how to write a cover letter for qld health

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How to write a resume and cover letter

A resume is a written record of your education, skills and experience. It provides a summary of your work history, training and knowledge.

A CV (curriculum vitae) is similar but tends to be longer and more detailed. Although both terms are often used in Australia, we will refer to resumes here.

As well as your resume, you will need a cover letter to accompany your job application. It should be short and specific, highlighting your skills and experience in relation to the position you are applying for.

Your resume and cover letter is your first chance to convince an employer that you are the right person for the job.

Before you begin writing your resume, think about your work history and note your achievements and skills.

The layout of your resume should be neat, simple and easy to read. Aim for 1–3 pages, depending on how long you have been in the workforce. Employers often have to read multiple job applications so use headings and dot points to make your resume easy to read.

Employers will be looking for your:

• contact details
• career strengths
• employment history
• education and training achievements

Read more about how to write an effective resume .

If you need help with formatting, resume templates are provided with some word processors (e.g. Microsoft Word) and are available online.

Go online to find templates, cover letters, resume examples and advice about how to apply for jobs (e.g. myfuture ).

Cover letters

Your cover letter is an important component of your application and should:

• introduce you to the employer
• identify the position you are applying for
• convey your enthusiasm for the position
• highlight the stand-out qualities that make you a great candidate
• inspire the reader to continue reading your application (cover letters are not a summary of your resume).

You only need to write a 1 page cover letter and address it directly to the employer or contact person for the job.

All cover letters should be tailored to suit that particular job.

Learn more about writing good cover letters .

Selection criteria

Some jobs (especially government jobs) will ask you to meet particular requirements or selection criteria. Selection criteria may also be known as core or key capabilities.

Your responses should demonstrate, with relevant examples, that you have the required experience, skills and abilities to do the job. Be succinct and use dot points where appropriate.

Read more about how to write selection criteria .

Queensland Health Cover Letter Example – Nurse

by Nicole Wren | Jan 13, 2020 | Examples

We specialise in nursing resumes and selection criteria applications (including Queensland Health nurse roles)! We are experts in working with you to uncover and explore suitable examples to meet the application requirements and in putting it together into the required format. Below is a Queensland Health cover letter example, for a Clinical Nurse position.

This was a winning application requiring the Queensland Health favoured 2 page application letter, demonstrating the key attributes.  Here is a snippet from the letter:

I have five years’ experience as a Clinical/ Registered Nurse within the XXXX Unit at XXX Hospital, including the past 12 months acting in the role of Pre-Admission Nurse. Upon commencing in this brand-new role, I was tasked with creating a service to assist in dramatically reducing the high non-attendance rate and waitlist numbers for endoscopy procedures, and to support effective patient care.  Throughout this time, I have effectively reduced the DNA rate from 10% to 1%. This has been achieved through leading the development and implementation of a range of policies and procedures, inclusive of contacting each patient (20-30 on a daily basis) between four days and two weeks in advance of their scheduled appointment, to discuss their appointment and how to effectively prepare for it. I have provided education and support to a range of patients with diverse clinical presentations, including patients with diabetes, mental health conditions, tetraplegia, and many more. I have provided clinical advice regarding how to prepare for colonoscopies, including if and when to cease existing medications (including anticoagulation medications) in preparation. I have provided practical support to assist patients access appointments, including facilitating transport, hospital beds in case of needing additional support, and interpreters to address language barriers. Through providing this education and support, patients are educated about what is required, which greatly improves the likelihood they will attend ready and prepared. I have received excellent feedback from patients, who have been extremely grateful for this support and who have indicated this to have greatly improved their overall patient experience with the hospital. 

Having previously accomplished setting-up a very similar facility at the XXX in 2006, I was confident in my ability to manage the development of the Pre-Admission Nurse role within the XXXX Unit, and have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills during this time. I have developed a range of systems integral to the role of the Pre-Admission Nurse.  This includes the development of a database to record each phone call made by the Pre-Admission Nurse, recording basic patient information, the date of my call and their scheduled appointment date.  I have also ensured a section for recording the length of the phone call. This information is used to access financial incentive for the hospital, which is allotted to each 15-minute phone call. I have also developed a checklist completed during each patient phone call, where I review and record important information including any allergies, any significant medical issues such as cardiac/ respiratory or renal issues, any additional needs such as hoists, the patient’s living/ support arrangements etc.  Once completed, I ensure this checklist is pinned to the front of the patient’s admission sheet, enabling the medical team to quickly be altered to important information to inform the patient’s care.  I have received very positive feedback from staff who note this process has significantly improved efficiency upon admission.​

I have advanced clinical evidence-based skills, knowledge and practice.  In my role as XXXX with XXXX, I was consistently called in to assist during complex emergency presentations, where patients often had unknown medical diagnoses, and their prior medical history was unknown.  I responded to such emergencies by conducting a range of rapid assessments and developing and implementing effective treatment plans.  I frequently am required to retrieve patients to transport them to definitive care i.e. a major trauma centre, which sometimes can be up to a 2.5-hour flight away.  I have demonstrated my ability to work independently within such situations, as I am often the only nurse attending to the patient. For example, a patient was picked up with massive internal injuries, and I was responsible for his care. The patient became very critical, and I had to implement resuscitation. The patient regained consciousness and was able to undergo emergency abdominal surgery in hospital and recovered well. I have previously worked in other remote and rural settings, including XXXX, where I similarly developed my skills in applying high quality care independently…

We hope this Queensland Health cover letter example snippet was helpful in preparing your application. We can help prepare your Queensland Health application wherever in Queensland you may be. Contact us !

Nicole Wren

Senior Writer

Nicole is the principal resume writer at Resumes to Impress. Nicole loves writing and sharing her knowledge about all things job hunting and career guidance.

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• How to Write Your Cover Letter

More pages in this section

Career planning.

A cover letter is a narrative about you and why the employer, or hospital should employ you. The role of the cover letter is different to a resume or CV, as the cover letter is a narrative that allows you to showcase why you are perfect for the role.

The role of the cover letter is not as common in hospitals for junior doctor recruitment, but some hospitals may request one and some organisations may specifically ask that you do not submit a cover letter or email. Nonetheless, perfecting a medical cover letter is an important skill to gain for the remainder of your career. If you are sending an email to the recruiting team to apply for the position, you can format the email as you would a cover letter, but make sure it is succinct.

If a cover letter is optional as part of your application, submit one as it will allow you to stand out to the employer.

Most cover letter writing experts differ slightly in what they feel is the best structure, but they all agree that the purpose of the cover letter is to outline your particular strengths and highlight why you are the perfect candidate for the role.

