This guide will take your cover letter from generic template to interview magnet. We’ll reveal exactly how to start with maximum impact, prove your worth through quantified information management achievements, and finish with confidence. Plus, you’ll discover insider tips on what Australian organizations are really looking for, complete with real examples that actually work. Whether you’re stepping up from records officer to manager or bringing your information governance expertise to a larger organization, we’ve got you covered.
Records Manager Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Catherine Williams
[email protected]
0421 678 345
linkedin.com/in/catherinewilliams-recordsmanagement
Canberra, ACT
22 March 2025
Mr David Robertson
Director of Corporate Services
Australian Public Service Commission
Level 3, 1 Canberra Avenue
Forrest, ACT 2603
Dear Mr Robertson,
When I discovered that Australian Public Service Commission is seeking a Records Manager to lead information governance across your expanding digital transformation program, I recognized this was precisely the opportunity I’ve been working toward. As someone who managed records and information systems for Department of Finance—implementing a digital recordkeeping solution migrating 2.8 million records with 99.97% data integrity, reducing retrieval time by 68%, and achieving full compliance with National Archives requirements across 12 business units—I’m thrilled at the prospect of combining information governance expertise and change management capability for your critical public service functions.
Over the past seven years as a Records Manager working throughout Canberra’s public sector, I’ve repeatedly delivered results that match perfectly with your needs. I’ve developed and implemented records management policies, procedures, and systems aligned with legislation and standards, led digital recordkeeping projects including system implementations and data migrations, provided training and guidance to 200+ staff on information management obligations, conducted compliance audits and implemented corrective actions ensuring regulatory adherence, managed physical and digital records repositories maintaining security and accessibility, and collaborated with IT, legal, and privacy teams on integrated information governance frameworks. My background spanning government agencies and regulatory environments has shown me that exceptional records management merges technical knowledge with strategic information governance—precisely what you require for supporting transparent, accountable public administration.
What really attracts me to Australian Public Service Commission is your leadership role in public sector capability and governance excellence. I hold a Bachelor of Information Management from University of Canberra, Graduate Certificate in Recordkeeping and Archives from Charles Sturt University, and I’m a Certified Records Manager (CRM) through RIMPA. I’ve completed professional development in digital preservation, privacy legislation, and change management. I’m convinced that records managers aren’t merely filing specialists—we’re information governance professionals who enable business efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, protect organizational memory, and support democratic accountability through transparent recordkeeping.
I’d welcome the chance to discuss how my proven ability to lead records management programs while achieving compliance and operational efficiency can enhance Australian Public Service Commission’s information governance maturity. Thank you for reviewing my application, and I look forward to connecting with you soon.
Kind regards,
Catherine Williams
[email protected]
0421 678 345
linkedin.com/in/catherinewilliams-recordsmanagement
How to Format a Records Manager Cover Letter
- Length: Max 1 page (3–5 paragraphs)
- Font: Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman (10–12pt)
- Spacing: Single or 1.15 line spacing
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides
- File format: PDF
What to Include in a Records Manager Cover Letter (Australia)
Your Records Manager cover letter needs to follow a governance-focused structure that showcases both technical expertise and strategic capability:
- Contact Details
- Salutation (Dear Hiring Manager or name)
- Opening paragraph – your hook and intent
- Middle – why you’re the best fit (skills + experience)
- Closing – call to action + sign off
Right vs Wrong Example
Right Opening: “When NSW Department of Communities and Justice announced your enterprise records management transformation affecting 8,000+ staff across 40 locations, I instantly recognized where my background leading similar large-scale programs—migrating 4.2 million records from legacy systems to SharePoint while maintaining business continuity, implementing classification schemes achieving 94% compliance, and training 600+ staff on digital recordkeeping practices—could support your ambitious modernization while ensuring regulatory compliance throughout the transition.”
Wrong Opening: “I am writing to apply for the Records Manager position that was advertised on APSJobs. I have experience managing records and files. I believe I would be a good fit for this role at your organization.”
Entry-Level Records Manager Cover Letter Tips
- Emphasize progression from records officer, coordinator, or information management roles
- Showcase successful projects you’ve led or compliance improvements you’ve driven
- Demonstrate understanding of Australian standards, legislation, and digital recordkeeping
Entry-Level Cover Letter Sample for Records Manager
Right Entry-Level Approach: “While serving as Senior Records Officer at Brisbane City Council for the past five years, I’ve progressively taken on management responsibilities including leading the digitization project for planning records covering 50,000 files, developing records management training modules delivered to 180 staff, conducting information audits across 8 business units identifying compliance gaps, representing records on the information governance committee, and acting as Records Manager during leave covering policy development and stakeholder liaison. I recently completed my Graduate Certificate in Recordkeeping and Archives from Charles Sturt University and obtained CRM certification. This blend of operational records expertise and emerging strategic capability demonstrated that effective records management harmonizes technical standards with organizational change and compliance requirements—capabilities I’m excited to contribute in a dedicated records manager capacity.”
Wrong Entry-Level Approach: “I’ve been working with records for several years and I know how filing systems work. I think I’m ready to manage a records program. I’m organized and detail-oriented. Please consider me for this management opportunity.”
Top Mistakes to Avoid in a Records Manager Cover Letter
- Being vague about systems managed, records volumes, or compliance achievements
- Focusing only on physical filing without demonstrating digital recordkeeping expertise
- Neglecting to mention relevant standards (ISO 15489, AS 5090), legislation, or certifications
How to Tailor Your Cover Letter to a Job Ad
- Align with their sector context (government, healthcare, legal, education, corporate)
- Address specific systems or platforms they mention (SharePoint, TRIM, Content Manager)
- Reflect their information governance maturity and transformation priorities
How to Sign Off Your Records Manager Cover Letter
- Use “Sincerely” or “Kind regards”
- Include full name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile
Cover Letter Signature Example
Kind regards,
Michael Chen
[email protected]
0428 567 890
linkedin.com/in/michaelchen-recordsmanagement
How to Submit a Cover Letter in Australia
- Always attach as a PDF (unless instructed otherwise)
- Label file professionally (e.g. CatherineWilliams_CoverLetter.pdf)
- If submitting via government portals, follow application instructions precisely
Final Tips for Writing a Great Records Manager Cover Letter
- Lead with quantified information governance outcomes (records managed, compliance rates, efficiency gains)
- Balance technical records knowledge with strategic information governance perspective
- Show change management capability, training delivery, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Emphasize compliance expertise, legislative knowledge, and professional credentials
More Resources for Job Seekers
Ready to nail your entire application? Check out our Records Manager Resume Examples for the perfect complement to your cover letter. Prepare for success with our Common Interview Questions for records management and information governance roles, and explore our Selection Criteria Templates for government records management positions.
Remember, your cover letter should work alongside your resume to tell a compelling story about why you’re the records manager they need. Concentrate on specific information governance achievements that demonstrate both technical expertise and strategic thinking, express genuine interest in their sector and regulatory environment, and always emphasize how you’ll enhance information governance maturity from day one. With Australia’s information management landscape continuing to evolve through digital transformation, privacy legislation, and increasing regulatory scrutiny, organizations are seeking records managers who can balance traditional recordkeeping principles with digital innovation and compliance requirements with business enablement. Develop your professional credentials through Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia (RIMPA) and stay current with standards through National Archives of Australia to ensure your application reflects current information governance best practices and regulatory frameworks.
