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Civil Service Personal Suitability & Behaviour Statements (2024 Update)

Learn all about Civil Service Personal Statements, Statements of Suitability & Behaviour Statements.

Looking to get a post in the Civil Service or zoom up the career ladder with a promotion during 2024?

If you have made or are considering making a Civil Service application or to other large employers, you will most likely have come across personal statements, behaviour statements and statements of suitability.

There are three different types of statement you may be asked to submit.

• Personal Statement
• Statement of Suitability
• Behaviour Statement

It can be easy to get confused between these three, however, we view a personal statement and statement of suitability as largely the same.

A behaviour statement, however, is different as this will relate just to behaviours and usually requires the use of the STAR method when structuring your examples.

In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to get detailed Civil Service personal statement examples relevant to your level along with 250 word behaviour statements, great for inspiration.

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In This Lesson:

What is a personal statement / statement of suitability, why the civil service requests personal or suitability statements, how long should a personal or suitability statement be, how to deal with limited word count – example 250 words, creating a personal statement for senior leadership posts, using your personal statement to sell yourself, 8 top tips for civil service statements of suitability and personal statements, how to introduce yourself in a personal or suitability statement.

• Civil Service Personal / Suitability Statement Example

What is a Civil Service Behaviour Statement?

Typical civil service behaviour statement examples, how to answer civil service behaviour statements.

• Get Expert Personal, Suitability and Behaviour Statement Examples in Minutes

A Civil Service personal statement or statement of suitability is designed to be a summary, a written addition to your CV or application. It will be used by the recruiter to check your suitability and it will be assessed against the required Civil Service Success Profiles and strengths.

While your CV will detail your career history, experience and qualifications, it does not show who you are as a person. The personal or suitability statement offers you an excellent opportunity to provide more context and to outline why you are ideal for the role.

This text sits alongside your CV and is a great way for you to clearly show how you meet each of the essential criteria for the role and how your skills are relevant.

See how you can get your personal and suitability statements written for you in minutes.

When advertising a position, employers such as the Civil Service provide a job description which will detail the responsibilities, essential criteria and desirable skills. It will also specify the behaviours you will be assessed against.

This combination paints a picture of the perfect candidate for the role, someone they envisage as being an ideal employee in the post. The personal statement is a way for you to expand on your CV and to provide evidence showing that you bring all of these essential criteria.

Used well, your statement is an ideal way to align what you bring with what they need . A well written document will show clearly and instantly how your skills and experience best fit the role.

In our experience, most Civil Service personal or suitability statements are circa 500 – 750 words. For senior posts you may be allowed to write up to 1,250 words and some DWP posts ask for 1,200 words.

While it’s possible to have a request for a personal statement of just 250 words , we find these are more likely to be behaviour statements. Where we have seen a request for a statement of just 250 words, this is usually in the form of an interview question. For example, here is one from a recent job posting:

Tell us why you have applied for the role and what you hope to gain from the apprenticeship in terms of new learning and skills. (250 words max)

Study the job advert and description and make note of the word count if available. It is vital that you do not go over as this will show poor communication skills and an inability to summarise.

Irrespective of the word count, proper editing of your statement is essential. For example, there may be ten or more essential criteria plus three to five Success Profiles behaviours outlined in the job description. So how can you fit all of this in?

Proper preparation is essential and a top tip is to take the essential criteria and group them under common themes. You may find that your experience and an achievement can be used to address multiple points.

Use headings for your paragraphs and set yourself the discipline of spending only a hundred words on each point for example.

When you have a first draft, you are still likely to have exceeded the word limit – and this is a good thing. Now you have enough material to be discerning. Cross out all the parts that feel weak or unimportant until you are down to the most powerful ideas.

If going for a Civil Service leadership position, Grade 6 or 7 , your statement will require more thought and depth, as you need to communicate your character for the role and your vision for leading others. What are your values in leadership? What do you see as central to the exceptional performance of a team?

Before writing your statement, sit and map out the fundamentals of how you will take on the task. Then, as you write your statement, weave these beliefs into your text and link these directly to specific examples where you have proven their success.

Save time and effort and let InterviewGold create your statements for you . Fully tailored to you and your target job and perfectly structured with the correct word count.

Do not be afraid to blow your own trumpet in your personal or suitability statement. By that, we do not mean boasting or exaggerating, simply, state your great achievements, describe the behaviours you used to deliver them and highlight the skills and strengths you bring.

