application letter for government staff

Explore Jobs

Jobs Near Me
Remote Jobs
Full Time Jobs
Part Time Jobs
Entry Level Jobs
Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

$15 Per Hour Jobs
$20 Per Hour Jobs
Hiring Immediately Jobs
High School Jobs
H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

Business And Financial
Architecture And Engineering
Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

What They Do
Certifications
Demographics

Best Companies

Health Care
Fortune 500

Explore Companies

CEO And Executies
Resume Builder
Career Advice
Explore Majors
Questions And Answers
Interview Questions

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

Cover Letter Examples
Best Cover Letters
Cover Letter For Internship
General Cover Letter Templates
Career Change Cover Letter
Promotion Cover Letter
College Student Cover Letter
Entry Level Cover Letter
Legal Cover Letter
Creative Cover Letter
Cover Letter For Government Job
Cover Letter With No Experience
Short Cover Letter Examples
How To Send An Email Cover Letter
How To Write A Cover Letter For A Job With No Experience In That Field

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.

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Government Job

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.

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.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

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.

Recent Job Searches

Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
Company Driver Jobs Resume

Highest Paying Jobs At LifePoint Health: Top LifePoint Health Salaries [2023]

These Are The 10 Best Places Places In Mississippi To Get A Job

40 Inspiring Steve Jobs Quotes

How To Decide What Is A Good Salary For Yourself

Career Advice >

Skip to Content
Skip to Sidebar
Skip to Footer

Resume Genius

The World's Smartest Resume Builder

Monday to Friday, 8AM – 12AM (Midnight) and Saturdays and Sundays, 10AM – 6PM EDT (866) 215-9048

Blog Cover Letter Help Federal Cover Letter

Cover Letter for a Federal Job (Template, Example, & Writing Tips)

Working in the federal government requires a strong job application tailored to the government agency you want to work for. Read on to learn more about writing a federal cover letter to impress hiring managers and kick-start your career as a government worker.

As featured in *

What does a cover letter for a federal job look like?

Federal cover letter template, federal cover letter example, 5 tips on formatting a cover letter for a government job.

Jobs for government or public sector positions often require you to write a cover letter or personal statement. So in addition to your federal resume , you should write a federal cover letter that follows the agency’s application instructions and presents you as a highly skilled professional.

Our free-to-use cover letter builder can make you a cover letter in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.

A federal cover letter is a one-page document consisting of 3–4 paragraphs that describe why you’re applying for a government role and what hard and soft skills you’ll bring to the position.

A cover letter’s purpose is to showcase more of your personality and prove why you’re the best candidate for the job. And because government jobs are competitive, a generic cover letter won’t be enough to land an interview.

The required qualifications will depend on the agency or the job. For instance, most agencies group their federal hiring requirements into three categories: general experience, specialized experience, and education.

So write a strong federal job cover letter by carefully researching the government agency you want to work for. After understanding their requirements, you can begin writing your cover letter.

Make sure you’ve collected the essential criteria for your job application such as proof of your citizenship status , veteran status , security clearance , and General Schedule (GS) grade before you start your cover letter .

Government hiring managers are looking for a candidate who can accurately:

meet the agency’s minimum eligibility and job requirements
highlight their years of professional experience and work achievements
describe their educational background or relevant coursework
mention their genuine interest and reasons for applying to the position

So if you follow these guidelines in your cover letter, you’ll be a step closer to receiving an interview.

Now let’s take a closer look at what to include in a federal cover letter.

These are the key cover letter components that government agencies require:

Cover letter header
Hiring manager’s name and agency address
Opening paragraph
Body paragraphs
Closing paragraph
Professional sign-off

Match your cover letter header with your resume header to show you’re an organized applicant and make it easy for an employer to access your information.

We’ve made a federal job cover letter template below for you to copy, paste, and customize.