Below are some tips on how to write a medical a cover letter;

• Make your cover letter specific for the position you are applying for, don’t submit a generic cover letter.
• Highlight your most relevant or exceptional qualifications and skills to help employers see why you are perfect for the position.
• Before writing your cover letter, spend some time reflecting on exactly why you are applying for the job and what skills, experience and knowledge you bring to the job. Think of some examples of how and why you are good at particular things and how you stand out from others. This content will form a large part of your cover letter.
• Once you have examples, try to provide an accurate description of the skill. For instance, if you know of that the nurses on the wards enjoy your company and trust you, ask yourself why that is? Are you a good communicator? Are you reliable? Are you efficient? Are you friendly?
• Keep your cover letter to one page. Cover letters should be succinct, tidy and can use bullet point formatting.
• Make sure you refer to the requirements of the role as outlined in the position description. If there is no position description provided, you can outline the presumed responsibilities expected.
• Always remember to provide your contact information (e.g. phone number and email address), and if possible add a link to your LinkedIn profile which brings more professionalism.
• Do not add or share other social media links such as Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok or Facebook.
• Always proofread your cover letter before submitting!

Medical cover letter template

Your address

Your phone number and email address

Date (Date letter was written)

Full Name of Contact Person (Bold. Tip: Address to the name on the job application/ position description)

Contact Person’s Job Title

Hospital’s Street address City, State

Contact persons email and phone number

Dear (Contact Person - ensure full title of name and correct spelling. If contact person is unknown you can choose to write Dear Sir/Madam/Doctor/Professor etc),

RE: Program/Position Name and Reference Number

Opening Paragraph: What and Why?

• State the position/program you are applying for and how you heard about it. 
• Summarise why you are interested in this position/program/hospital, particularly mention if you have previously worked at the hospital or have any other experience there (E.g. Voluntary, research, university years).
• Show that you’ve researched the hospital by incorporating information such as their mission statement, values, particular specialties, and how this aligns with your interests and values. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that you have shared values and what you can provide them as an organisation.

Second Paragraph: Your Qualifications and Knowledge 

• The second part is your narrative in which you can showcase that your past experiences have made you capable enough to be the best-suited candidate available for that specific position.
• E.g. If applying for an Emergency Medicine SHO position you could write “I am a PGY2 doctor with general registration who has completed all mandatory internship rotations plus 2 emergency medicine rotations and 10 weeks in a rural hospital with a focus on rural emergency medicine".
• Note – This can include voluntary roles, committees etc if you haven't directly experienced work in this field. It could also include any non-medical roles you may have that has direct experience. (E.g. If applying for a pathology training program, you could mention working as a phlebotomist in medical school).
• You can choose to give an example of an experience that highlights your knowledge in the relevant field. (E.g. If applying BPT, you could highlight any research/ audits/ experience you may have had that sets you apart from others).

Third Paragraph/Fourth Paragraph: Your Skills and Experience

• (E.g. – Knowledge, clinical skills, empathy, communication skills and clinical reasoning skills are essential for a doctor progressing through their career and I have proficiently developed these skills over my internship year. These skills have been learnt through my experience as an intern, observing my senior medical colleagues plus my nursing and allied health colleagues. My end of term assessment forms reflect the acquirement of these skills as I consistently received ‘excellent’ in these domains).
• E.g. Applying for PGY3 critical care year and providing examples of episodes where you may have led a team in resuscitation to demonstrate you have skills and interests in this area).
• Tip: Always read the position description expectations and refer to these in the cover letter in areas that you particularly excel in.

Closing Paragraph: Conclusion

• Summarise any particularly important or standout points that you want the employer to remember.
• Refer to any other attached documents, such as your CV/Resume or Academic Transcript. Invite them to read your CV/resume so the reader is aware this is what contains more information about you.
• If there are interviews, state that you look forward to meeting them and discussing your application further at an interview.
• Make it easy for the hospital to contact you: list your email address, as well as your phone number and times you can be reached. (Note – Be aware of what your email address name is, and also your message bank message).
• Thank them for their consideration.

Yours sincerely, Your full name

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How to apply

We welcome applications from all experienced health professionals. You don’t need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to apply.

Our application process

Get ready to start your career with Queensland Health.

Application process

International applicants.

We welcome internationally trained health professionals.

Everything you need to know

Pre-employment screening.

Before you apply for a role, make sure you read the requirements to practice.

Mandatory vaccines

Before you can start working for us, you may need to be vaccinated against certain diseases.

Pre-employment checks

All jobs in Queensland Health have pre-employment screening as part of our application process.

You can ask us anything

Relocation support.

If you’re moving to start a new job with Queensland Health, ask if we can help with your moving costs.

Recruitment contacts

Our recruitment teams are always happy to talk to you about what it's like working in a particular location, and answer any questions you may have.

Last updated:  November 2023

How to apply

Learn how to apply for jobs with us and find out how we shortlist applications.

We advertise all our jobs on the Queensland Government Smart Jobs and careers website .

To apply, you need to register for a free My SmartJob account. From your account you can review, withdraw, and track the progress of your application.

Make sure you apply by the closing date. You can also read tips for job interviews and how to write a resume and cover letter on the Queensland Health website.

After you apply

We shortlist applicants on merit and consider your:

• previous employment history
• skills and qualifications
• personal qualities
• potential for development.

If you’re shortlisted for a role, you'll hear from us after the application closing date.

We use different assessments depending on the role you're applying for, including:

• phone and face-to-face interviews
• samples of work
• work-based presentations
• psychometric testing.

If your application is unsuccessful, we’ll let you know by email after we’ve completed our recruitment process.

Pre-employment checks

There are some things we'll need to check before we can employ you. You can read about pre-employment checks on the Queensland Health website, including:

• professional registration, membership and qualification checks
• Working with Children Checks
• mandatory vaccinations
• general criminal history.

You’ll also need to provide at least 2 references, ideally from a previous manager.

International applications

You don’t need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to apply for a temporary role with us. We welcome applications from all experienced health professionals and offer visa support and sponsorship for temporary roles. Learn more about overseas applications on the Queensland Health website.

If you’ve completed a qualification overseas, we might need to assess it to check the Australian equivalent. Learn more about overseas qualification requirements on the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training website or email [email protected] .

Visas and sponsorship

We sometimes sponsor health professionals, but you can also apply for some visas yourself. Find out more about visas and sponsorships on the Queensland Health website.

We only accept applications on the Queensland Government Smart Jobs and Careers website , but if you have questions about the recruitment process:

• phone: 07 3069 7051
• email: [email protected] .

