There is much debate about whether to include a cover letter with your resume when applying for roles. Some online applications request a cover letter and many recruiters and HR professionals believe a well-written cover letter distinguishes an application and provides a summary of the candidate's suitability.
We recommend that your cover letter be one page with short paragraphs that outline your experience, relevant skills and qualifications, suitability for the role and anything else you believe will assist your application. While you may like to mention your current role or most recent role, or a past role that is highly relevant to the one you are applying for, do not include your entire work history as it will most likely make your cover letter longer than one page; remember, your accompanying resume provides your work history.
We also recommend using an easy-to-read font such as Arial or Calibri in 10, 11 or 12pt and asking a friend to proof read your cover letter to check for spelling and grammar errors. And lastly, don't forget to include your contact details, the date, and the job reference number and/or full title of the advertised role.
Example Cover Letter
Your name
Street address
Suburb State Postcode
Mobile:
Email:
Date
Title
Company name
Street address
Suburb State Postcode
Dear [name of contact] (address your application to the name provided on the job ad; if a name isn’t offered, call the company and ask whom you should address the application to)
First paragraph
This paragraph should briefly explain who you are and why you are writing to them. Name the position you are applying for and where you saw the position advertised. If the company is advertising more than one position and you omit the position title you’re interested in, they may be unsure of which role you are applying for and not consider your application.
Second paragraph
Explain why you are suitable for the position and briefly how your previous experience and skills make you ideal for the role. Mention any relevant qualifications (for example ‘I have just graduated from a Bachelor of Business Administration’) and what you think you could bring to the company. If the job advertisement lists selection criteria, this is your opportunity to explain how your skills and experience meet their criteria.
If a job advertisement requests selection criteria to be addressed separately, create a new document and ensure your written responses to each criteria adhere to any word limits and, if provided, formatting instructions.
Third paragraph
Explain why you would like to work for this particular company, showing that you have researched their company and role. Companies want to know you are interested in them and have a solid understanding of what they do and how they do it, which can include their market position, current achievements and challenges and plans for the future. Ensure each prospective employer believes their role is the only one you want, no matter how many you may be applying for.
Lastly, politely request they consider your application and convey your appreciation for the time they have taken to read it. Being polite and enthusiastic will help create an overall good impression.
Yours sincerely,
[Signature] (you should sign your name by hand or insert a scan of your signature)
Print full name
Wes Laughton
06:43 30 May 23
Lisa and the team at Peninsula Personnel are the absolute best.. Their team is amazing and always go above and beyond... to make sure their clients are happy. Lisa guided me through everything and always gave me the best advice.Seriously thank you for all your help; it is greatly appreciated. I would highly recommend Peninsula Personnel to everyone!read more
Dianne King
21:31 02 May 23
A huge thank you to all the team at Peninsula Personnel! A highly professional service, personable and very good at... what they do. I am very happy in my new role at Brookvale Mazda - a great place to work and a friendly bunch of people. Zoom-Zoomread more
Lara Goodyer
10:27 29 Mar 23
Lisa and Amanda are genuinely friendly and professional, providing personal, efficient care working closely with you on... your journey with employment. Peninsula Personnel is my 'go-to' for employment opportunities for this reason.Peninsular Personnel: Number 1 for the professional personal touch in connecting the right people for the right placement.read more
Robert McIlvena
18:50 26 Mar 23
Needed a position filled, the consultant was very professional and found a candidate that was suitable for the role,
Georgia Innes
08:29 23 Mar 23
Amanda was truly wonderful to work with and I could not recommend her more. I was looking for a local job, in a... particular field, and Amanda assisted in me in my "journey". From application to acceptance of the role, Amanda was attentive, kind and understanding. She even dropped off a little gift after I completed my first week. These little touches are wonderful - if you're looking for a job, Amanda from Peninsula Personnel is your go-to.read more
Daniel Olivera
07:59 06 Oct 22
It was a pleasure to deal with Lisa. She really took the time to understand my motivations and the type of roles that... would suit me. The process of finding a role was very smooth and the communications throughout were amazing. Thanks again for all the help and would highly recommend.read more
David Samuel
06:50 29 Apr 22
It was a pleasure working with Lisa at Peninsula Personnel who helped us select an excellent candidate within a short... period time.The customer service was exceptional and would recommend their service to any employer.read more
Débora Dilkin
06:40 15 Apr 22
I am genuinely thankful for all PP team. They were always kindly. Thank you so much for everything Lisa and team.
Sophie Miller
08:18 16 Jan 22
No response despite sending my resume twice over the last 3 months,not good service.
