cover letter for federal job samples

Federal Cover Letter Example

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Starting a Federal cover letter should be done professionally and formally. Begin by addressing the hiring manager directly, if their name is known. If not, use a formal salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager". Then, introduce yourself and state the position you're applying for. It's also beneficial to mention where you found the job posting. In the first paragraph, briefly explain why you're interested in the role and the organization. Remember, Federal jobs often require a high level of commitment and dedication, so it's important to convey your enthusiasm and understanding of the role's responsibilities from the start.

The best way for Federals to end a cover letter is by expressing gratitude and showing enthusiasm for the potential opportunity. A closing such as, "Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to bring my skills and dedication to serve in this role and contribute to [Organization's Name]." This shows appreciation and interest. Then, sign off professionally with "Sincerely" or "Respectfully," followed by your full name. It's also important to include your contact information after your name. This ending is effective as it leaves a positive impression, reiterates your interest, and makes it easy for the hiring manager to contact you.

When Federals, or federal employees, are writing a cover letter, they should include the following: 1. Personal Information: This includes your name, contact information, and the date. 2. Salutation: Address the hiring manager by name if it's known. If not, use a general salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager." 3. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and mention the position you're applying for. 4. Experience and Skills: This is the main body of your cover letter. Discuss your relevant experiences, skills, and accomplishments. As a federal employee, you should highlight your understanding of federal regulations, policies, and procedures. If you have experience in a specific federal department, mention that as well. 5. Connection to the Job: Explain why you're interested in the job and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit. For federal jobs, it's important to show that you understand the mission and values of the federal agency you're applying to. 6. Conclusion: Thank the hiring manager for considering your application. Express your interest in discussing your qualifications further in an interview. 7. Signature: End with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name. Remember, federal jobs often require a high level of detail and adherence to specific guidelines. Make sure your cover letter is free of errors, clearly written, and directly addresses the qualifications and responsibilities listed in the job posting. It's also important to use keywords from the job posting, as many federal agencies use automated systems to screen applications.

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How to write a federal cover letter?

If you are trying to apply for a government job, you probably have come across this question several times.

Federal government jobs are very lucrative. According to the U.S Bureau of Labour Statistics , federal job opportunities will grow by 6 million by 2029.

However, with these immense growth opportunities, there is enormous competition for federal jobs in the market.

To secure a federal job for yourself, you need to set yourself apart from the crowd.

And a cover letter for federal job can help you do that.

Writing a cover letter is already tricky for some of you!

But writing a federal resume cover letter can be a whole other story.

You need to keep a lot in mind when writing a cover letter for a federal government job.

Would you like to know how?

In this article, we show you:

• What is a federal government cover letter?
• A federal resume cover letter sample
• how to write a cover letter for a federal job?
• Federal cover letter formatting rules
• A checklist for writing a federal government cover letter
• 5 helpful tips to write a federal government cover letter

What is a Federal cover letter?

[ Back to Table of Content ]

A federal cover letter is a professional one-page letter that you need to create when applying for a US federal government job.

Your federal job cover letter will allow you to highlight your skills, experience, and accomplishments to the federal government employer and show them that you are the perfect fit for the job.

A federal government cover letter should not contain all the information on your resume, but it should elaborate the most relevant information about you succinctly.

Why do you need a federal cover letter?

Most federal resumes are one to two pages long and can not address the hiring manager directly. A recruiter only gets 7.4 seconds to look at your application.

A tailored federal cover letter can pique the recruiter’s attention and highlight your most relevant skills and accomplishments to the recruiter. A cover letter for federal job also is a tool to sell your skills to the organization and emphasize how you can benefit the organization.

Federal Cover Letter Sample

Here's a federal cover letter example for you:

Federal Cover Letter - Starting

Your cover letter for federal job is a professional letter. So it needs to follow the rules of a professional cover letter. These rules are : Start with a proper heading Ensure that your federal cover letter heading is appropriately formatted. Make sure this information are on the cover letter heading:

• Contact Number
• Residential location
• Linkedin Profile Link (If you have)
• Job title you are applying for
• Name of the hiring manager
• Title of the hiring manager
• Organization name

Use professional salutation

Your federal job cover letter is a professional letter. So make sure you are addressing the hiring manager professionally. For example:

• Dear Mr. Shaw,
• Dear Dr. Hobbs,
• Dear Ms Moore,

If you don’t know the name of the hiring manager, then you can simply address by,

• Dear Hiring Manager,

But do not use “ To whomever it may concern ,” It’s old school and does not pique the recruiter’s attention.

