new zealand style cv and cover letter template

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Develop a New Zealand-style CV

Most employers will quickly scan your CV to decide if it is worth reading in more detail. So it needs to make a good impression quickly.

What to include in your CV

New Zealand employers only want to see relevant information on your CV. They do not need a list of every job or course you have ever done.

Employers are most interested in your:

• technical and personal skills
• work experience
• qualifications and education
• community and volunteer experience.

They also like to see some evidence of how you have applied your skills.

It is best to only include relevant details of your skills and experience and to give brief examples of how you have used your skills in the past.

Skills employers are looking for | careers.govt.nz

Previous employers

Local employers may not be familiar with the organisations you have worked for overseas. It helps if you include a short description of organisations you list on your CV, like:

• the number of employees
• the location
• a website link so they can get more information if they need it.

The careers.govt.nz website has tips on how to write a CV for New Zealand employers.

How to write a CV | careers.govt.nz

Make a good impression

It is important to make a good impression of yourself as a potential employee, but not to appear too boastful about your achievements.

Many people make the mistake of writing a CV and using it for every job application. New Zealand employers expect you to adjust your CV to suit each job so that it highlights the skills that are relevant to the job.

People suggested that my CV was not what New Zealand employers would look at. Where I come from we prepare a CV in a different way: we give all our experience right from day one. Here, nobody likes to read a story! Darshan Desai

Cover letters

Most New Zealand employers expect a cover letter with your CV when you apply for a job. A cover letter is a ‘sales pitch’ about why you think you are ideal for the job.

Your cover letter should:

• briefly introduce yourself
• outline your main relevant skills and experience
• make an argument for why you are the right person for the specific job.

Just like your CV, it should focus on details that are relevant to the job you are applying for and it should be brief – no longer than 1 page.

Use a formal and persuasive style when writing a cover letter. It is a good idea to have a generic letter that you can adjust to match the job description you are applying for.

How to write a cover letter | careers.govt.nz

Your qualifications

Remember to bring your qualifications with you to New Zealand. If you are sending them in with an application, send a copy. Keep the originals safe and get copies made and certified. If you are in New Zealand, a Justice of the Peace (JP) can certify them.

Find a JP | Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices' Associations

Helpful resources

The careers.govt.nz website has many resources that can help you to make a New Zealand-style CV and cover letter. There is material to help you:

• understand the parts of a CV
• learn how to put transferable skills on your CV
• learn how to write a cover letter
• fill in job application forms.

CV and cover letter templates | careers.govt.nz

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New Zealand Resume Formats, Templates, and Writing Tips

Applying for a job in New Zealand? This New Zealand resume guide has some tips, FAQs, and templates to inspire you to write the perfect resume.

If you want to get a job in New Zealand, it’s important to learn how to write a great New Zealand resume.

No matter what industry you’re in, you will need a great resume if you want to land an interview.

In this article, we will discuss:

• Requirements for a New Zealand resume
• New Zealand resume sections
• How to write an effective New Zealand resume
• New Zealand resume FAQs

New Zealand Resume Requirements

Before writing your resume for New Zealand, it’s important to understand the expectations New Zealand employers will have. You need to include the right personal details and resume sections for your resume to be successful.

Mandatory personal details

There are certain details that are mandatory if you want your resume to be accepted. These include:

• Phone number
• Email address

Optional personal details

If you have a professional online profile, like LinkedIn, Github, or an online portfolio, you can include it in your New Zealand resume. If you do, make sure everything it contains is completely professional and appropriate for the workplace.

Do not include

Some personal details, while common in other countries, should never be included on a New Zealand resume. Do not include your:

• Marital status
• Health status
• Nationality

How to Write a New Zealand Resume

To write a great resume for New Zealand, it’s important to make sure you have all the right sections and feature the right experience. To make sure your resume is ready for the New Zealand job market, simply follow these steps:

1. Choose the right New Zealand resume format

There are essentially two resume formats for New Zealand: A reverse-chronological resume , focused on your work experience, or a skills-based resume , focused on your skill set.

Reverse-chronological New Zealand resume format

In a reverse-chronological resume, the Work History section is the longest and most important part of the resume. In the Work History section, you list past positions in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your current or most recent role and working backwards. In each role, list responsibilities, skills, and accomplishments.

