Sometimes an employer will want a one-page cover letter without a resume. When this happens it's important to use your cover letter to link your experience and skills to the requirements of the job.
Our Sample Cover Letters pages have information on cover letters needed for other situations.
Cover letter: Cover letter only + paid work experience
Use this sample cover letter if:
- you're applying for a job that's been advertised
- you have paid work experience
- you've been asked to apply with a cover letter only without submitting your resume.
When writing a letter like this, make sure you detail how your paid work experience is relevant to the job.
Download this sample cover letter:
NOTE: DON'T SUBMIT YOUR COVER LETTER AS A .PDF. Always submit your cover letter as a .doc, .docx or .rtf. If you have trouble with this sample cover letter, contact us at youthcentral@dpc.vic.gov.au.
Cover letter only and paid work experience
When writing a letter like this you should include:
- your name, email address and phone number at the top of the page on the right
- the name of the business and the contact person's full name on the left
- the date you wrote the letter on the right
- a reference line (e.g., "Re: Application for Administrative Assistant position")
- an address to the reviewer directly (e.g., "Dear Mr. Moyle" - try to avoid using "To whom it may concern" if you can)
- an opening statement that briefly introduces you to the reader
- a paragraph that summarises your experience and skills
- a list that clearly outlines how you meet each job requirement (use one bullet point per requirement and make sure each point is no longer than two lines)
- a closing paragraph asking to arrange an interview.
Key points of this cover letter are that it:
- introduces you to the reader
- responds to the requirements of the job
- doesn't include too many “I” statements, which can run the risk of disengaging the reader
The focus of this kind of cover letter is to prove that your personal qualities and characteristics are a good fit with the requirements of the job. You also need to show how you will make a positive contribution to the organisation or business.
Our other pages have more information about resumes and cover letters:
A sample cover letter only with paid work experience.
Joanne Tint
Email: joannetint@xmail.com
Mobile: XXXX XXX XXX
Mr Allan Moyle
Pride Family Jewellers
Phone: XXXX XXX XXX
Email: enquiries@pridefamilyjewellers.com.au
15 December 2018
RE: Application for Retail Assistant position
Dear Mr Moyle,
As a young, motivated individual I am extremely interested in submitting an application for the Retail Assistant role currently advertised at Pride Family Jewellers.
In responding to the specific requirements of this position I would like to highlight how my experience can demonstrate my ability to meet each of these.
- Exceptional communication skills: Articulate communicator who understands the different communication styles required when working with colleagues or customers.
- Previous experience in retail: Four years' experience working at KSmart, providing customer service at registers, lay-by counter and on the retail floor.
- Great attention to detail: Previous retail duties have required high attention to detail, including cash management, sales reconciliation and merchandising displays.
In November 2017, I completed my VCE studies and also obtained a Certificate II in Business Administration.
Above and beyond my experience and capabilities I have been commended for my high level of interpersonal skills and my naturally engaging personality. My motivations include learning new things, the challenge of meeting the needs of an organisation, and ensuring high-quality outcomes.
I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my application and this position in more detail at an interview. Please don’t hesitate to contact me using the details above.
Thank you in advance,
Joanne Tint