Real Examples of Good and Bad Cover Letters for Australian Employers

I sent the same cover letter to 23 different jobs before someone finally told me it was garbage. Not politely, either. A recruitment agency replied saying “your cover letter sounds like a template and tells us nothing about why you want this specific role.” I was furious at first, then I reread what I’d been sending.

They were right. My cover letter started with “I am writing to express my strong interest in the position.” It had paragraphs about my “excellent communication skills” and “ability to work in a team.” It could have been for any job, anywhere, written by anyone. No wonder I wasn’t getting callbacks.

Three years later, I’ve landed a frontend developer internship, worked multiple casual jobs, and helped dozens of mates rewrite their cover letters. I’ve seen real examples of good and bad cover letters for Australian employers from both sides now. The difference isn’t about fancy writing or perfect grammar. It’s about sounding like a real person who actually wants the specific job you’re applying for.

So here are actual cover letters (names changed, details adjusted) showing exactly what works and what doesn’t in Australia.

Why Most Cover Letters Are Terrible

Let me show you the cover letter I sent to those first 23 jobs. This is genuinely what I wrote, word for word:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [position name] position at [company name]. With my educational background and strong work ethic, I believe I would be an excellent fit for your team.

I recently completed my Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology. Throughout my academic career, I have developed excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. I am a quick learner who adapts well to new environments and challenges.

I possess strong communication skills and work well both independently and as part of a team. I am detail-oriented, reliable, and committed to delivering high-quality results. I am eager to contribute to your organisation and believe my skills align well with the requirements of this position.

I am available for an interview at your convenience and look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[My name]

Awful, right? But this is exactly what thousands of international students are sending right now. It’s generic, boring, and says absolutely nothing about why I wanted that specific job or what I could actually do for them.

Every sentence could apply to any position. The whole thing reads like I filled in a template without thinking. And honestly, that’s exactly what I did.

The Fundamental Problem With Bad Cover Letters

Bad cover letters make three fatal mistakes. First, they’re about you instead of the employer. Second, they use generic phrases that mean nothing. Third, they could be sent to any job with just the company name changed.

Australian employers can spot these instantly. They’re reading 50+ applications for every position. If your cover letter looks like everyone else’s, you’re immediately filtered out.

The good news is most applicants send terrible cover letters. Write a decent one that actually addresses the specific job, and you’re already in the top 20%. I’m not exaggerating. The bar is that low.

I learned this the hard way through trial and error. But you can skip that pain by seeing real examples of good and bad cover letters for Australian employers and understanding exactly what makes the difference.

Example 1: Casual Retail Position (Bad vs Good)

Let me show you two cover letters for the same casual retail job at a homewares store. First, the bad version that gets ignored.

Bad Version (Generic and Weak)

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am very interested in the casual sales assistant position advertised on Seek. I am currently a student looking for part-time work and I believe I would be a good fit for this role.

I have good customer service skills and I am friendly and approachable. I am available to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings. I am a fast learner and I work well under pressure.

I am hardworking and reliable. I believe I would be an asset to your team. I have attached my resume for your consideration.

Thank you for your time.

[Name]

What’s wrong here? It’s not that it’s badly written. It’s that it says nothing specific. “Good customer service skills” proves nothing. “Fast learner” is what everyone claims. There’s no connection to the actual store or role. This person probably sent the same letter to 30 different retailers.

Now here’s a better version for the same job:

Good Version (Specific and Personal)

Hi [Hiring Manager Name],

I’m writing about the casual sales assistant position at [Store Name] in Chadstone. I actually shop there fairly regularly for my apartment (bought my coffee table and lamp from you last month), and I’ve always been impressed by how helpful the staff are with suggesting products and managing the weekend crowds.

I’m currently in my second year of a Master’s at UniMelb, and I’m looking for casual weekend work that fits around my classes. I’ve worked in customer-facing roles before, including six months at a café in Footscray where I regularly handled 40+ customers during morning rushes while keeping track of orders and managing the till.

What appeals to me about retail over hospitality is the longer customer interactions. I genuinely enjoy helping people figure out what they actually need rather than just processing quick transactions. I’m particularly good at listening to what someone’s looking for and asking questions to narrow down options, which seems important for homewares where customers often aren’t sure exactly what they want.

I’m available every Saturday and Sunday, plus Thursday evenings. I can start immediately and I’m happy to work through the Christmas period when I know you’ll be busiest.

I’ve attached my resume with more details. Would love to chat about the role if you think I might be a good fit.

