Applying for a government job is a bit like doing a jigsaw puzzle. It’s sometimes difficult to work out how to fit the pieces together to create the right picture. Many organizations require you to complete a Cover Form or Application Form, so do you need to supply a cover letter as well?

YES, you do!

This is because a cover letter provides another opportunity to ‘sell’ yourself. It provides the chance to highlight your achievements and show the employer how your experience and skills can help them to achieve their goals.

Here’s an easy step-by-step guide for writing a cover letter for a role that includes selection criteria:

1. Put the job title and vacancy reference number under the date in bold, e.g. Re position: Customer Service Officer (A03) VRN: 335/06.
2. Find out the name of the person who will be reading your application and personally address your letter, checking that you have the correct spelling and title. (If you don’t know the person’s name, use ‘Good morning’ as the greeting rather than the deadly dull ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.)
3. In the first paragraph state where and when you saw the advertisement, the reason for the letter and what you are including in your application. e.g. I wish to apply for the position of ‘Customer Service Officer’ as advertised on the Careerone website on 25 August 2009.[ad#Google Adsense]
4. In the second paragraph, state what you are including in your application. e.g. To support my application, I have included my responses to the selection criteria, a copy of my résumé and three referees who can vouch for my work performance.
5. In the third paragraph, refer to your qualifications, skills and experience to explain how you match the requirements of the position. e.g. I hold a Diploma of Frontline Management and have five years’ experience in customer service roles.
6. In this paragraph, include a few of your key achievements and use a quote from ‘secret sales documents like appraisals and written references to build credibility and ‘sell’ your claims. e.g. I am confident that I have the skills and experience to be an asset in this role. In my last appraisal, my manager states: ‘Mary has built strong relationships with our clients, resulting in a 43% increase in sales.’

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7. Finish with a strong close, as if you expect to be selected for an interview. e.g. I look forward to discussing this position with you in an interview.
8. For hard copy applications, personally sign your letter and type your name below your signature. For online applications, you can use a different font to indicate you’ve signed your letter or use a digital signature.
9. Add ‘enc.’ at the bottom of your letter. This means ‘enclosure’ and is used if you are adding other documentation such as a résumé and selection criteria statement.
10. Proofread for errors in spelling, grammar, typos, phone numbers, email addresses, postal addresses, job titles, and so on. Your application must be 100% error- free.
11. Keep the letter to one page in length.

Dawn Richards is a popular guest speaker at Careers Expos and is the author of best-selling career books, ‘Selection Criteria Toolkit’, ‘Get That Government Job’ and ‘From Fired to Hired’. She uses her background in marketing to teach applicants how to sell themselves in their applications and at the interview. For free articles on all aspects of careers, visit http://www.smartstartmarketing.com.au.

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(2)    Include power words in your statements. The three most effective power words are, Success, Results and  Achieve.

(3)    Try not use bullet points unless absolutely necessary to get your point across; carefully constructed sentences are far more effective. The key to successfully responding is to provide examples from your own experiences and use active language; an example would be “I implemented a system…” not “A system was implemented…”

(4)    Your sentences should be short and concise; generally shorter sentences demonstrate better writing communication skills and will be favoured by the selection panel.

(5)    Surveys indicate that the average successful Resume is two and a half pages long with emphasis on the work experience related to the Selection criteria under application.

(6)    Once you have completed your first draft replace any sentences stating “we” and replace with “I” but be careful not to use the same phrase over and over again.

(7)    Keep paragraphs between three and five sentences and try to duplicate your structure for all paragraphs. This will create a good sense of balance and flow for the reader. (also see tip #10)

(8)     Start each criterion on its own page with the criterion as the title.

(9)    Consistency is the key! Your cover letter, resume and statements against selection criteria should appear as if they are one document. Make sure all of the fonts, colour, spacing etc. Are fluent.

(10)   A paragraph should contain some particular structure in the following order.

1 A topic sentence – motivates the reader to want to read more

2 The first main point – proves backs up or explains the topic sentence.

3The second main point – usually provides a reason for the last point made.

4The third main point – can help prove the topic sentence or backup the first or second main point of the paragraph.

5The conclusion – sums up the main points or ideas and usually completes the topic.

(11)    Remember that your experiences can be from outside of your work life, an example would be under leadership skills, you may have been a team captain for your sporting team.