Free cover letter template

A cover letter is all about making a great first impression and giving your job application the best chance of making progress. a well-written cover letter will encourage a potential employer to read through to your resumé and get in touch to find out more or set up an interview..

  • why you’re interested in that role,
  • what the most relevant skills and experience you could bring to it.

“I’m starting out my career in…"

  • “I’ve committed myself to building skills in <aspect of the job> and <another aspect> throughout my work as an <your current role>. Now, I’m ready to take the next step in my career. The <job title> role at <company name> would allow me to contribute my skills to the <team name> team, and in doing so, help <company name> to succeed in <what the company does>.”
  • “Providing patient-centred care has grown to become my key focus as I establish my nursing career. I’m passionate about ensuring dignity and respect, and that’s why this role as Graduate Nurse at Smith Hospital appeals so greatly to me.”

"<Company name> has been of interest to me since …"

"i welcome the opportunity…", top search terms, explore related topics, subscribe to career advice.

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Resumes & cover letters: Cover letter templates

free cover letter template

A cover letter is often your first communication with a potential employer, and therefore it is vital that when writing a cover letter  you make it compelling and professional from the very first line, marking you out as a candidate they need to contact.

A good cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your written communication skills and your motivation for applying for the role. Writing a cover letter customised to the job demonstrates you have taken the time to put some effort into your application. You can also use a cover letter as an opportunity to highlight and provide more detail on any specific skills or experience which are relevant to the role you are applying for.

To help you structure your cover letter, we’ve developed 4 free cover letter templates and cover letter samples you can use to write a cover letter that will catch the eye of hiring managers and recruiters and increase your chances of getting an interview. For additional tips and advice on cover letter writing, check out our article How to write a cover letter .

Download our free cover letter templates

Cover letter template 1: response to a job ad, cover letter template 2: response to a job ad, cover letter template 3: letter to a recruiter on linkedin, cover letter template 4: ‘cold contact’ prospecting letter to a hiring manager.

Dear [name]:

I’m writing in response to your recently advertised position for a [role title]. I am very interested in this opportunity with [company] and believe that my qualifications, education and professional experience would make me
a strong candidate for the position.

I am a [insert personal characteristics] professional who [add more information on how you can add value to future company]. (You can insert short version of your career profile here).

Enclosed is my resume that more fully details my background and work experience, and how they relate to your position. As you can see, [pick out a few key details or experiences that align with the specific requirements of the advertised
role].

I firmly believe that I can be a valuable asset to your team. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you about this position and how my experience could help [insert name of company] achieve its goals.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Kind regards,

[Your name]

Dear Mr/Ms [name]:

I’m writing to express my interest in the recently advertised [position title] role. I believe I could bring valuable skills and experience to [company name] that would make me an ideal fit for this position.

I have [number] years of experience as a [your professional role/title] and in this time I have [briefly outline your experience in current or previous roles and mention key responsibilities and achievements].

[In this paragraph, outline how you specifically fit the requirements of the advertised role and mirror the language used in the job ad].

[In this paragraph, reinforce your unique selling proposition, what you have to offer and why you are an ideal fit].

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]

Dear [name]:

I came across your profile on LinkedIn and see that you are a recruitment specialist in [insert sector].

As a [insert your role title/function] interested in new positions in the [insert city] area, I would be keen to find out more about the positions you place and whether your agency might be able to assist me in my search.

I have [insert number] years of experience in the industry and most recently I have [insert a brief outline of your recent professional experience]. My key skills are [insert a few key points or strengths] and my career highlights
include:

[In this paragraph, summarise your unique selling proposition – Example: “I am a strong and effective communicator and proven leader, able to navigate the corporate environment and respond to its demands.”]

I look forward to discussing my potential to contribute to your clients’ [or organisation’s] needs. Please do not hesitate to contact me on [insert mobile number].

Kind regards,

[Your name]

Dear [name]:

I have been researching your company with great interest and would be very keen to learn of any opportunities for employment with you. I believe my skills and experience could be a great match with your organisation’s initiatives
and culture. [In your opening, if you can draw any personal connection, such as a personal recommendation, recently attending one of their events or talks, or even reading about their company in the news, do so.]

