Writing Your First Cover Letter
Starting your career journey in Australia can be both exciting and challenging. As a graduate or first-time job seeker, you might worry about not having extensive work experience. However, a well-crafted entry-level cover letter can effectively showcase your potential, enthusiasm, and transferable skills to Australian employers.
What Makes an Entry-Level Cover Letter Different?
Entry-level cover letters focus on your educational achievements, internships, volunteer work, university projects, and soft skills rather than extensive professional experience. The key is to demonstrate your eagerness to learn, cultural fit, and how your academic background has prepared you for the role.
Essential Components
1. Strong Opening Paragraph
Begin by stating the position you're applying for and where you found the job listing. Express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity and briefly mention why you're interested in the company. For example:
Example Opening:
"I am writing to express my strong interest in the Graduate Marketing Assistant position advertised on SEEK. As a recent Bachelor of Marketing graduate from the University of Sydney with a passion for digital marketing and consumer behaviour, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s innovative marketing team."
2. Highlight Your Education
Emphasize relevant coursework, academic achievements, and projects that align with the job requirements. Mention your GPA if it's strong (above 6.0/7.0 or equivalent), any honours received, or relevant thesis work.
3. Showcase Transferable Skills
Even without formal work experience, you've developed valuable skills through:
- University group projects (teamwork, collaboration)
- Part-time or casual work (customer service, time management)
- Volunteer activities (leadership, community engagement)
- Extracurricular activities (organization, communication)
- Internships or work placements (industry exposure)
4. Demonstrate Your Knowledge
Research the company and industry. Show that you understand their values, recent achievements, or challenges. This demonstrates initiative and genuine interest.
Top Tips for Entry-Level Cover Letters
- Be specific: Use concrete examples from your studies or other experiences
- Show enthusiasm: Employers value candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity
- Keep it concise: One page maximum, three to four paragraphs
- Proofread carefully: Errors are particularly damaging for entry-level applications
- Use Australian spelling: Organisation (not organization), labour (not labor)
- Customize each letter: Never use a generic template without personalization
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too humble: Don't apologize for lack of experience; focus on what you bring
- Repeating your resume: Use the cover letter to expand on key points, not duplicate them
- Using clichés: Avoid phrases like "I'm a hard worker" without evidence
- Making it about you: Focus on what you can do for the employer, not what they can do for you
- Generic letters: Always customize for each application
Structure Template
Paragraph 1: Introduction – Position, where you found it, your current status (graduate/student), and initial enthusiasm
Paragraph 2: Education and relevant skills – Academic achievements, relevant coursework, projects
Paragraph 3: Experience and attributes – Transferable skills from part-time work, volunteering, internships, or extracurriculars
Paragraph 4: Closing – Reiterate interest, thank them for consideration, indicate availability for interview
Final Checklist
- Contact details are current and professional
- Letter is addressed to a specific person (if possible)
- Company name is spelled correctly throughout
- Specific role title is mentioned
- Letter is one page or less
- Australian English spelling is used
- Professional email signature is included
- Document is saved as PDF before sending
Detailed Example: Entry-Level Cover Letter
Example for a Graduate Marketing Role:
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Graduate Marketing Assistant position at Digital Innovations Australia, as advertised on SEEK. As a recent Bachelor of Marketing graduate from the University of Melbourne with a passion for digital strategy and content creation, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your award-winning marketing team.
During my studies, I completed coursework in Digital Marketing Strategy, Consumer Behaviour, and Social Media Marketing, maintaining a distinction average of 75%. My capstone project involved developing a comprehensive digital marketing campaign for a local startup, which resulted in a 200% increase in their Instagram engagement and generated 50 qualified leads within three months. This hands-on experience taught me how to translate marketing theory into measurable business results.
Through my part-time role at Westfield as a Sales Associate, I developed strong customer service and communication skills while working in a fast-paced retail environment. Additionally, I volunteered as the Social Media Coordinator for the Melbourne University Marketing Society, where I grew our following from 500 to 2,000 students within one semester and coordinated five successful industry networking events. These experiences have prepared me to contribute immediately to your team while continuing to learn and develop my professional skills.