Last updated:  September 2023

How to apply

Find out how to apply for our 2024 Registered Nurse or Midwife Graduate Program.

Eligibility

To apply for a graduate position with us, you must apply through our graduate portal . This portal is open from Monday 17 July 2023 to Sunday 13 August 2023. We recommend you prepare all the documents you’ll need in advance so you’re ready to submit them through the portal when it opens.

The recruitment process can take between 2 to 3 months and if you don’t complete all the necessary paperwork, there can be delays.

To be eligible for the graduate program, you must meet the following requirements:

• graduated within the past 2 years (domestically or internationally) from your first undergraduate nursing degree, midwifery degree, or graduate-entry Master of Nursing or Master of Midwifery. That is, between July 2021 to July 2023, or be due to complete your qualification by March 2024.
• hold Australian citizenship, Australian permanent residency, New Zealand citizenship (with a subclass 444 Special Category Visa or right to be granted), or a visa with non-employer sponsored work right.
• haven’t worked as a registered nurse or registered midwife for more than 960 hours (equivalent to 6 months full-time), unless you’ve been part of the COVID-19 pandemic surge response workforce.
• be eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), including all necessary documentation and identity checks.

If you applied in the previous recruitment campaign and meet the above criteria, you're still eligible.

Information you’ll need to apply

You’ll need to know the following to complete your application:

• your QH ID (payroll) number if you already work for us
• your visa type if you’re not an Australian Citizen or New Zealand Citizen
• your Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration ID number if you have registration with them
• your education, clinical placement, and employment history.

You’ll also need an email address that you can access for at least the next year. We recommend you use your personal email instead of your student email because you may lose access to your student email when you stop studying. Remember to regularly check your junk folder in case the emails go there.

Completing the application

Completing the application form will take about 1 hour, providing you have all of the information and uploads available. Please make sure you prepare early. If you need to gather other information, you can 'save and continue later'. Don’t leave your application to the last few days, plan to start and complete your application early.

Education, clinical placement and employment history

The application will include an online resume section. This is to make sure we have your history captured in a standard format. To complete this section, you’ll need to include information about your education, clinical placements and employment.

You’ll need to include information about your principal midwifery or nursing qualification. You can also add 3 related nursing or midwifery qualifications and any other relevant qualifications, these can be non-clinical qualifications.

For each qualification, you’ll need to provide the name of the University or other institute issuing the qualification and your Grade Point Average (GPA).

You’ll also need to list the clinical placements you did for each year of your study. When you do, include how many weeks you were placed and the clinical type, for example unit, ward or service.

In addition, you’ll need to list your current or most recent work or volunteer history. When you do, include the name of the organisation, the nature of work and your commencement and end dates.

Other things to consider

Work out your availability to start work, taking into account the time you need to get AHPRA registration and any personal commitments you have.

Once the graduate portal is closed, you won't be able to make changes or edit your application. However, you can email the Office of the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer about any changes at [email protected] , they’ll make a note on your application.

There'll also be a section for you to provide a cover letter.

Your cover letter is essential to the application process and you must upload one with your application.

It should be one A4 page in length and outline your motivations for applying for the role, your passion for the profession and what you'll bring to the team.

Watch our Prepare to Succeed webinar for more information about preparing your cover letter.

If you are accepted into the graduate program, you will be employed by Queensland Health and are required to fulfil functions as outlined in the Graduate Registered Nurse [PDF 794.14 KB] or Graduate Midwife Generic [PDF 853.28 KB] role descriptions. Read the role description as it will help you decide if the program is suitable.

Choosing your preferences

Choosing a hospital and health service.

Group A has HHSs that are in remote, rural or regional locations. If you live in these areas and want to work for one of these HHSs, you only need to provide one preference. You can select up to 6 HHSs if you want.

Group B contains HHS who receive significant number of applications compared to Group A. These HHSs are typically in metropolitan or large regional centres. HHSs in Groups A and B will be stated at the time of application.

• Central Queensland HHS
• Central West HHS
• North West HHS
• South West HHS
• Torres and Cape HHS
• Cairns and Hinterland HHS
• Children’s Health Queensland HHS
• Darling Downs HHS
• Gold Coast HHS
• Metro North HHS
• Metro South HHS
• Sunshine Coast HHS
• Townsville HHS
• West Moreton HHS
• Wide Bay HHS

You have 3 options for your application:

• If your first preference is a HHS in Group A, you aren’t required to provide any other preferences. You can select up to 6 HHSs if you want.
• If your first preference is a HHS in Group B, you must provide a second preference. If your second preference is a HHS in Group A, you aren’t required to provide any other preferences. You can select up to 6 HHSs if you want.
• If your first 2 HHS preferences are from Group B, you must provide a third preference. You can select up to 6 HHSs if you want.
• For each HHS selected, you must select at least one facility (hospital or other healthcare delivery location), but you can select up to three.

To help select your work location preferences, refer to our list of Hospital and Health Service Facilities and Associated Speciality Areas [PDF 486.96 KB] .

Choosing clinical preferences

You need to nominate your clinical preference categories in your preferred order. You need to select your clinical preferences at a higher level and not by sub-specialties. You'll be asked to prioritise the Clinical Level 1 categories.

Clinical Level 1

Clinical Level 2 (existing choices)

• Residential Aged Care
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
• Offender health care
• Oral Health
• Primary and community health care
• Care of the older person (gerontic)
• Emergency (ED)
• Neurological
• Oncology/haematology
• Palliative care
• Rehabilitation
• Mental health

Paediatrics

• Paediatric care
• Ambulatory Care (ie outpatients)
• Ear nose and throat (ENT)
• Gastroenterological care
• Intensive/critical care
• Orthopaedic
• Peri operative care
• Procedural areas/interventional suites
• Surgical care

Preferencing midwifery

Midwifery isn’t considered a clinical preference because it’s a separate profession from nursing. If you have dual qualifications, you can indicate your preference for the midwifery pathway. In this case you'd preference: Midwifery Group Practice or Continuity of Midwifery Care Model, Rotational shifts across all areas of midwifery practice, or Work in one specific area of midwifery practice (e.g., postnatal ward).

Documents you’ll need to provide

You’ll need to upload the following documents and evidence with your application. These documents DO NOT need to be certified and you ARE NOT required to upload any photo ID:

• a cover letter
• a PDF copy of your academic transcript – if you haven’t graduated you can upload an unofficial one
• Referee Report 1 – must be a clinical supervisor
• Referee Report 2 – must be an employment line manager, a volunteer supervisor or a second clinical supervisor
• General criminal history check application and consent form
• Vaccine preventable diseases evidence form - including the evidence required by this form.
• current  immunisation history statement or immunisation certificates
• Tuberculosis screening form.

