The Shortest Guide to Writing a Winning Cover Letter as an Immigrant

Don't hide your unique experience because you think “they don’t matter.”

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When I first started job hunting in Australia, I thought the biggest hurdle to landing a job would be my accent, or my lack of “local experience.” But with time, I realised my biggest challenge was something more subtle: my inability to sell myself, not just on my resume, but also in my cover letter (which I hated writing btw). And not in a generic, box-ticking kind of way, but in a way that tells my story.

As immigrants, we all carry unique stories and experiences. But we often hide them in job applications because we think they’re “not professional enough” or “they don’t matter”

Look, your story is your superpower. We often forget that the hiring manager is not only checking off boxes, but they’re looking for someone who’ll ‘fit’ into the team, and you can hardly show that through your resume.

A strong cover letter isn't a repeat of your resume. It's a chance to:

• Connect the dots and explain why you're applying

• Show why you chose this role or company

• Show why you’re the perfect candidate

And to do it all in a way that feels human, intentional, and compelling. Employers don’t just hire skills, they hire people.

So, if your cover letter reads like a shopping list of qualifications, here are five tips to improve it, especially if you’re new to the country or switching industries.

1. Start with the “why” and a compelling (or banging) intro

Raise your hand if your cover letter starts like this: “I am writing to apply for the position of…”. Start with a hook instead —a sentence that introduces who you are and why you’re interested in this field or company.

For example,“When I moved to Australia, I found myself rebuilding my career from scratch. But what stayed constant was my love for solving problems and helping teams deliver better project outcomes, which is why I’m excited to apply for the Project Coordinator role at XYZ Company.”

This sentence does two things aside from introducing you: it gives the reader a glimpse into your career journey and positions you as someone who’s reflective and resilient. It also keeps the reader interested in reading the rest of your cover letter.

2. Highlight your value with context

Instead of listing tasks you've done, show the impact you've made. Pick moments at your previous role that really highlight several of your skill sets relevant for the job and share them with context. Set the scene, give context, and highlight your results. Bonus points if you can weave in a lesson or skill gained.

For instance, instead of just saying;

“I have two years of experience as an architect, where I was involved in estimation and cost monitoring.”

you could say;

“During my two years as an architect, I took ownership of cost estimation and monitoring across multiple residential projects. By working closely with contractors, suppliers, and clients, I helped identify cost-saving opportunities that reduced overall budgets without compromising quality.”

3. Translate “non-local” experience into value

I know the frustration of being told your overseas experience “doesn’t count.” Here’s the thing, it does, but you have to translate it. We already spoke about this in our piece on showcasing your diverse experience in a new culture. So, let’s say you worked in fast-paced environments overseas, like a bank. You can frame that experience like this:

“Working in Lagos as a xxxx taught me to think on my feet, manage competing deadlines, and stay calm under pressure, all of which I would bring into my role as a xxxx with your company.”

Show how your global experience gives you an edge. Don’t shrink it. Just tell it in a way that connects to the local context.

4. Speak to the company and not just the role

Make sure you research the company and speak to them. What do they value? What projects excite you? If you can, speak to a particular initiative or project from that particular company or team.

For instance,“What drew me to your company was your commitment to innovation in the health sector. Having worked on several hospital fit-outs, I’m passionate about creating spaces that are not just functional, but healing for patients, and I’d love to contribute to that mission.”

This shows alignment. It tells them you’ve done your homework and see yourself as part of their story already.

5. End with confidence

Too many of us end our cover letters the wrong way. If your final sentence sounds like “I hope you consider me despite my background,” it’s time for a rewrite. You’ve just spent the whole letter highlighting your strengths, your story, and the value you bring, so don’t undo all that good work by sounding unsure or apologetic.

Instead, treat your closing paragraph like your final pitch. It’s your last chance to reinforce why you're the right fit and to leave the reader with a strong, confident impression.

Here’s what a strong closing does:

• Reaffirms your value in one impactful sentence

• Signals your interest in moving forward (i.e. an interview)

• Ends on a polite but confident note

For instance, you can say, “I’m excited by the opportunity to combine my project management experience and international perspective to deliver real value to your team at XYZ Company. I’d welcome the chance to further discuss how I can contribute to your success. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Fin

So next time you write a cover letter, don’t just “apply.” Introduce yourself. Share your journey. Show how your past has prepared you for this next chapter. And most importantly, sell yourself because no one else can do it like you can.