Cheers,
[Name]

See the difference? The second version sounds like a real person. It mentions shopping at the actual store. It explains why this job specifically appeals to them. It gives a concrete example of customer service experience with numbers. It addresses availability clearly. It sounds conversational and genuine.

This is the kind of cover letter that gets you an interview for casual retail work. I’ve written a detailed guide on how to write cover letters for casual jobs if you want more examples like this.

Example 2: Warehouse/Factory Position (Bad vs Good)

Warehouse jobs don’t require fancy cover letters, but they do require showing you understand the physical demands and shift work. Here’s what doesn’t work:

Bad Version (Too Formal and Vague)

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to apply for the warehouse operative position advertised on Gumtree. I am a motivated individual seeking employment in a dynamic work environment.

I have completed my degree in Engineering and I possess strong organisational and time management skills. I am physically fit and able to perform manual labour. I am seeking an opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities and work ethic.

I am available to commence employment immediately and I am flexible with regard to shift timings. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this position further.

Yours faithfully,
[Name]

This reads like the person has never actually worked in a warehouse. “Dynamic work environment” is corporate speak. “Demonstrate my capabilities” sounds pretentious for a role that’s about moving boxes efficiently. The engineering degree mention is weird unless you explain why you’re applying for warehouse work.

Here’s a better approach:

Good Version (Practical and Direct)

Hi [Name],

I’m applying for the warehouse pick/pack position you advertised on Gumtree. I’m a graduate student at Melbourne Uni and I’m looking for full-time work during my mid-year break (June through August), plus potential part-time hours once semester starts again.

I’ve done physical work before, including three months at a factory in Dandenong where I was packing products for 8-hour shifts and consistently meeting the 150 units per hour target. I’m comfortable standing all day, lifting boxes up to 20kg, and working at a steady pace without needing constant supervision.

I saw your ad mentions early morning starts (5am). That’s actually ideal for me because I prefer getting work done early and having the afternoon free. I’m available Monday to Saturday and I have my own transport, so getting to Campbellfield for early shifts isn’t a problem.

I’m reliable, I show up on time, and I don’t mind repetitive work. I understand warehouse jobs are about consistency and accuracy rather than being exciting, and that suits me fine.

Happy to come in for a trial shift whenever works for you. You can reach me on [number] or [email].

Thanks,
[Name]

This version shows the person understands warehouse work. It mentions specific experience with targets and physical demands. It addresses the early start time positively instead of ignoring it. It sounds practical and no-nonsense, which is exactly what warehouse managers want.

For more on warehouse applications, check my sample resume for warehouse jobs which includes more cover letter examples.

Example 3: Entry-Level Professional Role (Bad vs Good)

This is where international students struggle most. You want to sound professional without being stiff. You want to show enthusiasm without seeming desperate. Here’s what doesn’t work:

Bad Version (Overly Formal and Generic)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for the Junior Developer position at your esteemed organisation. As a recent graduate with a Master’s degree in Information Technology (Artificial Intelligence), I am confident that I possess the requisite skills and qualifications for this role.

During my academic tenure, I have gained comprehensive knowledge in various programming languages including Python, JavaScript, and Java. I have successfully completed multiple projects demonstrating my technical proficiency and problem-solving capabilities. Furthermore, I have developed strong analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively in team-oriented environments.

I am particularly drawn to your organisation due to its innovative approach and commitment to excellence in the technology sector. I am eager to contribute to your team and believe my technical skills and dedication would make me a valuable asset to your organisation.

I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to your organisation’s success. Thank you for your consideration.

Yours sincerely,
[Name]

This is painful to read. “Esteemed organisation.” “Academic tenure.” “Requisite skills.” Nobody talks like this in real life, and Australian employers hate corporate jargon. It’s also completely generic. You could send this to any tech company and it would say nothing.

Here’s a better version for the same role:

Good Version (Professional but Genuine)

Hi [Hiring Manager Name],

I’m applying for the Junior Developer position I saw posted on LinkedIn. I’m finishing up my Master’s in IT (Artificial Intelligence) at UniMelb and I’m specifically looking for frontend roles where I can work with React and modern JavaScript.

I’ve been following [Company Name] for a while, actually. I read your engineering blog post about migrating to Next.js and dealing with hydration issues, which was super relevant because I’m currently leading a similar migration at Kulaa (a food discovery startup where I intern). We’re moving from React+Vite to Next.js specifically for better SEO, and I’ve been coordinating with the backend team on API integration and implementing schema markup.

