When you need a cover letter
Most APS and state government roles require a cover letter, a pitch document, or both. The job ad will specify which format and any page limits. Follow the instructions exactly. Exceeding the page limit or submitting the wrong format signals that you can't follow direction.
A cover letter is your first impression. It tells the panel whether you understand the role, have relevant experience, and can communicate clearly. In a competitive field where dozens of applicants have similar qualifications, the cover letter is often what determines who gets shortlisted.
Template structure
### Header
Your name, phone number, email, and the date. Below that, the contact officer's name and the agency (if provided in the job ad). Keep the formatting clean and professional.
### Opening paragraph (3-4 sentences)
State the role title, reference number, and classification level. Briefly explain why you're applying and what draws you to this agency or team specifically.
Example: "I am applying for the position of Policy Officer, APS6 (Ref: 2026-1234) in the Social Policy Branch at the Department of Social Services. I'm drawn to this role because of the department's current work on the family violence response framework, which aligns directly with my experience in cross-agency policy coordination."
### Body paragraphs (one per key criterion, 3-4 paragraphs)
Address the top three or four selection criteria. For each:
- Make a clear claim about your capability
- Support it with one specific example (abbreviated STAR, you don't need the full detail here)
- Connect it back to the role
Example: "I have demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement across government and non-government sectors. In my current role at Services Australia, I coordinated the consultation process for the revised digital identity framework, bringing together 11 agencies and three external partners over a four-month period. The resulting framework was endorsed by the Senior Executive Committee without amendment."
### Closing paragraph (2-3 sentences)
Reiterate your interest. Mention your availability for interview. Provide your phone number.
Example: "I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience in policy coordination and stakeholder engagement could contribute to the Social Policy Branch. I am available for interview at your convenience and can be reached on 0412 XXX XXX."
Formatting tips
- Length: One to two pages unless specified otherwise. If they say one page, keep it to one page.
- Font: Use a clean, professional font. Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman at 11-12pt.
- Margins: Standard margins (2.5cm). Don't shrink them to fit more text. Panels notice.
- File name: "Cover Letter - [Your Name] - [Reference Number].pdf". Professional and easy to find.
Adapting for state government
State government roles often use different capability frameworks. Victoria uses the Victorian Public Sector Commission's capabilities. NSW uses the NSW Public Service Capability Framework. Queensland has its own set.
The structure of your cover letter stays the same, but you should:
- Reference the specific state framework capabilities, not ILS
- Use the language from the job ad, not generic APS terms
- Research the department's current priorities. State departments publish strategic plans and annual reports that signal what they're focused on
What to avoid
- Generic statements. "I am a highly motivated professional" adds nothing. Replace with a specific fact.
- Repeating your resume. The panel already has it. Your cover letter should explain the significance of your experience, not list it again.
- Addressing the wrong criteria. If the job ad lists four criteria, address those four, not different ones that you happen to have better examples for.
- Typos and formatting errors. If written communication is a selection criterion (it usually is), errors in your cover letter are actively counted against you.