Application Structure Guide
Master the art of APS applications. Learn how to structure your resume, one-page pitch, and selection criteria responses for maximum impact.
Resume Structure Guide
Your resume is the evidentiary foundation of your APS application. It must be engineered for both Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and human selection panels.
Format Requirements
- Length: 2-6 pages maximum (2-3 pages is standard for most roles)
- Font: Arial or Calibri in size 10-11pt for body text
- Layout: Clean, single-column format with clear section headings
Writing Style: "Silent First Person"
Use the "telegraphic style" by omitting personal pronouns like "I", "my", or "we". Start bullet points with active verbs to maximize impact and spatial efficiency.
Instead of: "I managed departmental budgets and coordinated ministerial briefs."
Write: "Managed departmental budgets and coordinated ministerial briefs."
Essential Sections
- Personal details: Name, email, phone, and LinkedIn. Omit demographic data like age, marital status, or full home address.
- Career profile: Strictly 4-5 sentences acting as an executive summary of your professional identity.
- Education: Tertiary and vocational qualifications only (omit high school).
- Work experience: Reverse chronological order. Integrate measurable results in each bullet point.
- Referees: Two referees, ideally including a current manager.
ATS Tip: Avoid complex tables, columns, graphics, or photos. These elements can disrupt automated parsing and may introduce unconscious bias. Ensure your claims align with the advertised selection criteria.
Cover Letter / One-Page Pitch Structure
The one-page pitch is a high-impact document that demonstrates your capacity for executive synthesis. You must weave multiple capabilities into a concise narrative.
Format Requirements
- Font: Arial or Calibri 11-12pt
- Length: Strict 1-page limit (~500-550 words)
- Margins: Standard 2.54cm (1 inch)
Structural Allocation
| Component | Weight | Words | Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening | 5-10% | 30-60 | Hook summarizing key skills and immediate value |
| Middle | 80% | 400-450 | 1-3 synthesized STAR/CAR examples |
| Final | 5-10% | 30-60 | Strategic contribution to departmental goals |
Multi-Threading Your Examples
Within 450 words, you cannot address each criterion separately. Use "multi-threading" by selecting 1-3 robust examples that simultaneously demonstrate competence across multiple criteria.
Example: A single narrative about implementing a new IT system can prove your ability to "achieve results," "communicate with influence," and "display personal drive and integrity" all at once.
ILS Keyword Integration
Assessors scan for alignment with the Integrated Leadership System (ILS). If the role demands "strategic thinking," naturally incorporate terms like "environmental scanning," "risk mitigation," or "long-term planning" into your examples.
Selection Criteria Response Structure
When formal criteria responses are required, use the STAR method to structure your evidence. APS recruitment relies on behavioral modeling: past behavior predicts future performance.
The STAR Method
| Component | Allocation | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Situation | 10-20% | Set the context and environment |
| Task | 10% | Define specific responsibilities |
| Action | 50-60% | Detail the specific steps you took (most detailed part) |
| Result | 10-20% | Explain the measurable outcome |
Measurable Outcomes
Selection panels actively scan for quantifiable evidence. Vague assertions like "the project was successful" lack evidentiary weight. Use hard data wherever possible.
Suboptimal: "Improved the reporting process, which saved time."
Optimized: "Redesigned the quarterly reporting template and automated data extraction, reducing manual processing time by 25% and improving data accuracy by 15%."
Format Comparison
| Format | Best For | Key Benefit | Key Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point-by-Point | APS1-APS4, technical roles | Ensures strict compliance | Can cause overlap/repetition |
| Narrative (Statement of Claims) | APS5-EL2, leadership roles | Demonstrates synthesis skills | Requires strong keyword optimization |
Example Job Applications
Explore our library of successful government job application examples. Each example demonstrates how to structure your response using the STAR method for specific levels and roles.
APS3 Admin Officer
Example capability statement for entry-level administrative support roles.
APS4 Admin Officer
Professional response for general administration and project support roles.
APS5 Policy Officer
Policy-focused example highlighting research and analysis capabilities.
APS6 Policy Officer
Senior officer example demonstrating strategic thinking and complex problem solving.
APS6 Project Officer
Project management focus with emphasis on delivery and stakeholder engagement.
EL1 Policy Officer
Executive Level 1 example showcasing leadership and strategic direction.
EL1 Project Officer
Management-level project role with focus on risk and budget oversight.
EL2 Director
Senior leadership example for Agency-level strategic management.
Skip the manual formatting
Govy's built-in templates automatically handle strict APS formatting and word limits. Just add your content and let us ensure your application meets every requirement.