how to write a cover letter for government job

How to Write a Cover Letter for Government Job
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Cover letters are often the first exposure a hiring committee has to a job applicant. For job hunters, however, writing cover letters is a common source of frustration. It can be difficult to know what to include in a cover letter for even civilian jobs. Writing cover letters for government jobs can be even trickier due to the specific criteria that must be included. The following article describes everything an applicant needs to know to write an eye-catching cover letter tailored specifically to federal jobs.

Table of Contents

1 What is a Federal Cover Letter?
2 Why Do You Need to Write a Federal Government Cover Letter?
3 General Requirements for Writing a Cover Letter
4 How to Start Writing a Federal Cover Letter
5.1 1. Header
5.2 2. Introduction
5.3 3. Professional experience
5.4 4. Conclusion
6 Additional Cover Letter Writing Tips
7 Free Sample Government Cover Letter for a Job Application

What is a Federal Cover Letter?

A federal cover letter, much like a civilian cover letter, is an employer’s first impression of a job applicant. It is the applicant’s opportunity to briefly highlight his or her skills, experiences and achievements in an effort to demonstrate to an employer why the applicant is a good match for the company. While the same information can be found on a federal resume, the cover letter presents the most important information clearly and succinctly while also giving the employer a glimpse of the applicant’s personality. Here is a federal cover letter format , which we will consider more precisely later on:

Check Out Related Articles: Best Federal Resume Writing Service and Professional Military Resume Writers

Header → contact information (full name, address, mobile number and email address), date.
Introduction → address your federal cover letter directly to the HR , specify exact job description.
Professional experience → indicate 3-4 accomplishments, which match the job requirements.
Conclusion → show a high degree of motivation and write a personalized thank you note .

Why Do You Need to Write a Federal Government Cover Letter?

Most federal resumes are between three and five pages or more in length and receive less than a minute’s attention during an initial review. A cover letter can direct the hiring committee’s attention to the applicant’s most relevant or impressive professional skills, experiences, and achievements. A federal cover letter is also the applicant’s opportunity to sell himself or herself to the hiring committee and demonstrate why hiring the applicant will benefit the company.

A strong and impressive cover letter for federal job application can increase the applicant’s likelihood of moving to a more thorough review during the hiring process.

General Requirements for Writing a Cover Letter

Cover letters for government jobs application should be no more than three to four paragraphs in length and should fit on a single page. It is intended to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences and to make a positive first impression to the hiring committee. Therefore, it is important to be specific and succinct. The applicant should avoid flowery language and make sure that anything included in the federal government cover letter illustrates how hiring the applicant would benefit the company.

When formatting a cover letter for a federal job, it is important to use a simple, clean and professional font. Using a font such as Comic Sans is not recommended . Times New Roman or Calibri are preferred choices . It is the best federal cover letter format.

Ideally, the font type, font size, and header formatting should match that used in the applicant’s federal resume.

Just as with a federal resume, a cover letter for state government job should use specific numbers: years and dollars . Many federal employees focus on time and money saved, income earned, efficiency and productivity. Using hard numbers can catch the eye of the hiring committee and employer.

How to Start Writing a Federal Cover Letter

The most important step to take before writing a cover letter for a federal job is to carefully read the entire job announcement first. Each job announcement is different and contains specific required qualifications and information that must be included in the cover letter and federal resume. If these skills and qualifications are not addressed in a cover letter and resume, the entire job application can be rejected early in the review process.

Print out each job announcement (1)
Highlight each qualification and skill listed in the job (2)
Choose between three and five to address in the cover letter (3)

Remember, all of these must be addressed in the federal resume, but a cover letter for job application should highlight the three to five most important qualifications . Do this for each job announcement so that the cover letter can be customized for each job position sought.