I am particularly drawn to Digital Innovations Australia because of your commitment to data-driven marketing and your recent campaign for sustainable fashion brands. Your focus on purpose-driven marketing aligns perfectly with my values and career aspirations. I would be thrilled to bring my enthusiasm, creative thinking, and willingness to learn to your dynamic team.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my academic background and genuine passion for digital marketing can contribute to your team's continued success. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at 0412 345 678 or emma.wilson@email.com.
Yours sincerely,
Emma Wilson
Breaking Down the Example
Why This Works:
- Specific position and source: States exactly what role and where found
- Relevant qualification: Mentions specific degree that matches the role
- Academic achievements: Includes distinction average and relevant coursework
- Quantifiable project: Capstone project with measurable results (200% engagement, 50 leads)
- Transferable experience: Part-time retail work shows reliability and customer skills
- Leadership evidence: Social media coordinator role with growth metrics
- Company research: References specific campaign and company values
- Personal alignment: Explains why this company specifically interests them
- Clear contact details: Phone and email provided
- Professional tone: Enthusiastic but not desperate, confident but not arrogant
Addressing Specific Entry-Level Scenarios
Scenario 1: Recent Graduate with Internship Experience
Key points to emphasize:
- Specific projects completed during internship
- Skills developed through real-world application
- Feedback or recognition received
- How the internship confirmed your career direction
- Willingness to take on full-time responsibilities
Example sentence: "During my three-month internship at ABC Company, I contributed to the development of their new customer database system, which reduced data entry time by 30% and improved reporting accuracy. This experience confirmed my passion for business analysis and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in operational improvement."
Scenario 2: Graduate with Relevant Part-Time Work
Key points to emphasize:
- How part-time work relates to the professional role
- Responsibility and reliability demonstrated
- Customer service or communication skills gained
- Ability to balance work and study
- Any promotions or increased responsibilities
Example sentence: "While completing my degree full-time, I worked 20 hours per week as a barista at a busy Melbourne café. This role taught me to maintain high standards under pressure, work collaboratively in a team, and provide excellent customer service—skills that translate directly to client-facing professional environments."
Scenario 3: Graduate with Strong Academic Record
Key points to emphasize:
- Specific GPA or honours achieved
- Academic awards or scholarships
- Research projects or thesis work
- Relevant technical skills learned
- Academic leadership (tutoring, study groups)
Example sentence: "I graduated with First Class Honours (GPA 6.8/7.0) and received the Dean's Award for Academic Excellence. My honours thesis on predictive analytics in healthcare was selected for presentation at the Australian Data Science Conference, demonstrating both my technical abilities and communication skills."
Scenario 4: Graduate with Volunteer Experience
Key points to emphasize:
- Leadership roles in volunteer organizations
- Project management experience
- Fundraising or event coordination
- Community engagement skills
- Commitment to causes relevant to the employer
Example sentence: "As the Events Coordinator for Red Cross Youth, I organized five fundraising events that collectively raised over $15,000 for disaster relief. This experience developed my project management, stakeholder communication, and budget management skills—all directly applicable to the events coordinator role at your organization."
Scenario 5: International Student Graduate
Key points to emphasize:
- Valid working rights in Australia
- Cultural adaptability and global perspective
- Language skills (if relevant)
- Australian qualifications obtained
- Integration into Australian workplace culture
Example sentence: "As an Australian permanent resident and graduate of Monash University, I bring both international perspective and local market understanding. My fluency in Mandarin and English, combined with my Bachelor of International Business, positions me well to contribute to your company's expansion into Asian markets."
Maximizing Your Limited Experience
University Projects as Work Examples
Treat significant university projects like professional work:
- Define the brief: What problem were you solving?
- Describe your approach: What methodology did you use?
- Highlight collaboration: Did you work in a team?
- Quantify results: What were the outcomes or findings?
- Connect to the role: How does this relate to the job?