In a competitive sector such as this, you need to stand out as being an overall perfect fit for the role. Consequently, everything you write in your supporting statement needs to be tailored to the essential criteria.

Go through the job description and highlight the top 4 or 5 key responsibilities and duties and address each of these separately. Note keywords that seem to come up time and again and mirror this language in your statement.

Use bullet points and use these as the topics for your paragraphs. Of course, do not just repeat phrases they use but use them as a guide, edit and refocus.

To make your Civil Service personal or suitability statement really stand out here are some top tips. This guidance applies equally to all Civil Service roles from EO, HEO, SEO and to senior posts.

• Your statement must reflect your recent and relevant experience, skills and achievements.
• Avoid the temptation to just use the same statement for each application, instead, tailor it to the role.
• Address each requirement directly, providing evidence in the form of an achievement, skill, development or experience gained.
• Describe what you bring, the skills and experience acquired.
• The statement should include examples of real key achievements, what you have done, what you have delivered and core learnings.
• Use active, positive language, rather than lots of passive statements.
• Describe key and specific achievements rather than generalised responsibilities.
• Finally, ensure your examples reflect the level you are applying for. Very often, examples can be too simple, can fall short and not reflect the complexity required.

Read More: Get instant access to detailed sample personal and suitability statements for your level with InterviewGold. Click here to start.

As stated, the opening paragraph is going to win or lose the attention of the application panel. It is essential that you introduce yourself effectively as this gives a strong lead in and will hook the reader.

There are two options available to you.

1) Provide a personal profile, stating key information, years of experience, current post, key strengths and what you bring.

2) Focus on reasons for applying, detailing how your skills and experience fit perfectly. Perhaps tell a story of how you decided to be a part of the Civil Service, while outlining key criteria and how this fits with your career path.

Get this opening sentence right and you are well on your way to success.

Civil Service Personal / Suitability Statement Example Introduction

Here is an example of a strong opening introduction , a brief personal profile that is designed to grab the recruiter’s attention. For example:

I am a highly motivated and experienced finance professional with 8 years’ experience working within local and regional Government posts in England and Northern Ireland. My current role is Finance Analyst within the NHS where I have progressed rapidly during my two-year tenure.

I bring a degree in Economics from Aston University and I am skilled in financial modelling, business planning and team leadership.

I recently delivered a comprehensive business case for a proposed outsourcing opportunity leading to cost savings of £3m. Through this I gained proven experience in developing rewarding relationships with internal and external stakeholders resulting in improved working practices and data accuracy.

I am currently looking for a role within the Department of Heath and Social care.

As you can see that is a short lead-in to the statement that forms a strong, clear introduction. The recruiter knows instantly who the candidate is, their high level experience and why they have applied.

For your statement, you would need to continue and outline your experience, skills, relevant achievements and behaviours. Within the InterviewGold system you will get great formulas to use to bring powerful structure to any suitability or personal statement.

When you join InterviewGold you will have expert statements written for you with just a few clicks . Plus you will get sample Civil Service personal and suitability statements to inspire you.

Each role will have a set of behaviours you will assessed against. For example, Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace and Managing a Quality Service are three of the top required in most roles.

Alongside your CV and / or application form, you may be asked for behaviour statements instead of a personal or suitability statement, or also in addition to these.

• Describe a time when you delivered an exciting piece of work that exceeded the expectations of others. (250 words max)
• Detail when you showed excellent leadership skills and explain what you learned from the experience. (250 words max)
• Explain your experiences against the Communicating and Influencing Behaviour (Level 2). (500 Words)

As you can see the request relates to specific behaviours and asks you to provide evidence of your experience with it. They are in effect the same format as competency based or behaviour interview questions.

For these y ou must use the STAR formula . They will be looking for clear evidence of experience in a previous role and your example must be strong, relevant and complex.

You should demonstrate the essential positive behaviours keeping in mind that different roles will favour different behaviours.

Review the job description to get a sense of what these might be and edit your answer so that the required essential ones are shown first.

Throughout your InterviewGold training course we teach you all about how to answer these questions. A good starting point is the section on competency behaviours in the Essential Learning module.

Read more: Get instant access to expertly written 250-word behaviour statements in the InterviewGold training system.