It is also helpful to research the agency listed in the job announcement. A cover letter is an applicant’s first opportunity to sell himself or herself to the company and it is important that the cover letter demonstrates how the applicant’s skills, experience and qualifications can benefit the company. The most impressive federal cover letters demonstrate a familiarity with the company’s mission, culture and programs.

A federal cover letter is not the place to mention hobbies, experiences that do not directly related to the job qualifications or details about the applicant’s personal life.

What to Include in a Cover Letter for Government Jobs

The first thing that must be included in a federal cover letter is contact information. The header of the cover letter should include the applicant’s name, phone number, address, and email address. This information should be centered at the top of the page.

2. Introduction

A federal cover letter should then address the recruiter, employer or hiring committee. If a specific name is known, it is important to address the letter using the reviewer’s name and proper title. For example:

Dear Ms. Lofgren
Dear Mr. Johnson

Next, the applicant should write a brief introduction that states the desired position and why he or she would be good for the role. In this paragraph, include one or two past experiences that would indicate a good match with the company and role.

It should be clear to the hiring committee within the first paragraph that the applicant is a great match for the open role.

How to write the introductory paragraph:

When writing the introductory paragraph, it is important to avoid statements of beliefs or personal judgment without including strong examples of proof to back the statement up.

My leadership caused an increase in company productivity.

Instead, phrasing it in a way that emphasizes something that can be proven will look more impressive to a hiring committee.

In my role as a department manager, I created and established an employee incentive program that ultimately led to a 45% increase in team productivity.

3. Professional experience

Following the introduction, the applicant should present a brief overview of his or her professional experience . This section should include the applicant’s previous relevant work experiences. It is important to use the exact wording for skills, experiences and qualifications listed in the job announcement in the description.

For example , if the job announcement lists project management as required work experience, the cover letter should use the term “project management” when discussing relevant work experience.

When listing and describing a professional experience, the applicant should avoid using vague language. It is important to be specific but succinct in discussing the experience and why that experience would beneficial to the role rather than simply giving a list of experiences. A list of experiences can be found in the applicant’s resume and the government cover letter is the place to describe how the experience can be an asset to the company.

In this main paragraph, the applicant should relate specific qualities of the company’s culture, mission or purpose to his or her own experiences and skills. This helps demonstrate to the hiring committee that the applicant not only has done the research necessary to get to know the company but also that the applicant has attention to detail and a desire to be a part of the company.

If the applicant has any gaps in his or her resume or there is another item in the application that might be easily misunderstood or cause confusion or concern to the hiring committee, the applicant should address that in the cover letter prior to the conclusion.

It is important not to dwell or emphasize personal, educational or experiential weaknesses, but providing a succinct and non-defensive explanation can help answer any initial questions the hiring committee might have.

In addition to explaining resume gaps, the applicant should also include in this section an explanation for any instances in the resume where it is stated that supervisors or previous employees should not be contacted. This is an important addition because it reassures the hiring manager that the applicant isn’t attempting to hide important information from the review committee.

4. Conclusion

Finally, cover letter for state government job should have a strong conclusion. In this section, the applicant should briefly describe why his or her skills and qualifications are a good match for the position. It is also important for the applicant to sell himself or herself in the conclusion about what the applicant can bring to the role and company as a whole.

Remember that a hiring committee will likely receive dozens, or even hundreds, of applications for the same role. So it is important that the cover letter sell the employer on why the applicant is the perfect choice to fill the role.

The final paragraph should also direct the hiring committee to the applicant’s resume and state availability and desire for an interview . The applicant should thank the reviewer for his or her time and express desire and motivation to learn more about the company and role.

Federal cover letter sample formatting.

An example of appropriate resume formatting can be found below:

Street address
City, state and zip code
Mobile phone number
Additional phone number if necessary
Email address
Company or hiring committee address

Dear Hiring Manager (use the hiring manager’s full name and proper title if known):

Opening paragraph listing a piece of particularly impressive professional experience, job title and USAJOBS job announcement identification number.