As a [insert your role title/function] with [number] years of experience in the sector, I believe I could make a valuable contribution to furthering your company’s success and goals. [Briefly outline your experience and emphasise
any skills and strengths that would benefit the company. Mention any projects you’ve worked on that relate to what the company does.]

My career highlights include:

I have been very excited to learn about [cite some development, project or aspect of the company that appeals to you and demonstrates your knowledge of the company. Now explain how you would contribute to the company’s projects,
put forward an idea or demonstrate how you can help the company grow.]

I believe that my experience would make me an ideal fit for [company name]. I have attached my resume to provide more information about my background and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I may be able to contribute to
your organisation. I will call you next week to arrange a time to meet at your convenience, but please do not hesitate to contact me at [insert email address and mobile number].

Kind regards,

[Your name]

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How to write a great New Zealand CV (with free templates)

A good CV can make all the difference to your job hunting hopes. Check out our must-read advice and free templates.

You can use our professional-looking CV template to apply for jobs quickly.

Looking to write a great, NZ style CV? We got you.

Here’s everything you need to know and include to make your CV stand out in front of recruiters and hiring managers.

We’ve also created some free CV templates , for you to copy, fill in and send off. Easy as.

Now, let’s get cracking.

In this article, you’ll learn: 

  • How to write a CV: what to include 
  • What not to include on your CV 
  • How to format your CV 
  • And you'll get access to free CV Templates

How to write a CV: what to include

Every good CV contains the following elements:

  • Your name and contact info 
  • Your personal statement and objectives 
  • Your work history 
  • Your qualifications 
  • Your referees

new zealand cover letter format pdf download

1. Your name and contact info

Your full name should be clearly displayed at the top of your CV, along with the following contact info:

  • Phone number – this can be either a mobile or landline, but needs to be one you’ll be able to answer during standard working hours.
  • Email – the majority of job applications today are done online, and you’ll likely initially hear back via email.
  • Home address – this might seem outdated, but the people assessing your CV will still expect to see your home address included.

If you have an online employment profile (and we highly recommend you do), this is a great place to include its URL, or links to online work portfolios.

Talent Team Top Tips 

Our Trade Me Talent Team offers some insight: 

  • If you’re still using your Hotmail account from when you were 10 (looking at you ‘beermonster98'), it’s time for a change. It’s easy to set up a more professional email address, and well worth your time. 
  • Check your contact details are accurate - you’d be surprised how often we can’t contact people because their details are incorrect, or missing altogether.

Trade Me Jobs has created quick and easy CV templates for you to download.

Choose from one of our CV designs, then fill in your details.

2. Your personal statement and objectives

Personal statement and objectives sections are staples of New Zealand CVs. The important thing with these is to keep them short and snappy – aim for no more than 80 words. Also, avoid cliches – being unique will help you stand out from the crowd.

  • E.g. 1: ‘I’m an experienced accountant, specialising in internal audits, with a passion for keeping up with the latest accounting tech trends.’
  • E.g. 2: ‘I’m a hard-working carpentry apprentice, with experience in commercial and residential projects, and a passion for taking on new challenges’.
  • E.g. 1: ‘With two years as an assistant manager under my belt, I’m looking to take on a full management role, and continue to grow my responsibilities’.
  • E.g.2: ‘Having recently graduated, I’m keen to take the skills and experience I gained during my degree into a professional setting’.

A young person looking inspired when writing the personal statement section of a CV.

Use positive language in your personal statement and objective, but keep them concise.

3. Your work history

If this is your first CV , and you don’t have any paid work experience to include – fear not. The above info is equally valid for any volunteer positions you’ve held or internships you’ve completed. If you haven’t done anything of this sort either – still fear not, we’ll get onto listing education and qualifications below.

There’s a knack to listing work experience on your CV. Each entry needs to include:

  • The company name
  • Your job title
  • The dates you worked there
  • Your core responsibilities. Top tip : keep this short. Just include the headlines and use bullet points, not paragraphs.

If you’re wondering how many jobs to include on your CV, there’s no single correct answer. For those who’ve held a number of roles, give five or six with proper substance, and then list the earlier (less relevant) roles with just the dates worked.

Top tip : use keywords. Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to auto screen candidates and save time. One of the key ways this technology works is to scan CVs for certain keywords, and eliminate those that don’t contain them.

When researching keywords for your application, a great place to start is the job ad itself. This will show you the core required responsibilities you can match with your own experience.

