, qualifications and experience, Lambart says. Also show that you have the soft skills, like communication and flexibility , that they would desire in an employee.“It’s particularly important not to overlook this for technical roles in IT, engineering or data analysis,” she says.

When you start writing, it can help to think about your 30-second-elevator pitch and ask yourself:

• What can I do that this employer would really want?
• Why am I best for the role and organisation?
• What experience and strengths can I highlight?

“At the end of the day, your cover letter needs to convey three things: that you can do the job, that you want the job and that you will fit into their organisation,” Lambart says.

Cover letter opener ideas

With all this in mind, it can still be hard to start writing your cover letter when you’re staring at a blank screen. To get you started, here are some ideas for opening lines that you can adapt to your situation:

• Highlight the job title and your achievements:  Get right to the point and highlight your background, says Pete Noblet, senior regional director at Hays. ‘As a Social Media Consultant for [Company A], I manage many digital media channels to help drive engagement and brand awareness with consumers. By implementing new social media marketing initiatives, I have tripled our audience on Facebook and doubled our followers on Twitter. This has led to an increase in website traffic, lead generation and sales.’
• Show your knowledge of the industry and its challenges . Lambart suggests an opening such as: ‘With 10+ years’ experience in the wine industry, representing international brands in global markets, I have developed a strong network of customers across hospitality and retail. I understand the challenges faced by both sellers and suppliers in navigating international supply chain logistics, accessing new markets/products and optimising commercial performance. I’m excited by the potential for digital solutions to transform the wine industry and recognise [Company X]’s emerging leadership in this space.’
• Show your genuine interest in the role and explain how the role will enable you to follow your career interests, Lambart says. ‘Having worked as a senior Procurement Specialist for diverse businesses, primarily in the SME sector, I am keen to join [Company X] to develop my procurement career within a large and complex multinational FMCG business. The dynamic nature of this role and the opportunity to be actively involved in value chain analysis and value engineering is of particular interest to me, as I have a natural aptitude for analysis and critical thinking.’
• Use keywords . Employers love keywords, Noblet says, and they’ll also be picked up by automatic applicant tracking systems. ‘Written and verbal communications are two of my key strengths. My extensive experience in public relations has honed my skills in media relations, social media, community engagement and leading a team. By combining these skills, I believe I am the best candidate for the position of Communications Manager.’
• Refer to your network of contacts . Name dropping can work well, Noblet says. ‘My name is _____ and recently I spoke to your Communications Coordinator, _____, who informed me about the opening in your human resources department. She recommended I contact you about the position because of my strong interest in HR.’ However, Lambart adds: “Be wary of name dropping if it’s possible that the person won’t remember you.”  
• Show you’re informed . Employers are impressed if you’ve taken the time to research the company, Noblet says. ‘Your company has recently been featured in the Sydney Morning Herald and the AFR because of your partnership with not-for-profit [Company A]. The articles have inspired me to seek employment with your company and I would like to apply for the position of Receptionist.’
• Show your enthusiasm . Employers love to see potential employees who are excited about the company and are genuinely interested in what the company does. “If you’re applying for a graduate program, try to avoid being generic. Explain why this organisation stands out from their competitors,” Lambart says. ‘I was excited to find an opening in IT with [Company X] because of your work with data analytics. I have been watching for openings at your organisation for a while now. I’m an ideal candidate for this position because it combines my experience with IT and data analytics.’

More cover letter tips to keep in mind

Lambart also has a couple of other pieces of advice to consider when crafting your cover letter opener:

• Mention leaders in the organisation you admire . “You might highlight that you recently listened to a podcast where the CEO was interviewed which really inspired you,” Lambart says.
• Match the language used in the job ad and on the company website , Lambart says. For example, if the company refers to “client service” on their website, use that term in your letter, rather than “customer service”.
• Even if a job ad doesn’t ask for a letter, write one anyway , Lambart says. “It shows that you’re serious about the job and not just sending out resumes all over town. It’s also a great way to clearly demonstrate that you meet the criteria for the role, have done your research on the organisation and have a genuine interest in both the role and the company.”

When there’s strong competition for a role, your letter can set you apart from other candidates and help you land an interview. Using the opening lines of your cover letter to showcase your genuine interest in the role, your knowledge of the industry and your soft skills will tell employers why you’re a great fit for the role, right from the start.

Source: Independent research conducted by Nature of behalf of SEEK, interviewing 4000 Kiwis annually. Published November 2021.

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