The main paragraph giving a brief overview of the applicant’s skills, experience and qualifications that match those listed in the job announcement.

Concluding paragraph summarizing any impressive or essential information and directing the hiring committee to review the enclosed resume. This paragraph should also state availability for an interview and an invitation to contact the applicant with any questions. Finally, this paragraph should thank the hiring committee for their consideration.

First name, Last name

Additional Cover Letter Writing Tips

Once the federal cover letter is written, place the cover letter and job announcement side by side. Many hiring committees and application algorithm programs are looking for specific keywords so making sure the cover letter’s wording reflects the job announcement can increase the likelihood that the cover letter will catch the reviewer’s eye.

Advice: Use top-rated checking tool Grammarly or find a family member, friend, colleague or professional resume writer or editor willing to read the cover letter for grammar, spelling, punctuation or formatting errors.

Cover letters are the hiring committee’s first impression of the applicant. A properly formatted and grammatically correct cover letter can ensure that the first impression is a strong one.

Free Sample Government Cover Letter for a Job Application

Check out Free Sample Federal Cover Letter . This sample letter can provide some guidance to help get started in writing a federal cover letter that grabs the hiring manager’s attention and helps increase the applicant’s chances of moving past the initial resume review process.

Do you have any questions about how to write an impressive and effective federal cover letter for a job application? Want to share a well-constructed cover letter?

We love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Don’t forget that applying for a federal job you also need to know: how to create a federal resume and how long to hear back after government job interview.

You made some decent points there. I did a search on the subject and found most guys will agree with your site.

Hi Mike, thanks for your feedback!

Good day! I just would like to give you a huge thumbs up for the excellent info you’ve got here on this post. I am coming back to your site for more soon.

Thanks for this piece. But pls, I need clarity one that “Header” section. If I may get it right, the date is part of the header, my question is should we center the date as well?

Hi Idris, No, you shouldn’t center the date. The date should be left-aligned. Check out our cover letter example: https://federalresumeguide.com/federal-cover-letter-sample/

Thanks for this piece but I want to ask,in writing cover letter or government job will their be right up on the right hand side containing name, address, phone numbers, date and email address please i need feedback, GOD BLESS YOU.

Hi! Please check out Federal Cover Letter Sample https://federalresumeguide.com/federal-cover-letter-sample/ It’s better to stick to the right-hand side.

What the differences between government job application and private company job application

Hi Fatma, Read our detailed guide on differencs between government vs private jobs: https://federalresumeguide.com/government-vs-private-sector-jobs-expectations-and-reality/

Hello, I was curious about who I should address the cover letter to if it is not specifically identified in the application. For example, if I am applying to a position at a government Science Center that has an acting center director, and the incumbent position which is being replaced, should the cover letter be addressed to the center director? I was unsure as I don’t know for sure who usually reads the cover letters. Thanks!

Hi Evan, The best option is to write “Dear Hiring Manager”.

Appreciate the article! One question though how do we do the “Dear Hiring manager” part if we don’t know that persons name? For instance if this application is going to a generic starting position? Thanks for the help!

Hi Matt, “Dear Hiring Manager” is the best option if you don’t know the name of the hiring person.

How To Write A Cover Letter For A Government Job (With Examples)

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Find a Job You Really Want In

Wondering how to write an application letter for government employment that puts you ahead of other candidates? When you’re writing an application letter for the government (any branch), the pressure can feel extremely intense. This article will explain how to write and tailor your cover letter for government positions. We’ll also provide a template and an example government job cover letter for you to use as a reference, and tips on how to add extra umph to your letter. Key Takeaways The most important first step in how to write application letter for a job of any kind is to research the job and organization you’re applying to. Tailoring your cover letter to the government job you’re applying to will help improve your chances of getting to the second round of application reviews. You should describe your qualifications as well as your passion for the position in your cover letter. In This Article Skip to section Application letter for government employment: how to Cover letter for government job example Why it’s important to tailor your cover letter for government jobs Tips for writing a cover letter for a government job Government job cover letter FAQ Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More Application letter for government employment: how to

Consider the following guidelines when tailoring your cover letter for a government position:

Firstly, research the agency. Every government agency has a different set of mission values and current programs.