You can include volunteer and internship experience on your CV.

Volunteering and internships should go in your past experience section.

4. Your qualifications

Here, we’re talking about any qualifications employers might be interested in . Think uni degrees, professional certificates and NCEA, among others.

As with your work history, list these in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent at the top. Remember, your reader is only likely to skim this section – so make it clear and keep details to a minimum.

Here’s how to include qualifications and education on your CV:

  • Qualification type – for example, Plumbing and Gas Fitting – Level 2, or Bachelor of Business.
  • Your grade(s)
  • Institution – for example, University of Massey.
  • Date s – the time period over which you completed the qualification.

If your qualification is directly relevant to the role you’re applying for, you could also include key details of your study. For uni grads, dissertations are great here as they demonstrate independent study on a topic you found particularly gripping. If you have a professional qualification, you might want to focus on an area of specialism you developed that makes you stand out .

As you progress through your career, and complete additional courses you may feel that earlier entries (e.g. NCEA) are no longer relevant. This is your call, and will ultimately depend on the role you’re applying for.

University qualifications, and professional certificates, are important and should be included on the CV.

You should list qualifications in reverse order, starting with the most recent.

5. Your referees

Common questions about this section include: ‘who can be a referee for my CV?’, and ‘how many referees should I include?’.

The first choice to make is whether you want to list referees’ details, or simply include a sentence like ‘references available upon request’. Today, the second option is generally more popular. However, if you’re specifically asked to include them up front, give your referees’ phone numbers email addresses (and their relationship to you) at the bottom of your CV.

When it comes to ‘who’, the most popular choices are former employers, but you could go with lecturers or tutors you worked closely with. And remember, former employers can include people from any volunteer or internship positions you’ve held.

Ensure you ask these people to be your referee. Then they are expecting to be contacted and can be prepared.

Bonus tip : try to choose referees you’ve worked with recently, or those most relevant for the industry you’re going for. 

What not to include on your CV

  • A photo – unless specifically requested, don’t put a photo on your CV. Why? Prospective employers shouldn’t make decisions based on appearance, but, unfortunately, some still do. Instead, let your skills and experience speak for themselves.
  • Boastfulness – in your personal statement, avoid adjectives like ‘expert’. Focus on your experience instead, and your value will come through organically.
  • Salary info – this includes what you’re on now and/or your desired salary. The risk is that you weaken your bargaining position later on, or price yourself out of the market from the start.
  • Family details – most hirers aren’t interested in whether or not you’re single, married or have kids. However, some may unfairly favour people in certain circumstances. For example, a single person with no family commitments may be favoured for a travelling sales job over a parent with young children.
  • A conclusion – there’s no need to include a statement summing up your experience, or promising the info you included is true – the last point on your CV should be your references.

CV’s should only include relevant information, so don’t include details of your family.

Only include information relevant to your application.

How to format your CV

Our free CV templates do a lot of the formatting legwork for you, but here are some additional pointers for nailing the appearance side of things:

  • Length – a standard NZ CV is one to two pages long. If you go over this, you risk the reader getting bored – be clear and concise, and put the most relevant info first.
  • Fonts – the best font for your CV is one that’s easy to read. As unexciting as they are, popular choices include Times New Roman, Georgie, Bell MT, Tahoma and Arial. Whichever you choose, stick to it throughout.
  • Layout – clearly label each section, and remember to be brief by using bullet points for the experience and qualifications sections.
  • Margins – keep the margins the same throughout to keep things neat.

An often overlooked stage in finalising your CV is naming the file. As most applications are completed online, the title you give your document is important, as this is the first thing the reader will see. Here are a few tips:

  • Avoid the generic – ‘CV.doc’ is likely to get lost among all the other ‘CV.doc’s the recruiter receives.
  • Avoid numbers – ‘CV7.doc’ suggests six other CVs have already been sent to different companies, and you’re not as interested in this position as you claim to be.
  • Keep it simple – ‘Sarah-Davies-CV’ is just fine. If you want to add more detail, and have space, including the job title makes things even more obvious.
  • Keep it consistent – you need to write a cover letter to accompany your CV. In our example, this would be titled ‘Sarah-Davies-cover letter’.