My strongest skills are in React, Next.js, and frontend performance optimisation. I’m comfortable with TypeScript, Git workflows, and I’ve worked with REST APIs and GraphQL in production. I’m not at senior level obviously, but I can build solid, maintainable components and I’m good at debugging why things break.

What appeals to me about this role is the focus on user-facing features rather than pure infrastructure. I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of frontend work, figuring out how to make interfaces intuitive while keeping the code clean. The tech stack you’ve listed (React, TypeScript, Styled Components) matches what I’ve been using and want to keep developing.

I’m on a student visa with full work rights until my graduation in December, after which I’ll apply for the graduate visa. I know visa status matters for permanent roles, so wanted to be upfront about that.

I’ve attached my portfolio (shoumyasaha.dev) along with my resume. The migration project at Kulaa and the temperature conversion site I built (ctoftemp.com) probably show my work best.

Would love to chat about the role if my experience seems like a decent match.

Cheers,
Shoumya

This version works because it shows specific technical knowledge, demonstrates the person has actually researched the company (mentioned their blog), gives concrete examples of relevant work, addresses the visa situation proactively, and sounds like a real person instead of a corporate robot.

Notice it’s longer than the bad version. That’s fine for professional roles. Australian employers want to see you’ve actually thought about why you’re applying. I’ve got more detailed guidance in my IT resume and cover letter guide.

Example 4: Hospitality Role (Bad vs Good)

Hospitality jobs need cover letters that show you understand the pace, the people skills required, and the reality of weekend/evening work. Here’s what doesn’t work:

Bad Version (Too Generic)

Hello,

I would like to apply for the waitstaff position at your restaurant. I am a friendly person with good communication skills and I enjoy working with people.

I am looking for casual work that can fit around my studies. I am available on weekends and evenings. I learn quickly and I am willing to work hard.

Please consider me for this role. Thank you.

[Name]

Boring. Says nothing about understanding restaurant work or why this specific place. Every hospitality applicant claims to be “friendly” and a “quick learner.” Prove it instead.

Better version:

Good Version (Specific and Service-Focused)

Hi [Manager Name],

I’m interested in the waitstaff position at [Restaurant Name] in Fitzroy. I was in last month with friends and I was really impressed by how your staff handled the dinner rush. The place was packed but the service never felt rushed or stressed, which is rare.

I worked at a busy café in Footscray for six months before that job ended (they reduced staff hours when business slowed). During peak times I was regularly serving 30-40 customers while managing the till and keeping tables cleared. I got comfortable juggling multiple tasks at once and staying calm when things got hectic.

What I enjoyed most about café work was the regular customers and the quick interactions, but I’m interested in moving to restaurant work because I want to develop more detailed product knowledge. I love food (I cook at home constantly because I’m too cheap to eat out much), and the idea of actually being able to recommend dishes and answer questions properly appeals to me.

I’m available Friday evenings, all day Saturday and Sunday, and Thursday evenings. I know restaurants need weekend reliability, so I wanted to be clear that I’m committed to those shifts long-term, not just until something better comes along.

I’ve done my RSA (attached the certificate) and I’m comfortable with cash handling, EFTPOS, and split bills. I pick up new systems quickly.

Would love to come in for a trial shift if you’re still looking for people.

Thanks,
[Name]

This version mentions visiting the actual restaurant. It gives specific hospitality experience with real numbers. It shows understanding of what restaurant work involves (product knowledge, weekend reliability). It addresses the practical requirements like RSA. It sounds genuine.

I’ve got more examples for different hospitality roles in my guide on hospitality interview questions, including what to say about your availability and experience.

The Patterns That Separate Good From Bad

Looking at these examples, the patterns are obvious. Good cover letters are specific, conversational, show research, give examples, and address practical details. Bad cover letters are generic, formal, could apply to anyone, use meaningless phrases, and ignore what makes this job different.

Here’s the checklist I use now for every cover letter:

Good signs:

• Mentions something specific about the company or role
• Gives concrete examples with numbers or details
• Sounds like how you actually talk
• Addresses availability, visa status, or other practical matters upfront
• Shows you understand what the job actually involves
• Makes a connection between your experience and their needs

Bad signs:

• Could be sent to any employer with just the name changed
• Full of phrases like “excellent communication skills” or “strong work ethic” without examples
• Overly formal language (“I am writing to express my interest”)
• Focuses only on what you want, not what you offer
• Longer than one page for casual jobs
• Sounds like you copied a template

The easiest test is asking yourself: “Could I send this exact letter to three different companies just by changing the name?” If yes, it’s probably too generic. Rewrite it.

