If you’re interested in working for the government in Australia, an expression of interest (EOI) is often requested, particularly if you are applying for an internal job. An EOI is a letter that outlines your interest in a particular position, addresses the key selection criteria for the role and explains why you’re the best candidate for the job. In this blog, we’ll go over some tips and tricks to help you write an effective EOI for a government job in Australia.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a formal letter or document that outlines an individual’s interest in a job or project. The difference between an EOI and a Cover Letter is that while cover letters go hand in hand with resumes for a job vacancy, and EOI helps you convey your interest in a particular position, without a vacancy. In the context of a government job in Australia, an EOI is typically used for internal roles (within a Department) to express your interest in a particular role. It is used by hiring managers to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the position.
Writing an effective EOI is crucial if you want to increase your chances of getting the job you want.
Before you begin writing your EOI, it is essential to research the job and the Branch or Division you are applying to. This will help you understand the role, the responsibilities, and the requirements of the position.
Most government job applications in Australia require you to address selection criteria. These criteria outline the skills, qualifications, and experience required for the role. It is crucial to address each criterion in your EOI, providing evidence of how you meet each one. You should use specific examples from your previous work or educational experiences to demonstrate your abilities.
Your EOI should be written in a professional tone. Avoid using slang or abbreviations. Use clear and concise language to convey your message. Ensure you proofread your EOI for spelling and grammatical errors.
It is crucial to tailor your EOI to the specific job and team you are applying to. Avoid using generic statements or templates. Instead, use language that reflects your knowledge of the role and the purpose of the team/branch. You should also highlight your skills and experience that are most relevant to the job.
Your EOI should be easy to read and follow. Use a clear and structured format, including subheadings and bullet points. This will help the hiring manager quickly find the information they are looking for. Make sure you use a readable font and a professional layout.
Often it will be specified that your EOI should be a maximum of 2 pages. If it doesn’t specify, then 2-3 pages is a good rule of thumb. Don’t get carried away with sneaky formatting and margins to fit more on the page.
Your EOI should be honest and authentic. Do not exaggerate your skills, qualifications, or experience. Instead, focus on your strengths and achievements and how they align with the job requirements.
Your EOI should include a conclusion that summarises your interest in the role and why you are the best candidate for the position. You should also thank the employer for considering your application and provide your contact details. This will allow the panel to contact you if they require further information.
Before moving ahead, let’s understand what an internal position is.
An internal job refers to a job opening or position within a Department or Organisation that is only available to current employees of the organisation. This means that the Department is not actively seeking external candidates to fill the role, and instead, is looking to promote or transfer a current employee to the new position. Internal job opportunities can arise due to various reasons such as the expansion of the team, restructuring, or retirement of the current employee holding the position. Internal job opportunities are often posted on the Department’s internal job board or announced through internal communication channels such as emails, newsletters, or intranet sites.
Here are some steps to follow when writing an EOI for an internal job:
Carefully read the job posting to understand the qualifications, skills, and experience required for the role. Highlight the key requirements that match your experience and qualifications.
Based on the requirements, identify your relevant experience and qualifications that make you a good fit for the role. Emphasise how your current role has prepared you for this new opportunity and highlight your transferable skills.
Be clear and concise in explaining why you are interested in the position. Highlight your motivation, passion, and enthusiasm for the role.
Demonstrate your knowledge of the Department (and more specifically the Division, Branch or team), its mission, and culture. Show how your values align with those of the new area and how you will contribute to the team[‘s success in the new role.
Before submitting your EOI, proofread it thoroughly for any errors or typos. Make sure it is well-written, concise, and tailored to the position.
Once you have written your EOI, submit it according to the Department/Company guidelines. You may need to send it to the hiring manager directly or HR. The requirements often depend on how long the role is for.
Remember, an EOI is your chance to showcase your skills and qualifications, so make sure to highlight your strengths and show how you can contribute to the team’s success.