The reverse-chronological resume format is ideal for most job seekers. It clearly shows your career progression, and demonstrates your most important tasks and accomplishments in all of your past jobs. As long as you have had a fairly typical career, with roles largely in the same industry, this is the right choice for you. This is the most straightforward resume format, and the one most New Zealand employers will expect.

Skills-based New Zealand resume format

In a skills-based resume, the Skills section is the most prominent section of the resume. In the Skills section, you make each skill or skill area a heading, then provide a detailed explanation or list of accomplishments related to each skill. The Work History section will be shorter and less detailed, and may be reverse-chronological or sorted by relevance.

A skills-based resume format is a great choice for job-seekers who have had a less traditional career path. If your work history has had long gaps, frequent job-hopping, or significant career changes, you may want to consider using a skills-based resume format. This format allows you to foreground your skill set, so you can make sure your most impressive and most relevant skills are clear to employers when your work history does not make this obvious. This resume format is less common than the reverse-chronological resume, but it can benefit the right job-seeker.

2. Select a great New Zealand resume template

The right resume template for your New Zealand job search will depend on your experience, your career goals, and your personality.

If you are in a more traditional industry, like law or finance, and you are applying for a large corporation, you will probably want to use a traditional resume template. Classic resume templates use little or no colour, a single column, and plenty of white space.

For example, VisualCV’s Standard template is a great choice for a classic New Zealand resume template.

If you are in a more modern or creative industry, like social media marketing or graphic design, a visually striking resume could be a benefit to your job search. A modern resume template might include more striking colours, multiple columns, and other visual elements.

For example, VisualCV’s Quartz template offers a second column and a splash of colour that allows your resume to be expressive while remaining professional.

3. List your contact information

Once you have decided on your resume format and resume template, you can start adding the content to your resume. To start, make sure to list your contact information.

At the top of your resume, include your:

• Telephone number
• Email Address
• Home Address

This ensures that the employer will be able to contact you. Make sure all of your contact information is up to date, and be sure that your email address is professional and appropriate for work.

Optionally, you can also include a link to a professional online profile, like a personal website or LinkedIn account. This will give employers greater insight into your career and online presence. If you do, however, make sure everything on the account is completely professional and appropriate for work.

4. Write a great personal statement

At or near the top of your resume, many job-seekers include a Summary, Objective, or Personal Statement. This section is optional, but a great professional summary can be a great way of introducing yourself to an employer and ensuring that your key qualities are easy to find, right at the beginning of your resume.

In a Summary or Personal Statement, offer some key skills, accomplishments, or qualifications that make you a great candidate for the position you are applying for. This section should be short–only a few sentences or bullet points–but impactful. By listing some key details up front, you can impress hiring managers right away and convince them to keep reading.

Objective statements are more rare, and are sometimes seen as outdated. We recommend including a Summary instead. If you do include one, however, briefly describe your career goals and how your experience relates to the position you are applying for.

5. Showcase your work experience

Your Work Experience section is the longest and most important part of your resume. In this section, you can list all of your previous positions in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your current or most recent job.

For each job, include the:

• Company Name
• Dates of Employment
• Job Description

The job descriptions of each role can be the most effective parts of the resume. These sections are where you can list your achievements, skills, and abilities so the employer knows exactly what you bring as an employee.

To write great job descriptions, make sure to focus on achievements rather than responsibilities. Accomplishments are more impressive than duties, and a job description focused on success is going to catch the hiring manager’s eye.

If you’re having trouble thinking of accomplishments for each role, try to come up with measurable aspects of the job. This can be things like sales, customer growth, and budgets. Anything you can put a number to will look great on a resume. Using numbers to describe your experience simultaneously provides concrete examples of your experience, while showing that you are a data-driven worker who keeps track of your performance.

Further, use active language as much as possible to describe your work experience. Action verbs like “spearheaded”, “led”, and “developed” show that you are a dedicated worker with leadership qualities. It’s important to sound like you can think for yourself and take initiative, and describing your experience in the right way can help you do this.

6. List your skills

Writing a great Skills section in your New Zealand resume can be the push that your resume needs to land you an interview. If your Skills section has just the right technical skills and personal attributes the employer is looking for, your resume is sure to be taken to the next stage.

It’s important to include both hard skills and soft skills in your resume. Hard skills are the professional skills specific to your career, like logistics, welding, or JQuery. Soft skills are the people skills that make you a great person to work with, like communication, problem solving, and time management.

To write a great Skills section, make sure to think carefully about the job you’re applying to. The company will have specific technical skills they’re looking for, so it’s important to make sure you have the right skills. List the most relevant skills right at the top of the list.

