Writing for Government Positions
Government and public sector roles in Australia require a unique approach to cover letters. Whether applying to the Australian Public Service (APS), state government departments, local councils, or statutory authorities, you'll need to master the art of addressing selection criteria while maintaining a formal, professional tone.
Understanding Government Recruitment
Public sector recruitment differs significantly from private sector hiring:
- Merit-based selection focused on capabilities
- Mandatory addressing of selection criteria
- Formal application processes and timelines
- Emphasis on values, ethics, and public service commitment
- Structured interview and assessment processes
- Requirements for Australian citizenship or permanent residency
Key Selection Criteria
Most government positions require you to address key selection criteria separately. This is typically done in a separate document, but your cover letter should acknowledge them:
Example Reference to Criteria:
"I am confident that my qualifications and experience strongly align with the position requirements. As outlined in my attached response to the selection criteria, I bring demonstrated expertise in policy development, stakeholder engagement, and project management within government environments."
The STAR Method
When addressing selection criteria, use the STAR method:
- Situation: Set the context for your example
- Task: Describe the challenge or responsibility
- Action: Explain what you did specifically
- Result: Quantify the outcome and impact
Government Application Tips
- Follow instructions exactly: Government applications are strict about format and content
- Use formal language: More formal than corporate, avoid contractions
- Reference the classification: Mention APS level or state equivalent (e.g., APS6, EL1)
- Emphasize public service values: Integrity, accountability, respect, innovation
- Meet every requirement: Mandatory criteria must all be addressed
- Respect word limits: Stay within specified page or word counts
APS Work Level Standards
Reference relevant capabilities from the APS Integrated Leadership System:
- Achieves Results
- Supports Strategic Direction
- Cultivates Productive Working Relationships
- Exemplifies Personal Drive and Integrity
- Communicates with Influence
Structure for Government Letters
Formal Government Structure:
Header: Your details, date, hiring manager details (if known), department name and address
Reference Line: Position title, classification, vacancy number/reference
Paragraph 1: Formal introduction stating the position, where advertised, and your current role/status
Paragraph 2: Overview of your relevant experience and qualifications
Paragraph 3: Alignment with position requirements and reference to attached selection criteria responses
Paragraph 4: Understanding of department's mission, values, and current priorities
Paragraph 5: Statement of Australian citizenship/work rights, security clearance capacity
Paragraph 6: Formal close, availability for interview, and appreciation
Sector-Specific Considerations
Federal Government (APS)
Emphasize: Policy development, whole-of-government approach, ministerial brief writing, Senate estimates preparation, national perspective.
State and Territory Government
Emphasize: Service delivery, program implementation, community engagement, state-specific legislation, operational excellence.
Local Government
Emphasize: Community focus, local knowledge, rate-payer accountability, council governance, grassroots engagement.
Statutory Authorities
Emphasize: Independence, regulatory knowledge, compliance, specialized technical expertise, stakeholder management.
Common Government Roles
Policy Officers
Highlight: Research and analysis, policy development, brief writing, consultation processes, evidence-based recommendations.
Program Managers
Highlight: Project management, budget oversight, stakeholder engagement, risk management, evaluation frameworks.
Service Delivery Roles
Highlight: Customer service excellence, process improvement, case management, frontline experience, empathy.
Communications and Media
Highlight: Government communications protocols, ministerial correspondence, media liaison, crisis communication, plain English.
Essential Elements
1. Formal Header Format
Your Full Name
Street Address
Suburb, State, Postcode
Phone: (02) XXXX XXXX
Email: your.name@email.com
[Date]
Hiring Manager
People and Culture Branch
Department of [Name]
Address
RE: Application for [Position Title] – [Classification] – [Vacancy Number]
2. Declaration of Eligibility
State your citizenship status and ability to obtain security clearances:
"I am an Australian citizen and hold a current Baseline security clearance. I am willing and able to obtain higher-level clearances as required for this role."
3. Values Alignment
Demonstrate understanding of public sector values:
- Commitment to serving the public interest
- Ethical decision-making and integrity
- Accountability and transparency
- Respect for diversity and inclusion
- Impartiality and merit-based approaches
Common Mistakes
- Missing mandatory requirements: Not addressing all essential criteria
- Exceeding word limits: Ignoring specified page or word counts
- Too informal: Government applications require formal tone
- Missing reference numbers: Always include vacancy/job numbers
- Not mentioning citizenship: Eligibility must be stated
- Ignoring department priorities: Research current government agenda
- Private sector language: Use public sector terminology
Selection Criteria Response Tips
Your separate selection criteria document should:
- Address each criterion in order with clear headings
- Use specific examples from your experience
- Quantify achievements where possible
- Show progression and increasing responsibility
- Reference relevant frameworks, legislation, or policies
- Proofread extensively – errors are costly
Security Clearances
Many government roles require security clearances:
- Baseline: Basic checks for routine access
- NV1: Negative vetting for SECRET information
- NV2: Higher vetting for TOP SECRET information
- PV: Positive vetting for highly sensitive roles
Mention current clearances and willingness to obtain higher levels if required.
Government Letter Checklist:
- Formal business letter format with complete addresses
- Position title, classification, and vacancy number included
- Australian citizenship or work rights clearly stated
- Security clearance status mentioned
- Reference to attached selection criteria responses
- Public sector values are acknowledged
- Department mission and priorities understood
- Formal, professional language throughout
- Word/page limits respected
- All mandatory requirements addressed
- STAR method used in examples
- Relevant government frameworks referenced
- Perfect spelling and grammar
Application Timeline
Government recruitment can be lengthy:
- Application closing dates are strict (no late applications)
- Shortlisting can take 2-4 weeks
- Multiple interview rounds may be required
- Reference checks are thorough
- Security clearances can take months
- Be patient and follow up professionally
Professional Development
Demonstrate commitment to continuous learning:
- Public sector management courses (ANZSOG, IPAA)
- Professional certifications relevant to role
- Policy development training
- Leadership programs
- Understanding of Westminster system and machinery of government
Final Advice
Government applications require meticulous attention to detail and formal approach. Take the time to thoroughly research the department, understand their current priorities, and craft responses that demonstrate both your capabilities and your commitment to public service. Quality applications that fully address all requirements will stand out in the merit-based selection process.