Preparing a Letter of Application, Support Staff

How to Apply

  1. Complete an application form
  2. Write a letter of application
  3. Create a chronological CV
  4. Send to us 

What is a Letter of Application?

A Letter of Application introduces you to the panel members and gives you an opportunity to convince them you are worth short-listing for interview.

The letter of application is in addition to the application form and the chronological CV.

How do I prepare a Letter of Application?

Before you start writing your application letter you should read the Position Description to get an understanding of the position requirements, particularly the Technical Skills and Essential Competencies.

The letter of application should contain a description of how you demonstrate the technical skills and essential competencies required for the position and any other relevant details that may impact on the position.

The letter of application should be no longer than two one-sided A4 pages.

What formats are suitable?

There is no right or wrong format but you do want to make it as easy as possible for panel members to read your letter of application and grasp as quickly as possible that you meet the position requirements being sought for the vacancy.

Remember that it is not necessary to repeat information that can be conveyed through the application form (POL 675) or your chronological CV, eg certifications.

The preferred formatting:

Date

Address

Re: Vacancy number

Position name
Location


Dear xx

LETTER OF APPLICATION

The panel will want to know why you have applied for the role. Start your letter by describing how this opportunity will fit in with your career aspirations and/or why you feel you are suitable for the role.

Technical skills

To be short-listed you will need to demonstrate to the panel that you meet the technical skills being sought (stating that you meet the technical skills will not suffice).

Include specific examples as evidence for each technical skill which demonstrate your ability and experience and, in particular, state what your role or involvement was in the examples provided.

Essential competencies

The panel will want to see evidence that you meet the essential competencies for the position. For example, for Challenging for Continuous Improvement, you could describe how you championed a new process that had been introduced into your workplace.

Likewise with Building Partnerships, simply stating that you have good relationships is not sufficient. You must show how you have utilised, enhanced, maintained, actively developed, etc, current and new partnerships. Specific examples and results go a long way in demonstrating your competence.

Special requirements

Briefly describe if not covered in application form or chronological CV.

Certificates

Briefly describe if not covered in application form or chronological CV.

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