How to write a cover letter for an Australian job ad
A good cover letter answers one question: why you for this role. On Seek and LinkedIn, many applications skip the letter — until the employer asks, or your background needs a clear bridge. Keep it short, specific, and aligned with your CV.
Scopedar builds Vdar. When Vdar appears below, we mark that relationship.
When you actually need one
- The ad says “cover letter required” or “address the selection criteria”
- You are pivoting industries or titles and the CV alone looks sideways
- You are emailing a recruiter or hiring manager directly
- You can add one context line that changes how they read your experience
A simple structure that works
- Open with the role + one hook. Name the job and the strongest reason you fit — not “I am writing to apply…”
- Two or three proof points. Match the ad’s must-haves with real outcomes (numbers, ownership, tools).
- Why this employer. One concrete sentence — product, mission, market — not flattery.
- Close clean. Availability, location/work rights if relevant, and a clear ask for a conversation.
Which tools help
- Vdar — letter tied to the same role package as the CV and short message
- Kickresume / Enhancv — fast document drafts
- Cover letter tools ranking
Whatever you use, delete AI filler (“I am passionate about leveraging synergies…”). If you would not say it in an interview, cut it.
FAQ
Do I need a cover letter for every Australian job?
No. Write one when the ad asks for it, when Easy Apply is not enough context, or when your fit needs a short explanation. Skip generic letters that add nothing beyond the CV.
How long should an Australian cover letter be?
Usually half a page to one page — about three to five short paragraphs. Busy hiring managers prefer clarity over length.
Should the cover letter repeat my CV?
No. Use the same role story, but add framing: why this employer, which two or three proof points matter most, and what you want next.
What if the role asks for selection criteria instead?
Public-sector and some corporate ads want responses to selection criteria — that document is not a standard cover letter. Answer each criterion with evidence; keep a short covering note only if requested.