Final tips from our Talent Team: 

  • Don’t skip the most important stage of all – checking. We can’t overemphasise the importance of quality controlling your CV before sending it off. 
  • A stellar application can be derailed by a simple typo, an illegible font or incorrect contact details. 
  • If possible, show your CV to a friend, colleague or family member – a fresh pair of eyes can make all the difference. 
  • Save and send your CV as a PDF, as a PDF is a very universal format.

Don’t forget to also create a Trade Me Jobs Profile - an online platform that allows recruiters to find you.

Al Hall

Al Hall is a regular contributor at Trade Me Jobs and Trade Me Property. He’s dedicated to helping people succeed in their aspirations to find their dream job and place to live.

Other articles you might like

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Done right, your CV can be a powerful tool for helping you stand out from other candidates. Here, we’ll show you how.

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Modern cover letter templates

Take a fresh approach with our stylish, modern cover letter templates perfectly designed to give you the edge in innovative industries.

Modern cover letter template Stockholm

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A modern cover letter template to make a strong impression.

From tech and IT to marketing and start-ups, there are dozens of jobs and industries where a standard cover letter just won’t cut it. That’s why we’ve created this collection of modern cover letter templates that exude confidence and style. 

To make the most out of your modern cover letter template, make sure to keep your writing concise and energetic. Strong action verbs and specific examples will work together with a bold template to ensure your cover letter stands out no matter how large the application pool. Check out this general guide for even more tips on writing a great cover letter.

In today’s job market, hiring managers are looking for candidates with fresh ideas who aren’t afraid to be themselves. By picking a modern cover letter template, you can rest assured that your visuals are just as bold as your personality and experience.

When to pick a modern job application letter template

There are a few key indicators that a modern job application letter template is the right choice. Does your potential employer value unique perspectives and originality? Are their offices filled with bold colors, sleek furniture and a general youthful vibe? These are good signs that a modern template will work well for this particular position or workplace. Even if you don’t have any inside knowledge of the company you’re applying to, you can use their website to get a feel for their branding and image to decide if a modern application letter template is right for you.

To get the most out of your modern job application letter template, make sure to match it with a modern resume template. You can browse our collection here .

A modern job application letter template can also work well for freelancers and entrepreneurs. These templates are all about achieving the balance between professionalism and personal style, which makes them some of the most versatile in our collection.

Top 5 why choose a modern cover letter for a resume

  • Your industry or position requires a nontraditional approach
  • You want your application to stand out in a big way
  • You’re looking for a balance of professionalism and bold design
  • You want to freshen up a previous cover letter
  • You want to present yourself as a forward-thinking candidate

What makes a modern application letter

Although a modern template is a great starting point, you’ll need to embody the values of a modern application letter in both your visuals and your writing if you want to land a job in an innovative industry. Often, these positions are great for recent grads or early career professionals, but they can also lend themselves to candidates with years of expertise. The trick is to highlight how and why you’ve stayed at the forefront of your field, paying attention to new developments and trends.

Modern professionals know the best practices of traditional workplaces, but they’re not scared to change with the times. When writing a modern application letter, don’t be afraid to highlight moments when you thought outside the box or times when you created new initiatives and took a risk that led to positive results.

Free modern cover letter template – download as PDF or Word file

With Resume.io, you can pick a cover letter that’s stylish, professional and just right for your needs – but the best part? It’s free. Choose whether you’d like to download it as a PDF, Word file or even in Google Docs to make the most of your template in whichever platform you prefer.

The job search can be stressful. Our free modern cover letter template is designed to simplify the process and allow you to focus on showing off your best attributes without worrying about the visuals. With our free modern cover letter template you can rest assured you’re getting the perfect balance of attractive and functional design.

Try our professional Resume builder now!

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Use our free online cover letter builder

Build a winning cover letter now.

Our cover letter tools are helping Kiwis create impressive, powerful cover letters in less than ten minutes. Say goodbye to writer’s block with our pre-written phrases and tools, designed by experts, created for professionals.

Looking to create next-level cover letters and CVs? and resumes . We’ll help you stay up-to-date with the job market with our modern templates and tools! Use our CV builder to get one step closer to your dream career!

Loving our professional design formats? Want to see more? Keen to discover what CVapp.nz has to offer? Build powerful CVs in minutes with our CV builder. No hassle, no worries.