To know more, you can follow the “ How to address a cover letter ” guide.

Federal cover letter - Introduction

Hiring managers are already frustrated sorting and reading resumes and cover letters all day. Do not bore them further by writing a dull introduction to your federal resume cover letter.

Here are three powerful ways to start your federal cover letter with a bang:

• Start your cover letter mentioning your years of experience.
• Start your cover letter highlighting your professional accomplishments.
• If you are an entry-level professional, start your cover letter with academic achievements, referrals, awards, or anything relevant to the position.

Federal cover letter example - introduction:

10th January 2023 Ms. Carrie Woods Hiring Manager ABC LLC 81, Metro Lane, Colorado Springs, CO

RE: Market Administrator

Dear Ms. Woods, As 3 years experienced Market Administrator with a track record of successfully managing multiple projects with 100+ workers, I am adept at conceptualizing and implementing optimum process efficiency strategies. With a focus on deploying an in-depth understanding of project planning to Improve process efficiency, I am incredibly interested in the profile of Market Administrator at the Federal Agency Department

Note : This is a perfect example of a federal cover letter example. It starts with a powerful statement about your experience. Also, it successfully quantified your accomplishments.

Dear Hiring Manager, I have 3 years of experience in project management. I previously worked as a market administrator in the Federal Milk Distribution department, where I managed multiple projects successfully.

And I am incredibly interested in working with the Federal Agency Department .

Federal cover letter with no experience - example:

Dear Ms. Woods, I am an enterprising ocean conservation advocate pursuing a law degree from Loyola University, adept at legal research and legal writing. I have an excellent understanding of federal laws, including the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. I'm also skilled at the legislative process and advocating for policy changes.

Federal cover letter - Second paragraph

Your federal cover letter second paragraph should highlight your relevant professional experience. Also, do not use vague language to describe your accomplishments.

Be specific with your work experience and quantify your achievements wherever possible.

Furthermore, tailor your cover letter to the federal job you are applying for.

This process is easier than you think.

• Read the job description thoroughly.
• Highlight the responsibilities required for the federal job
• Match the skills and responsibilities with your current skills and experience in the cover letter

It shows the hiring manager that you have done your research and are interested in the job.

Additionally, if you have any career gap in the resume, a cover letter is the perfect opportunity to justify your career gap.

Federal Cover Letter Example- Second paragraph: Right:

In my last stint at the Federal Milk Distribution Department, I have successfully attended 100+ phone calls per month. Additionally, I have converted 300+ analog documents into digital prints and created catalogs by deploying Oracle systems. Apart from that, I was responsible for managing and scheduling meetings for 10+ staff members with 100% efficiency.

Note : Notice that this second paragraph successfully highlights the candidate's key accomplishments and entice recruiters to read the resume.

In my last job, I was responsible for attending calls, managing documents, and scheduling staff members’ meetings.I also have experience in Microsoft Excel and Oracle systems for document management.

Note : This example does not have anything that might pique the hiring manager’s interest to read your cover letter further.

Federal Cover Letter - Ending

You have successfully hooked the hiring manager till the end. Now it’s time to show the recruiter how much you want to work for the organization and end the letter with a powerful CTA.

All federal jobs are most glorious. It takes the right kind of professionals to excel in some jobs. So, you need to project your enthusiasm for the job at the end of your resume and let the recuriter know how much you love working.

Not only that, It's better to directly ask the recuriter for an interview.

However, do not be pushy or needy why asking for an interview like this:

• Please accept my candidature for an interview
• It would be great if you consider me for an interview.

Instead, write this:

• I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my suitability and qualifications with you on call or in person.

Federal cover letter Example - Ending:

Right : I thoroughly believe that my 3 years of experience in meeting scheduling, document preparation, and call handling can bring your organization success. Inspired by its collaborative working style that emphasizes teamwork, trust & tolerance, I consider the Federal Agency to be my most preferred employer.

Enclosed for your consideration is my resume. I’d appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my suitability and qualifications with you on call or in person. Sincerely,

David Johnson

Enclosures: Resume

Wrong : I think my 3 years of experience in meeting scheduling, document management, and call handling will bring success to your organization.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best, David Johnson

Note: This is not a proper ending for a federal cover letter. Firstly, you should not use a casual ending salutation in your federal cover letter. Secondly, it does not have a clear CTA to encourage the recruiter to take action. Refer to our federal government cover letter samples above to understand better.