If you're an overseas student and hold a visa with permission to work in Australia, you'll need to also upload a VEVO check application and consent form [DOCX 5699.75 KB] .

If you're planning to work in aged care, you'll need to upload an aged care criminal history check application (including statutory declaration) and consent form.

Referee Report template

All referees must complete the Referee Report for Registered Nursing and Midwifery Graduate Application [PDF 726 KB] and upload them with your application. We won't accept references that don't use this template.

Modifying Your Application

You can save your application and return to it later to continue or modify the application.

Once you submit your application, it cannot be modified. If you have made an error and want to correct this, you will need to:

• withdraw your application on the application portal
• click into your withdrawn application and scroll to the bottom of the first page
• click on ‘delete’ to remove your application
• use the ‘Apply now’ button on the home page to access the application portal again
• resubmit your application with the correct information.

More information

If you have any questions about the program or applying, email the Office of the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at  [email protected] . If there are a high number of enquiries, it may take some time for us to get back to you.

You can also contact the Hospital and Health Services you’ve preferenced. You can find their details on our key dates and contacts page.

We use interviews to understand your motivation to become a nurse or midwife, your passion for the profession and your current knowledge and interests.

For more information about the interview process, watch our webinar session Prepare to Succeed: The interview.

Other nursing and midwifery career opportunities

If you’re not eligible or don’t gain entry to the graduate program in 2024, there are still many opportunities to work in Queensland Health. We regularly advertise these opportunities on Smart Jobs , and we recommend you set up an account and activate an alert for roles that interest you.

Last updated:  August 2023

Graduate Resources

Writing your cover letter.

The cover letter is a document of equal importance to the CV. The cover letter is the first impression the selector will have of the candidate and its negative or positive impact is going to influence his or her further reading of the CV.

A Cover Letter must be very professional, well written, without misspellings. The content directly explains the candidate meets the requirements for the position, emphasising and directing the attention of the selector towards the abilities, skills and knowledge the candidate has proved, with concrete examples based on previous experience or non-work experience (ie. if you have never worked or have been outside the job market for a while).

Note: Please address your cover letter as per the following: To Whom it May Concern.

Why is the cover letter useful?

• Cover letter highlights the difference with the rest of candidates.
• Cover letter has to convince the selector to invite you to an interview.
• Cover letter shows your motivation.
• Cover letter reflects your skills for written communication.

Paragraph 1: present and explain the aim of the cover letter.

Paragraph 2: why you are interested in the company that you are writing to, in this industry and in this particular position.

Paragraph 3: what you contribute (achievements, experience); abilities and capacities that you will use to carry the position’s functions.

The order of paragraphs two and three can vary based on how you want to write the cover letter.

Paragraph 4: invitation to the interview. Be creative when finishing the letter; do not use the expression "I wait for your call". Mention that you can call to arrange an appointment or meeting, not an interview.

Warm goodbye, full name and sign the letter.

Remember to make your cover letter eye-catching; you want the reader to be taken in, read on to your CV and give you an interview. You want to distinguish yourself from the rest! Bearing this in mind, think about your main strength for the position and highlight it from the beginning – don’t let your potential employer read through lots of irrelevant data and miss the good part! Your main strength will be something that isn’t in the requirements for the job – all the other candidates will have these so think outside the box, what else can you bring to the table? Maybe you have worked for a competitor and so can educate your (potential!) new company about the competition they face. 

• Consider the cover letter as a business letter, a professional one.
• Never more than a page for writing a resume cover letter.
• Quality paper, white or very clear (same type and colour of paper that was used to print the resume).
• Brief explanation of what you offer and want, without forgetting that the cover letter must be in accordance with what the company needs.
• Bring (from your CV or resume) only aspects relevant to the position (abilities, capacities, achievements). Do not make a new summary of your resume. Your resume talks about you, your cover letter about the company, the target…
• Use the cover letter to convince, to persuade the reader that you are the most appropriate candidate for the position, that you can perform the functions.
• Show enthusiasm and interest in the company. Write something about the company or industry that shows you know about them.
• Check your spelling, grammar and expressions before approving the letter.
• Use short phrases, concise but with a rich lexicon writing a cover letter. No more than four or five paragraphs.
• Avoid very formal expressions and facts. The cover letter is a measure of what you want to obtain.
• Use action verbs writing a cover letter.
• Do not overuse "I", it can give an egocentric image of the candidate.
• Do not use copies of cover letters or paragraphs previously used for other selection processes. Send an original cover letter to each employer.
• Write a resume cover letter in a creative way, oriented towards the client (the company), be flexible and always willing to work in a team and learn.
• Don’t forget to make your letter stand out and mention something which makes you special; make your potential employer want to go on to read your CV or resume. If you did a special course or have a great qualification, mention it and let yourself shine!

Why write a cover letter instead of sending only the CV?

• Writing a cover letter you are sure that you do not forget important things, excludes misunderstandings and also serves as reminder.
• You can select yours words and context meanings carefully.
• Because of the one-way-communication, you are able to structure your line of reasoning, without interference, thus not only gaining time, but also influencing the other party more effectively in less time.
• People take the written words with more attention than a phone call to introduce your CV, and always not interrupting to other people in their work

Can a cover letter be personal and effective?

Everyone of us must have the experience of receiving letters that could have been written for any person; nothing shows the sender is directing him/herself to you especially. The use of standard phrases leaves the reader (in this case the Human resources manager) to think that they and the company are not important for the person who is writing the cove letter. The can be read with only limited attention.

If you start the cover letter with: “I refer to your advertisement in the ……. where you ask for a ….…..”

The manager will not be surprised and will search for the real start of the letter. You will want him to think from the moment he starts reading, that your letter is worth reading a lot more than all the others: SO, BE ORIGINAL!! Always remember that the letter you write is representing you and you want to be invited for a interview and show that you are the most suitable candidate for the position you are applying.

The letter as an image-builder …

Imaging reading a letter with the following sentences:

In reference to your advertisement of … looking for….

Please, find enclosed…

Thanking you in advance…

I hope to be invited for an interview…

Your cover letter is formal, standard, boring. The text in this kind of cover letters lack character, personality and impact. The overall image will be one of pure routine.