Check out our cover letter template designs samples . We’re helping Kiwis tell their professional stories and get closer to achieving their dream careers. Come try us out!

Proven cover letter templates

How our cover letter builder drastically increases your chances of securing your dream job.

At CVapp.nz, we streamline the application process for you. You don’t have to build anything from scratch! You can use our free cover letter templates and input your info easily. All of our designs are expert-approved and trusted by professionals. Come check them out for yourself!

With our in-built, automatic spell-checker, you don’t have to worry about being rejected due to grammatical errors or typos. We have everything in one place to remove the hassle from telling your professional story. Start making professional CVs and cover letters and advance your career now!

With our job tracker, you can add jobs to your wish list, monitor job listings, stay up-to-date with scheduled interviews and empower your job-hunt. We help you organise every stage of your job search. Come check it out for yourself!

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How to build a cover letter.

Building a convincing cover letter can take time and skills we don’t always have. Now, with CVapp.nz, we’ll help you build an effortless and easy cover letter that helps showcase your skills.

With our diverse range of stunning cover letter design templates, there’s something for everyone. All of our templates have been designed with professionals in mind, allowing users to pick a template for any job, industry or employer. professional Curious? Come take a look!

Employers need reliable contact information, so be sure to add relevant and appropriate contact details. With our expert-designed templates, headers and formatting, you can be sure your CV will be noticed and get you hired faster. No boring visuals, no problems!

Save on time by using our pre-approved phrases and top career tips and tricks! Use our free guides and resources to create impressive cover letters that leave a lasting impression and save you time and energy!

Customise the design, structure and formatting of your cover letters with ease. Our templates can be adjusted to your preferences, and you can edit on-the-go with our offline sync features. You won’t lose any progress or edits, even if we lose connection. Pretty cool, huh?

Use our PDF files to keep your CV and cover letter formatting perfectly intact. No matter what interface or email your employer uses, our flexible export options make launching your dream career easy.

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CVs and cover letters

Take the hard work out of writing your CV and cover letter. Get advice about what to write, support to show you what to do, and free templates you can use.

When you apply for a job, employers will look at your:

  • CV, to see your skills, any qualifications, and your work history
  • cover letter, to find out what kind of person you are and why you want this job.

They'll use this to decide if they want to interview you, so it's really important to make a good impression.

What's available

'build my cv' service.

A free service to help you write or review your CV and cover letter. It's run by the Auckland Business Chamber, and it's available online throughout New Zealand.

You can sign up if you're getting Jobseeker Support or Sole Parent Support.

If you've been getting one of these benefits for less than 12 months, you can sign up through MyMSD:

If you've been getting one of these benefits for more than 12 months talk to your local service centre or call our Job Search line on 0800 779 009 .

Step-by-step CV builder

A free, interactive tool from Careers.govt.nz.

  • Makes sure your CV has all the information employers look for.
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  • Your CV will save automatically to your account, and you can download, print and email it in Word and PDF.

How to write a cover letter

Careers.govt.nz has great advice about:

  • what your cover letter needs
  • how to make it look good
  • templates you can use.

New Zealand Resume Formats, Templates, and Writing Tips

Applying for a job in New Zealand? This New Zealand resume guide has some tips, FAQs, and templates to inspire you to write the perfect resume.

If you want to get a job in New Zealand, it’s important to learn how to write a great New Zealand resume.

No matter what industry you’re in, you will need a great resume if you want to land an interview.

In this article, we will discuss:

  • Requirements for a New Zealand resume
  • New Zealand resume sections
  • How to write an effective New Zealand resume
  • New Zealand resume FAQs

Create a resume

New Zealand Resume Requirements

Before writing your resume for New Zealand, it’s important to understand the expectations New Zealand employers will have. You need to include the right personal details and resume sections for your resume to be successful.

Mandatory personal details

There are certain details that are mandatory if you want your resume to be accepted. These include:

  • Phone number
  • Email address

Optional personal details

If you have a professional online profile, like LinkedIn, Github, or an online portfolio, you can include it in your New Zealand resume. If you do, make sure everything it contains is completely professional and appropriate for the workplace.