Lily Stewart
02:47 12 Nov 21
I had the pleasure to deal with Lisa and Amanda who were both very friendly and engaging. They approach their... candidates with great professionalism and genuine care. From the get go, I felt looked after and confident these two lovely ladies would make sure to find the right fit for me. The overall experience was very pleasant and lovely, I would highly recommend you talk to either Lisa or Amanda if you're looking for your next opportunity.read more
Cathy Wilson
07:10 19 Oct 21
The team at Peninsula Personnel were not the type of recruiters I was expecting. Not having been to an interview in 16... years, they calmed my nerves and helped me through the process, giving me all the support I needed. I felt like I was just chatting with friends, rather than going through the recruitment process. Thank you for giving me the confidence to go through all of this. I did not feel once as if I was being pushed into anything like I have experienced with other agencies previously. Lisa, I thank you so much for your support, you managed that balance of professionalism, care and consideration perfectly!read more
Kate Steven
05:21 11 Sep 21
I can highly recommend Peninsula Personnel. My business was very much affected by COVID-19 and I had not done any... temping for over 20 years, so was hesitant about getting in touch. After sending them my resume and an online interview, I was offered a temp job the following day. This in term has tuned into a long term temp role and now a full time job.Lisa and the team are extremely professional, they have lots of amazing businesses that they work with and even better working on the Northern Beaches.read more
Alexis CCD
00:33 08 Aug 21
Unfortunately I was placed in a role with a company known for it's total unprofessionalism and toxic culture. A small... business on the Northern Beaches. Pitched to me as a confidence builder, it was nothing but a complete eye opener. I'm not a 20 year old needing experience and confidence, I already have it and a very thick skin was needed.Inappropriate comments to other staff were made openly and belittling staff was a regular occurrence.As a mature, intelligent woman who has worked with many professional blue chip companies, I was appalled.I ran into an acquaintance of mine a couple of months ago who had the same experience. She opted to forge her own career path without agency assistance. Go Michelle!I reached out to the agency and the matter was brushed under the carpet. Best not to rock the boat, the customer is always right!Needless to say I have not been contacted about any opportunities since. My advice is be very selective when accepting assignments.I am happy to report that a high profile agency has procured my services valuing very highly my skills, experience, personality and professionalism. Did I mention the fabulous salary and employee benefits?Don't let anybody downgrade your ability. There are are some qualities you cannot list on a resume.read more
Linda Smith
05:56 10 Jul 21
Lisa and the Team at Peninsula Personnel were great to deal with. They listen and understand Candidates requirements... and source positions in your chosen field. I was lucky to get a long term temping role during COVID when positions were scarce and have now been employed with that company on a permanent part time basis.read more
Andrea MCM
12:21 09 Jun 21
Peninsula Personnel Thank you...Amanda !!!! You are the best Thank you for all your support, help, and attention during... my process. Quick and effective.read more
Ingrid Vallejo Castro
06:26 07 May 21
I am genuinely thankful to have met Amanda and Lisa. They are constantly advising both the client and the candidate in... their best interests. Amanda is very kind, and she always shows a good vibe and incredible energy at every moment. I can't stress enough how good this HH is, and I genuinely recommend Peninsula Personnel.read more
Uplifting Solutions
04:58 03 Jun 20
Very happy with Jenelle and her professional manner. Staff at PP are excellent. Great service.
Greg Sullivan
22:41 01 Jun 20
I have been using Peninsula Personnel for different projects over a number of years now and can highly recommend them.... Lisa is always very responsive and highly professional. They're great at matching the skills of their temp staff for the job at hand and always recommend great candidates for us. Some of which have even stayed on and become permanent staff.read more
Emily Smith
11:57 22 May 20
Peninsula Personnel found me my dream job. I’ve chalked up 12 months at HART now and couldn’t be happier. They... understood me and my skills immediately and it didn’t take long to have me settled in my job. The PP team is there to support and encourage me when ever I need and I often receive kind, thoughtful messages and seasonal gifts. I am so grateful for the PP team and all they do... so professional and great at what they do - find you a dream job with that perfect fit.read more
BRIGITTE BOND
11:59 07 May 20
Six months ago, the Team at Peninsula Personnel found me a great position with a dynamic and passionate business... located on the Northern Beaches. They took the time to understand my strengths and aspirations and were able to find a full time role that is a great fit for me. Furthermore, they were willing to go the extra mile for me to find this position when a previous placement did not work out, which I am very grateful for. Their positive, down-to-earth and friendly attitude, professional focus and commitment to keeping it local are second to none. Thanks for my wonderful new job. Keep up the good work.Brigitteread more
Michael Beck
05:17 30 Apr 20
Have had very helpful and professional experience with PP.Always very informed and very well connected on the north... side of the bridge.Highly recommended.read more
Stephanie Malik
23:38 13 Mar 20
Amanda and the team were fantastic! They helped me find the right job quickly with a wonderful local company. I... couldn’t be happier. Thank you!read more
Claire
03:49 07 Feb 20
