Australian cover letter format, with an example

The layout, top to bottom

The University of Sydney suggests using "Dear Sir or Madam" only if you cannot find the hiring manager's name. Many applicants now use "Dear Hiring Manager" for the same situation.

What each paragraph should do

The Queensland Government lists what a cover letter should achieve: introduce you, identify the position, convey enthusiasm, highlight the qualities that make you a strong candidate, and make the reader want to continue. Map those to paragraphs:

1. Opening: name the role and where you saw it. Give one sentence on why it interests you.
2. Evidence: choose the requirement the employer emphasises most and show one example of you doing it, with a result.
3. Second example or fit: cover a second requirement, or explain specifically why this organisation.
4. Close: thank them and say you would welcome the chance to discuss the role.

A worked example

Tom Becker is a fictional customer service officer applying for a team leader role at a utility company. The ad emphasises coaching staff and handling escalated complaints.

Dear Ms Nguyen,

I am applying for the Customer Service Team Leader role advertised on your careers page. I have spent three years handling escalated complaints for Example Energy, and I would like to bring that experience to a role where I can also coach a team.

In my current role I resolve about 15 escalated complaints a week, many involving billing errors that need input from other departments. Last year I wrote a short guide to our five most common escalation types, which my manager now uses when onboarding new staff. Our team's repeat complaint rate fell over the following two quarters.

I am interested in Example Water because of its plan to move more support into digital channels. My experience writing clear guidance for complex issues would help the team keep answers consistent across phone and chat.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the role.

Kind regards,

Tom Becker

That letter is around 180 words. Our guide to tailoring a cover letter to a job description shows how to choose the examples.

Formatting the file

• One A4 page, with the same font and heading style as your resume.
• Save it as a separate file unless the form asks you to paste it in.
• Name the file clearly, for example "Tom-Becker-Cover-Letter-Team-Leader.pdf".
• If you send your application by email, keep the email short and attach the letter, unless the ad says to put the letter in the email body.

Questions about Australian cover letters

Do I need a cover letter if it says "optional"?

A short, specific letter usually helps, especially when you are changing careers, relocating or have experience that needs context. A generic letter adds little.

Can a cover letter be two pages?

One page is the norm for most applications. If the employer asks you to address selection criteria, write those as a separate document unless told otherwise. See how to address selection criteria.

Should I mention salary or visa status?

Leave salary out unless the ad asks for it. Work rights belong on your resume; you can repeat them in one line in the letter if they are likely to be a question, such as when you are relocating.

Should the letter repeat my resume?

No. The Queensland Government notes that cover letters are not a summary of your resume. Use the letter to explain why your strongest evidence matters for this job.

Can I use AI to draft it?

Yes, as a starting point, if you edit it so every claim is true and specific. OfferUnderway's cover letter generator drafts from your saved experience and the job ad, and you review every change.