Cover letters vs. pitch documents
Some APS roles ask for a traditional cover letter (one to two pages). Others ask for a pitch document (typically one to two pages addressing why you're the right candidate). A few ask for both. Read the job ad carefully — give them exactly what they ask for.
If the ad says "pitch of no more than two pages", don't submit a three-page cover letter. Following instructions is part of the assessment.
Structure your cover letter
A strong APS cover letter follows this structure:
Opening paragraph: Name the role, reference number, and classification. State clearly that you're applying and briefly say why you're drawn to the role or agency. Keep it to three sentences.
Middle paragraphs (one per key criterion): For each of the top selection criteria, write a short paragraph that summarises your most relevant experience. You don't need full STAR detail here — save that for the interview. Instead, make a clear claim and back it with one specific example.
Good: "I have extensive experience in stakeholder engagement at the EL1 level. In my current role at the Department of Finance, I led consultation with 14 state and territory agencies on the revised reporting framework, achieving consensus within the six-week deadline."
Bad: "I am a strong communicator with excellent stakeholder management skills developed over many years in the public service."
The first one is specific and verifiable. The second could be written by anyone.
Closing paragraph: Reiterate your interest, mention your availability, and provide contact details. Keep it brief.
Pitch documents
A pitch document is more direct than a cover letter. It typically asks you to explain, in your own words, why you're the best person for the role.
Structure:
- Lead with your strongest qualification for this specific role
- Address each selection criterion with a brief, evidence-based paragraph
- Close with what you'd bring to the team or agency in the first six months
Tone: Professional but human. Write like you'd speak to a senior colleague — clear, direct, no jargon. Avoid opening with "I am writing to express my interest in..." — the panel knows why you're writing.
Common application mistakes
- Generic content. If you could swap the agency name and the letter still works, it's too generic. Reference the specific agency's priorities, recent work, or strategic direction.
- Repeating your resume. The panel already has your resume. Your cover letter should add context, not duplicate information. Explain the significance of your experience, not just list it.
- Ignoring the word limit. If they say two pages, submit two pages. Going over signals you can't follow instructions or prioritise information — both of which are assessed capabilities.
- Overusing buzzwords. "Dynamic results-oriented professional with a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions" means nothing. Replace every buzzword with a specific fact.
- Not proofreading. Typos and grammatical errors in a written application undermine your credibility, particularly for roles where written communication is a criterion. Read it aloud. Have someone else read it. Then read it once more.
Australian English
Use Australian English throughout: organisation (not organization), behaviour (not behavior), programme (for formal contexts), analyse (not analyze). This is a small detail that signals you understand the environment you're applying to work in.