Extracurricular Activities as Leadership
University clubs and societies demonstrate valuable skills:
- Committee positions: Show organizational ability
- Event management: Demonstrate project coordination
- Membership growth: Marketing and engagement skills
- Budget management: Financial responsibility
- Sponsorship: Business development and negotiation
Common Entry-Level Concerns Addressed
"I don't have enough experience"
Reframe: You have relevant experience—it's just not called "employment." Coursework, projects, volunteering, and part-time work all count. Focus on skills developed rather than job titles held.
"I don't have any achievements to list"
Reframe: Academic performance, team project success, part-time work reliability, volunteer commitments—these are all achievements. Think about times you exceeded expectations, solved problems, or made improvements.
"I can't quantify my results"
Solution: Not everything needs numbers, but look for:
- Grade improvements or high marks
- Membership numbers grown
- Events attended or money raised
- Time saved or efficiency improved
- Positive feedback or recognition received
"My degree isn't directly related to the job"
Solution: Emphasize transferable skills. A History degree develops research, analysis, and writing. Philosophy teaches critical thinking and logic. Focus on how your degree developed skills the role requires, not just the subject matter studied.
Industry-Specific Entry-Level Tips
Technology and IT
- Mention personal coding projects or GitHub portfolio
- Include hackathons or coding competitions attended
- Reference specific technologies and languages learned
- Discuss any open-source contributions
- Mention technical certifications (even if in progress)
Marketing and Communications
- Reference social media management for clubs or causes
- Include content creation examples (blog, portfolio)
- Mention any campaign work, even if academic
- Discuss analytics or metrics where possible
- Highlight creative projects or competitions
Finance and Accounting
- Emphasize analytical and numerical coursework
- Mention Excel and financial software proficiency
- Include any treasurer roles in societies
- Reference compliance or regulatory knowledge
- Highlight attention to detail and accuracy
Education and Training
- Mention any tutoring or mentoring experience
- Include practicum placements and feedback
- Discuss classroom management approaches
- Reference specific teaching methodologies
- Highlight patience and communication skills
Graduate Programs vs. Individual Roles
Graduate Programs
Formal graduate programs typically look for:
- Leadership potential and ambition
- Willingness to undertake rotations
- Long-term commitment to development
- Cultural fit with organizational values
- Demonstrated initiative and drive
Individual Graduate Roles
Stand-alone entry-level positions prioritize:
- Immediate contribution to specific team
- Technical skills relevant to the role
- Ability to learn quickly on the job
- Alignment with team dynamics
- Practical experience, even if limited
Salary Expectations and Negotiation
Don't mention salary in your cover letter unless specifically requested. If the application requires salary expectations:
- Research typical graduate salaries in your field
- Check industry awards and minimum wages
- Consider location (Sydney/Melbourne vs. regional)
- Provide a range rather than specific figure
- State you're open to discussion based on full package
The Application Follow-Up
For entry-level positions:
- Respect stated timelines: Don't follow up before they've indicated
- One follow-up maximum: 1-2 weeks after applying
- Brief and polite: Reiterate interest, don't demand response
- Email only: Unless phone contact specifically invited
- Move on gracefully: Don't take silence personally
Building Your Application Package
Your cover letter works alongside:
- Resume/CV: Keep to 2 pages maximum for graduates
- Academic transcript: Often required for graduate roles
- Portfolio: For creative, technical, or design roles
- References: Prepare 2-3 professional or academic referees
- LinkedIn profile: Ensure it's professional and current
Final Advice for Entry-Level Applicants
- Apply broadly: Don't limit yourself to "dream jobs" only
- Learn from rejections: Each application improves your skills
- Network actively: Attend industry events and career fairs
- Consider smaller companies: Less competition, more responsibility
- Be patient but persistent: Job searching takes time
- Keep developing skills: Take courses, volunteer, build projects
- Stay positive: Your first role is just the beginning
Next Steps
Remember, your entry-level cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong first impression. Take the time to craft a personalized, well-researched letter that showcases your potential. With the right approach, you can stand out from other candidates and secure your first professional role in Australia's competitive job market.
Don't be discouraged by initial rejections—every successful professional started exactly where you are now. Focus on continuous improvement, leverage every experience you have, and approach each application with genuine enthusiasm and professionalism.