Opening Lines: What Works vs What Doesn’t

The first sentence determines whether recruiters keep reading. Most students waste it on formalities. Here are real opening lines I’ve seen, good and bad:

Bad Opening Lines

• “I am writing to apply for the position of…” (boring, formal, everyone says this)
• “I am very excited to submit my application…” (sounds fake, proves nothing)
• “Please accept this letter as my formal application…” (too stiff)
• “To Whom It May Concern” (impersonal, shows you didn’t research)
• “My name is [X] and I am a student at…” (wastes the first line on obvious information)

Good Opening Lines

• “I’m applying for the frontend developer role I saw on LinkedIn.” (direct, clear)
• “I was in your café last week and noticed you’re hiring baristas.” (shows you’ve actually been there)
• “I’m looking for casual retail work that fits around my Master’s timetable, and the hours listed for this role are perfect.” (immediately addresses fit)
• “Your job ad mentioned you need someone available early mornings. That’s actually ideal for me because…” (hooks into their specific need)
• “I’ve been following [Company]’s work in [area] since I started my degree, so I was excited to see you’re hiring.” (shows genuine interest)

Notice the good ones get straight to the point, sound natural, and often include something specific about the job or company. Don’t waste your opening on formalities. Hook them immediately.

Middle Sections: Proving You Can Do the Job

The middle of your cover letter should give 2-3 specific examples of relevant experience or skills. Not claims, examples. Here’s how to structure each paragraph:

Paragraph structure that works:

• Topic sentence stating the skill or experience
• Specific example with numbers or details
• Connection to what they need

Example:

“I’m comfortable with high-volume customer service. During my six months at [Café], I regularly served 40+ customers during weekend breakfast rushes while managing the till and remembering regular orders. I got good at staying calm under pressure and keeping service quick without making people feel rushed, which seems relevant for your busy lunch periods.”

That’s one solid paragraph. You don’t need five paragraphs. Two or three like this are enough.

What to Actually Write About

For casual jobs:

• Specific experience handling customers, dealing with complaints, or managing peak times
• Physical capabilities if relevant (comfortable standing, lifting, repetitive work)
• Availability and reliability (weekend shifts, early mornings, Christmas period)
• Any relevant certificates (RSA, First Aid, food handling)

For professional roles:

• Technical skills demonstrated in real projects (not just “I know Python”)
• Relevant coursework or dissertation work if you lack professional experience
• Specific interests within the field that connect to what they do
• Portfolio links or GitHub repos showing your actual work

For warehouse/factory jobs:

• Previous physical work experience with productivity metrics
• Comfort with shift work and repetitive tasks
• Reliability and showing up on time (they care about this a lot)
• Your own transport if relevant

Don’t write about generic “transferable skills” unless you can prove them with specific examples. I’ve covered this more in my guide on talking about overseas experience in Australian applications.

Closing Lines: Actually Making an Ask

Most cover letters end with weak closings like “Thank you for your consideration” or “I look forward to hearing from you.” These are fine, but they’re passive. Better to make a clearer ask.

Weak Closings

• “Thank you for your time and consideration.” (polite but passive)
• “I hope to hear from you soon.” (vague, no action)
• “I remain at your disposal for any questions.” (overly formal)
• “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this further.” (everyone says this)

Stronger Closings

• “Would love to chat about the role if my experience seems like a decent match.” (conversational, makes a soft ask)
• “Happy to come in for a trial shift whenever works for you.” (specific action, shows willingness)
• “Let me know if you’d like to see any other examples of my work or have questions about my availability.” (helpful, direct)
• “I can start immediately and I’m available for an interview any time this week.” (removes barriers)

The best closings make it easy for them to take the next step. Be available, be flexible, be clear about how to reach you. Include your phone number and email even if it’s on your resume.

How Long Should Cover Letters Actually Be?

For casual jobs (retail, hospitality, warehouse): Half a page maximum. Three to four short paragraphs. Australian employers hiring for casual roles don’t want to read essays. Make your points quickly and get out.

For professional roles (graduate positions, internships, office jobs): Three-quarters to one full page is fine. You can go into more detail about your technical skills, relevant projects, and why you’re interested in this specific company. But still aim for concise. If you’re going onto a second page, you’re writing too much.

I’ve never sent a cover letter longer than one page. Neither should you. If you can’t explain why you’re a good fit in 400 words or less, you probably don’t understand the role well enough.