If you learn to be creative, you can change your way of thinking and your creative sentences can be used more than one also. Show in your cover letter something more about you than only the academic background and experience. Show your interest in that company, show the skills you have and you have developed in many professional and personal areas…

Disadvantage of writing a cover letter…

A cover letter lacks intonation, facial expression and posture (body-language). This has to by balanced by the careful selection of words, action verbs and creative writing skills. Try something like this:

Dear Ms. Smith

I am currently a nursing student at …. and will graduate at the end of December this year. I am passionate about nursing and wish to work for a progressive, private health care company such as Ramsay Health Care.

Through my studies, I have achieved a great appreciation and understanding evidence based nursing practice and am an enthusiastic student who is keen to begin a career in nursing.

Before commencing my nursing studies, I worked in the financial sector with Deutsche Bank in advisory services. During this time I consulted and liaised with customers and assisted the CEO with a number of stakeholder objectives providing me with critical and valuable customer service skills, which I believe are second to none. I am keen to transfer my excellent customer service skills to the clinical environment.

Yours sincerely,

Dear Mr. Smith

I am responding to your exciting ad in …….. regarding the Pharmaceutical Representative opportunity. Please regard this letter as my formal application. Enclosed is my CV detailing my extensive education, experience, and background.

I have had over 7 years experience in the sales and marketing field, and 5 years experience as a nurse. I have maintained a number o key contacts in the health care sector and would be keen to use my strong networking skills to help expand your organisations into new market areas.

Throughout my sales and marketing career I won top sales awards, and trained other sales representatives specific sales techniques to increase their sales. I enjoy working with the public, as well, demonstrating products, and educating others in their uses. I believe I would excel in pharmaceutical sales because I truly find sales a challenging and rewarding career. Additionally, my nursing background offers me a competitive advantage in providing a strong clinical background and understanding of products.

I am available for an interview at a mutually convenient time.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely

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How to write a cover letter and response to core capabilities

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When you apply for a job with us, we always ask for a resume/CV. We will also ask you to include a cover letter or a response to core capabilities.

While these both address the role description’s “About you” section, they are different.

What’s the difference between a cover letter and a response to core capabilities?

A cover letter is a letter of 1–2 pages telling us about your strengths and skills and why you want to work for us. A response to core capabilities is a written statement (maximum 2 pages) that gives specific examples that prove you have done, and can do, what is needed for the job, as described in the core capabilities.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is addressed to us saying what skills you have and why you are the best person for the role.

Cover letter structure:

• Greet us. Start with “Dear xxx” and use the name of the contact person provided. If you don’t know their name, say “Dear employer”.
• Grab our attention. Tell us the position you’re applying for and your biggest strength. (1 paragraph)
• Get us hooked. Refer to the role description’s ‘About me’ section and provide short examples of job duties and achievements that relate to the job you are applying for. (1–2 paragraphs)
• Why us? We know Legal Aid Queensland is a great place to work. Have a look at our website and tell us why you would like to work for us. (1 paragraph)
• Big finish. This is your last chance to sell yourself. Tell us why you are the right person for the job one more time. Thank us for considering your application and let us know you would like the chance to be interviewed for the role.

Cover letter tips

• Make it look professional. Use a font and size that is easy to read.
• Check your spelling. Ask someone to proofread it for you.
• Stick to the length we ask for (usually 1–2 pages).
• Don’t use headings in a cover letter.
• Read more about writing cover letters.

What is a response to core capabilities?

The core capabilities are the dot points in the role description's 'About you' section. These are sometimes called selection criteria. Responding to the core capabilities means proving that you have the skills, experience and knowledge or qualifications to do the job.

To write your response, copy and paste the core capabilities into a Word document. Use each core capability as a heading and give an example for each of them about how you have done this in a previous role. When you write your response, make sure you use the STAR method.

STAR stands for:

• Situation: Describe the situation or problem you had.
• Task: Describe the task, project or outcome you needed to complete.
• Action: Describe what you did and how you did it.
• Result: Tell us the results of these actions.

Tips for responding to core capabilities

• Give your best STAR examples.
• Focus on your actions and outcomes.
• Address all core capabilities. There are usually 4–5. Use one example for each.
• Don't repeat your resume. Give specific examples.
• Read more about responding to selection criteria.

Still have questions?

If you have questions about the application process, call the contact person listed in the role description.

Good luck in applying for a role with Legal Aid Queensland!

Last updated 2 February 2023

If you have a general question for Legal Aid Queensland, please use the general question form or call 1300 65 11 88, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.

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Queensland government resume & selection criteria writers.

For Queensland Government applications you will be expected to submit Resume, if applicable Cover letter and responses to the Selection Criteria which is commonly referred to as a 1-2 page Cover letter or short statement. Your Resume should include information such as a Profile Education, Training and Licences, Key Skills, Career History including responsibilities and achievements and any other information relevant to the roles you are targeting. The Selection Criteria responses is the most important part of your application and is giving you the opportunity to clearly outline your knowledge, skills and it is showing the selection panel how you will be able to perform the duties and tasks required for the role. The Selection Criteria required for Queensland Government applications will  request a 1-2 page Statement or Covering addressing the Criteria, Key Capabilities or the “Are You the Right Person For the Job” summary.

Public Service Resumes Professional Queensland State Government Writers specialise in completing Resume, Selection Criteria and Cover letters for Queensland Government applications, a number of our writers have acquired direct working history within the Queensland Government and have a proven track record of producing high quality, correctly structured and professional documents that make you stand out for the crowd!

Queensland Government vacancies are available at a number of different levels and across various Government Departments, Organisations and Agencies. An understanding of each Department’s structure will give you a better understanding of the various jobs that are available.

Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services Department of Education and Training Department of Energy and Water Supply Department of Health Department of Housing and Public Works Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Department of Natural Resources and Mines Department of Police Fire and Emergency Services Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation Department of Transport and Main Roads

The Queensland Government offer a wide range of roles within a number of different Departments including Department of Transport and Main Roads, Health, Education & Training, Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, additionally the Queensland Government is responsible for a number of corporations including Energex, Queensland Rail, CS Energy and Ergon. The Queensland Government is constantly looking for professionals from all fields of expertise, backgrounds and age demographics who are motivated to be part of a high performing, impartial, productive and diverse workforce that puts the customer first. With roles advertised from Graduate level to Senior Executive level for positions ranging from Teachers and Nurses to Managers and Directors.

The Queensland Government workforce is a bullying, harassment and unlawful discrimination free zone, vacancies advertised offer Equality of Employment Opportunities to all its candidates no matter your gender or age other groups of people including Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, migrants and people with a disability. The Queensland Government offers and promotes a supportive, fair and diverse workplace where you will be given equal opportunity and treated with respect, and courtesy.

