Nicole Wren" width="516" height="516" />
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.
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):
Includes:
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
Each WA Department has its own application requirements and procedures, so you will need to check the application guidelines for each job carefully.
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.
In addition to your resume, you’re required to submit a cover letter application addressing the selection criteria or traditional selection criteria response.
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.
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.
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.
Contact us if you have further questions.
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.
Qiuck ,great on communication very professional ,would highly recommend
Christopher Timms
Nicole understands exactly what prospective employers are looking for in a quality resume and offers the correct advice for any industry - invaluable service, highly recommended!
Jodi Allen
Unbelievable research went into my job description and what I needed to convey to future employers. Quick response times. Absolute joy!
Old School
Thoroughly professional service from Nicole - I am stoked with the final product, and delivered on time. Thank you!
Leigh Kennett
Resumes to impress was a great choice I made. Bridee worked to update me resume to such a high standard it was incredible. The options and styles of which I could of had my resume looking was really great. As well as other aspects I could of added to it. Eg. A cover letter. I now feel my resume will stand out when I apply for jobs online. Thanks to Resumes to Impress.
Russell Jaeger
Thank you so much to Local Resumes for helping me in achieving my dream job , for the kind , quirtious, professional guidance, and giving me terrific support, if anyone needs the help of Local Resumes , please contact them, so you can achieve that well paid position, extremely happy.
Mark Wilson
Bridge from Resumes to Impress was thorough and meticulous in doing my resume and would highly recommend them.
gerard beech
Bridee was amazing. She was very helpful and worked within a very short timeframe and notice to help me out. Definitely recommend giving her a call. Excellent service.
Tanya Beier
Bridee is an expert at what she does. She turned a drab and lackluster cover letter and resume into a work of art that attracted the attention of potential employers. Bridee worked with us over the course of a week, using her experience and wordsmithing skills, to logically and creatively bring to the forefront skills and achievements that needed to be highlighted. The results of our investment were immediate. Within 24 hours of applying for a series of jobs, we received phone calls from prospective employers. If you are serious about securing that ideal job we would recommend you contact Bridee now and give yourself that advantage you deserve.
David Gillies
Did up my own resume and only had a few call backs. Bridee did one up for me and the job offers literally rolled in. I wanted my dream job but new I had to start at the bottom and work up but this resume got me 3 offers of my dream job to choose. Well worth every cent spent. Able to also tweak the final product my self. That you.
Steve Bisset
Awesome work! Great resume that has gotten me the work I’m after. Easy to deal with and straightforward process. Highly recommended!
J Moore
Bridee from Resumes To Impress was just the most fantastic person to have update my resume and do my cover letter. The end result really exceeded my expectations! Thanks to Bridee's expertise, my new resume not only looks impressive but also effectively communicates my qualifications and experiences in a clear and compelling manner. When I spoke to Bridee over the phone she was confident, calm and kind, all the things I needed to help me transition job positions. I am now confident that my new and improved resume will greatly enhance my job search efforts, and I wholeheartedly recommend Bridee to anyone seeking professional resume writing services. Thank you so very much Bridee, for your outstanding work and dedication to helping me succeed in my career goals! Jayne S
Jayne
Bridee at resumes to impress was the most helpful professional polite person I had the pleasure of working with . I am so glad I found them ..Bridee was so patient with the process nothing was too much trouble . It was definitely worth the money and was a positive experience ,thankyou for providing good old fasioned service that doesnt really exist these days .
grant sindelar
Nicole is incredible at her work, hugely impressed with the cover letter and resume she was able to put together, perfectly targeted and presented. Absolutly recommend her service to anyone needing the "something extra" for their applications.
Joshua Hall
Hi, thanks so much for all your work. Very professional service and great quality. Would definitely use again in the future. Highly recommended.
Jessica Creed
Great dealing with Resumes to Impress and very happy with the outcome.
Brad Pat
I have great confidence and empowerment with the work Nicole has done for me and continues to do for me. She has always been efficient with all correspondence between us. I value Nicole's work now and in the future. In one week i walked away with a job and had 2 other interviews for jobs. Well done Nicole
Bronwyn Till
What can I say Bridee was so professional and easy to deal with. I highly recommend getting your resume done by Bridee you won’t regret it.