More guidance on length and formatting in my Australian-style resume guide which covers both resumes and cover letters.

Special Cases: Addressing Visa Status, Gaps, or Career Changes

International students often wonder whether to mention visa status, employment gaps, or the fact that they’re changing careers. Generally, yes. Address potential concerns upfront so employers don’t have to wonder.

Visa Status

If you’re on a student visa, mention your work rights clearly:

“I’m currently on a student visa with full work rights (up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester, unlimited during breaks). I’m available until December 2026, after which I’ll be applying for the graduate visa.”

If you have permanent residency or citizenship, you can mention it if it’s advantageous:

“I have Australian permanent residency with no work restrictions.”

Don’t make a big deal of it. Just state the facts clearly so employers know what they’re working with.

Employment Gaps

If you have a gap in your work history, address it briefly:

“I took six months off work in 2024 to prepare for my Australian move, complete visa applications, and improve my English proficiency before starting my Master’s.”

Keep it positive and factual. Don’t apologise or make excuses. Just explain and move on.

Career Changes

If you’re applying for jobs outside your degree field, explain why:

“I studied electrical engineering in Bangladesh, but I’ve been doing web development and SEO work since 2018 through my own projects. That’s the direction I want to continue professionally, which is why I’m now doing a Master’s in IT (AI) at Melbourne Uni.”

Make the connection logical. Show it’s a deliberate choice, not desperation.

The Formatting Basics That Matter

Format your cover letter like a normal letter or email, not a resume. Here’s the standard layout:

Your contact details (top right or header)
[Name]
[Email]
[Phone]
[Optional: LinkedIn or portfolio]

Date (top left, below your contact info)

Employer’s details (if you know them)
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Optional: Address]

Greeting
Hi [Name], (if you know it) or Hi [Team Name], (if you don’t)

Body (3-4 paragraphs)

Closing
Cheers, or Thanks, or Kind regards,
[Your name]

Keep it simple. Use a standard font (Calibri, Arial, or similar). 11 or 12-point size. Normal margins. Save as PDF before sending.

Don’t get fancy with graphics or colours unless you’re applying for creative roles where that’s expected. For most jobs, clean and simple beats creative.

Common Questions About Cover Letter Content

Should I repeat everything that’s on my resume?
No. Your cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Use the cover letter to explain context, show personality, or highlight one or two key experiences in more detail. Think of your resume as the facts and your cover letter as the story behind them.

Do I need to address specific selection criteria?
For government jobs or formal applications that list criteria, yes. Address each one briefly. For casual or private sector jobs, no. Just show you meet the requirements naturally through your examples.

Should I mention salary expectations?
Only if the job ad specifically asks. Otherwise, leave it for the interview. For casual jobs, you get paid the award rate anyway, so there’s nothing to negotiate.

Can I use the same cover letter for similar jobs?
You can use the same structure and some of the same paragraphs, but always customise the opening and at least one body paragraph to the specific company. Change enough that it doesn’t feel like a generic template. I reuse about 60% of my content and rewrite 40% for each application.

Mistakes That Kill Your Chances

Let me save you from the mistakes I’ve seen repeatedly (and made myself):

Spelling the company name wrong. I’ve seen this dozens of times. Spell check won’t catch it if “Woolworth’s” is spelled “Woolworths” (it’s Woolworths without the apostrophe, by the way). Double-check every proper noun.

Forgetting to change the company name from a previous application. Copying and pasting is fine, but actually change the details. Sending a cover letter that says you’re excited to work at Company A when you’re applying to Company B is instantly rejected.

Making it all about what you want instead of what you offer. “This job would give me great experience” or “I’m looking for an opportunity to develop my skills” focuses on your needs. Flip it. What can you do for them?

Lying or exaggerating. Don’t claim experience you don’t have. Don’t say you’re “fluent” in a technology you’ve only used once. Australian employers will check, and lying gets you fired even if you get hired initially.

Sending cover letters full of typos or grammar errors. One or two small mistakes probably won’t kill you. But multiple obvious errors look careless. Get someone to proofread before sending, especially if English isn’t your first language.

More on avoiding mistakes in my post about common resume mistakes which applies to cover letters too.

When You Actually Don’t Need a Cover Letter

Some job applications explicitly say “no cover letter required.” In those cases, don’t send one. Follow instructions.