To view all current Queensland Government jobs visit the Queensland Government’s Smart Jobs search website via the link provided below

Queensland Government Job Search website – Smart Jobs

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Healthcare Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Crafting a compelling healthcare cover letter doesn't have to be as daunting as it often seems. This guide can equip you with practical tips and illustrative examples to help you stand out from the crowd.

Aside from your resume , a cover letter is a key element in your application — it's your personal pitch and an opportunity to set yourself apart in the dense healthcare industry. An outstanding cover letter can differentiate you from other candidates and steer the recruiter's perspective in your favor.

And so, without further ado, keep reading to learn all about:

• Formatting your healthcare cover letter
• Creating your healthcare cover letter header
• Writing an effective cover letter headline
• Personalizing the greeting of your healthcare cover letter
• Writing a compelling healthcare cover letter introduction
• Highlighting your best professional skills & accomplishments in healthcare
• Ending your healthcare cover letter with a strong conclusion
• Avoiding common mistakes on a healthcare cover letter
• Average salary and job outlook for healthcare professionals

1. Format your healthcare cover letter properly

Just like a well-organized medical chart, your healthcare cover letter should be clear, structured, and easy to read. Here's how to properly format your cover letter :

• Length: Stick to one page. Keep your cover letter concise and to the point. 
• Alignment: Align all your text to the left. This ensures a clean, professional look.
• Margins: Use standard one-inch margins on all sides, so your cover letter looks tidy and well-spaced. 
• Font: Choose a professional, easy-to-read font such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. Typically, a font size between 10 and 12 points works well.
• Sections: A well-formatted cover letter usually has three sections: opening paragraph, body, and closing. 
• Avoid dense text blocks: Keep your paragraphs short and manageable. You can also use bulleted lists where appropriate to break up information.

If you format your healthcare cover letter right, the document will be as easy to follow as a good presentation, guiding your potential employer through your qualifications and convincing them you're the right person for the role.

Create your cover letter fast with artificial intelligence.

2. create an effective healthcare cover letter header.

The header of your healthcare cover letter is like the topmost section of a patient's medical record. It bears crucial identification information, providing an immediate context and line of communication to the reader.

Your header should incorporate two subsections — one for your contact information and one for your recipient's details:

Your Information:

• Mailing address (city and state is sufficient)
• Phone number
• Professional email address
• LinkedIn Profile (optional)

Recipient's information:

• Recipient's full name (try to determine the hiring manager's name)
• Professional title
• Company name
• Company address

Let's clarify this with examples. One is an incorrectly formulated header and the other adheres to the proper presentation style:

Incorrect healthcare cover letter header example

John Doe 123 Road (123) 456-7890 john@email

Company Address

Why is this header incorrect? The incomplete address, lack of professional email, and missing LinkedIn profile make it unprofessional. Moreover, the company's specifics, such as the hiring manager's name and their title, are not included.

Correct healthcare header example

John Doe 123 Road, Springfield, IL (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/johndoe January 1, 2023

To: Sarah Smith Human Resources Manager United Healthcare 456 Lane, Chicago, IL

Why is this header correct? It includes John's full name, abbreviated address, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile link. Plus, it notes the date and all the necessary information about the recipient, including their full name, job title, company name, and company address.

Remember that starting your healthcare cover letter with a thoroughly composed and professional header sets the right tone. It demonstrates your attention to detail and exhibits essential qualities such as diligence and respect for formal communication.

3. Write a compelling headline for your healthcare cover letter

The headline, sitting right below your header, serves as an introductory statement to your letter. It's your chance to draw in your reader by succinctly stating the position you're applying for and briefly highlighting your most relevant qualification or experience.

Your headline should:

• Mention the job title you're applying for.
• Showcase a key accomplishment or a unique qualification that sets you apart.

Incorrect healthcare professional’s headline example

Application for Healthcare Position

Why is this example incorrect? This headline is too vague. It doesn't specify the job title, nor does it highlight any unique achievements or qualifications.

Correct healthcare professional’s headline example

Registered Nurse with 5 Years of ICU Experience Seeking the RN Position at United Healthcare

Why is this example strong? This headline is on point. It immediately communicates the job being applied for (registered nurse) and underscores a significant accomplishment (5 years of ICU experience). This already sets the candidate apart, piquing the interest of the hiring manager.

A compelling headline can be the hook that reels the hiring manager into your cover letter. By being specific about the role you're applying for and presenting a notable achievement or attribute, your headline will serve as an effective preview to the rest of your content.

4. Personalize the greeting of your healthcare cover letter

The greeting of your cover letter is more important than you might think. Just as you would address a patient by their name to establish a personal connection, properly addressing the hiring manager can make your cover letter more engaging and set the right tone.

When a specific individual's name is used, it signals that you've put effort into understanding the company's team and that you respect and acknowledge your prospective employer.

Here are a few ways to personalize your greeting:

• If you know the hiring manager's full name and title , use them: "Dear Human Resources Director Jane Johnson,".
• If you know the name, but aren't sure about the title , use a more general greeting like "Dear Ms. Johnson,"..
• If you know the hiring manager's title but not their name , use this information. For instance, "Dear Hiring Manager," or "Dear Human Resources Director,"
• If you don't have any specific information , opt for a more general greeting: "Dear Hiring Team," or "Dear Sir/Madam,".

Regardless of the scenario, do your utmost to avoid starting your cover letter without any greeting — this can risk your letter coming off as impersonal or rushed. 

Remember, attention to detail is as relevant in your healthcare cover letter as it is in patient care. Being attentive to the small details, such as customizing your greeting, adds a personal touch that can help set you apart from other applicants.

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5. Write a compelling healthcare cover letter introduction

The opening of your healthcare cover letter sets the stage for what's to follow. It should provide:

• A concise summary of your professional and academic background.
• A compelling reason as to why you're applying for this specific role.
• If applicable, a mention of any mutual acquaintances or connections.

Here are two examples illustrating how this opening could look, based on your career stage:

Seasoned healthcare professional’s cover letter opening example

As an experienced Healthcare Administrator with over ten years in hospital management and a Master’s degree in Health Administration, I was thrilled to see the opportunity to apply for the Healthcare Administrator position at United Healthcare. I’ve admired United Healthcare’s commitment to quality patient care and efficient operation for many years and I believe my extensive experience in the field and proven ability to manage healthcare programs makes me a great fit for this role.

This introduction immediately presents the candidate's relevant experience, the level of education, and their specific interest in the company . There is a strong tie-in between their background and the role they're applying for.

