Government Job Specialists | Selection Criteria Writers

Professional Resumes

Government Job Applications

Cover Letters

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Australian Government & State Government Applications

Whether you are considering applying for a position with an Australian Government or State Government Agency, there will be a defined application process ranging from online responses to detailed selection criteria claims statements.

We are experts in preparing applications for every government role and have a detailed knowledge of the specific requirements associated with each position, including, where required, applying Work Level Standards (for Australian Government positions) and the Focus Capability frameworks or Workforce Capability frameworks associated with some Australian Government and State Government entities.

Typical Types of Applications

Online Responses

Many Australian Government agencies and State Government bodies now require responses to online targeted questions, usually word-limited and can vary from 150 – 1,000 words for each response. These should also be presented in the STAR format where appropriate using exemplified situations from any position roles you have had.

Cover Letters & Pitch Applications

These can vary from 1 – 3 pages or may have a specified word content, depending upon the Government agency and/or level of the position and usually require addressing the ‘How you will be assessed’ component of the related Position Description in the context of the role requirements.

Expression of Interest

Expression of Interest (EOI) applications are usually page limited requiring an outline of skills and/or experience in relation to the role using the selection criteria or core capabilities as a basis for their submission. EOI applications are also commonly used by government agencies for internal vacancies.

Selection Criteria Statement

Where a position requires addressing the Selection Criteria as indicated in the job advertisement and/or Position Description, this will generally be segmented into ‘Essential’ and ‘Desirable’ criteria and requires individual responses to each criterion using the STAR method to provide exemplified examples.

Statement of Claims

Rather than addressing each Selection Criteria point individually with structured headings, generally, a Statement of Claims requires detailing how you meet the required skills, competencies and focus capabilities for the position. Depending upon the requirements. this can vary from 1 – 5 pages.

Capability Statements

With many government agencies, capability statements have replaced responding to selection criteria and usually incorporate: Supports strategic direction; Achieves results; Supports productive working relationships; Displays personal drive and integrity; Communicates with influence.

Application Requirements

Australian Government

Dependent upon the Department/Agency, you may be required to submit one of the following: Cover Sheet; a ‘Statement’ or ‘Pitch’ (word or page limited) about how your skills, abilities and experience meet the job requirements; addressing the Selection Criteria (STAR method) or answering any Questions if they have been included.

ACT Government

In addition to your resume, you’re also required to submit one of the below (this differs from each Department): a Word Limited Response to about six selection criteria (usually 500 words, 750 words, or 1,000 words); a Page Limited Response to the selection criteria (usually 1-2 pages).

NSW Government

Dependent upon the Department: a 1–2 page Cover Letter describing how your experience relates to the role; a short Statement against 1-4 targeted questions providing examples and also refer to the behavioural indicators relating to the Focus Capabilities level in the NSW public sector.

Victorian Government

Dependent upon the Department, some roles require the traditional Selection Criteria Statement whilst other roles want a Cover Letter addressing the Selection Criteria and why you’re interested in the position; or limited word Responses to targeted questions.

Queensland Government

Differ from role-to-role and can include: a Cover Letter (or a short statement) – summarising how your experience, abilities, education, skills and personal qualities relate to the requirements of the role (usually 1-2 pages); a Written Application (usually 1-2 pages); a Written Response (no more than 2 pages) addressing your ability to meet the requirements of the role.

WA Government

There are a lot of variables in because each Department has its own application requirements and procedures. Some applications will ask you to upload your Selection Criteria responses (STAR or SAR method) in Word document, while some with require you to copy and paste these into the Online Application Form.

SA Government

Some positions may require you to address each of the Selection Criteria for the role and other roles may ask you to respond to open-ended or 'targeted' questions in the application form. A 1-page Cover Letter; Selection Criteria (1-2 paragraphs explaining how you meet that specific criterion).

Tasmanian Government

Either a short form Application – still addresses the selection criteria but in a cover letter structure (usually up to 2 pages); or a traditional Selection Criteria Statement (1-2 paragraphs each criterion). Most Tasmanian Government applications also require completion of an Employee Declaration Form.

NT Government

A one-page Statement (usually max of 750 words) that usually tackles a high number of Selection Criteria questions (around nine questions); however, there’s no need to address each selection criteria items individually, hence, the narrative flow of your statement is very important.

Professional Resumes

Graduate Resumes $80

Recent Graduates with internship experience only

Early Career Resumes $115

Less than 10 years' professional experience

Advanced Career Resumes $135

More than 10 years' professional experience

Fully ATS Compatible Templates

Most resume writing services operating in Australia have overseas origins and claim their 2-column templates complete with graphical elements are compatible for Australian ATS and HRIS systems - not so! Australian ATS/HRIS systems are only compatible with 1-column templates and cannot interpret data in tables and text-boxes or graphical elements. Read what happens to resume templates with columns and tables here ..

Tailored to the Profession

All our resumes are tailored client specific aligning with career objectives including targeted job positions and industry sectors.

Keyword Optimised

We research the positions being targeted to ensure that our professional resumes incorporate the keywords and key-phrases that would be common to these advertised positions to enhance opportunities for interview.

Dozens of Template Designs

We have a broad range of template styles (all ATS compatible) which we tailor for the client and their profession, e.g. nursing, teaching, accounting, IT, engineering, project management and more. All our templates are ATS compliant 1-column documents incorporating the relevant keywords associated with the targeted advertised positions.

Quality Guaranteed

Our professional resumes are covered by a money-back guarantee if you are not convinced that you will achieve interviews with the finished document.

Ongoing Resume Edits

Our professional resumes include ongoing future edits such as change of contact details, change of referee information, additional qualifications/training, additional job positions.

Will your current resume achieve interviews?

Your resume is equally important as your application in achieving interviews and must be of the same professional standard, if not, your application may not even be read. Importantly, it needs to incorporate the appropriate keywords aligned to the positions you are targeting and promote your value proposition to hiring organisations. If it is not achieving interviews for you, your career will not move forward.

Check out our affordable, realistic pricing here, or get a ‘Quote for Service’.