Get Personal, Suitability and Behaviour Statements Created For You in Minutes

Join InterviewGold now and get expertly written personal, suitability and behaviour statements relevant to your level and fully personalised to you. Click here to learn more.

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Application Forms , Personal Statements

Civil service personal statement examples.

When you apply for any Civil Service job, you will need to complete an online application form that requires you to submit a personal statement. The personal statement will be assessed against the relevant Civil Service success profiles and strengths that are applicable or the role

DOWNLOAD RICHARD MCMUNN’S SET OF 9 CIVIL SERVICE PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES BELOW!

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So, how do you write a personal statement for a civil service job? Let’s start by looking at what you should include.

What Should a Civil Service Personal Statement Include?

Your personal statement should be used to compliment your CV and further outline why you are suitable for the role.

The key to a great civil service personal statement is to provide evidence against the Civil Service Success Profiles to show you match them and that you are perfect for the role. The Civil Service Success Profiles, otherwise known as the “essential criteria” will be outlined on the job advert or job description. Using these, you should demonstrate your previous experience and your skills that can be transferred to your new role within the Civil Service.

Remember, you must back up these skills and experience, and a great way to do this, is to demonstrate how you acquired the experience and skills in your previous roles.

Your personal statement should form around ‘how’ and ‘what’ you have previously done, all whilst matching the Success Profiles.

You will usually get just 250 words for your answers.

BONUS TIP – How do I write a CV for a government job?

A great personal statement still needs a good CV. Here is what you should include on your CV/Resume. Firstly, include an outline of your previous job experience, detailing the length of time you held each previous job role for, and a short breakdown of the responsibilities, tasks, and the work you did for each role. You should also include any awards, achievements or significant projects you previously obtained or worked on. This is your chance to shine, so don’t be afraid to sell yourself and big yourself up in the best light possible. If you have ever had any training or if you have been awarded any qualifications that are relevant to the Civil Service, or that showcase your commitment, ability to learn, or diversify, then you should highlight these too.

How to Structure a Civil Service Personal Statement?

The most important thing to do is structure your responses clearly and ensure that your statement focusses on the Success Profiles/Essential Criteria.

You are allowed to use heading or bullet points if this works best for you, but remember all of this will eat into your word count. Further below in this blog we have provided a breakdown of the 9 Civil Service Success Profiles and what you need to consider when preparing your statement for each Success Profile.

What Should you Avoid in a Personal Statement?

With 100s of people applying to Civil Service roles, it is important that your personal statement is NOT thrown aside because you’ve made one of the following common mistakes:

• Poor spelling and grammar – always check your spelling and grammar before submitting!
• Not tailoring your answers for the role – ensure you use the job description and align your skills and experience with the role you’re applying for.
• Using the same answers multiple times for multiple applications in the Civil Service (each application for a new role needs new answers).
• Not aligning your statement to the Civil Service Success Profiles – this is key!
• Using redundant or unnecessarily complicated language and cliches – keep it simple and easy to read – the assessor shouldn’t have to decipher your statement!

Writing the Perfect Civil Service Personal Statement – What are the Civil Service Success Profiles?

Seeing the big picture.

The Civil Service success profile of seeing the big picture requires you to have knowledge of how your job fits in with the public sector mission and objectives. It is important that you demonstrate within your 250-word personal statement that you have the ability to carry out your work in the best interests of the nation.

CHANGING AND IMPROVING

Whilst working in the Civil Service you must be open to continually changing and improving. If you do not improve your performance at work, or embrace change positively, the Civil Service will not be able to meet its objectives. Again, when creating your Civil Service personal statement and online application form, you will need to demonstrate within 250 words your ability to meet the changing and improving success profile!

MAKING EFFECTIVE DECISIONS

All members of the Civil Service, regardless of their role, are required to make effective decisions that demonstrate value money and efficiency. When making effective decisions, you must use an evidence-based approach and carefully consider your options, including an assessment of the risk involved and implications posed. Make sure you provide evidence of this Civil Service success profile within 250 words.

COMMUNICATING AND INFLUENCING

Another of the Civil Service success profiles and strengths is that of communicating and influencing. Within your chosen civil service job, you must communicate with clarity and purpose and always respect the needs, views and opinions of others. To meet the assessment for this success profile you will need to create a personal statement of just 250 words!

