Government Job Specialists | Selection Criteria Writers

Professional Resumes

Government Job Applications

Cover Letters

"You and your team have provided an excellent service, and I appreciated the time you gave me in the initial phone call. This was the deciding factor for me to commission my professional CV. I will absolutely recommend Total Resume Services and will advise them to mention me with their enquiries".

"You have done the most exceptional job. I am absolutely blown away, thank you so much for your work. You will be hearing from me in regards to additional selection criteria applications as jobs arise. I am truly thankful for your time and effort put into my resume, cover letter, and selection criteria application."

"This is the first time I have ever used a service like this, I have also worked in employment services for over 13 yrs, the team have opened my eyes to how amazing a resume can be and what skills and experience I really have. I feel so much more empowered and confidence now from the support and service they have provided - thank you!"

"Highly recommended. Excellent and professional service. I did my resume update through TRS. The day I started applying for a role, I started getting calls. Thanks to the team for their tremendous work on my resume. Very professional and always available to help. I called a number of times and the team was very helpful and kind willing to support. Thank you."

'Thank you again for your help with my EOI for the fellowship of our institute. I am writing this email to let you know that I have successfully obtained it, and I think the revised EOIs have impressed the reviewers a lot. I will introduce your service to my colleagues if anyone needs it in the future."

"I just want to say thank you so much with my Expression of Interest and Resume. I got the job which I applied for thanks to you. I will be applying for more jobs as I want to further progress my career and will be seeking help from you again in the future."

"Thank you TRS, I just wanted to let you know I had 3 interviews since you updated my resume I was offered all 3! I start my new job next Monday! Thank you for turning my resume into a job magnet! "

"I contacted TRS and they were very professional and understood the nature of my current work and the job I wanted to apply for. They were very informative, friendly and gave me confidence to move forward in my career. My resume looks amazing and the responses to the KSC explained my experiences very well. I couldn't speak highly enough of their services. I applied for a role within hours of receiving my resume and within one day I received a call for an interview for next week."

"I just wanted to say a huge thanks for all your assistance with my resume. I was successfully shortlisted for the position. I believe there were many applicants and I really think it was your help that made the difference. I really appreciate it, now to prepare for the presentation I have to give for the next step of the process. Again thanks it was so appreciated."

"Just to let you know that I was successful in my APS6 application thanks to your amazing work in constructing my resume and application. Will be recommending your services. Thank you again."

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 professional resumes and 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. Government Job Links

STAR Responses

All applications (government or non-government) require specific examples to ‘demonstrate’ that you have the essential skills to perform the advertised role, or the ability to attain the skill. We consult with you to attain base information (in your own words) which we can tailor into interview winning responses. For example, situations where you have had a ‘leadership’ role; contributed to process continuous improvement initiatives; effectively dealt with a difficult or challenging customer; had to meet a tight deadline; and similar, depending upon the role requirements. To do this, we will issue a ‘Request for Information’ which requires simple responses from your part that we can ‘flesh out’ appropriately into a detailed STAR response.

Our simple process

Order your Service

We contact you

Draft Documents

Final Documents

Order Here or get a Quote for Service

Professional Resumes are inclusive of ongoing future edits any time that your circumstances change
Resume & Cover Letter Packages are for advertised (non government) positions or generic if required
Resume & Selection Criteria Packages are inclusive of all Criteria + separate Cover Letter if required for the application
Selection Criteria responses include STAR or SAR examples where required
NOTE - please use your everyday ATM card or a Credit Card - Bank transfer deposits can take up to 4 days to be processed and may impact on service delivery for short lead-time applications
NOTE - when you order our services you agree to our Terms of Trading
SECURE PAYMENTS - Protected by STRIPE Payment Processing System

Resume Packages

PROFESSIONAL RESUME $125

Professional ATS optimised Resume with ongoing future edits

NOTE: Executive Level Resumes are not available at this price so please request a quote for service

PROFESSIONAL RESUME & COVER LETTER $200

Professional Resume & Cover Letter not requiring a selection criteria response

NOTE: Executive Level Resumes are not available at this price so please request a quote for service

PROFESSIONAL RESUME & SELECTION CRITERIA $250

Professional Resume & complete Selection Criteria Application

NOTE: Executive Level Resumes are not available at this price so please request a quote for service

PROFESSIONAL RESUME & ONLINE RESPONSES $210

Professional Resume & complete Online Responses

NOTE: Executive Level Resumes are not available at this price so please request a quote for service

PROFESSIONAL RESUME & LIMITED PAGE RESPONSE $225

Professional Resume & Limited Page Response

NOTE: Executive Level Resumes are not available at this price so please request a quote for service