Federal Cover Letter - Formatting

Writing the perfect federal cover letter is not all. To get noticed, you need to make sure that the cover letter is presented to the hiring manager properly.

So, make sure to format your federal cover letter well and proofread it before sending it to the hiring manager.

Here are a couple of tips to professionally format your federal cover letter:

No professional letter should stretch beyond one page. And you need to follow the same rule for your federal cover letter.

Use simple or clear fonts in your federal cover letter. It improves the readability and looks clean.

Some professional fonts are:

• Times New Roman

Note : Make sure to use a font size between 11-14 points

Make sure to have at least 1” margins on all sides of your federal cover letter. If the cover letter exceeds one page, you can shrink the margins to ½* or ¾*, not more than that.

Ensure that your federal cover letter has plenty of whitespaces. It improves readability and helps the cover letter get past the ATS system.

File format

Always send your cover letter in PDF format , not in JPEG, or PNG. Not even DOCS format.

It will help the hiring manager to sort your cover letter effortlessly.

Federal cover letter - Checklist

This checklist will help you write a federal cover letter for yourself.

• Your name, contact information, and location on the header
• Cover letter title
• Hiring manager's name
• Company name
• Company address
• First paragraph - better to start with your years of experience
• The second paragraph - Highlight your relevant key skills and achievements
• Third paragraph - Why you think this job is right for you
• Fifth paragraph - Call to action for an interview
• Closing salutation
• Enclosure - resume

Federal cover letter - Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you write a stellar federal cover letter.

Read the job description thoroughly

Usually, the job description contains all the information about the skills and responsibilities of a federal job. So, always read the job description carefully before writing the cover letter. It will Help you sort out the jobs to find the perfect fit job for you.

You can pick from the skills mentioned in the job descriptions and highlight them throughout your cover letter.

Also, many job descriptions have specific instructions for resumes and cover letters. If you do not read the job description, you will miss these essential instructions, and your resume will never get past the ATS system.

Research the Government agency

Every job is different, and each job takes the right mindset and love to excel in it. Your cover letter allows you to showcase that your skills and passion for the job lies with the government agency’s vision and mission.

For example, if you apply for an Environmental Specialist position, you can showcase your passion for the environment by mentioning some volunteer work you have done in the past.

Create specific cover letters for each job

Many candidates create generic cover letters for each job profile. But for a federal job, you need to tailor each cover letter for the specific job you are applying for. You can easily do this by creating a master cover letter. Whenever you need to apply for a job, tweak the master cover letter concerning the job description skills and responsibilities.

Keep your Federal Cover Letter to-the-point

The hiring manager only has a couple of seconds to look at your cover letter. So, make sure to keep your federal cover letter concise and to the point. Do not exceed one page, and try to wrap up your cover letter within 3-4 paragraphs.

Proofread your cover letters

Do not send your cover letter to the recruiter right away. Always proofread your cover letters and do a proper grammar and spelling check before sending it to the recruiters. It’s best to take expert opinion to create your federal cover letter before sending it to the recruiter.

Hiration Online Resume Builder Service can help you do that.

Online Resume Builder

These are the features of Online Resume Builder:

• Option to save unlimited resumes
• Intuitive next text suggestion
• Auto bold feature
• 20+ Cover letter designs
• LIVE resume score
• JD-resume matcher
• Full rich-text editor
• Unlimited PDF downloads
• 1-click design change
• A sharable link
• LIVE editor Go to our Online Resume Builder and choose from 20+ federal cover letter templates to create a professional cover letter for yourself!

Key Takeaways

With that, we have come to the end of this blog. Let’s see some of the key takeaways from the blog:

• Always format your federal cover letter professionally. Keep it on a single page, and ensure to have 1” margins on all sides.
• Start your cover letter introduction with a powerful statement such as your years of experience.
• Highlight your best achievements relevant to the job on the second paragraph of the cover letter and include keywords in this section
• Explain why you are the right fit for the job in the third paragraph
• Do some research on the organization and write something that matches your personality with the company mission in the last paragraph.
• End your cover letter for federal job with a CTA for an interview
• Do not forget to enclose your resume in the federal government cover letter.

If you want to create a federal cover letter, go to Hiration Resume Builder tool and choose from 20+ cover letter templates to create a professional federal cover letter for you.

