The cover letter should outline your reasons for applying and demonstrate broadly how you meet the requirements of the position.

It is normally the first thing the selection panel will read. It is important that the cover letter looks good, sounds positive and enthusiastic, and attracts the reader's attention. It is also one way of demonstrating your written communication skills.

If possible, keep your covering letter to a single page. Too much information, especially if it is not relevant to the job, may detract from the letter.

Your statement addressing the selection criteria is the place to give more detailed information about yourself and your ability to do the job.

It is recommended that you include the following information in your covering letter:

• Your address.
• Date of your application.
• Title and reference number of the position for which you're applying.
• Indication of what is included in your application; for example, resume, statement addressing the selection criteria (optional), written references (optional), and the like.
• Statement of why you are interested in the position and what particularly attracts you about the job, the work area.
• One or more paragraphs outlining broadly how you meet the requirements of the position and selection criteria. This may include highlighting the most relevant skills or abilities you can bring to the position, your familiarity with the workplace/job requirements, any relevant personal qualities or attributes, and the benefits of employing you.
• Optional - examples of how you meet one or more of the selection criteria.
• How and when you can be contacted if required to attend an interview.