Whether you’re applying for farm work, café gigs, cleaning jobs, or childcare positions, a well-written cover letter can help your application stand out—even if you don’t have direct experience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, honest, and culturally aware tips tailored for working holidaymakers and backpackers. No fluff—just real advice to help you land your next job abroad.
1. Make It Personal: Find Out Who You’re Writing To
Skip the generic “To Whom It May Concern.” A personalized greeting can make a big difference—showing the employer that you’ve put in effort and care.
Use a friendly yet respectful opener like:
“Dear [Manager's Name]”
“Hi [Business Name] Team,”
🔍 How to Find the Right Name
Not sure who to address it to? Try one of these methods:
- Check the job listing – Sometimes the manager’s name or contact person is listed near the bottom.
- Visit the company website – Look for an “About Us” or “Team” page.
- Search on social media – Many small businesses list their staff on Instagram or Facebook.
- Call or walk in – This is often the best method, especially for local jobs. You could say:
“Hi! I’m just about to send in a job application and wanted to double-check who I should address the cover letter to. Could you let me know the name of the hiring manager?”
This small step can leave a big impression—especially in smaller towns or tourist areas where face-to-face interactions still matter.
2. Share Your Story (Briefly!)
Introduce yourself so the employer knows who you are and why you're applying.
Include:
- Where you’re from
- Your working holiday visa type/year (ex. 1st, 2nd, or 3rd)
- Your current location
- A simple statement of interest
Example:
“I’m on my second-year working holiday visa from Japan, currently based in Cairns. I’m hoping to join a welcoming team, meet new people, and experience local life during my time here.”
3. Be Transparent About Your Plans
Employers don’t expect you to stay forever—but they do want to know what to expect.
Let them know:
- When you’re available to start
- How long you plan to stay
- Your flexibility (weekends, early mornings, etc.)
Example:
“I’m available to start immediately and plan to stay in Queenstown until the end of June. I’m happy to work weekends or early shifts if needed.”
4. Do a Quick Background Check (on the Company)
Employers appreciate it when you’ve taken time to learn about them. Read the job post carefully and check out the business’s website or social media. Then mention something specific that stood out to you, and feel free to ask a question if something isn’t clear. It shows that you’re proactive and serious about the role.
Example:
“I read in the job post that shifts start early in the morning. That works perfectly for me, as I’m an early riser and love having the afternoons free. I just wanted to confirm if the roster is fixed or rotating.”
Even short, thoughtful comments like these help your application feel genuine and tailored—not just copy-pasted.
5. Focus on Attitude Over Experience
Most working holiday jobs don’t need formal experience—but they do need the right mindset.
Even if it’s your first time doing this kind of work, show how your past experiences or personality make you a good fit.
Example:
“I haven’t done housekeeping before, but I’m organised and used to fast-paced work from my time in cafés.”
Or:
“I’m physically fit, enjoy outdoor work, and always show up on time. I think I’d do well on a farm.
6. Mention Any Helpful Extras
These small details can make a big difference. Let the employer know if you have:
- A car or valid driver’s licence
- Relevant certificates (RSA, White Card, First Aid)
- Gear (boots, gloves, bedding)
Example:
“I have a car, full licence, and a White Card. I also have my own PPE and am happy to travel or start early shifts.”
7. Reference a Referee—If They’re Amazing
Your CV will list references, but if you’ve got someone who will truly vouch for you, mention them briefly.
Example:
“I’ve included a reference from my last café job in Melbourne—feel free to reach out to them.”
8. Keep It Short, Clear, and Friendly
Your cover letter should be clear, well-structured, and ideally between 250 and 400 words, broken into three to five short paragraphs. That’s enough space to introduce yourself, highlight your strengths, and show genuine interest—without overwhelming the reader.
Avoid long, dense paragraphs or overly formal language. Instead, aim for a tone that’s professional but still sounds like you. Employers appreciate applications that are friendly, honest, and easy to read.
Final Tips
- Always attach your resume.
- Double-check your contact info.
- Use a professional email address.
- Save your file as something clear and simple:
Firstname_Lastname_CoverLetter.pdf
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Be Perfect—You Just Need to Be Genuine
Employers hiring backpackers understand that you may be new to the role or even to the country. What they really care about is whether you show up, give it your best, and treat the job with respect.
So don’t worry about using fancy words or perfect grammar. Just be clear, positive, and polite—that’s what stands out the most.
👉 Ready to put these tips into action?
Check out our free cover letter templates made especially for working holidaymakers and backpackers. Use them as a base and make them your own.
- Save your file as something clear and simple:
Firstname_Lastname_CoverLetter.pdf
Related blogs:
📄Free Cover Letter Templates for Working Holidaymakers & Backpackers
📄How to Write a Resume for a Working Holiday Job (With Examples)
📄Free Resume Templates for Working Holidaymakers
Written by the Vocation Abroad team
Helping working holidaymakers and backpackers find jobs, information, and community around the world 🌏💼