Government Job Cover Letter Basics

A cover letter is a professional introduction of yourself and your application. Therefore, the purpose of your letter is to say who you are, what you are applying for, and why your application shows that it is worth an interview.

If you’re attaching claims against the selection criteria (which you probably will if you’re applying for a public service position), there’s no need to have a long cover letter that repeats what’s already in your selection criteria claims later. . In reality, the person evaluating your application will not pay as much attention to the content of your letter as to your resume and statements against the selection criteria, so your cover letter will not have much influence on the outcome of your application. However, the selection panel will notice that you’ve included a well-formatted, professional-looking cover letter; forms the first impression of your written application.

What should a cover letter include?

1. An opening paragraph stating the position you are applying for, the job/position/application number, when it was advertised, and what is included in your application package, e.g. of grades…”

2. A middle paragraph stating your key claims for the position.

3. A closing paragraph thanking the selection panel for their time in considering your application and indicating how you can be contacted.

4. A signature block.

5. An Attachment Block (reiterating what is attached to your cover letter in terms of your application).

If your application does not require declarations against the selection criteria (this is becoming more common in government jobs) or if you are applying for a position with a private company that does not require declarations against the selection criteria, you will be They will provide more details about their skills and abilities. be required in your letter.

Unfortunately, many cover letters sent in the private sector tell the hiring manager little more than that you are the best person for the job, have a resume attached, and are available for an interview. This is a missed opportunity to sell yourself and your potential! Your cover letter is your only chance to provide a narrative in these types of apps, and the narrative is where you can really sell yourself.