Careers advice
How to write a cover letter for your first job in New Zealand (with templates)
No experience? No worries. Here is how to write a first-job cover letter that stands out to Kiwi employers.
Last updated: 29 May 2026
What you’ll learn:
Writing an entry level cover letter doesn't have to be stressful.
What a cover letter does (and why it matters)
| What your CV does | What your cover letter does | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lists your qualifications, school achievements, and skills in short, snappy bullet points. | Lists your qualifications, school achievements, and skills in short, snappy bullet points. | Tells your personal story and explains why you actually want this specific job. | Tells your personal story and explains why you actually want this specific job. |
| Gives a quick, high-level overview of your background. | Gives a quick, high-level overview of your background. | Connects your life experiences, hobbies, or school projects directly to what the employer needs. | Connects your life experiences, hobbies, or school projects directly to what the employer needs. |
| Acts as your formal record. | Acts as your formal record. | Acts as your digital handshake and first introduction. | Acts as your digital handshake and first introduction. |
How to structure your page so it looks sharp
Step 1: find a name and write a catchy opening
Step 2: sell your skills (even if you have no work experience)
Here are some tips on what Kiwi bosses want from new employees.
Step 3: show them why you want the job
Two simple templates you can use right now
Time to get your foot in the door
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