7. List your education and qualifications

Your education is an important part of your career story. Below your Skills and Work Experience sections, include a section for your degrees and other certifications. In your Education section, list accreditations in reverse-chronological order. For each item, include the:

• Degree Name
• School Name
• Month of graduation

If you have other certifications you would like to include, such as workshop certifications, associate certificates, or post-secondary courses, you can include them in your Education section as well. Some job-seekers call this section Qualifications so that the different certifications will all fit in.

8. Add Referees

It is customary to include a section for Referees, sometimes called “References”, in your New Zealand resume. If you have space, you can include the full details for each referee, including their name, job title, organization, and contact details.

If you don’t have space, or if you would prefer to keep your referees’ details private until they are needed, you can simply write “Referees available upon request” in your Referees section.

9. Customize your resume

Once all of your qualifications have been included, it’s important to customize your New Zealand resume for every application.

To do this, carefully study the job description of the position you are applying for. The company will have specific skills and experience they are looking for. Take note of the key words and phrases used in the job description, then use them in your own resume. The closer your own skill set matches the job requirements, the more likely you are to be invited to an interview.

New Zealand Resume FAQs

The steps above are a great way to write a New Zealand resume, but you may have a few lingering questions. With these FAQs, your questions will be answered:

How long should a New Zealand resume be?

Your New Zealand resume should be one or two pages long.

For most job-seekers, one page is enough. If you are a mid-career professional, you should be able to condense your skills and experience to a single page. If you are having trouble, just focus on the best and most relevant details.

If you are highly experienced, with decades of experience to display, you can consider using a two-page resume. If you do this, however, make sure you can fill both pages, and make sure everything you include is truly important. Hiring managers aren’t likely to read the second page of a resume unless your experience is extraordinarily impressive.

Is it “New Zealand resume” or “New Zealand CV”?

In New Zealand, the terms “resume” and “CV” are usually used interchangeably. However, both refer to the shorter “resume” document. “CV” refers to what American job-seekers would call a “resume”, not the longer “curriculum vitae”.

Should you include a picture in your New Zealand resume?

No, you should not include a picture in your New Zealand resume. It is not common to include a photograph of yourself with your job application, and employers do not expect it. In fact, your resume could be rejected for including a picture.

What are the best fonts for a New Zealand resume?

For a New Zealand resume, it is best to stick to a readable and professional font. Effective resume fonts might include Open Sans, PT Serif, or Assistant.

Many job seekers use two typefaces in their resume, one for headings and one for body text. If you do this, using a serif font for headings and a sans-serif font for body text is often visually pleasing.

What is the best file type for a New Zealand resume?

The ideal file type for a New Zealand resume is a PDF. With a PDF, you can be sure that your resume will look the same on every computer, no matter what operating system or PDF viewer they are using.

Many job-seekers use a Word document, but Word documents may have formatting issues if opened with a different type of computer or word processor. If you want to make sure your resume looks the same to an employer as it does to you, use a PDF.

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How to write an NZ cover letter (with examples and templates)

Along with your CV, a cover letter is essential to any NZ job application. Let's get you started.

Every New Zealand job application should include a cover letter.

This document is key to showing an employer you’re serious about their vacancy, and for demonstrating what you bring to the table . Despite its importance, many people aren’t sure how to write a cover letter – and their applications suffer as a result.

That’s why we’ve created this guide, giving you advice on everything from what to include, to how to lay it out.

We’ve also snuck in a few examples to make life even easier for you … aren’t we nice?

Cover letters vs. CVs: what’s the difference?

To understand the role cover letters play in job applications, it’s important to realise how they differ from CVs:

1. Purpose:

CVs give a broad picture of you as an applicant – providing details such as educational background and employment history . By contrast, a cover letter targets why you want this specific role, and how your skills and experience make you a great candidate.

While there will be areas of overlap as you select qualifications or abilities to draw out in your cover letter, it definitely should not be an elongated version of your CV.

An NZ cover letter should be no longer than one page, while CVs are usually between one and two.

The most obvious visual difference between these documents and CVs hinges around bullet points.

While your CV should be a bullet point bonanza, cover letters favour full sentences. That’s not to say you can’t have any bullets in a cover letter, just use them more sparingly.

You should include a cover letter with every job application.

What to include in a cover letter

1. your contact info, the date and the business’ address.

