cover letter example for nsw government job

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Cover letters

A cover letter includes an introduction to yourself, and a summary of how your experience matches the job description.

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What to include

A professional introduction Address your cover letter to the contact person in the job advertisement. If there is no contact person, find out who to address your application to, or address to the “Hiring manager”. Tell them what job you are applying for, and where you saw it advertised. Address the person formally. For example, if their name is Jane Smith, write ‘Dear Ms Smith’, rather than Jane.
A personal summary Write 1 or 2 sentences about why you are applying for the job and a statement explaining how your skills and experience are relevant to the role.
How your experience matches the job Read the job advertisement closely. Write about how your work experience, skills and training would make you a suitable person for the position described, based on the selection criteria in the job advertisement or the position description.
A polite conclusion Sum up the letter by restating your suitability for the position due to your skills, experience and how the values or goals of the organisation are aligned with yours. Thank the employer for their time and consideration. End the letter by saying you look forward to an opportunity to discuss the job further.
Your name and contact details Make sure the employer knows how to contact you.

How to format

The right length Your cover letter should be 1 page. Employers are busy and may have many job applications to read.
Simple design Make your cover letter easy to read. Use Calibri or Arial font in size 11. If you need help with the layout, here is some inspiration . Do not include images or colours.

Additional tips

No mistakes Check for spelling and grammatical mistakes before sending your letter.
Tailored content Always write your cover letter specifically for each role and organisation. Avoid sending a generic cover letter to multiple organisations.

Talk to a specialist

For free and personalised career support, talk to a Careers NSW careers practitioner or an industry expert.

Resumes or CVs

What to include on a resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Cover letter examples

Don't know where to start? Use our resume templates and cover letter examples.

Cover Letter for Government Job Examples (APS, State and Local)

Written by <a href="https://www.resumestoimpress.com.au/career-resources/author/nic/" target="_self">Nicole Wren</a>

Written by Nicole Wren

image of government worker at a desk with an australian flag at the background

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by Nicole Wren | Apr 2, 2024 | Career Advice , Examples

Writing your cover letter for a government job requires a different approach than writing your cover letter for a job in the private sector. While it may state ‘cover letter’, it is usually actually asking for a selection criteria response. How you approach it will depend on which level of government you are applying for, since the requirements for APS, State and local roles differ between each other. Our detailed cover letter for government jobs examples – tailored for APS, (all) state and local positions – will help you understand what is required.

Australian Public Service (APS) Cover Letter Requirements

The APS has specific guidelines and criteria for job applications. They may refer to their written application as a ‘pitch’ or ‘statement’. They will specify the length requirements in the application guidelines, but these are often 500 words, 600 words, 800 words, 1000 words or even more.

Our comprehensive APS Application Guide provides a step-by-step method to writing these (and other APS applications):

Fully editable templates for all common APS short-form application types (e.g. pitch, statement of claims etc.)
Editable APS resume template
Full written examples for APS applications at different stages of career (APS2, APS3, APS4, APS5, APS6, EL1, EL2)
8-step process to write any APS application
Keyword/ phrase lists for the Integrated Leadership System (ILS) and Work Level Standards (WLS) for each level

Cover Letter for Government Job – State Requirements

Did you know that each State government has its own specific requirements? As such, it’s essential to thoroughly read the job advertisement and address any selection criteria outlined.

Queensland Government Cover Letter Requirements

You can find Queensland Government jobs via the Smartjobs website .

As well as your resume, you’re also required to a 1-2 page cover letter or ‘statement’ that addresses “how your experience, abilities, education, skills and personal qualities relate to the requirements of the role, taking into account key responsibilities and attributes”.

Read a full Queensland cover letter for government job example .

New South Wales Government Cover Letter Requirements

Find NSW Government jobs via the I Work for NSW website .

In addition to your resume, you’re required to submit a one to two-page cover letter or a short statement against 1-2 targeted questions. You’ll need to refer to the behavioural indicators relating to the capability level in the NSW public sector.

Read a full NSW cover letter for government job example .

Australian Capital Territory – ACT Government Cover Letter Requirements

You can find ACT Government jobs via this website.

In addition to your resume, you’re also asked to complete a response to the selection criteria. There will be either a page or word limit.

Along with your resume, you’ll need to respond to the selection criteria. This may have a specific word length or page length. You may also be asked for a standard ‘selection criteria’ response, where you’ll use each criterion as a heading and address each one, using the STAR format, in your response.

Read an ACT cover letter for government job example .

Victorian Government Cover Letter Requirements

Find Vic Government jobs here .

In addition to your resume, you’re required to submit a key selection criteria (KSC) document. You’ll need to write short statements (usually 60-120 words), addressing each criterion.

Read a Victorian cover letter for government job example .

Western Australian Government Cover Letter Requirements

You can find WA Government jobs here .

Each WA Department has its own application requirements and procedures, so you will need to check the application guidelines for each job carefully.

Read a WA cover letter for government job example .

South Australian Government Cover Letter Requirements

Find SA government jobs via the I Work For SA website .

In addition to your resume, you’re required to submit a cover letter or response to the selection criteria.

Read a SA cover letter for government job example .

Tasmanian Government Cover Letter Requirements

Find Tasmanian government jobs here .

In addition to your resume, you’re required to submit a cover letter application addressing the selection criteria or traditional selection criteria response.

Read a Tasmanian cover letter for government job example .

Northern Territory Government Cover Letter Requirements

You can find NT Government jobs here .

In addition to your resume, you’re required to submit a one-page statement. While you should take the selection criteria into account in your response, not each one needs to be addressed individually.

Read a NT cover letter for government job example .

Cover Letter for Government Job – Local Government Requirements

Each local government organisation will have its own application requirements. Usually, you will need to address specific selection criteria in the context of the job requirements.

Read a cover letter for local council job example .

Crafting a winning cover letter for government jobs requires careful attention to detail and a tailored approach. By following the examples and tips provided here (and reading the application guidelines very carefully!), you can develop your own effective government cover letter.

Nicole Wren

Senior Writer

Nicole is the principal resume writer at Resumes to Impress. Nicole loves writing and sharing her knowledge about all things job hunting and career guidance.