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Professional Federal Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your federal cover letter must quickly grab the attention of the hiring manager. Include your understanding of the federal role and how your skills align with it. Demonstrate your knowledge of the agency's mission and describe your direct experience with tangible results. Remember, specificity will set you apart in your federal cover letter.

Cover Letter Guide

Federal Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Federal Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Embarking on a federal job application, you've hit a common snag: crafting a compelling cover letter that stands out. While you might be tempted to rehash your resume, your cover letter should instead spotlight your proudest professional moment, weaving a narrative that showcases your unique contributions. Strike a balance between formal tone and originality, steering clear of tired clichés. Remember, brevity is key—keep it to a single page that leaves a lasting impression.

• Writing the essential federal cover letter sections: balancing your professionalism and personality;
• Mixing storytelling, your unique skill set, and your greatest achievement;
• Providing relevant (and interesting) information with your federal cover letter, despite your lack of professional experience;
• Finding the perfect format for your[ federal cover letter, using templates from industry experts.

Leverage the power of Enhancv's AI: upload your resume and our platform will map out how your federal cover letter should look, in mere moments.

If the federal isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Federal resume guide and example
• Grant Writer cover letter example
• Policy Analyst cover letter example
• Canvasser cover letter example
• Regulatory Affairs cover letter example
• Military cover letter example
• Government cover letter example
• Customs Broker cover letter example

Federal cover letter example

Owen Wright

San Jose, California

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Aligning Experience with Company Goals: The cover letter highlights the candidate's past success in spearheading targeted outreach programs that align with the company's commitment to fostering an inclusive workforce, which is beneficial for a role that values innovative recruitment strategies and inclusivity.
• Demonstrating Measurable Achievements: Including specific metrics such as the 20% rise in client satisfaction and the improvement in team efficiency and time-to-hire positions the candidate as results-oriented and data-savvy, important for a role in recruitment strategy and analytics.
• Relevance of Past Experience: The mention of past experience in advanced analytics and KPI monitoring suggests the candidate has hands-on experience with the tools and processes crucial for a role dedicated to optimizing recruitment strategies through performance indicators and technological advancements.
• Soft Skills – Relationship Building: The role title "Counselor Relations Specialist" implies an expertise in relationship building, so the cover letter's reference to reinforcing the company's reputation through inclusive hiring emphasizes the candidate's soft skills, which are valuable for networking and developing partnerships.

Structuring and formatting your federal cover letter

Here's what the structure of your federal cover letter should include:

• Header (with your name, the position you're applying for, and the date);
• Salutation (or greeting);
• Introductory paragraph (or your opening statement);
• Body paragraph (or further proof of your experience);
• Closing paragraph (with a call to action);
• Signature (that is optional).

Use the same font for your federal resume and cover letter - modern fonts like Lato and Rubik would help you stand out.

Your federal cover letter should be single-spaced and have a one-inch margins - this format is automatically set up in our cover letter templates and our cover letter builder .

When submitting your cover letter, always ensure it's in PDF, as this format keeps the information intact (and the quality of your document stays the same).

On one final note - the Applicant Tracker System (ATS or the software that is sometimes used to initially assess your application) won't read your federal cover letter.

The top sections on a federal cover letter

• Header: This includes your contact information and the date, and it's essential for the recruiter to know your professional details and how to reach you.
• Address: You should address the hiring manager by name if possible, and include their title and the federal agency's name, to show that you've personalized your cover letter.
• Introduction: Briefly mention the position you are applying for and express your enthusiasm for the role, highlighting your relevant experience that aligns with the federal job's specific requirements.
• Body: In this section, delve into your key accomplishments, relevant skills, and experience, and link them to the responsibilities and missions of the federal position, demonstrating how you can contribute to the agency.
• Closing: Thank the reader for considering your application, reiterate your interest, and mention your availability for an interview, while also indicating that you have attached your resume and any other required application documents.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

Your request lacks the specific job title within the federal sphere to focus on for the traits and experiences. Federal jobs span a wide variety of fields and roles, each with unique requirements. To provide a list of 6 key qualities, experiences, and traits that recruiters prioritize, I need the exact job title you are inquiring about.

Please provide the specific federal job title for which you would like to learn about the key qualities, experiences, and traits. This will allow me to give you a tailored list that accurately represents what is important for that particular role.

Kick off your federal cover letter: the salutation or greeting

When writing your federal cover letter, remember that you're not writing for some complex AI or robot, but for actual human beings.