At the top of your cover letter should be:

• Your full name, contact details and home address
• The date you submit the application
• The business’ postal address

It should look like this:

Head up your cover letter like this.

2. Your opener

People worry about how to start a cover letter , but there’s a simple formula and structure for getting this right:

Make it personal : start with ‘dear’, and address it to a person – i.e. the hiring manager. If their name isn’t in the job listing, try a good old fashioned stalk of the company website, or ring the business and find out. ‘To whom it may concern’ is a no go.

Make it clear : organisations often list multiple vacancies at a time, so make it obvious which position you’re applying for. A sentence like, ‘I’m writing to apply for the Marketing Assistant role, as advertised on Trade Me Jobs’, will do the trick.

Make it punchy : next, add a snappy one-liner summing up why you’re interested in the role and what you’d bring to their business. Remember, you can go into more detail in the interview itself. For example:

3. Why them

A common cover letter mistake is to only focus on yourself. Before choosing you, employers want to know why you’re choosing them. This helps sort candidates who are genuinely passionate about their organisation from those who are mass applying to anything and everything.

Warning : this section is not about inflating the hiring manager's ego by flattering the company – be positive, but be thoughtful.

Now, it’s time to sell yourself.

This section of your cover letter is where you highlight your most relevant skills and experience.

You can draw on anything from previous work experience to certificates and qualifications. The important bit is linking whatever you mention to the job – simply listing skills is not the answer.

To do this effectively, you need to carefully study the job ad and identify what capabilities the employer values most. If your Trade Me Jobs Profile is up-to-date, you can then quickly skim your skills and experience to find those which most closely match the job description.

Top tip: the more detail you can give, the better. Helped raise sales? Great. Helped raise sales by 6%? Even better.

If you want to add some extra skills or information to this section, a bullet point list is a good option. Note : only do this after introducing your headline examples in full sentence form, as above, and keep your list to three or four concise bullets.

5. Signing off

The end of your cover letter should (politely) prompt the reader to get in touch with you to arrange the next steps. Make sure you end on a high, and continue the energy from earlier in your closing sentence, for example:

How to format a cover letter

With your content sorted, it’s now about nailing the visuals. Cover letters are usually easier than CVs in this regard, as they’re laid out like a traditional letter. However, there are a few things to bear in mind:

• What font should I use? Keep it simple, and the same as on your CV. If your font is hard to read, or too small, the letter will end up in the wrong pile.
• How long should a cover letter be? New Zealand cover letters should be under one page long.
• Should I use paragraphs? Would you read huge, unbroken chunks of text? We doubt it, so make sure to break up your cover letters into paragraphs.
• What are the correct cover letter margins? Leave these at their default setting so your cover letter has plenty of blank space, and doesn’t look crowded.

All done? Not quite.

Perhaps the most important stage of cover letter writing is proofreading. After all that hard work, you don’t want a few silly typos or poor punctuation letting you down.

So check it yourself, then get someone else to have a look, then have a final glance.

Once you’re happy, it’s time to attach it to your application, and hit send.

Al Hall is a regular contributor at Trade Me Jobs and Trade Me Property. He’s dedicated to helping people succeed in their aspirations to find their dream job and place to live.

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A good cover letter intro is like a good espresso – short, sharp and energising. Here’s how to brew one of your own.

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• You are currently on: Your CV and cover letter

Your CV and cover letter

Your CV and cover letter are the first impression most employers will have of you. This is your opportunity to showcase your skills and experience to a potential employer.

Remember that you need to tailor your CV for each role. You should not have one version of your CV that you use for multiple applications. Each job is different and you need to demonstrate you have the right skills and experience for that role. 

Make sure you get friends or family members to read your CV and give you feedback. They can spot achievements or skills you've forgotten to include and help you make it easier to read.

Recruiters from some of New Zealand's leading companies share their tips about preparing your CV in the video below.

Cover letters

Your cover letter is your personal sales pitch. Use it to introduce yourself and explain why you want the job and are the right person for it.

Recruiters from some of New Zealand's leading companies share their tips about writing a cover letter in the video below.