Aligning your mindset and goals with those of the agency in your cover letter will improve your chances of receiving an interview .

Refrain from targeting your cover letter towards any particular agency program unless the job listing specifies that’s what you’ll be working on.

Secondly, understand the entire job listing before applying. Missing even a single job requirement when applying for a government position can be disastrous.

Third off, be specific. Rather than vaguely describing your experience , make sure to use numbers and statistics to explain your achievements’ exact results.

Lastly, Be brief. Just as is the case in the private sector, hiring managers will spend very little time reading over your government job cover letter.

Use succinct wording and make sure only to include highly relevant experiences, or you’ll risk the recruiter skimming over key information.

If an individual referred you, either mention them briefly or attach an entirely separate reference letter .

What to include in your government job cover letter

Your cover letter should be composed of the following sections:

First, Header. You should start your cover letter for government job formally, with your contact information, the recipient’s information, and the current date.

Your information should include your name, contact number, and email address.

Second, Introduction. Make sure to address the hiring manager with their appropriate title.

If you’re unable to find the hiring manager’s name , then use a generic professional greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”

Professional experience. Give a brief overview of your qualifications, skills , and experiences as a professional.

Ensure that every item you mention directly addresses the essential requirements and duties stated in the job listing.

Finally, conclusion. Thank the reader of your government cover letter for their time and consideration and reiterate your interest in the position. Express your interest in a way that invites follow-up action on the part of the recruiter.

A government job cover letter example ending may look like the following,

“I would love to discuss with you further how my lengthy experience and abilities could add value to the projects your agency is working on, such as the “Housing For All Initiative.”

Cover letter for government job example

To help you see what your cover letter should look like, we’ve included a template and example letter for you to refer to.

Cover letter template for government jobs

Refrain from simply substituting your details directly into the following template.

Instead, observe how the cover letter is structured and incorporates critical elements. Use this knowledge to draft your own document.

[Your full name] [Your phone number] [Your email address] [Current date] [Hiring manager’s full name] [Hiring manager’s mailing address ] Dear [Hiring manager’s full name], I am writing to convey my interest in the [target position] in the [target government agency]. [Align your personal values/objectives to those of the agency.] I believe my [number of years] of experience as a [relevant position] has given me the [key skills] to further your agency’s goal to [agency goal that you strongly relate to]. I have developed a well-rounded skill set through on-the-job experience that matches many of the key qualifications you are looking for, including: [Key qualification from job listing #1] [Key qualification from job listing #2] [Key qualification from job listing #3] [Previous professional experience that proves you meet qualification #1] [Previous professional experience that proves you meet qualification #2] [Previous professional experience that proves you meet qualification #3] I appreciate the time you have taken to read about my professional background. I look forward to further discussing with you how my extensive experience could greatly contribute to programs your agency is working on, such as [example of agency’s programs]. [sign off]

Cover letter for municipality job example

Caleb Smith 888 555 9252 [email protected] March 19, 2020 David Helm U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street. SW Washington , DC 20410 Dear David Helm, I am writing to convey my interest in the program analyst position in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Amidst the economic havoc caused by the coronavirus, I feel compelled to use my expertise to aid those struggling to find shelter. I believe my 12 years of experience as a program analyst has given me the management and technical expertise to further your agency’s goal to improve the quality of housing available to Americans. I have developed a well-rounded skill set through on-the-job experience that matches many of the key qualifications you are looking for, including: Management analysis Team leadership Regulatory compliance During my time as a senior program analyst at TechX, I designed, developed, and supported live-use applications that were utilized by over 80,000 people. I also spearheaded management analyses that identified and performed process enhancements that improved operational efficiency by up to 23%. At TechX, I also oversaw multiple teams composed of members from completely different departments and backgrounds. I used my interpersonal and problem-solving skills to maintain team cohesion, which led us to exceed all project deadlines and expectations given to us over a five-year period. I also developed programs for multiple organizations to analyze their operational procedures for regulatory compliance and generate monthly reports. In one case, I saved the company $124,000 in legal fees through early detection of non-compliant business processes. I averaged an increase in policy compliance by 35%. I appreciate the time you have taken to read about my professional background. I look forward to further discussing with you how my experience could greatly contribute to the programs your agency is working on, such as the “Housing For All Initiative.” Sincerely, Caleb Smith