1. Cover letter header

FIRST AND LAST NAME

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 937 426 199 | Address: 13674 Pursglove Court Rossberg, OH 45362 | Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/yourproﬁle

October 21, 2021

3. Hiring manager’s name and agency address

Ms. Charlotte Appen Administration for Native Americans 2nd Floor, West Aerospace Center 370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW Washington, DC 20447-0002

4. Salutation

Dear Ms. Appen,

5. Opening paragraph

After greeting the hiring manager with an appropriate cover letter salutation (from above), introduce yourself by explaining how you found out about the job posting. You can also use the opening paragraph to briefly:

state your USAJOBS job announcement identification number and prospective job title
mention any contacts you have at the agency
list your educational background and years of professional experience
express your enthusiasm and interest in applying for the role
share an impressive piece of information about your previous experience or accomplishments

6. Body paragraphs

Write 1–2 body paragraphs explaining your relevant work history. Use hard numbers to make an impact and provide more context to the hiring manager.

For example, write “5+ years of law enforcement experience” instead of “experienced in law enforcement.”

Additionally, because companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter through applications, make sure you use the exact job-related keywords from the job announcement.

If you have years of relevant work experience, mention your hard skills . If you’re writing an entry-level cover letter , focus on your soft skills , emphasize your education, and tailor your experience to the agency’s goals, values, and challenges.

7. Closing paragraph

End your cover letter by thanking the employer for their time. Include a call to action (CTA) with your phone number and email address to display confidence and invite the hiring manager to contact you directly.

8. Professional sign-off

Use an appropriate cover letter sign-off such as “Sincerely” or “Warm Regards” to convey a professional tone. Signing your cover letter is optional, but make sure you leave a space and write your typed name.

If you’re unsure how to format a federal cover letter or want to save time, try using a cover letter template or browse through cover letter examples to get some ideas.

An example of a cover letter for a federal job

Federal Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

December 9, 2021

Dear Mr. Park,

I’m writing to apply for the Security Specialist role at the Justice Management Division in Washington, DC. I recently graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Political Science degree. I believe you’ll find my keen interests in emergency and safety planning as well as 2+ years of working with security databases an asset to your team.

During my time at Georgetown University, I gained strong technical skills by working with Georgetown’s Campus Security team as a part-time student intern. I performed administrative and IT duties, such as working with programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook along with keeping accurate records and updating the files in the database as needed.

This position led to my becoming a member of the Student Safety Advisory Board, where I participated in weekly meetings to address student safety and security concerns. I was also one of 20 students who were selected to design and test out features of Georgetown’s safety app “LiveSafe” before it went live.

I’ve also successfully managed my academic studies and class projects and worked collaboratively with my fellow students for presentations and seminars, resulting in a 3.9 GPA upon graduation. I was also a member of the Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service. In this club, students like myself connected with local politicians and journalists and discussed important court cases and how to improve national security. I’d be thrilled to work closely with the Intelligence committee and learn as a Security Specialist if given this opportunity.

Thank you for reading my cover letter. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you in person to discuss my qualifications and your requirements for the role.

You can reach me at (202) 535-406 or [email protected] to arrange an interview.

Christopher Sun

Formatting your cover letter correctly is essential for a government job. Have a look at these five tips for formatting a federal cover letter:

1. Follow the job ad’s instructions

Working for a federal agency means you need to follow clearly established procedures compared to other companies.

To get on the shortlist of applicants, carefully read the job description and criteria before sending your federal cover letter.

For example, federal agencies commonly require you to disclose your salary details and say whether you worked full-time or part-time hours.

Check out the Federal Jobs and USA Jobs websites for more information on different federal and public sector positions, the exact qualifications you’ll need, and detailed formatting requirements for your application.

2. Save your cover letter as a PDF

Hiring managers have many federal job applications to choose from, so keep their attention by sending your cover letter as a .docx or .pdf file (depending on their instructions).

Saving your federal cover letter as a PDF preserves your formatting and ensures employers can open your cover letter without any issues.

3. Use a professional font and appropriate cover letter spacing

Because federal agencies have such formal hiring procedures, you need to convey that you’ve paid close attention to your cover letter’s appearance by using an appropriate cover letter font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Georgia.

Additionally, space your cover letter by using 1” margins so employers won’t strain their eyes reading your cover letter.

If you’re having trouble fitting all of your content on one page, you can reduce your margins to a minimum of ½” to maintain the ideal cover letter length and still look professional.

4. Name your file correctly

Writing your file name accurately is important because it makes your file identifiable for hiring managers and shows you’ve paid attention to details.

