First job Cover Letter Example

Formatting your first job cover letter

cvapp.nz was built to help you revolutionise your job-search. Whether you're looking for your next job or your first job – we've got you covered. 

To create a great cover letter, you’ll need the following components:

• Header
• Greeting
• Introduction
• Body Paragraphs
• Conclusion

Our comprehensive cover letter guide was designed especially for first-time job seekers: By following the guide's top tips and advice, we can help you land your next job role. Exciting, we know! We’ve even got some cover letter examples for users to check out and get inspired. 

Let's get started!

Cover letter Header

Your header is typically the first visual element that employers notice: so it's important that your header is clean, appropriate and visually appealing. Headers contain your important contact information so that employers can reach out to you, including your full name, phone number, email address, and links to any professional websites. It’s important that your contact information is accurate and up-to-date—nobody wants to miss out on a job opportunity because of a pesky typo! 

Since formatting can be frustrating, we take the hassle out of finding the right header. With a great selection of career tools and templates, we'll help you find the right template for you. Overall, headers can significantly impact your chances of getting noticed and considered for job opportunities, so it’s important to choose an appropriate header that reflects your professional persona. Check out our Cover Letter library to find the right one for you! 

Cover letter greeting

A good greeting goes a long way, and your greeting can play an important role in establishing a connection with potential employers. Your greeting should be addressed to your potential employer or the specific person mentioned in the job posting, and it’s always a good idea to use the recipient's first and last name when known, since this can make the cover letter feel more personal. Starting off on the right foot with a great greeting can enhance your chances of making a positive impression and standing out among other applicants. We recommend using a greeting such as “Dear Mr. Kanawa” or “Dear Miss. Ellis.” 

Cover letter introduction

Your introduction is your opportunity to make a strong first impression on employers and grab the reader’s attention – so it’s important to invest adequate time in researching the company and thoroughly reading over the job description. This will help you figure out exactly  what employers are looking for. Try to find keywords in the job description and check out the company’s website or social media for clues on what’s important to your potential employers—this will help you decide what to include in your introduction. For example, if you’re a coder looking to apply for a role as a junior programmer, and the job description mentions that they’re looking for someone who is proficient in coding languages, don’t be afraid to flex your fluency in Fortran! 

Overall, a well-crafted introduction should be concise and engaging, and it should briefly highlight your motivations, any relevant qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Strong introductions can help differentiate you from other candidates and encourage employers to continue reading your cover letter. Check out an exceptional introduction example below:

Cover letter body paragraphs

Body paragraphs are the most important part of your cover letter: this is where you can show-off any existing professional skills, experiences, and qualifications you may have. While the introduction captures employers' attention, body paragraphs dive into the details. This is the section where you can expand and elaborate on why you're a strong candidate for the job role. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect, for example, one paragraph can focus on your educational background and another paragraph can focus on specific achievements. You should have 3-4 body paragraphs, each outlining why you're a great candidate for the role. Since you're just starting your career, don't stress too much about providing details about previous  professional experiences: when applying for entry-level roles, many employers understand that you're just starting out and won’t have a ton of experience. Instead, try to focus on any skills, volunteering experiences or extracurricular activities you've had that can help you stand out as an applicant.

Cover letter conclusion

The end of your cover letter is your final opportunity to leave a positive and memorable impression on the reader. You'll want to wrap up your main points and reiterate your interest and enthusiasm for the position you are applying for. Your conclusion is also a great way to express gratitude for employers considering your application. 

To close your cover letter effectively, it’s a great idea to include a call-to-action statement. Call-to-action statements are like prompts that encourage employers to reach out. For example: “I am really excited to learn more about Company Example. I’d love to discuss this opportunity further. Do you have any availability next week?” 

You can end your cover letter with a warm and personable sign-off, such as “yours sincerely,” “kind regards” or “best wishes.” Happy job-hunting!