Why it’s important to tailor your cover letter for government jobs

It’s essential to tweak your cover letter before applying to a government job for a few key reasons:

Stringent minimum requirements. The requirements stated in job listings for private-sector jobs aren’t always absolute.

Recruiters are given the discretion to hire impressive candidates who can compensate for any requirements they miss.

Government jobs differ in this respect, as many criteria are set in stone. You need to emphasize that you meet these base requirements in your cover letter to ensure that your application isn’t automatically dismissed.

KSA keywords. When applying to a government job, applicant tracking software (ATS) will parse your application for the presence of certain knowledge, ability, and skill (KSA) keywords.

Importance of eligibility. Rules and algorithms tightly govern the hiring process for government positions.

Competition. Cover letters aren’t always required for government jobs. However, there are likely many candidates possessing similar qualifications or even internal references .

Not only does a cover letter allow you to expand on your qualifications and cite experiences to support them, but it also gives you a chance to align your values with those of the agency.

This personalized touch helps you stand out from the crowd .

Tips for writing a cover letter for a government job

Here are a few tips for making your cover letter really shine:

Show your enthusiasm. Hiring managers don’t just want to see how you’re qualified for the job, they want to see your passion for the position and company as well.

Match your cover letter and resume headers. This shows readers that your documents go together when they’re in a big stack of applications. It also looks professional and polished.

Include a call to action. Close your letter by explaining what you want to happen after the hiring manager reads your cover letter. This could be requesting to discuss the position further, offering to tell them more about your qualifications, or simply inviting them to contact you for more information.

Thank the reader. Add a sentence to your closing paragraph thanking the reader for their time. This ends the letter on a positive note and furthers the good rapport you’re building.

Proofread, proofread, proofread. Never submit a cover letter without checking it over for grammatical errors. If you can, have someone else look over your letter for typos or confusing sentences, but at the least, you should read it out loud to yourself and run it through a grammar check on your computer.

Government job cover letter FAQ

Why is a cover letter important when applying for a government job?

A cover letter for a government job serves as an introduction to your application, allowing you to highlight your qualifications, skills, and experiences that make you a suitable candidate. It offers a personalized touch, demonstrating your genuine interest in the role and organization, which can set you apart from other applicants.

What should I include in my cover letter for a government job?

As we’ve discussed, your cover letter should start with a professional header containing your contact details and the recipient’s information. Begin with a salutation, followed by an engaging opening paragraph that introduces yourself and the specific job you’re applying for.

Highlight your relevant qualifications, experience, and accomplishments in the body of the letter. Make sure to address the key selection criteria mentioned in the job posting. Conclude with a strong closing paragraph expressing your enthusiasm for the position and your readiness for an interview.

Should I use a formal tone in my government job cover letter?

Yes, a formal and professional tone is essential for a government job cover letter. Avoid using slang, contractions, or overly casual language. Your writing should be clear, concise, and focused on showcasing your skills and qualifications. Use proper salutations and follow standard business letter formatting. This demonstrates your respect for the application process and your potential future employer.

Remember, a well-crafted cover letter can greatly enhance your chances of landing a government job interview. Take the time to research, tailor your content, and present yourself in a compelling and professional manner.

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.