COVER LETTERS
JCU Careers and Employability
CRICOS Provider No. 00117J
January 2024
jcu.edu.au/careers
careers@jcu.edu.au
Ph: 1800 246 446 (Option 5)
JCU Careers
Your cover letter is an essential part of your
application and is often your first opportunity to make a
good impression. It should be positive and sell your
suitability for the position to the employer. The letter
must be individually tailored to the particular position;
consequently the organisation and job must be
thoroughly researched.
Be sure to address all the skills and/or abilities the
employer is seeking and has indicated either in their
advertisement, in the position documents, or on their
website.
Format
In terms of format, the example on the other side of
this page can be used as a guide. Your cover letter
should be:
• 1 page in length unless the employer specifies
otherwise – you must follow their instructions
• Format the date like this 1 February, 2024
• No commas or full stops within the addresses or
opening address
• Add a heading to indicate which role you are
applying for.
• All paragraphs starting flush with the left-hand side
margin rather then being indented
• It is good practice to address your letter to a
specific person if possible. Try to find the name of
the contact person for the role. Otherwise, use To
Whom it May Concern.
• When you sign off use ‘Yours sincerely’ as the
closing salutation if you have a name to reference,
otherwise use “Yours faithfully’ or ‘Kind regards’.
Introductory Paragraph
This paragraph should let the employer know which
position you are applying for, where you found out
about the position, and the date it was advertised.
Make a positive statement to show why you are
suitable for the role.
‘Why You’ Paragraph
This paragraph gives you the opportunity to show how
your qualifications, skills and abilities meet the needs
of the employer and the position, and why you would
be an asset to their company. Be sure to demonstrate
how you meet these requirements - give examples.
Selling Paragraph
In your third paragraph, you can expand on paragraph
two and highlight what you know about the
organisation, why you wish to work for them, and how
you would make a valuable contribution. Be sure to
show how enthusiastic you are about the prospect of
working for their specific organisation.
Closing Paragraph
In your final paragraph, end on a positive note by
thanking the employer for their consideration and
restating your interest in the role. Let them know how
you can be contacted. You should also specify the
documents you have attached in your application.
Finally, check and double-check your letter for correct
grammar and spelling. Avoid jargon and unnecessary
abbreviations.
Don’t forget to put your signature on the bottom and
keep a copy of your letter for your records.
Resources
Check out the following free resources for students on
our website (jcu.edu.au/careers)
• Employability Edge – has a module on Master
Written Applications.
• Resume and written application feedback
service.
• Career and Job Search Information - Resumes,
Selection Criteria, Interviews and more, are
available on our website or from our office on Level
1 of the Library.
• Industry Events – find out about job opportunities
and connect with employers.
• Big Interview – improve your interview technique
and build your confidence.
• JCU CareerHub - view job vacancies and events.
• Career Ready Plan – build your career now.
Tip: Avoid using clichés and generic
phrases. Focus on showing examples
of your skills and experience.
[insert your name]
[insert your phone number]
[insert your email address]
[insert link to your LinkedIn (optional)]
[insert title and name of recipient – e.g. Mrs S Smith]
[insert their position if known – e.g. Manager – Graduate Recruitment]
[insert the organisation name – e.g. Queensland Health]
[insert the organisation street address]
[insert the organisation Suburb, State, Postcode]
[insert the date – e.g. 1 February, 2024]
Dear [person’s name e.g. Mrs. Smith, or ‘To Whom It May Concern’ if unable to obtain name]
Application for position of [insert name of role], Reference Number [insert if given]
I wish to apply for the position of [position title] with [company name] as advertised [where
advertised] on [date]. I am currently studying a [degree title] at James Cook University and expect to
complete my degree in November [year]. My experience in the area of [specify area] and [specify
area] has allowed me to develop skills in [skill] and [skill] and I am keen to extend this experience
with [company name] who are a recognised leader in this field.
My studies in [specify area] and my active participation in the [name of organisation] has allowed me
to develop my leadership and communication skills. As part of my studies, I acted as a Student
Mentor to first year students which required me to advise groups of 20-30 students on studying at
university and how to best organise their timetable to maximise their study opportunities. In addition
to maintaining an overall grade point average of 5.8 (highest being 7), I also coordinated a
fundraising program for the Cancer Council of Queensland. Through activities that included weekly
BBQ’s, raffles, and seeking corporate sponsorship, I raised $5000 for my local Cancer Council
branch. This achievement required excellent organisational skills, the ability to communicate with a
broad range of people and a flair for marketing.
I am aware that [company name] seeks to ‘[mission statement]’; this is an area that I am passionate
about and am enthusiastic about contributing to. My thesis research on [detail on thesis topic]
allowed me to develop my [ability] and [ability] abilities and I am keen to apply these to the position
of [position title]. Throughout my degree, I have undertaken work experience with a variety of
[discipline] firms including [company name], my supervisors regularly commented on my strong work
ethic and my diligent attention to the projects I was assigned.
I look forward to the opportunity of discussing my application with you and would be pleased to
supply any further documentation you require in addition to my attached resume, statement
addressing selection criteria and academic record. I can be contacted at any time on 0400 111 222
or email@email.com.au. Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely
[insert signature]
[insert your name]
Enclosures: [e.g. resume]
DO NOT COPY – PLEASE USE TO
GENERATE YOUR OWN IDEAS
