Crafting an eye-catching cover letter in 2025 means blending the latest trends with expert strategies to ensure your application shines. Think of your cover letter as the engaging narrative accompanying your CV, where you can express your enthusiasm for the role and showcase why your unique blend of skills and experiences makes you the perfect fit.
Essential elements of a cover letter layout
Strong cover letter formatting is critical for creating a positive first impression and conveying professionalism. It involves several essential elements, each serving a specific purpose in presenting your qualifications effectively.
No work experience? No worries! We’ll help you highlight transferable skills and build an effective cover letter no matter your work history.
To craft an engaging cover letter and start impressing employers, be sure to include the following elements:
Step #1: Cover letter header
When you begin to write your cover letter, start with the cover letter header, which includes your contact information, such as your name, phone number, email, and potentially your LinkedIn profile.
Beneath that, include the recipient’s details—ideally the hiring manager's name and company address— to ensure proper communication.
For example:
Herewini Rowe
Marketing Intern
12 Kahikatea Way, Auckland 0600
hrowe@xtra.co.nz
+64 200 939990
11 September 2023
Kia ora Mrs. Keaton,
Forget boring intern: I'm Herewini Rowe, and I'm here to shake things up! I'm ready to bring a fresh perspective, a passion for storytelling, and a whole lot of hustle to the Growth Foundry team. Armed with a conjoint Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing from the University of Auckland. I've got a knack for spotting trends, a love of all things social media, and a drive to make things happen. Whether it's building a following or creating authentic content, I'm the guy who's always got his finger on the pulse. I constantly keep up to date with the latest social media craze and shifts in consumer behaviour.
Step #2: Greeting
Begin your letter with a greeting directly addressing the hiring manager. If possible, research to find the actual name of the person handling the applications; a greeting like "Dear Mr. Smith" is both respectful and personalised, demonstrating your interest in the role.
You can also use greetings in Te Reo Māori, just like the following example from our scholarship cover letter example:
Kia ora Mrs. Allen,
My name is Joshua Kepa, Dux of Palmerston North Boys' High School's Class of 2022, and I am writing to express my keen interest in the Pei Te Hurunui Jones Scholarship at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). I aspire to channel my academic excellence and passion for promoting positive community health outcomes into a career in Physiotherapy, and I believe AUT provides the ideal environment for me to achieve this goal.
Step #3: Introduction
The opening paragraph should briefly introduce yourself and explain your interest in the role. It is vital to establish a connection between your skills and the needs of the company early on. Check out this example from our lawyer cover letter example:
I have over a decade of experience dealing with complicated family law cases. I completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at Victoria University of Wellington in 2004 and was admitted to the roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand in 2008. Additionally, I also received my Certificate of Completion from the New Zealand Council of Legal Education in 2009.
Step 4#: Body paragraphs
In the second paragraph, focus on your professional background. Highlight one or two experiences or achievements that are particularly relevant to the job description. If you have limited work experience, discuss any relevant soft or hard skills you could bring to the role.
Use specific, concrete examples to demonstrate your qualifications and add an authentic touch by aligning them with the company’s values and culture. Need some more inspiration? Check out this example from our travel agent cover letter example:
Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a passion for exceeding client expectations. Whether it's crafting a bespoke itinerary for a family adventure or meticulously planning a corporate retreat, I take pride in creating personalised experiences that leave a lasting impression. My dedication to building strong client relationships is evident in my 95% client satisfaction rating and numerous positive testimonials.
Step #5: Conclusion
Conclude with a strong closing paragraph, reinforcing your enthusiasm for the position and inviting further discussion. Express appreciation for the hiring manager’s consideration and mention your willingness to discuss your application in more detail.
For more help crafting a strong conclusion, check out our executive cover letter example:
I am confident that my leadership skills, strategic thinking, and proven ability to drive results make me an ideal candidate for the Chief Executive Officer position at Expand & Explore. I would love to discuss the details of my tenure with you in more detail and discover how to take Expand & Explore's business potential to the next level.
Yours sincerely,
Jacob Jones
Step #6: Signature
Conclude your cover letter with a friendly sign-off, such as "Ngā mihi nui," and your signature to leave a professional yet personable impression.
By adhering to this structured and culturally aware approach, your cover letter will not only effectively present your credentials but also align them with the employer's needs, enhancing your chances of securing an interview.
Why cover letter formatting matters
Proper cover letter formatting is crucial because it directly affects the first impression you make on potential employers. A well-structured cover letter demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail, qualities highly valued in any candidate.
Structuring your cover letter with clear sections—such as the header, opening, body, and closing—makes it easier for the hiring manager to navigate and quickly grasp the key points you want to convey.
Good formatting also ensures that your key strengths and unique qualifications are highlighted effectively, increasing the chances of engaging the reader's interest. Ultimately, the impact of strong cover letter formatting can be the difference between moving forward in the hiring process and being overlooked.
Cover letter formatting examples
Still looking for more solid cover letter examples? We’ve got you covered! Check out our standout cover letter examples below:
Common cover letter formatting mistakes
When formatting a cover letter, avoiding common mistakes is essential to ensure a professional appearance:
- A cover letter should ideally be one page long. Lengthy cover letters can overwhelm hiring managers and detract from your core message, while a letter that is too short may fail to showcase your qualifications adequately.
- Using overly decorative fonts or inconsistent font styles can make a cover letter look unprofessional and difficult to read. For a clean appearance, opt for standard, easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Times New Roman in sizes 10 to 12.
- Margins that are too narrow or too wide can affect your cover letter's overall readability and presentation. Stick to standard one-inch margins to maintain a balanced and organised layout.
- Proper spacing between paragraphs and sections is crucial for enhancing readability. Ensure there is sufficient space between sections to prevent the text from appearing cramped and to guide the reader through your letter logically.
- File name: Your cover letter's filename can leave a lasting impression. Use a clear and professional filename, such as “FirstName_LastName_CoverLetter,” to make it easy for hiring managers to identify and retrieve your document.
Tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company. Mention the company’s name and refer to the position, incorporating details from the job description to highlight how your skills and experiences align with their needs.
Use a generic cover letter template that lacks personalisation. Sending the same letter to multiple employers can come across as disingenuous and may not adequately address the specific requirements of each position.
How to create an email cover letter
Creating an email cover letter can be a great way to grab a hiring manager's attention right from their inbox. Start with a compelling subject line like "Eager to Drive Results as Your Next Marketing Manager - Kanewa McDonald." A subject line like this immediately tells them who you are and what you're applying for.
Open with a friendly yet professional greeting, addressing the hiring manager by name if you can find it. Dive right into an engaging introduction that captures your enthusiasm for the role.
When describing your relevant skills and experiences, craft short, impactful paragraphs that highlight how you’re a perfect fit for their team.
End on an enthusiastic note, inviting them to discuss how you can contribute to their company’s success. Include a polished sign-off with your full name and contact information.
By including your cover letter in the body of the email rather than as an attachment, you make it easier for the recipient to engage instantly with your application.
With these tips, you can showcase your skills and make a memorable first impression with an impressive and effective cover letter.