Do not include

Some personal details, while common in other countries, should never be included on a New Zealand resume. Do not include your:

  • Marital status
  • Health status
  • Nationality

How to Write a New Zealand Resume

To write a great resume for New Zealand, it’s important to make sure you have all the right sections and feature the right experience. To make sure your resume is ready for the New Zealand job market, simply follow these steps:

1. Choose the right New Zealand resume format

There are essentially two resume formats for New Zealand: A reverse-chronological resume , focused on your work experience, or a skills-based resume , focused on your skill set.

Reverse-chronological New Zealand resume format

In a reverse-chronological resume, the Work History section is the longest and most important part of the resume. In the Work History section, you list past positions in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your current or most recent role and working backwards. In each role, list responsibilities, skills, and accomplishments.

The reverse-chronological resume format is ideal for most job seekers. It clearly shows your career progression, and demonstrates your most important tasks and accomplishments in all of your past jobs. As long as you have had a fairly typical career, with roles largely in the same industry, this is the right choice for you. This is the most straightforward resume format, and the one most New Zealand employers will expect.

New Zealand Resume Format: Reverse-Chronological

Skills-based New Zealand resume format

In a skills-based resume, the Skills section is the most prominent section of the resume. In the Skills section, you make each skill or skill area a heading, then provide a detailed explanation or list of accomplishments related to each skill. The Work History section will be shorter and less detailed, and may be reverse-chronological or sorted by relevance.

A skills-based resume format is a great choice for job-seekers who have had a less traditional career path. If your work history has had long gaps, frequent job-hopping, or significant career changes, you may want to consider using a skills-based resume format. This format allows you to foreground your skill set, so you can make sure your most impressive and most relevant skills are clear to employers when your work history does not make this obvious. This resume format is less common than the reverse-chronological resume, but it can benefit the right job-seeker.

New Zealand Resume Format: Skills-Based

2. Select a great New Zealand resume template

The right resume template for your New Zealand job search will depend on your experience, your career goals, and your personality.

If you are in a more traditional industry, like law or finance, and you are applying for a large corporation, you will probably want to use a traditional resume template. Classic resume templates use little or no colour, a single column, and plenty of white space.

For example, VisualCV’s Standard template is a great choice for a classic New Zealand resume template.

New Zealand Resume Template: Standard

If you are in a more modern or creative industry, like social media marketing or graphic design, a visually striking resume could be a benefit to your job search. A modern resume template might include more striking colours, multiple columns, and other visual elements.

For example, VisualCV’s Quartz template offers a second column and a splash of colour that allows your resume to be expressive while remaining professional.

New Zealand Resume Template: Quartz

3. List your contact information

Once you have decided on your resume format and resume template, you can start adding the content to your resume. To start, make sure to list your contact information.

At the top of your resume, include your:

  • Telephone number
  • Email Address
  • Home Address

This ensures that the employer will be able to contact you. Make sure all of your contact information is up to date, and be sure that your email address is professional and appropriate for work.

Optionally, you can also include a link to a professional online profile, like a personal website or LinkedIn account. This will give employers greater insight into your career and online presence. If you do, however, make sure everything on the account is completely professional and appropriate for work.

4. Write a great personal statement

At or near the top of your resume, many job-seekers include a Summary, Objective, or Personal Statement. This section is optional, but a great professional summary can be a great way of introducing yourself to an employer and ensuring that your key qualities are easy to find, right at the beginning of your resume.

In a Summary or Personal Statement, offer some key skills, accomplishments, or qualifications that make you a great candidate for the position you are applying for. This section should be short–only a few sentences or bullet points–but impactful. By listing some key details up front, you can impress hiring managers right away and convince them to keep reading.

Objective statements are more rare, and are sometimes seen as outdated. We recommend including a Summary instead. If you do include one, however, briefly describe your career goals and how your experience relates to the position you are applying for.

New Zealand Resume Summary

5. Showcase your work experience

Your Work Experience section is the longest and most important part of your resume. In this section, you can list all of your previous positions in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your current or most recent job.

For each job, include the:

  • Company Name
  • Dates of Employment
  • Job Description

The job descriptions of each role can be the most effective parts of the resume. These sections are where you can list your achievements, skills, and abilities so the employer knows exactly what you bring as an employee.

To write great job descriptions, make sure to focus on achievements rather than responsibilities. Accomplishments are more impressive than duties, and a job description focused on success is going to catch the hiring manager’s eye.