For very casual jobs advertised on Facebook groups or Gumtree, sometimes a short message is more appropriate than a formal cover letter:

“Hi, I’m interested in the kitchen hand position you advertised. I’m available evenings and weekends, I’ve worked in a busy café before, and I can start immediately. Happy to come in for a trial shift. Attached my resume. Thanks, [Name]”

That’s enough. Don’t overthink it.

For jobs where you’re walking in with a printed resume (some retail stores still prefer this), you don’t need a cover letter. Just introduce yourself politely and hand over your resume.

But for anything advertised online with an email application process, include a cover letter unless they specifically say not to. It shows you’ve put in effort and helps differentiate you from the 50 other applicants.

The Reality Check on Cover Letters

Here’s the truth: most casual employers barely read cover letters. They skim your resume, check your availability, and decide whether to interview you based on that. So why bother writing good cover letters?

Because the ones who do read them use them to filter out candidates. A bad cover letter can eliminate you. A decent cover letter won’t guarantee you the job, but it prevents you from being filtered out for the wrong reasons.

For professional roles, cover letters matter more. Hiring managers often read them carefully to get a sense of your communication skills, your genuine interest in the role, and whether you’ve actually thought about why you’re applying. A strong cover letter can get you an interview even if your resume is slightly weaker than other candidates.

So don’t stress about making your cover letter perfect. But do make it specific, genuine, and relevant to the actual job you’re applying for. That’s better than 80% of what employers receive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my cover letter be for casual retail jobs in Australia?

Keep it to half a page or three to four short paragraphs maximum. Australian employers hiring for casual roles want to see you understand the job and are available for the hours they need. Don’t write essays. I’ve gotten plenty of retail callbacks with cover letters that were only 200 words.

Should I address my cover letter to the hiring manager by name?

If you can find their name easily (it’s in the job ad or on LinkedIn), use it. But don’t stress if you can’t find it. “Hi [Company Name] Team” or “Hi there” works fine for casual jobs. For professional roles, make more effort to find the hiring manager’s name since it shows you’ve researched.

Can I reuse the same cover letter for multiple similar jobs?

You can reuse the structure and some content, but always customise the opening and at least one paragraph to reference the specific company or role. I typically keep 50-60% of my cover letter the same and rewrite 40% for each application. Never send the exact same letter to multiple jobs without any changes.

Do Australian employers prefer formal or casual language in cover letters?

Australian workplace culture is generally less formal than places like the UK or traditional Asian workplaces. For casual jobs, conversational language is fine. For professional roles, aim for professional but not stiff. Avoid corporate jargon and overly formal phrases like “To Whom It May Concern” or “I am writing to express my interest.” Just sound like a normal person.

Should I mention my student visa status in my cover letter?

Yes, for professional or ongoing roles where visa status affects employment. Be upfront about your work rights and how long you’re available. For casual jobs that only need you for a few months anyway, it’s less important, but I still recommend mentioning it briefly to avoid surprises later. Something like “I’m on a student visa with full work rights” is enough.

What if I don’t have any relevant experience for the job I’m applying to?

Focus on transferable skills and show you understand what the job involves. If you’re applying for your first hospitality job, talk about customer service in other contexts (helping customers at a shop back home, explaining complex topics to classmates, dealing with difficult situations calmly). Show willingness to learn and explain why you’re interested in this type of work specifically.

Is it okay to use contractions like “I’m” and “I’ve” in cover letters?

Yes, absolutely. Australian employers prefer natural, conversational language. Using contractions makes your cover letter sound more genuine and less robotic. The exception might be very formal industries like law or finance, but even there, being readable matters more than being stiff.

Final Thoughts

The difference between good and bad cover letters for Australian employers isn’t about fancy writing or perfect grammar. It’s about sounding genuine, being specific, and showing you actually want this particular job instead of just any job.

Bad cover letters are generic templates that could apply anywhere. Good cover letters mention the actual company, give concrete examples of relevant experience, and sound like a real person wrote them. That’s it.

I spent months sending terrible cover letters before I figured this out. You don’t have to make the same mistakes. Just look at the examples in this article, adapt the structure to your situation, and customise each one to the job you’re applying for. You’ll get more interviews. I promise.

If you’re still working on your application materials, check out my guides on writing an Australian-style resume and using power verbs effectively. And if you need help preparing for interviews once you get them, I’ve written about common retail interview questions and how to answer “tell me about yourself”.

The real examples of good and bad cover letters for Australian employers in this article show you exactly what works. Now write yours properly, customise it for each job, and stop sending generic templates that get ignored. You’ll be fine.