CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS
COVER LETTERS TIPS
Cover letters should always be sent with CVs (unless you are specifically asked not to send one).
They are another way of showing a prospective employer that you would be great for the job. A
good cover letter motivates the reader to continue on to read your CV.
3 Steps
There are basically 3 steps to cover letter writing:
1. Let the employer know why you are sending them your CV ie what is the job or position
you are interested in, if it has been advertised, where did you see it advertised and did it
have a job number?
If you know to whom you are writing, be sure to use their name.
Employers want to hear from people who are clear about what it is they want to do. If
your letter says you will take any job on offer, the employer will more than likely not be
interested in you.
2. Let the employer know what you are offering them; what are your skills, experiences,
education/training and qualities that match what they are looking for? Include some
evidence of how or where you got your skills and experience – remember that skills
learned whilst studying are as relevant as any skills you may have developed through
work experiences.
3. Let the employer know why you want to work for them in particular and/or why you are
interested in this job. The reality is that most students are not too particular over whom
they work for, they just want a job, but this is not appealing from an employer
perspective. You need to find something about the employer that appeals to you and
mention it in your letter, showing them you have done some research into the company.
Format
When you send your CV and Cover Letter electronically, you may have to cut and paste them into
the one document, otherwise just send as two separate documents.
As with CVs, you will need to make sure you have no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors or
slang – get someone to proof read your cover letter before you send it.
Try not to use more than 1 page and use an easy to read font such as Arial or Calibri.
For more help, visit the MIT CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS at www.manukau.ac.nz
• check your CV and cover letter and help make them more effective • help you identify skills and make career decisions
• discuss ways of accessing the hidden job market
• help you prepare for an upcoming interview
CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS
SAMPLE COVER LETTER
19th April 2016
Paul Walker
Walker & Holmes Accountants
Level 2, BNZ Tower
Auckland, 1069
Dear Mr Walker/To The Appointing Manager
Re: Assistant Accountant Vacancy WH208
As a Bachelor of Accounting graduate currently completing a Diploma in Professional Accountancy at Manukau
Institute of Technology, I am very interested in this position.
Your advertisement says you are seeking a “qualified number-cruncher” and I am trained and have some experience in
working with numbers. I have also gained experience in Accounts Receivable when I worked for TechPark and I worked
as an Accounts Assistant part time for the University of Auckland, Finance department.
In these two roles and with my study I have been able to gain many accounting skills. I am experienced in Book
Keeping, Financial Accounts & Returns, as well as GST, PAYE and FBT Returns. I’m also very familiar with a number of
software packages including MYOB and MYOB Accountant Office. In the workplace and whilst studying, I have
developed excellent team work skills and effective interpersonal communication skills. Whilst at TechPark, I gained
experience liaising with debtors where I had to encourage payment of overdue accounts.
Please find attached my CV which will provide a more detailed profile on the extent of my qualification, work
experience and personality. I hope this will outline the contribution I believe I can offer Walker and Holmes
Accountants. I would make a valuable addition to your team because our philosophies are aligned in that “people
count as much as numbers” and I enjoy helping clients to understand their finances through efficient accounting.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Lucy Zhao
For more help, visit the MIT CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS at www.manukau.ac.nz
• check your CV and cover letter and help make them more effective • help you identify skills and make career decisions
• discuss ways of accessing the hidden job market
• help you prepare for an upcoming interview