You should focus on how your knowledge, skills, and abilities match those needed for the job. Applicants who are able to do this are more likely to progress through the application process.

Think about what you did in other jobs and your achievements. You can draw on your experiences from other contexts to show how you have relevant skills. These might be from:

• volunteer activities
• casual work
• university, TAFE or school if you have limited work experience.

This will help you to write a cover letter, update your resume and respond to targeted questions.

If the job ad requests a cover letter, you must submit one with your application to be considered for the role.

Writing a cover letter

Good cover letters use the STAR method to structure your work examples by explaining the Situation, Task, Action and Result. Your cover letter should:

• include any specific information requested in the job ad
• address the focus capabilities listed in the job ad, look through the Capability Framework for details on what these mean
• showcase your achievements in past jobs or from other contexts, for example volunteer work
• show us that you have most of the skills we are looking for
• tell us about your passions and interests
• explain why you want the job
• show us how your current skills are transferable to new situations
• show why you are a good fit for the agency and NSW Public Service.

If the job involves managing a team, tell us about important things you did before such as how you supported your team to deliver for the business.

A good cover letter:

• is brief (usually 1 to 2 pages)
• uses plain English
• is well structured
• is specific to the job you are applying for
• uses specific examples of what you’ve done and what you’ve achieved.

Writing a resume

Your resume (also known as curriculum vitae or CV) is a summary of your:

• qualifications
• experience
• skills
• qualities.

A resume needs to be up-to-date, clear, concise and well organised. It is best if you can tailor the content to the job you are applying for.

As a guide, your resume could include the following sections:

• Personal details – your name and contact details.
• Summary – a brief introduction about you, your work experience, training and interests.
• Education – qualifications and relevant training.
• Work experience (paid and volunteer) with most recent experience first.
• Other information such as skills, achievements, and relevant memberships.
• Referees – name, title and contact details.

Do not include copies of qualifications with your resume or application unless asked.