Crafting your first job application can feel a bit scary, but trust us when we tell you not to stress too much; with just a little bit of research and effort, you’re bound to make a great impression! And what’s more, you don’t have to do it alone. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to craft a standout cover letter and resume for NZ job applications so that you can land the job you really want!
Whether you’re applying for a part-time job at a local café or looking to dive into an internship, nailing your application documents is the first step to success. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get into it!
Why are Cover Letters and Resumes so Important?
When employers get hundreds of applications for the same role, your application documents (A.K.A. your cover letter and resume) are what will either set you apart from other candidates or result in you fading into the background. No pressure though!
Essentially, your resume gives employers an at-a-glance overview of your experience, skills, and achievements. Meanwhile, your cover letter is your chance to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Together, they’re your ticket to making that killer first impression you’ve been dreaming of. And if you’re ever tempted to submit a less-than-polished resume and cover letter (or create one without checking out some resume examples and cover letter examples first) remember that a little extra effort can be the difference between landing an interview and being ghosted by that hiring manager you desperately want to impress!
Going Back to Basics: What is a Resume?
At its core, a resume is simply a document that lists your work experience, education, skills, and achievements. Think of it as a snapshot of everything awesome about you that’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. However, when you haven’t written your first one yet, it’s normal to be a little confused about what to include, so we highly recommend checking out some resume examples and resume templates before starting on your own!
P.S. If you aren’t quite sure what counts as ‘experience,’ find out here.
CV vs Resume: What’s the Difference?
In New Zealand, people often use “CV” and “resume” interchangeably. Technically, a CV is a longer document (used more commonly abroad and in academic or research fields), while a resume is shorter and tailored to specific jobs. However, if you didn’t know the difference between a CV vs resume until now, don’t beat yourself up about it; it’s a good question that still stumps a few industry professionals!
Why ATS (Applicant Tracking System) Optimised Resumes are So Important
Ever submitted a tonne of applications and didn’t receive a single response? Unfortunately, your resume and cover letter might’ve been rejected before a human even saw it! This is because so many companies now use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords before passing them on to a hiring manager.
With this in mind, it’s crucial to optimise your resume format with job-specific keywords. Don’t overcomplicate things; just focus on using language directly from the job ad and keeping your formatting simple (pro tip: fancy fonts and graphics can mess with ATS software, so less is always more).
Where to Find Free Resume Templates
Staring at a blank page can be terrifying, but you don’t have to start from scratch! There are tonnes of free resume templates online to make your life easier.
Here are a few places to find them:
- Canva: Fun and creative templates perfect for first timers.
- Microsoft Word: Reliable and professional options.
- Google Docs: Super easy to use and free for everyone.
Make sure you choose a resume format that’s clean and easy to read. Keep it simple with clear headings like ‘Education,’ ‘Work Experience,’ and ‘Skills,’ and make sure it can be read by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), too.
What is a Cover Letter?
Still confused about the difference between a resume and a cover letter? Don’t worry, we’re about to clear it up! Essentially, a cover letter is a one-page document that introduces you to the employer and explains why you’re applying for the job. Think of it as your chance to show off a bit of personality and enthusiasm.
Your cover letter should be short, sweet, and tailored to the specific role. Don’t just copy and paste a generic letter or repeat what was said on your resume; you need to show the employer that you actually care about their job.
How to Write a Cover Letter
Writing your first cover letter might feel a bit awkward, but don’t worry; it does get easier! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Each Job
This is truly the golden rule of cover letters! Employers can spot a copy-paste job a mile away, so use the job description to pick out key skills they’re looking for and mention them in your letter. For example, if the job listing says they need someone with “excellent communication skills,” highlight a time you crushed a school project or volunteered to present in class!
Address the Job Criteria
Many job ads include specific criteria, like “must have basic computer skills” or “able to work weekends.” Use your cover letter to show how you meet these requirements.
For example, if a job advertisement lists ‘organisational skills’ as a key criterion, you could write something along the lines of: “I’ve developed strong organisational skills through successfully balancing my schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and volunteering commitments.”
Don’t Just Repeat What Your Resume Says
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: your cover letter shouldn’t just be a boring summary of your resume. Instead, get creative and use it to tell a story! Why are you interested in the job? What excites you about the company? Add a few personal touches that show you’re genuinely keen to work there.
For example, you could show your enthusiasm by writing something along the lines of: ‘I’ve always loved visiting [Company Name] with my friends and admire the positive energy that your staff bring to the working environment. Due to my passion for the industry and strong communication skills, I think I would be a great addition to the team and would love to contribute my unique skillset to help your company grow.’
Final Tips for a Winning Cover Letter and Resume
Last but not least, we impart some final tips to make your cover letter and resume shine!
- Proofread, proofread, proofread! When it comes to cover letters and resumes, typos are a big no-no.
- Keep it short and sweet. One page for your resume and one page for your cover letter is all you need, especially when you’re just starting out.
- Show some personality. Employers want to hire real people, not robots!
By using a strong resume format, free resume templates, and writing a killer cover letter, you’ll be able to set yourself apart from other applicants. So, invest some time into checking out resume examples online, and don’t be afraid to ask a teacher, parent, or friend to review your documents before you hit send.
Ready to Land Your First Job?
Now that you know how to create a standout cover letter and resume, it’s time to get out there and start applying! Whether you’re aiming for part-time work, an internship, or your dream first gig, these tips will help you make an awesome first impression (and if you need some extra tips, head to our Get Career Ready blog and keep reading up)!
Good luck; your future starts now!