Tips from Business School students for CVs and cover letters

In our recent Business School student recruitment experience survey, students had the following advice for you:

• Always apply early! It's really important to put your best foot forward, so use the resources offered at the Business School. Get your CV checked and talk to our Business School Career Development team – they often know the recruitment teams and can tell you what to focus on. Most importantly, be yourself. Tell them what makes you unique and what you can bring to the role.
• Be sure to check your CV, CL and application form thoroughly before submitting it, to ensure that there are no grammar, spelling or other mistakes and that your CV is consistently formatted (e.g. dates and bullet points are aligned consistently). Ensure that all information provided is correct and updated. In addition, it is important to ensure that your CV, CL and application form is tailored to the company's values and job description – not just a general CV.
• Structure your CV well to highlight certain skills you have that would make you more attractive towards the role. Also make sure you come across as an all-round student.
• While applying, make your CV the best possible representation of who you are as a person. Include a list of relevant skills on your CV that are specific and tangible – not just things like “punctual” or “passionate”.

General application tips

• Start early, the application takes a while to complete.
• Get all your CV and cover letters checked and done before the start of the semester, and also create a LinkedIn profile beforehand as well.
• Go to Networking events. These companies get flooded with applications - you need to put a face to your application.
• Never underestimate yourself, you’re just as good as anybody else!

CV and cover letters explained workshop

To find out more, register and attend our workshop "CV and cover letters explained". You can view workshops and registration details on our Book a workshop page .

Drop in with your CV and cover letter

Come and see us at drop-in to get your CV and cover letter reviewed.

• Located in the red booths on Level 1, OGGB, between 12-2pm, Monday to Friday, during undergraduate teaching periods.You don't need to make an appointment.
• During semester 1 2022 it will be held online. You can find the link in the Business School newsletter (BizBuzz) which is emailed to you each Thursday.
• During the breaks you are welcome to make an appointment via MyCDES .

Application checks

• Come and see us

Simple New Zealand

How To Master a Cover Letter for New Zealand [Examples & Tips]

Although you might don’t want to, yet in most cases, you need to include a cover letter when applying for a job in New Zealand. NZ cover letter is similar to other countries; it should show the company why you are the right candidate for the job. Take your time to write a personal and customized letter. Never send the generic one; this can ruin your application from the start.

A cover letter is a monumental part of your job application in New Zealand. A good cover letter should answer the main question, which is why the company should hire you. Additionally, it must provide information on how you can bring value to the company and help them with the challenges. A cover letter should showcase the relevant skills and experience you have.

In most cases, businesses and recruiters in New Zealand will require you to attach a customized cover letter. And it’s a good thing for you. In the end, the cover letter is a claim for the role – it’s your chance to highlight and match your experience against the job description and to clearly state what you can offer your potential employer.

If you are looking for a job in New Zealand, I would highly recommend going through the Job Hunter’s handbook made by Careers.govt.nz.

Table of Contents

Is a cover letter necessary in New Zealand?

Unfortunately, yes, you need to include a customized cover letter when applying for a job in New Zealand. Almost  half of the recruiters reject applications without a cover letter. A high-quality, customized cover letter tells the manager you are a dedicated professional. It should be only a page long.

A resume or CV alone can show your achievements and qualifications, but it can’t tell the story and explain why you choose this company in particular. That’s why we need a cover letter. It’s also a great tool to show your personality and motivation. It must show the employer you are an asset to their company.

Are you resigning from your previous job? Read how to write a proper resignation letter .

Resignation Letter in New Zealand (Examples + Template)

Tips and guidance for a winner cover letter

So what is a cover letter, and why it’s so important for your job application in New Zealand?

• Cover letter is your first point of contact with employers .
• It should fit on one page .
• It needs to explain why you want this job .
• It should relate to your CV .
• It should describe your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments .
• It should show the evidence that you have researched the company and that you are the right candidate.

If you follow these simple statements, you should already be able to create a decent letter. Yet, if you want more, read this article to the end and follow the advice.

The winning tactic here is focusing on  them , not just on  you,  which will ultimately make you stand out from other applicants

When writing your cover letter, pay attention to the following:

• Do very extensive research about the company. Show it in the cover letter.
• Reflect on the company’s vision.
• Highlight specific achievements and successes that show you can address the challenges the employer is facing.
• Show your personality.
• Prove that you understand the challenges of the company.
• Explain your motivation and fit for the position.
• Presents how your skills and experience as a solution for the company.
• Create a list of job keywords that are mentioned in the job ad. Include them in the cover letter.
• Address the cover letter to the right person, e.g., the hiring manager or recruiter
• Be clear and concise
• Have a structure in the letter – beginning, middle, end
• Use active words to describe your work – accomplished, achieved, led, created, increased, identified
• Finish with a call to action and ask for a meeting.
• Try to be funny
• Send a generic cover letter — customize each one for the specific job.
• Forget your full contact details
• Generic and boring opening paragraph
• Copy-paste from the CV or job ad
• Start every sentence with “I”
• Write more than one page

Looking for a job? Check out the best recruitment agencies in New Zealand .

