Use these sample cover letters if:

  • you're looking for work with a particular employer
  • there are no advertised vacancies at that employer.

This approach is often called cold calling. Cold calling is when you get in touch with an employer to ask whether they have any job vacancies.

Cold calling helps you discover unadvertised jobs. Unadvertised jobs can make up a significant proportion of job opportunities.

Cold calling also shows the employer that you have initiative and enthusiasm. Even If there's no work currently available, the employer might keep your application on file. They might contact you when work becomes available.

Even if they don't contact you, you can follow up in a month or so to see if the situation has changed.

For sample cover letters designed for other situations, see our sample cover letters page.

 

Download sample cover letters

These sample cover letters show you how to write to an employer to ask if they have any jobs available.

You can use the ‘no experience’ letter if you don’t have paid experience. You can use the ‘some experience letter’ if you have some paid work experience.

Paid experience means you have worked in a job that paid you money.

 

What to include in your cover letter

Be sure that the cold-calling cover letter includes the following:

  • introduces you
  • explains why you're writing to the business
  • shows you've taken the time to research the business
  • links this research to your own experience, values, interests or goals
  • finishes by inviting the business to contact you and indicating that you will follow up your letter with direct contact (if you say you're going to contact them, make sure you do).

Your cover letter should also include:

  • school work experience or volunteer that demonstrates your strengths and attributes 
  • the name of the employer and the contact person's full name on the left
  • a reference line – ‘Re: General application for available positions within your organisation’
  • an address to the reader directly (for example, ‘Dear Mr Moyle’) Try to avoid using ‘To whom it may concern’ if you can.

What to include if you don’t have work experience

If you don’t have paid work experience, things you can mention instead include:

  • school work experience or volunteer work that demonstrates your strengths and attributes
  • general skills that help you work in a team and as part of an organisation
  • any sporting or community club participation (if relevant)
  • hobbies or interests that are relevant to the job or demonstrate your professional experience
  • personal attributes that will help you learn to work in a professional work environment.

What to include if you have paid work experience

In addition to the points above, if you have work experience that is relevant to the job, you should show that your experience:

  • meets the requirements of the job
  • will help you make a positive contribution to the organisation or business.

More about resumes and cover letters

For more information about how to write resumes and cover letters, visit these pages:

For more about cold calling and the hidden job market, check out our guide to cold calling.

Sample cover letter - no paid work experience

Below is a sample cold-calling cover letter when you have no paid work experience.

Joanne Tint
Email: joannetint@xmail.com
Mobile: XXX XXXX XXXX

Mr Allan Moyle
John Smith and Associates
Phone: XX XXXX XXXX
Email: enquiries@johnsmithandassociates.com.au

7 March 2024

RE: General application for available positions within your organisation.

Dear Mr Moyle,

As a highly motivated and dedicated student with strong communication and interpersonal skills, I would like to enquire about positions available at Moyle Retail Solutions and provide you with my details for your records.

Moyle Retail Solutions has a strong reputation for providing quality products, after-sales service and a positive customer experience. I believe I have skills, experience and personal qualities to make a meaningful contribution to your business.

While studying at high school, I have been extensively involved in my school community, which has allowed me to develop strong interpersonal skills. My involvement in various events, including drama productions and sports carnivals, has allowed me to work closely with my peers while supporting the school community as a whole.

These experiences have given me strong time management, as well as communication and organisational skills, which are all vital to providing strong customer service and administration in a retail environment.

Personal attributes that I believe make me suitable for this position include:

  • motivation – volunteer participation and school results demonstrate high motivation
  • customer service – assisting with the sale of products at community events has given me customer service skills
  • communication – acting in drama performances and working as an MC for school events has given me communication skills.

My teachers and educators have commended me for my willingness to participate and my dedication to helping out where possible. I enjoy working with others and believe my strong communication skills will ensure that I can meet the expectations of this role.

I would very much appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to introduce myself and discuss any suitable positions that may be available. I enclose my resume for your consideration.

I will follow up this enquiry in the coming weeks, but in the meantime please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have a position available.

Thank you in advance,

Joanne Tint
Ph: XXXX XXX XXX

Sample cover letter - some paid work experience

Below is a sample cold-calling cover letter when you have some paid work experience.

Joanne Tint
Email: joannetint@xmail.com
Mobile: XXXX XXX XXX

Mr Allan Moyle
John Smith and Associates
Phone: XXXX XXX XXX
Email: enquiries@johnsmithandassociates.com.au

RE: General application for available positions within your organisation.

Dear Mr. Moyle,

As a recent Bachelor of Information Technology (Networking) graduate, I would like to enquire about positions available within your organisation and provide you with my details for your records.

I have had a strong interest in IT since a young age. I have always enjoyed the challenge of being able to identify faults and work to resolve them. Encouraged by this passion I have recently graduated as a Bachelor of Information Technology with a major in Networking.

While studying I worked as a provider of casual support for IT-related issues on a referral basis. I also worked part-time at Drew Smith Electronics. A technically competent individual, I have a passion for all things technological and a desire to establish a career as an IT professional.

I have been recognised for my high level of motivation and my strong communication skills. I am able to adapt my communication style to reflect the needs of any audience. I have a high level of problem-solving skills and a willingness to focus on my ongoing professional development.

I understand that, as a graduate, I have a lot to learn about working within an organisation. I would like to start in an entry-level position that would allow me to be mentored and guided in my professional development.

I am interested in your organisation's reputation as a leader in the provision of data centre management services. My research into your organisation has shown me that you work closely with a range of clients to manage their data centre needs through outsourced service agreements.

I believe that the opportunity to work in different environments and with different technologies will allow me to develop skills that your organisation can use to meet the changing needs and demands of your clients.

Your reputation for quality support and for being an employer of choice shows that you have an understanding of the needs of your clients as well as your employees. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you in order to introduce myself and discuss any suitable positions that may be available.

I enclose my resume for your consideration. I will follow up this enquiry in the coming weeks, but I would be be grateful if you were to contact me in the meantime should you know of a position that you think is suitable. I can be contacted at all times on the details provided above.

Thanking you in advance for your time,

Joanne Tint
Ph: XXXX XXX XXX