Fresh graduate’s cover letter opening example

As a recent Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate from XYZ University, I am excited to start my nursing journey in a challenging yet supportive environment, like ABC Healthcare. During my clinical placements, I concentrated on critical care, which I understand is a focus area at ABC Healthcare. I believe that my academic accomplishments and passion for patient-centered care align well with your advertised Registered Nurse position.

Despite not having professional work experience, this fresh graduate highlights their specialization and relates it directly to the responsibilities of the desired position. They've clearly explained why they are enthusiastic about this particular role and work setting.

Remember, your cover letter is your opportunity to generate interest and compel the hiring manager to delve deeper into your resume. Crafting a compelling introduction primes the reader to learn more about you and what you can bring to the healthcare team.

6. Highlight your healthcare skills and accomplishments

The body of your healthcare cover letter is where you make your case . It's here you showcase key skills, highlight significant achievements, and illustrate why you're an ideal fit for the role. 

Here's a list of valuable skills of a healthcare professional

• Patient care & empathy
• Thorough clinical knowledge
• Teamwork & communication
• Detail-oriented & organizational skill
• Problem solving & decision-making

Experienced professionals tip: Use concise and impactful anecdotes to demonstrate application of these skills. 

Experienced healthcare professional’s accomplishments in a cover letter

In my role as a Registered Nurse at XYZ Hospital, I consistently maintained a patient satisfaction rate of over 95%. My deep clinical knowledge and exceptional problem-solving skills proved invaluable during a critical incident where I successfully identified a rare drug interaction missed by the team, preventing further complications.

Fresh graduates or less experienced candidates tip: Draw on experiences from internships, placements, or academic projects. Highlight your understanding of healthcare practices and your eagerness to learn.

Fresh graduate’s accomplishments in a cover letter

During my studies at XYZ University, I completed an eight-week placement in an acute care setting. I participated in patient care with a strong focus on empathy and communication. Additionally, I identified a discrepancy in the medication inventory during an academic project which instituted a review of the current system, demonstrating my problem-solving, decision-making, and keen attention to detail.

A well-crafted body of your cover letter, peppered with relevant skills and achievements, creates a compelling argument for your candidacy. Whether seasoned or just starting, remember to connect your past experiences directly to the job requirements and demonstrate how you're an ideal fit.

7. End your healthcare cover letter persuasively

Wrapping up your healthcare cover letter is as essential as a well-rounded treatment plan in a medical scenario. It’s your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression , motivate the recruiter for the next interaction: an interview invitation. 

This section should:

• Extend gratitude to the recruiter for their time and consideration
• Clearly state when you're available for further discussion
• Indicate your preferred mode of communication
• Mention that you will follow-up
• Include a professional sign-off

Ineffective healthcare professional’s cover letter conclusion

Please refer to my attached resume. Thank you.

Why is this example wrong? This ineffective closing lacks finesse and important details. It doesn’t exhibit any enthusiasm or keenness for the role or hint at any further interactions. There’s also no indication of the candidate's availability for an interview or preferred mode of communication.

Effective healthcare professional’s cover letter conclusion

Thank you for your time and considering my application. I greatly appreciate your efforts to understand how my experience aligns with the values and needs at United Healthcare. I am excited about the possibility of contributing my skills to your team. My preferred contact method is email, but I’m also available on the phone. I can provide additional information and discuss my application in more detail between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday. I will follow up on my application a week from now if I don’t hear from you by then, but please feel free to contact me in the meantime at your convenience.

Why is this example correct? This robust cover letter conclusion not only expresses gratitude but also conveys the candidate’s enthusiasm about the role. It clearly spells out the best way and time to contact the applicant, and importantly, exhibits a clear call to action by stating their intention to follow-up. The concluding note is professional, reinforcing the seriousness of the candidate’s intent.

By ending your cover letter conclusively and well-rounded, you’ll reassure the reader about your interest in the role and encourage them to move your application forward.

8. Avoid common mistakes on a healthcare cover letter

It's crucial to ensure your cover letter is free of common mistakes. Just as in healthcare practice, a small error can have significant consequences .

Here are a few commonly committed mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:

1. Generic content  

• Mistake: "I am applying for the healthcare position at your health institution."
• Fix: Always be specific in mentioning the role you're applying for and the name of the organization. This can demonstrate your attention to detail and seriousness in the application process.

2. Focusing on what the job can do for you, not what you can do for the job

• Mistake: "I've always wanted to work in a hospital setting to develop my medical skills."
• Fix: Highlight what you can bring to the table. Align your skills, experiences, and goals with the requirements and objectives of the company.

3. Lacking detail in your qualifications

• Mistake: "I have healthcare experience."
• Fix: Expand on your qualifications. Mention the relevant roles you've had, the responsibilities you've met, and the impact of your work. 

4. Not checking for spelling and grammar errors

• Mistake: Not proofreading the cover letter.
• Fix: Just as meticulous charting is essential in healthcare, careful proofreading is a must for your cover letter. Use grammar and spell check tools, but also manually proofread your letter to catch errors these tools might miss. 

5. Not following instructions

• Mistake: Ignoring application instructions, such as not including requested information or failing to adhere to a specified format.
• Fix: Follow the application instructions to the letter. This shows your ability to follow procedures — a key skill in healthcare.

Just like following a treatment protocol leads to better patient outcomes, avoiding these common mistakes can improve your chances of landing that healthcare job . Always remember, your cover letter is as much a demonstration of your attention to detail as it is of showcasing your suitability for the role.

9. Healthcare resources

Navigating the healthcare job market can seem like an intricate procedure. Luckily, there are numerous resources available that can aid your job search and supplement the information provided in this guide. 

• Job search websites: Many job boards specialize in healthcare job listings. Websites such as Health eCareers or MedZilla can help discover opportunities from entry-level positions to highly specialized roles.
• Networking platforms: LinkedIn is a powerful platform to network, keep an eye on job openings, and engage with the greater healthcare community. Joining relevant LinkedIn Groups can provide valuable discussions, industry news, and job postings.
• Career websites: Sites like Kickresume or The Muse provide career advice, resume writing tips, job search strategies, and insights about different paths in the healthcare profession.
• Professional associations: Associations like the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Nurses Association (ANA), or the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association offer numerous resources ranging from networking events to job postings, professional development, certifications, and industry updates.
• Online learning platforms: Sites like Coursera or Khan Academy offer a wide variety of health-related courses. Whether you are looking to refresh your medical knowledge, gain a new certification, or simply wish to learn more about a particular healthcare topic, these platforms can be a huge asset.
• Healthcare consultants: For those seeking executive-level positions, using an executive search consultant familiar with the healthcare sector can make the job-hunting process smoother.