Best Recruitment Agencies in New Zealand 2024

1. Research about the company and position

Your knowledge about the company you are applying to work for is crucial. You must also know all the essential details about the advertised position and how your skills and experience fit in.

When someone reads your cover letter, they must be sure you are the right candidate for this position and for this company. That’s why you must include as many tailored to the job ad details as possible (yet not too many).

So, look for information on the company, its key products or services, its mission, and anything else that gives you an insight into them. Notice the most important details and mention them in the cover letter where appropriate.

You might want to check out the company’s website, its executives’ Twitter feeds, and LinkedIn profiles.

The culture of the organization is vital to note. This will influence your communication style. For instance, you might be more casual with start-ups or advertising agencies but more formal with banks and large corporations.

2. Show how you can help

A company hires you to solve a problem or to help with challenging tasks they are unable to manage. Point out the things you can do for a company and which potential results it might bring. Or maybe you already were challenged with similar tasks? Mention it in your cover letter!

3. Why are you a perfect fit?

The second paragraph of your cover letter should give a clear idea to the reader why you are the one and that you will satisfy the company’s specific needs.

Here you should match the keywords mentioned in the job ad with your skills and experience. You also must show the hiring manager why you want this job, not just any job. Include all the enthusiasm and passion you have.

Match your skills with a job ad

Highlight the key skills and qualities in the ad, e.g.:

• strong written and verbal communication
• technical skills
• analytical thinking
• team player or teamwork
• problem-solving
• time management
• knowledge of software & tools
• specialized or technical competencies
• high level of computer competency
• ability to work well under pressure
• enthusiasm and initiative
• excellent customer service

Include them in the cover letter with real-life examples.

Connections matter in New Zealand

About 70% of all jobs in New Zealand are so-called hidden. They are simply not advertised because hiring managers seek candidates within the company, their circle of colleagues, and people they know before they post a job ad. For that reason, having connections in New Zealand is very crucial.

You are more likely to be invited to an interview if you know a friend of a friend and they got a reference they you rather than just based on your qualifications and experience.

That might be good news for some and bad news for others. Nonetheless, it’s highly recommended to start networking as soon as you land in New Zealand. Join groups, participate in social and professional events, work on your Linkedin profile, and just be proactive.

And if you are lucky to know someone in the company you are applying to work for, mention it in the first sentence or two of your cover letter.

Don’t forget to include

Your cover letter shouldn’t miss these small but key elements:

Your personal value and personality

While skills and experiences are indeed critical, New Zealanders love human connection. If they find you an interesting and nice person, they are more likely to move forward with your application.

Try to be personal in your cover letter; tell them more unique things about you and your experience. Avoid being general at any cost.

Reflect on your experience that relates to the job ad and company profile. What challenges have you faced, and how did you solve them? You also want to provide evidence of the things you mention by using concrete examples, situations, numbers, and facts. For example:

“During the last quarter, my company was challenged by the supply shortage of …We have had 200% more orders than we can ever fulfill. To solve this problem, I was on the lookout for new suppliers for several weeks; after dozens of selling calls, I finally managed to sign a contract with our best supplier so far. I will never come across them otherwise.”

Your enthusiasm

In many cases, people don’t get hired because they aren’t enthusiastic and convincing enough. So, it’s not the lack of skills; it’s your desire and how you show it. If you make it as if it was your dream job, you are more likely to be invited. Avoid at any cost writing in a manner as you are doing a company a favor by working for them.

Hiring managers even say, “Enthusiasm conveys personality.” Some tips that help you to point out your enthusiasm include:

• Show that you have thought about the job and why you would like to work for them.
• Why is this company so brilliant? What they do the best? How they stand out?
• Mention their reputation, performance, and product.
• Remember, it’s about what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.

NZ cover letter structure

Following the formal structure when piecing together a cover letter is as much as important as its content. So, make sure you stick to New Zealand standards. Here is an example:

Dear [Ms. or Mr. Surname],

• Opening – Explain why you are writing this letter (add an interesting one-liner summarizing why you’re interested in the role and what you’d bring to their business.)
• Explain your interest in the job, show knowledge about the company and position
• Demonstrate your skills and experience related to the job
• Explain why you will fit into this role and which value you will bring to the company
• Sign off and offer them to contact you

Yours sincerely,

Your name – Andrew Black.