And recruiters, while on the lookout to understand your experience, would enjoy seeing a cover letter that is tailored to the role and addresses them . Personally.

So, if you haven't done so, invest some time in finding out who's the hiring manager for the role you're applying to. A good place to start would be LinkedIn and the corporate website.

Alternatively, you could also get in touch with the company to find out more information about the role and the name of the recruiter.

If you haven't met the hiring manager, yet, your federal cover letter salutation should be on a last-name basis (e.g. "Dear Mr. Donaldson" or "Dear Ms. Estephan").

A good old, "Dear HR Professional" (or something along those lines) could work as your last resort if you're struggling to find out the recruiter's name.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Specific Title of the Hiring Authority],
• Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
• Esteemed Selection Committee,
• Respected Recruitment Team,
• Attention [Department Name] Hiring Committee,

Your federal cover letter intro: showing your interest in the role

On to the actual content of your federal cover letter and the introductory paragraph .

The intro should be no more than two sentences long and presents you in the best light possible.

Use your federal cover letter introduction to prove exactly what interests you in the role or organization. Is it the:

• Company culture;
• Growth opportunities;
• Projects and awards the team worked on/won in the past year;
• Specific technologies the department uses.

When writing your federal cover letter intro, be precise and sound enthusiastic about the role.

Your introduction should hint to recruiters that you're excited about the opportunity and that you possess an array of soft skills, e.g. motivation, determination, work ethic, etc.

How to write an achievement-focused federal cover letter body

We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your federal cover letter - the body .

In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.

What better way to do this than by storytelling?

And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.

Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.

Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.

Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.

The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.

Closing paragraph basics: choose between a promise and a call to action

You've done all the hard work - congratulations! You've almost reached the end of your federal cover letter .

But how do you ensure recruiters, who have read your application this far, remember you?

Most federal professionals end their cover letter with a promise - hinting at their potential and what they plan on achieving if they're hired.

Another option would be to include a call for follow-up, where you remind recruiters that you're very interested in the opportunity (and look forward to hearing from them, soon).

Choose to close your federal cover letter in the way that best fits your personality.

What could you write about in your federal cover letter when you have no experience

Candidates with zero professional experience often struggle to write their federal cover letter .

You may lack experience, but your application could still be impressive when you focus on your strengths.

Consider your most relevant talents (and/or one achievement) that align with the role and help you stand out.

Perhaps you spent every summer volunteering at your local dog pound - think of the job-relevant skills this experience taught you.

Sharing your tangible career goals is another good strategy to stand out.

Key takeaways

Your federal cover letter is your best shot at standing out by showing your motivation and the unique skills you'd bring to the job:

• Chose no more than one achievement, which you'd be talking about in the body of your federal cover letter, by focusing on skills and outcomes;
• Address recruiters with their first or last name, or "Dear Hiring Manager" in your federal cover letter greeting;
• Introduce in no more than two sentences what makes your profile unique (perhaps it's your motivation, enthusiasm, or appreciation of the company you're applying for);
• Select the same font you have used in your resume (avoid Times New Roman and Arial, as most candidates tend to invest in them);
• Close your federal cover letter with a promise of how you see yourself growing in the company and the benefits you'd bring about.

Cover letter examples by industry

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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.

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.

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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.”

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

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 .

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.

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.

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Federal Cover Letter Example

Boost your chances of getting hired & get inspiration for your new cover letter with our free, carefully composed Federal cover letter example. Copy and paste this cover letter example at no cost or edit it directly using our sleek cover letter builder.

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Federal Cover Letter Example (Full Text Version)

Sue simmons.

Dear Hiring Manager,

With over a decade of experience as a Senior Business and Fiscal Planning Specialist in the federal government, including recent leadership roles, I am excited to apply for the opportunity within your organization.

Currently serving as the Finance & Governance Lead at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, I have a strong background in federal accounting principles, public sector accounting practices, and strategic coordination of financial staff and stakeholders in federal settings. My experience includes roles as a Finance Analyst and Tax Specialist within the Department before my promotion to my current position.

I hold a Master's in Controllership and CPA/CMA qualifications, and I am currently pursuing a Certificate in Auditing. My skills and qualifications align closely with the requirements of the role, as outlined in the attached resume.

I appreciate your time and consideration, and I am eager to discuss my candidacy further. Thank you for the opportunity, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely, Sue Simmons

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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