Remember, crafting an impressive healthcare cover letter is one step in your journey. Utilizing these resources can ensure that you're thoroughly prepared for each stage of the job hunting process, from initial search to final interview, enhancing your chances of landing your perfect role in healthcare.

10. Average salary and job outlook for healthcare professionals

According to the recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the landscape for healthcare professionals looks inarguably promising in terms of job growth and wages. 

The overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow at a much faster pace than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. 

It's estimated that on average, there will be approximately 1.8 million job openings each year in these occupations.

When it comes to wages, healthcare professionals indeed enjoy competitive pay. As per the BLS data from May 2022, the median annual wage for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations was $77,760 . This figure stands significantly higher compared to the median annual wage for all occupations, which was $46,310 during the same period.

On the other hand, healthcare support occupations, which encompass roles like home health aides, personal care aides, medical transcriptionists, and occupational therapy assistants , reported a median annual wage of $33,600 in May 2022. Although this is lower than the median wage for all occupations, career prospects and growth opportunities within these roles provide a robust platform for both personal and professional development.

With the healthcare industry showing such dynamic growth and excellent salary potential, it's certainly a worthwhile sector for professional investment. Crafting an effective healthcare cover letter, as guided in this article, is the first step towards seizing these rewarding career opportunities.

Healthcare Cover Letter FAQ

Beyond the specifics of the healthcare field, it's crucial to remember that the length of a cover letter should ideally be about one page. It should be brief yet comprehensive enough to highlight your skills, qualifications, and motivations. 

In general, you should keep in mind the potential audience of your cover letter. It's likely that your cover letter will be initially screened by HR personnel who may not understand specific healthcare terminologies. Therefore, while some industry-specific language can showcase your understanding of the field, don't overload your cover letter with jargon. 

Customizing your cover letter goes beyond just adding the recruiter's name and company details. Try researching about the healthcare organization’s culture, mission, and recent achievements, then express how you resonate with these aspects in your cover letter. 

Absolutely. While expertise and technical skills are crucial in healthcare, soft skills such as empathy, communication, and problem-solving are equally important. Showcasing these traits can portray you as a well-rounded candidate and align with patient-centric healthcare environments.

While your resume will have detailed information about your licenses and certifications, in your healthcare cover letter, you can mention key ones that are particularly relevant to the job role you're applying for. Remember, your cover letter needs to complement your resume, not repeat it.

Julia Gergelova

Julia is a professional writer, translator and graphic designer. She holds degrees in translation and interpretation, and has international work experience from a number of different countries in Europe as well as China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and as a graphic designer contributed to outlets such as  The Business of Business . She has a passion for lifelong learning and good coffee.

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Two-Page Cover Letter Addressing the Statement of Duties

• Post author: theresumewriters
• Post published: January 12, 2019
• Post category: Australian Public Service / Cover Letters / Selection Criteria
• Post comments: 2 Comments

Two-page cover letter addressing the statement of duties/selection criteria

The format which has all but wholly replaced traditional selection criteria.

By Jacquie Liversidge

Navigate to:

How to write a 2-page cover letter that addresses government requirements.

More and more, there are content length limitations placed on selection criteria responses, and the majority of the time, these are two pages, or roughly 1500 words. 

This has been implemented by the Commonwealth and most state governments in response to enormous selection criteria responses being submitted for government roles, jam packed with empty content which doesn’t demonstrate an applicant’s capabilities.

When applicants write their selection criteria, there is a tendency to fill the selection criteria with ‘padding’, or useless material, to increase the length with the idea that more is better.

Length certainly isn’t everything. When it comes to selection criteria, you want to get your material out quickly and efficiently with the most impact and the lowest word count.

You want to use your audience’s limited time well.

And this is where directions for a two-page cover letter come in to play.

How to spot it when it applies

Either on the applicant guide or the initial link to the prospective role, there will be a section titled ‘How to Apply’. 

Read this section carefully and make sure you are aware of what the directions are.

How to interpret the position description

Click on the position description and look over what is listed therein.

On the position description for most government applications, you will usually find the following sections titled exactly like this, or very similarly:

• Position Objective
• Role context
• Responsibility
• Knowledge, Skills and Experience (Selection Criteria – in relation to the major duties)

Selection criteria can also be called Essential Requirements, Role Specific Requirements, Success Criteria. Nonetheless, the easiest way to spot these questions are by looking for dot-pointed content that looks a bit like this:

eg. – Demonstrated ability to provide consumer-centred care

– Exceptional communication skills and conflict resolution skills.

– Proven report writing capabilities.

Once we have a good idea of the important background, context, and scope,  and we’ve found the selection criteria we need to respond to, we can start on our content. Here’s a bunch of over ten detailed selection criteria examples to get you started.

Here’s an example of a two-page cover letter addressing the required sections Queensland Government.  Increasingly, these questions are values based, as they were below :

Two-page statement example

The structure, introduction: why you’re applying, what you’re offering, and why you’d be a great fit, the selection criteria question restated which is entirely optional. it’s also appropriate to skip this part, and move on to the next., our response, with the topic sentence (first sentence) repeating the question. (do this for all questions), a call to action (cta) statement ending the cover letter, professional sign-off, tips, tricks, and other information to note:.

If it’s a two-page cover letter for a government role, and it says nothing about addressing the requirements of the role, but there is selection criteria present,  you do still need to address the selection criteria.

Traditionally, where the position description/advertisement asks for responses to the selection criteria, you would develop your questions and title them with the question. This approach is exactly the same, but incorporates the cover letter element of an introduction statement, and it simply does not contain the selection criteria within the documents as headings.

The point of the exercise is  demonstrate  your capability to perform in the role via  examples of your ability to do that prior. The only part of the story which demonstrates  your capability, are the actions that you took.

Focus on the inner content

Save your space for the real content that will get you selected by keeping your introduction short and to the point, and your call-to-action statement at the end within 2 sentences.

Introduction example:  

I wish to submit my application for the position of Communications Officer as listed on the Tasmanian Government jobs website. I am confident I would be an ideal candidate for the position given my extensive experience within the corporate communications environment, my proven successes in a variety of roles and my strong interest in supporting strategic objectives through strong external communication.

Call-to-Action example:  

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application for the role of Communications Officer. Please do not hesitate to contact me on the details contained herein for further information or to arrange an interview.

Keep your content focused on the selection criteria. Keep it concise and make every word count.

And that’s all folks. 

Happy hunting!

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