Resume & Multiple Application Packages

PROFESSIONAL RESUME + 2 x COMPLETE GOVERNMENT APPLICATIONS $325

Note applications can be 'banked' for future use at any time

NOTE: Equates to $100/Unit (regular costing is $125/Unit (save $50)

PROFESSIONAL RESUME + 4 x COMPLETE GOVERNMENT APPLICATIONS $485

Note applications can be 'banked' for future use at any time

NOTE: Equates to $90/Unit (regular costing is $125/Unit (save $140)

PROFESSIONAL RESUME + 6 x COMPLETE GOVERNMENT APPLICATIONS $605

Note applications can be 'banked' for future use at any time

NOTE: Equates to $80/Unit (regular costing is $125/Unit (save $270)

PROFESSIONAL RESUME + 4 x COVER LETTER APPLICATIONS (NON GOVERNMENT) $365

Note applications can be 'banked' for future use at any time

NOTE: Equates to $60/Unit (regular costing is $75/Unit (save $60)

PROFESSIONAL RESUME + 6 x COVER LETTER APPLICATIONS (NON GOVERNMENT) $455

Note applications can be 'banked' for future use at any time

NOTE: Equates to $55/Unit (regular costing is $75/Unit (save $120)

Multiple Application Packages

2 x COMPLETE GOVERNMENT APPLICATIONS $200

Note applications can be 'banked' for future use at any time

NOTE: Equates to $100/Unit (regular costing is $125/Unit (save $50)

4 x COMPLETE GOVERNMENT APPLICATIONS $360

Note applications can be 'banked' for future use at any time

NOTE: Equates to $90/Unit (regular costing is $125/Unit (save $140)

6 x COMPLETE GOVERNMENT APPLICATIONS $480

Note applications can be 'banked' for future use at any time

NOTE: Equates to $80/Unit (regular costing is $125/Unit (save $270)

4 x COVER LETTER APPLICATIONS (NON GOVERNMENT) $240

Note applications can be 'banked' for future use at any time

NOTE: Equates to $60/Unit (regular costing is $75/Unit (save $60)

6 x COVER LETTER APPLICATIONS (NON GOVERNMENT) $330

Note applications can be 'banked' for future use at any time

NOTE: Equates to $55/Unit (regular costing is $75/Unit (save $120)

Graduate Packages

For recent or soon-to-be Graduates with internship Experience only

GRADUATE RESUME $99

Professional ATS optimised Resume with ongoing future edits

NOTE: For graduates without experience apart from internships and part-time unrelated experience whilst studying

GRADUATE RESUME + 1 x COVER LETTER APPLICATION $155

Note application can be 'banked' for future use at any time

NOTE: Equates to $56/Cover Letter (excludes selection criteria applications)

GRADUATE RESUME + 4 x COVER LETTER APPLICATIONS $279

Note applications can be 'banked' for future use at any time

NOTE: Equates to $45/Cover Letter (excludes selection criteria applications) (save $44)

GRADUATE RESUME + 6 x COVER LETTER APPLICATIONS $339

Note applications can be 'banked' for future use at any time

NOTE: Equates to $40/Cover Letter (excludes selection criteria applications) (save $96)

Not sure what to order?

Get a Quote TODAY

Contact us today for a ‘Quote for Service’ – we will immediately respond between 8.00am – 6.00pm or as soon as practical if not within these hours.

Questions you may have

How long does the service take to complete?

This is dependent upon our workload at the time. We prioritise our work according to position closing dates and if these are not indicated, for example a SEEK advertisement, then this would be more urgent than a position with a 2-week closing date. Where possible, you should allow for at least a 4-day turnaround on completed applications and we will advise if this is not achievable.

Do you advise me if I won't achieve an interview for a specific position ?

Yes, because we are ex-recruitment, we can readily identify whether or not you would achieve an interview for the specific position(s) you are targeting at this time.

Do you advise me if my resume is not tailored to the positions I am targeting ?

Always, your resume must be tailored to the positions you are targeting; be Applicant Tracking System (ATS) optimised; and clearly evidence your value proposition to hiring organisations.

Do you offer discounted prices on multiple applications ?

Yes, we have significantly discounted multiple application packages. Get a ‘Quote for Service’ for more information on these.

Do the documents come in WORD format ?

Yes, unlike many professional writing services, all our documents are provided in both WORD and PDF formats. What’s more, our professional resumes include free ongoing future edits at any time.

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.

Where to find Government Jobs

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.

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.