Make sure you check your cover letter via Grammarly for spelling and grammar mistakes!

Cover letter introduction

The introduction sentences will determine whether the hiring manager will read on or skip your resume. Start your cover letter in an unconventional way and hold the reader’s interest. Here are some tips for a stellar introduction:

• Highlight your achievements in the industry.
• Display your passion and enthusiasm.
• Mention some names and numbers.

A no-go cover letter introduction looks like this:

In response to your posting for the Digital Marketing Manager position, I would like to express my interest in participating in the recruitment process. As a digital marketing manager with 8+ years of experience, I am optimistic that I would succeed in this role.

Top cover letter example

Since you already know how to write the header, here is only the main part of the cover letter.

” I am writing regarding the Marketing Manager position you currently have open. As a marketer with over 5 years of experience managing small and larger teams, I would love to take a challenge and work for your company. Marketing is my passion, so it’s to achieve monthly goals, generate new leads & sales, and train the team for success.

In my previous role at (company name), I reached not only the set marketing goals but exceeded them by 80% and, in some months, even 120%. Your company (name) already has brilliant strategies in place, you use paid advertising, social media, and outreach, but I would add other channels to ramp up the reach and revenue. I am experienced and knowledgeable in the SEO scene; hence we can explore new opportunities for your business in this area of marketing.

My previous team of marketing assistants was great! I love to work with people and guide them in our current strategies. At the same time, responsibility for people does not make me stressed or scared but ignites my motivation to bring even better results so we can all be proud as a team.

Besides, my Master’s degree in Business taught me fundamental knowledge about organizations, management, strategy, and agility, which I would be happy to apply when working for (company).

It will be great to talk in person one day. You can reach me at 123456789 any time or via email at [email protected] to arrange an interview. Thank you for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you.

Cover letter for a visa application

Im most cases, Immigration New Zealand, will request a cover or so-called motivational letter together with your visa application. This is generally a less complex document that you would write for the employer.

Your cover letter for a visa should include:

• Reasons why you are moving or visiting New Zealand
• How are you going to support yourself
• Demonstration of how you meet the criteria for the visa

The content of the cover letter will vary depending on the visa type you are applying for. If it’s, for instance, to join a partner in New Zealand, you should include your relationship to them and explain it briefly.

Therefore, your cover letter should target your visa category’s main requirements. 

When I was applying for a student visa, my cover letter described why I decided to study in New Zealand and what are my plans after my studies. Immigration New Zealand also mentioned in their requirements that the cover letter must include these details.

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CV & Cover Letter tips

Use these tips to ensure you give yourself the best opportunity for an interview.

Creating your CV

There is no-one-way to write a CV, but you should always try and incorporate these points.

• 2 pages maximum.
• Presentation counts. Your CV should have a clear layout and be easy to navigate.
• Make sure there are no spelling mistakes, and that punctuation and grammar are used correctly.
• Explain any gaps in your CV.
• Build skills and achievements into your previous experience.
• Most firms and organisations will have tips their application process on their website, make sure you look at these before you apply.
• Tailor your CV to the opportunity that you are applying for.
• Make sure that you use the careers service at your university to ensure you get all the support available for everything to do with your career.

Download CV Guide

Tips for your cover letter

When writing a cover letter, ensure you research the firm that you are applying to. If nothing else, please ensure that you check their website.

• Start strongly and be clear in why you want this position. Why should the employer consider you? Articulate your reasons for applying and why you’re special.
• Do not use bullet points.
• Personalise your letter to the role and organisation – a lot of students end up putting the wrong organisation on their cover letter when making multiple applications. Make sure you do not do this, as these applications are likely to be rejected.
• Be succinct with highlights and key achievements.
• Do not regurgitate from the website.
• Be enthusiastic.
• Some organizations ask you to complete an application form instead of submitting a cover letter. Do not state ‘refer to CV’ or copy and paste the relevant part of your CV into your application form, fill out the answer in full (even if there is repetition).
• Talk to the advisers at your career service at your university.

