Cover Letters for Government Jobs (and When You Don't Need One)

Government job applications in Australia work differently from most private-sector hiring, and cover letters are a good example of where the two diverge. Whether you need one — and what it should contain — depends heavily on what else the application requires.

When Government Roles Do (and Don't) Need a Cover Letter

Many Australian public sector job ads that require a separate selection criteria response or "statement of claims" don't also ask for a traditional cover letter — the selection criteria response already does the job of explaining your suitability for the role in detail. Adding a cover letter on top can feel redundant to a panel that's already reading a full written statement.

That said, some agencies and roles do request both: a short cover letter as an introduction, plus a more detailed selection criteria response. Always follow the specific instructions in the job ad — if it's not explicitly requested, it's usually safe to leave it out, but if it is requested, skipping it can count against you.

How a Government Cover Letter Differs From a Private-Sector One

A private-sector cover letter often does more persuasive work — making the case for why you're the standout candidate, sometimes with more personality and enthusiasm. A government cover letter, where required, tends to be more restrained and functional:

• Shorter — often half a page, sometimes just a few sentences.
• Less sales-focused — it's an introduction to your application, not the main argument for your candidacy (that's what the selection criteria response is for).
• Focused on fit and interest — briefly explaining why you're applying for this specific role and agency, rather than restating your resume.

What to Include if a Cover Letter Is Required

A brief opening stating the role you're applying for and where you saw it advertised.

One or two sentences on why you're interested in the specific role or agency — genuine interest in the agency's work is worth mentioning if it's real, since panels can tell when it's generic.

A short statement connecting your background to the role, without duplicating the detail already covered in your selection criteria response.

A brief, professional close, noting that your resume and selection criteria response are attached, and thanking the panel for their consideration.

Example

I am writing to apply for the Project Officer position (reference PO2026-114) advertised on APSJobs. With four years' experience coordinating cross-team projects in a similar policy environment, I'm particularly drawn to this role's focus on stakeholder engagement across regional offices.

My resume and responses to the selection criteria are attached, which outline in more detail how my experience aligns with the requirements of this role. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further and thank you for your consideration.

Notice this example is short, states the role and reference number clearly, and explicitly points to the selection criteria response rather than trying to restate its content.

Getting Started

If the role you're applying for needs a full selection criteria response rather than (or alongside) a cover letter, that's where most of your effort should go. Read our guide on how to address selection criteria, or use the AI selection criteria writer to turn your real experience into a structured, submission-ready response.