If you’re having trouble thinking of accomplishments for each role, try to come up with measurable aspects of the job. This can be things like sales, customer growth, and budgets. Anything you can put a number to will look great on a resume. Using numbers to describe your experience simultaneously provides concrete examples of your experience, while showing that you are a data-driven worker who keeps track of your performance.

Further, use active language as much as possible to describe your work experience. Action verbs like “spearheaded”, “led”, and “developed” show that you are a dedicated worker with leadership qualities. It’s important to sound like you can think for yourself and take initiative, and describing your experience in the right way can help you do this.

New Zealand Resume Example: Work Experience

6. List your skills

Writing a great Skills section in your New Zealand resume can be the push that your resume needs to land you an interview. If your Skills section has just the right technical skills and personal attributes the employer is looking for, your resume is sure to be taken to the next stage.

It’s important to include both hard skills and soft skills in your resume. Hard skills are the professional skills specific to your career, like logistics, welding, or JQuery. Soft skills are the people skills that make you a great person to work with, like communication, problem solving, and time management.

To write a great Skills section, make sure to think carefully about the job you’re applying to. The company will have specific technical skills they’re looking for, so it’s important to make sure you have the right skills. List the most relevant skills right at the top of the list.

New Zealand Resume Skills

7. List your education and qualifications

Your education is an important part of your career story. Below your Skills and Work Experience sections, include a section for your degrees and other certifications. In your Education section, list accreditations in reverse-chronological order. For each item, include the:

  • Degree Name
  • School Name
  • Month of graduation

If you have other certifications you would like to include, such as workshop certifications, associate certificates, or post-secondary courses, you can include them in your Education section as well. Some job-seekers call this section Qualifications so that the different certifications will all fit in.

New Zealand Resume Example: Education

8. Add Referees

It is customary to include a section for Referees, sometimes called “References”, in your New Zealand resume. If you have space, you can include the full details for each referee, including their name, job title, organization, and contact details.

If you don’t have space, or if you would prefer to keep your referees’ details private until they are needed, you can simply write “Referees available upon request” in your Referees section.

9. Customize your resume

Once all of your qualifications have been included, it’s important to customize your New Zealand resume for every application.

To do this, carefully study the job description of the position you are applying for. The company will have specific skills and experience they are looking for. Take note of the key words and phrases used in the job description, then use them in your own resume. The closer your own skill set matches the job requirements, the more likely you are to be invited to an interview.

New Zealand Resume FAQs

The steps above are a great way to write a New Zealand resume, but you may have a few lingering questions. With these FAQs, your questions will be answered:

How long should a New Zealand resume be?

Your New Zealand resume should be one or two pages long.

For most job-seekers, one page is enough. If you are a mid-career professional, you should be able to condense your skills and experience to a single page. If you are having trouble, just focus on the best and most relevant details.

If you are highly experienced, with decades of experience to display, you can consider using a two-page resume. If you do this, however, make sure you can fill both pages, and make sure everything you include is truly important. Hiring managers aren’t likely to read the second page of a resume unless your experience is extraordinarily impressive.

Is it “New Zealand resume” or “New Zealand CV”?

In New Zealand, the terms “resume” and “CV” are usually used interchangeably. However, both refer to the shorter “resume” document. “CV” refers to what American job-seekers would call a “resume”, not the longer “curriculum vitae”.

Should you include a picture in your New Zealand resume?

No, you should not include a picture in your New Zealand resume. It is not common to include a photograph of yourself with your job application, and employers do not expect it. In fact, your resume could be rejected for including a picture.

What are the best fonts for a New Zealand resume?

For a New Zealand resume, it is best to stick to a readable and professional font. Effective resume fonts might include Open Sans, PT Serif, or Assistant.

Many job seekers use two typefaces in their resume, one for headings and one for body text. If you do this, using a serif font for headings and a sans-serif font for body text is often visually pleasing.

What is the best file type for a New Zealand resume?

The ideal file type for a New Zealand resume is a PDF. With a PDF, you can be sure that your resume will look the same on every computer, no matter what operating system or PDF viewer they are using.

Many job-seekers use a Word document, but Word documents may have formatting issues if opened with a different type of computer or word processor. If you want to make sure your resume looks the same to an employer as it does to you, use a PDF.

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