Brittany Godden
The cover letter I received from Nicole was straight forward and exactly what was required and encapsulated what I can provide to this potential employer. Thank you Nicole.
Tamara Delafontaine
I would highly recommend this service. Bridee did an absolutely amazing job with my resume. Thank you. 💐
L G
Can’t recommend enough! Bridee has got the touch! Super thorough, professional and really quick too! Resume and cover letter came out far better than I could have ever done Thank you Bridee!
Egat Wilkins
Wow, wow, wow! I've always wanted to have my resume professionally done and I'm so happy that I did! Thank you so much for doing such a great job.
Jody Costa
I have had my resume and cover letter done professionally before , however found that Bridee is by far the most knowledgeable, caring and accommodating person to work with. Her commitment to ensuring she provides top of the line service shows in the way that she wants to deeply understand your previous employment background, skills and assets to really enhance these in your new documents. Through the whole process I knew that she genuinely wanted to see me succeed in the application process and within a fortnight of receiving my documents I have landed 3 interviews and 1 paid work trial. I highly recommend Bridee if you are wanting a resume to impress.
Sarah Frerichs
Really great experience. Bridee was very knowledgeable and helpful, and we ended up with very effective documentation.
greg ccd
Excellent service. Especially, I really appreciate the support and guidance provided by Bridee Mason.
Sarath Pillai
Nicole uses her years of expertise to produce outstanding resumes, cover letters. Easy to communicate with by email or phone. She professionally prepared my new resume and cover letter to the specifications of the job I was applying for. I have no hesitation in recommending her services
gilly sinnott
Nicole from Resumes to Impress was wonderful to deal with from beginning to end. Nicole's career focused questions were the magic touch that got me thinking about all of my career highlights and in turn lifted my confidence and allowed me to be interview ready. The Resume and Cover letter Nicole completed was of the highest professional quality and hit all the right key areas for prospective employers. Nicole's turn around was quick and within 12 hours of receiving the Resume I already have a job interview. I highly recommend Nicole, it is definitely worth the investment.
Danielle Te
Bridee was really helpful every step of the way. I am really happy with my new resume. An easy 5 star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 😊
Josh Ball
Bridee done such a fantastic job on my resume we went back for a resume for our son seeking an apprenticeship. It’s amazing and really highlights his talents for his age.
Emma Novoselski
Excellent service, fast, polite and really took the time to get to know you and help.
Daniel Reay
I could not recommend Resumes to Impress highly enough. Bridee helped me throughout my process of applying for midwifery graduate positions. She had great knowledge of the application process which eased my stress and she listened carefully to my personal situation for the cover letter. I could not have done it without Bridee. There was also a very quick turn around.
Alexia Baker
Awesome work! Great resume that has gotten me the work I’m after. Easy to deal with and straightforward process. Highly recommended!
J Moore
Nicole is incredible at her work, hugely impressed with the cover letter and resume she was able to put together, perfectly targeted and presented. Absolutly recommend her service to anyone needing the "something extra" for their applications.
Joshua Hall
I would highly recommend this service. Bridee did an absolutely amazing job with my resume. Thank you. 💐
L G
Bridee was amazing. She was very helpful and worked within a very short timeframe and notice to help me out. Definitely recommend giving her a call. Excellent service.
Tanya Beier
Bridee is wonderful and provides outstanding professional service. I needed help to improve my resume, cover letter, and selection criteria answers. The quality of her writing has exceeded my expectations. She is fantastic, accommodating, and efficient. I highly recommend her.
Aurel J
Bridee was really helpful every step of the way. I am really happy with my new resume. An easy 5 star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 😊
Josh Ball
Resume was terrific! Bridee did an amazing job. Forever grateful as it got my partner a full time FIFO job. Thank you so much!
Ondrae Vince-Nelson
Wow, wow, wow! I've always wanted to have my resume professionally done and I'm so happy that I did! Thank you so much for doing such a great job.
Jody Costa
Bridee at resumes to impress was the most helpful professional polite person I had the pleasure of working with . I am so glad I found them ..Bridee was so patient with the process nothing was too much trouble . It was definitely worth the money and was a positive experience ,thankyou for providing good old fasioned service that doesnt really exist these days .