Download Cover Letter Guide

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Nurse CV Example & Writing Guide

Personal statements: A tale of passion and promise 

Personal statements are like brief professional summaries. The main idea with personal statements is to illustrate your professional strengths in a short and concise way. As a nurse, it's important that you establish a personal connection with your reader, so you'll want to write with warmth and sensitivity. At cvapp.nz, we can help you achieve this with ease. 

Let's start with your personal statement. Your personal statement serves as your professional introduction. In ideally four to six sentences, you'll want to include any stand-out professional facts, strengths or achievements here. You don't have to elaborate too much on previous employment positions -- that's what your employment history section is for – but more on that later. We recommend reading over the job description carefully. If you have any relevant skills mentioned, you'll want to include these in your CV. Try to include any keywords that might apply to you and your professional situation. 

As a nurse, being compassionate, empathetic and attentive to patient care are non-negotiables, so do be sure to keep this in mind as you craft your CV. Check out an example of an excellent nursing personal statement below:

Service-oriented and organised registered nurse with several years of experience in the healthcare industry. Strong communication skills and a desire to serve others, proficient in patient diagnosis, after-care and handling every patient case with confidentiality and privacy.

Employment history: your career highlights 

When it comes to your CV's employment history section, we recommend including relevant positions that align with your profession as a nurse. Prioritise listing jobs, in reverse chronological order from most recent to least recent, that are more closely related to your field, and consider leaving out less relevant positions, especially those from a while ago. This will help streamline and optimise your CV for nursing roles and get you noticed faster.

It's important to provide thorough details about your previous roles in this section. Include information such as the title of your position, the organisation or company you worked for, the duration of your employment in years and/or months, as well as any key responsibilities and tasks you handled. If you have experience in the healthcare industry, it's also important to mention details about the facility type, such as the specific department you worked in or any other relevant information about the hospital units or departments you worked in. These additional specifics can be helpful for potential employers reviewing your CV.

Here’s a great example of a nursing employment history section: 

Nurse at Beverly View Hospital, Timaru May 2019 — Present

• Provided high-quality care to patients in the NICU ward and ER departments
• Contacted family members to advise on out-patient treatment options and patient care
• Collaborated with senior doctors to create specifically tailored treatments for admitted patients

Nursing Assistant at Christchurch Central Hospital, Christchurch February 2014 — October 2018

• Managed patients in the surgical ward, providing support and taking patient requests
• Assisted hospital staff with patients, including data collection, food and beverage dispatch and contacting families of patients
• Collaborated with other medical professionals to answer patient queries and concerns
• Assisted with emergency department cases and supported families in the ER room

Nursing Extern at Bluewater Health Services, Christchurch May 2013 — December 2013

• Assisted with the daily operations of the medical office, including greeting patients, helping with patient on-boarding and escalating patient questions to senior staff members
• Gathered important medical information and data from patients for senior medical assessment
• Processed patient paperwork for time-effective patient care

Education: mapping academic milestones  

In this section, it is essential to include any relevant educational qualifications. To become a qualified nurse in New Zealand, you must have completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree from an approved institution and have successfully completed the Competency Assessment Programme (CAP). Additionally, it is necessary to be registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand. Make sure to include detailed information about these qualifications in your education section. If you possess any international credentials or qualifications, remember to include those details as well.

Like your employment history section, you’ll want to list your credentials and qualifications in order of most recent to least recent. You might also like to include any relevant academic awards, licenses, certifications, honours or scholarships in this section. At cvapp.nz, we offer a range of templates and examples to provide you with inspiration and guidance to create an attention-grabbing CV that showcases your professionalism with ease. Check out our example of a great nursing education section here:

Master of Health Science, University of Canterbury, Christchurch February 2013 — December 2016

Bachelor of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin February 2009 — May 2012

NCEA Level 3, Roncalli College, Timaru February 2004 — December 2008

Skills: so, what are your strengths? 

As a nurse, the skills you have to offer are important. It's important to highlight a variety of medical skills in your skills section: these may include any clinical expertise, emotional intelligence, and technical abilities. Our A.I skills suggestion tool simplifies the process of incorporating these skills into your profile. While we suggest emphasising both hard and soft skills, it is especially relevant for nurses to emphasise soft skills like time management, collaboration, and communication.

We’ve got a great example of a skills section below – for more career resources and top tips, be sure to check out the cvapp.nz website! 

• Communication Skills
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Strong Interpersonal Communication Skills
• Knowledgable in Medical Terminology and Procedures
• Trauma and ER Experience
• Patient Advocacy

Sleek, professional ready-to-use CV templates