Lisa, Margaret and the team at Peninsula Personnel have been such a delight to work with and are so quick to move on... the roles they have available. Within the week of walking into peninsula personnel I had been set up with my first assignment to start the following Monday. Can’t fault them in their approach, especially over the Christmas period. It’s unlucky that we were not able to secure a role in my current field but that wasn’t without them trying. Thank you again to the team, I would highly recommend them (and already have done) to anyone on the job search whether temp or permanent and I would be back with them if needed in an instant.read more
Paris Block
01:54 22 Jan 20
I had the most wonderful experience dealing with the friendly ladies at Peninsula Personnel. Deciding to change careers... was a big step for me but Amanda and Margaret made me feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. I trusted their expert opinion with every step and it definitely paid off for me! Highly recommend choosing Peninsula Personnel for any career change you are thinking of making.read more
Nicole Florence
06:57 09 Jan 20
Very mixed feelings about our experience with this agency, I cannot recommend Peninsula Personnel to employers, they... are clearly an employment agency for employees and their own benefits only. Employees looking for work, this is a great agency for you, including the lovely packaged gift you get once you are placed in your new role ;) We certainly will not use them again and are probably the first client to even bother leaving a such a review for others to know what to expect.read more
Morgan Smith
04:57 12 Dec 19
Peninsula made me getting a job easy and an all around great experience. I told them I was really keen on a specific... position. Unfortunately, a didn’t meet a language requirement and they were quickly looking for the next. The job requirements came back amended from the first and Amanda quickly called me to get an interview! I was so excited and I think they may have been more excited for me. They were endearing and genuinely cared about finding me a job I was excited about and not just placing me somewhere for their benefit. They also sent me a very sweet Christmas gift to celebrate. Would absolutely recommend the whole team!read more
Stuart Wagland
00:18 28 Nov 19
Peninsula Personnel were excellent. Great service and quick turn around. Found the right candidate. Much more... effective than conducting recruitment oursleves.read more
Daniela Alvarez
10:03 19 Nov 19
very professional and efficient. In less than a week the find me the right role for me I couldn't be more happier with... their service and the role. Thanks you Amanda, Margaret and the rest of the PP team.read more
Brooke Golosky
03:42 14 Nov 19
Such a wonderful experience working with the lovely staff at Peninsula Personnel. Amanda went above and beyond to help... find permanent employment for me and I couldn't be happier with the results. Thank you PP, I will definitely be recommending you to all!!read more
Denise Cooper
06:02 12 Nov 19
“My experience of working with Lisa was exceptional. From initial contact until she successfully placed me into a... suitable role, she consistently supported me in my application. Lisa went above and beyond to ensure I was prepared and even gave me some great tips to improve my resume. Lisa approachable and offers a professional service. Highly recommended.”read more
Eunice Yip
02:19 24 Oct 19
Thank you to Lisa and the team.You have always managed to find for me interesting long/short term assignments... efficiently. This is despite my request for jobs with parking facilities or close to convenient public transport. Certainly a big thumbs up. ?read more
SanGameSwaraN SivAraJ
08:56 18 Oct 19
I came into Australia with a work permit, two days after applying for my core relevant jobs, within a day get a phone... call from Lisa about my interest to apply for the role, then get the interview date from PP. On the same day, attend both Interviews with PP and their clients successfully. After clear my cross-checks got a confirmation mail for ready to join. Thanks to everyone in Peninsula personnelread more
Daniel Khodaverdian
20:26 16 Oct 19
Very lovely staff and a highly professional service. They are the winner and finalist for multiple local business... awards servicing the local area as well as greater Sydney. Well done peninsula personnel.read more
Валентина М
08:06 10 Sep 19
Exceptional serviceThanks to Lisa and her amazing team I have found my first job in Australia. Thank you for your... exceptional attitude. I have never seen such a professional service before. ? recommend!read more
Oxley Home Care
04:30 10 Sep 19
Peninsula Personnel are the number one choice for us when recruiting office staff. The professional approach from the... owner Lisa and through to all the staff, permanent placement and temporary hire, they have looked after us well. Thank youread more
penny carnell
09:34 09 Jul 19
I highly recommend Peninsula Personnel, my experience with them has been extremely professional and successful. The... team is engaging, welcoming and nurturing. A special thanks to Lisa and Ally for their caring and encouraging guidance during my journey to finding my new role.read more
Veronika Kubacka
03:26 05 Jul 19
Allie provided the best service she possibly could. She was very professional. Communication with her was super easy.... She motivated me to complete all tests ad believed I me. I got a new job within 3 days . Highly recommend peninsula Personal Jobs.read more
Jo Dage
00:58 13 Jun 19
I couldn't be happier about my decision to turn to Peninsula Personnel. Whole interviewing/employment process was... quick, efficient and stress-free. Hannah found the best fitting position for my skills set, and overall was extremely proactive, professional and responsive consultant. I cannot express my thanks enough for matching me with my current employer.I have no hesitation in recommending Peninsula Personnel for the highly professional service.read more