Use your full name and the job title separated by dashes or underscores to name your federal cover letter:

How to correctly write your file name for a cover letter

“First-Name-Last-Name-Target-Job-Title-Cover-Letter.pdf”

Here’s an example of an applicant’s file name for their cover letter:

Robert-Wu-Budget-Analyst-Cover-Letter.pdf

5. Proofread your federal cover letter

Finally, don’t forget to proofread your cover letter before sending it by reading through it carefully.

Working in a government agency requires responsibilities such as dealing with sensitive information or handling large amounts of paperwork. So, communicate to employers you’ve got what it takes by presenting them with an error-free cover letter.

If possible, ask a friend or family member to help proofread your federal cover letter for spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes before you submit it.

Eva Chan, CPRW

Career Advisor & Senior Digital PR Writer (CPRW)

Eva Chan is a Senior Digital PR Writer and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) at Resume Genius. Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Eva is passionate about researching and discussing the ever-changing career space and its latest trends, and channels this enthusiasm into supporting professionals of all experience levels so they stand out in a competitive job market. Eva graduated from the University of British Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in English. Eva's insights and career advice have earned recognition from leading platforms including CNBC, The Globe and Mail, Forbes, Newsweek, and U.S. News & World Report. For any media-related queries or for a future quote, you can reach her at [eva] @ [resumegenius.com] or connect with her via LinkedIn. Please note that we don’t accept any guest posts.

Federal Cover Letter

Click to rate this article

4.7 Average rating

Cover Letter Help

Conrad Benz, Hiring Manager

Geoffrey Scott, CPRW

Corissa Peterson

Rebecca Tay, Ph.D.

Ida Pettersson

Emily Crowley

Thanks for downloading our free template!

Would you leave us a review?

We hope we’ve helped you on your path to career success. If you have time, a quick review would really make our day (it'll only take 15 seconds). Thanks again, and good luck!

Federal Cover Letter Sample
Federal Resume Guide
Federal Resume Templates

Last Updated on 12/26/2023

Sample cover letters for government jobs provide clear guidance to help you craft an enticing message to a job recruiter. Your letter should be no more than one page and quickly highlight your best qualifications for the desired position.

A government cover letter template will guide you through the elements that a strong cover letter needs to succeed. In general, the letter must:

Name the open job position and employer
Cite technical skills and training
Refer to the candidate’s strongest work experience.

When writing your letter, keep in mind the priorities of the person who’ll read it. That person does not have much time to look at your letter. The reader’s whole goal will be to spot details that match the job description.

A closer look at a sample letter reveals specific techniques for conveying technical skills and real-world experience.

Table of Contents

1.1 The Opening Paragraph
1.2 Second Paragraph
1.3 Third Paragraph
1.4 Fourth Paragraph
1.5 The Final Word

Federal Cover Letter Example

In this sample cover letter for a government job , you see a simple format. The job candidate’s contact information is at the top of the page. The salutation addresses the exact person screening job candidates. It’s important to add the exact name when you know it to demonstrate your attention to detail.

The Opening Paragraph

The opening paragraph states the job position and department. This immediately communicates to the reader that the candidate took the time to customize the letter for the application.

Second Paragraph

The 2 nd paragraph recognizes the issues that form the department’s operational purpose. The recruiter will favor candidates who frame the discussion around the employer’s needs. The candidate’s references to an analytic and quantitative background fit with the job’s work duties. In the rest of the paragraph, the job candidate makes strong statements about academic training, international work, and communication skills.

Read on How to Write a Cover Letter for a Government Agency

Third Paragraph

The 3 rd paragraph strives to portray the candidate as someone who never stops learning. The letter provides information about the candidate’s current participation in an intense graduate training program at a prestigious university. Details about the finance and econometric content of the curriculum sharpen the focus on the candidate’s advanced skills.

Fourth Paragraph

The 4 th paragraph highlights a person’s international experience. The candidate cites two accomplishments in business and finance. The closing paragraphs describe the person’s process for solving problems while accomplishing goals overseas. The candidate emphasized the creativity and leadership necessary to succeed in the projects. This information shows that the person has the ability to work independently.

The Final Word

The letter finishes with a summary of the person’s technical skills and a desire to serve the public. The strong examples within the sample letter have a high potential to motivate the recruiter to look at the resume.

Need more information? See another government resume template.