{"id":35100,"date":"2019-09-12T16:32:49","date_gmt":"2019-09-12T23:32:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careersingovernment.com\/tools\/?p=35100"},"modified":"2019-09-12T16:32:50","modified_gmt":"2019-09-12T23:32:50","slug":"how-to-tailor-your-cover-letter-to-a-government-job","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/career-advice\/how-to-tailor-your-cover-letter-to-a-government-job\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Tailor Your Cover Letter to a Government Job"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.19.9″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/tailor1.jpg” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ padding_mobile=”off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” height=”200″ disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”3.2″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.9″ text_font=”PT Sans||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”72″ text_font_size_tablet=”52″ text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” text_line_height=”1.1em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”620px” custom_margin=”0px||0px|”]<\/p>\n

How to Tailor Your Cover Letter to a Government Job<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.0.74″ custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ padding_mobile=”off”][et_pb_row use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”1200px” custom_padding=”20px||0px|” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/M-5MZkii_400x400.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”3.19.9″ animation=”off” sticky=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”3.19.9″ text_font=”PT Sans|on|||” text_text_color=”#02b875″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.2em” header_text_color=”#000000″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”140px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||0px|”]<\/p>\n

CAROL DUKE<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”3.19.9″ text_font=”PT Serif||on||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”16″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”140px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”10px||60px|”]<\/p>\n

Carol Duke is very keen on teaching students new, effective ways of learning. When not freelancing and blogging on education-related matters, Carol enjoys traveling, taking immense pleasure from visiting new countries.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.9″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”24″ text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” text_line_height=”1.5em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”720px” custom_margin=”0px||0px|”]<\/p>\n

Applying for a government position is a lot different from applying for a private-sector job. Unlike the latter, government or public-sector applications often require a cover letter or personal statement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Landing a job in a government agency takes a special approach and the cover letter is the hiring manager\u2019s first glimpse at your skills and qualifications. At the same time, it serves as an introduction to your personality and interests.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But for many job-seekers, writing a cover letter can be tricky. Writing one for a government job can be even more frustrating due to some specific criteria that must be included. The following guide describes what you need to know to <\/span>craft a winning cover letter<\/span><\/a> tailored specifically to government positions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Getting Started<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Make sure to give yourself ample time to prepare your job application. Avoid doing it at the last minute, and take the following steps:<\/span><\/p>\n

Thoroughly research the agency you\u2019re applying for<\/b>. Your cover letter gives a window of opportunity to showcase your mindset and skills that match with that of the agency. Grab the recruiter\u2019s attention by showing them you\u2019ve done your homework and that you are familiar with their mission and current programs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Even the smallest mistakes can be damaging to your credibility as a professional.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.9″ text_font=”PT Sans|on|||” text_text_color=”#888888″ text_font_size=”12″ text_letter_spacing=”2px” text_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||20%|” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|||” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet”]<\/p>\n

CAROL DUKE<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”1200px” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”4″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” parallax_method_3=”off” parallax_method_4=”off” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.9″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”20″ text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”60px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”40px||0px|” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet”]<\/p>\n

Read and understand the entire job posting before applying<\/b>. It\u2019s a given, but each <\/span>job posting<\/span><\/a> is different, which means different sets of skills are required for the job. Print out a copy of the post and make a checklist to highlight at least 3 skills required for the position. This way, it will be easier to go back to your cover letter to address these points.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Go into detail<\/b>. Make sure to explain <\/span>specific<\/span><\/i> experiences you\u2019ve had that make you the best candidate for the job. Don\u2019t just say, \u201c<\/span>I did A, B, and C<\/span><\/i>.\u201d For government jobs, it\u2019s best to use numbers, statistics, and specifics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Things to Include in Your Cover Letter<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Header<\/b><\/p>\n

The first thing to include in your cover letter is, of course, your contact information. The header must come with your full name, contact number, address, and email address. Place this information at the center, on top of the page.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Introduction<\/b><\/p>\n

Your cover letter should properly address the hiring manager, employer, or recruiter. It\u2019s important to address the cover letter using a recruiter\u2019s name and the appropriate title (that is, if it\u2019s possible to get a specific name).<\/span><\/p>\n

Then, write a short introduction stating the desired government job and why you\u2019d be good for said position. Don\u2019t forget to include one or two previous job experiences that would be relevant to the agency and position.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Writing the introductory paragraph:<\/b><\/p>\n

Avoid personal statements of beliefs or judgment without including concrete proof or strong examples that back up such claims.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

WRONG<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith my leadership and supervision, I caused an increase in staff productivity.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Instead, write it in a way that highlights something that can be proven with figures and numbers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RIGHT<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>In my role as a manager, I created an employee incentive program that resulted in a 30% increase in staff productivity.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Career Experience<\/b><\/p>\n

After the introduction, present a brief overview of your experience as a professional. Here, you must include past relevant job experiences. Use <\/span>appropriate wording<\/span><\/a> for qualifications, experiences, and skills listed in the job posting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/b><\/p>\n

Last but not least, your cover letter should end with a strong conclusion. Write down a brief yet concise description of why your skills and qualifications are a perfect match for the government job.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s just as important to sell yourself in the conclusion. Make sure to write down what you can bring to the position and the agency as a whole.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Refine and Polish Up<\/b><\/p>\n

A cover letter should always be free of typos, grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and ambiguous statements. Make sure to proofread it thoroughly. Ensure that the date, names, and addresses are correct.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even the smallest mistakes can be damaging to your credibility as a professional. Read your cover letter aloud to identify sentences or phrases that may seem awkward or unnecessary. Ask a friend to read it, or get a professional writer to help polish up your cover letter. Check out <\/span>writing companies reviews<\/span><\/a> for expert writing advice and assistance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/b><\/p>\n

A cover letter is a perfect opportunity to make a good and lasting first impression with the recruiter. In fact, it can also determine whether or not the recruiter will even read your resume.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sure, crafting a cover letter could be a long and tedious process, but it\u2019s important to allot plenty of time and effort to ensure that your cover letter keeps a potential employer reading.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n[\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Applying for a government position is a lot different from applying for a private-sector job. Unlike the latter, government or public-sector applications often require a cover letter or personal statement. Landing a job in a government agency takes a special approach and the cover letter is the hiring manager\u2019s first glimpse at your skills and qualifications. 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