WORKING TOGETHER

Teamwork is absolutely vital when working in the Civil Service. Regardless of the position you are applying for, working with others must be demonstrated within your personal statement by way of using the STAR technique – situation, task, action and result. Within your personal statement, demonstrate you can work effectively with other people both within your team and also with external stakeholders or contractors. (250 words maximum!)

Can you demonstrate pride and passion for delivering service within an organisation? Are you able to value other people’s opinions and ensure your team is diverse in nature so that the expectations and needs of customers are met? If so, then you probably have what it takes to mee the Civil Service success profile of leadership! Once again, make sure you write a personal statement that demonstrates your ability to provide leadership within just 250-words.

DELIVERING AT PACE

Can you work at pace and deliver results to a high standard? If the answer is yes, then you might just have what it takes to work within the Civil Service. Again, another one of the success profiles is that of delivering at pace, and we strongly advise you provide a specific example of where you have been able to work quickly and accurately in a previous role when completing your personal statement. Aim to provide evidence of this success profile within your personal statement all within just 250 words!

DEVELOPING SELF AND OTHERS

Taking responsibility for your own development and the development of others is a vital aspect of all civil Service roles. If you are required to write a personal statement that demonstrates your ability of developing self and others, provide a specific example within 250 words of where you have focused on this important success profile.

MANAGING A QUALITY SERVICE

The Civil Service has a strong reputation for managing and delivering a quality service. Regardless of the department you are hoping to join within the Civil Service, there is a strong possibility you will be assessed against this important success profile. Again, provide a solid 250-word personal statement that gives evidence of where you have taken control of the delivery of a fantastic service to meet the needs of a customer or a client.

CIVIL SERVICE PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES  (DOWNLOAD YOUR GUIDE BELOW!)

Richard McMunn

2 thoughts on “ civil service personal statement examples ”.

Are the 9 examples specific using STAR to a certain situation or are they generic like the youtube videos

Hi Abul, that is a great question. The answer is a mixture. The way I have provided the answers is so that you can adapt them to use your own past experience with ease and create your own unique answer. My answers provide a structure as well as demonstrate what keywords and content needs to be in a high-scoring answer. This should allow you to develop your own unique answers quickly 🙂 I wish you the best of luck with your Civil Service Application! Let me know how it goes 🙂

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Blog Office for Product Safety and Standards

This blog post was published under the 2015-2024 conservative administration.

https://opss.blog.gov.uk/2023/04/27/8-tips-for-a-great-civil-service-application/

8 tips for a great Civil Service application

Our work makes a real difference to society, and we’re looking for talented people who can put the public at the heart of what they do.

We’re recruiting for a number of roles in the Construction Products team, we also need Business Compliance Team Leaders, Business Compliance Officers, and more.

Writing a Civil Service job application can be difficult if you’re unfamiliar with Success Profiles and the application process — it’s not only the content that’s important, but also how the application is written.

Here are eight top tips to overcome the most common mistakes people make when applying for jobs in the Civil Service.

• Go into detail when writing your CV, your CV should be a good summary of your education, skills and experience enabling you to successfully sell your abilities.
• Read the recruitment advert in detail and any attachments that are part of the advert. You must follow the selection process exactly and ensure that you provide what is asked so that the hiring manager can assess you properly.
• A personal statement will enable you to sell your experience: matching your examples with essential and desirable behaviours and skills.
• Ensure that the behavioural examples clearly demonstrate the behaviour. Provide good evidence for these examples and make your examples memorable.
• Only use about 20% on situation and task for the STAR model.
• Prepare your strengths in advance. There are 36 available strengths, go through them and ask yourself how you can demonstrate your personal strengths and your preferred ways of working.
• Be authentic. Panels can recognise if your example is recited by heart.
• Learn the difference between the sift and the interview. The sift gets you past the first hurdle, the interview is when you need to stand out from the other candidates.

Need help with Success Profiles? You can find out more on this GOV.UK page.

Click here to see our current vacancies.

Tags: Civil Service Job applications , Civil Service Jobs

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Comment by Mashair Saeed posted on 15 January 2024

hi i need help to apply for the ao roles please

Comment by Simone King posted on 20 January 2024

Hi Mashair, Thank you for your question. Our Careers website has guidance available to download on writing a Personal Statement and CV Guidance https://opss-careers.co.uk/how-to-apply/

Personal Statement and CV Guidance

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Unique & Effective Civil Service Personal Statement Examples

Table of Contents

When sending an application for a civil service job, you may be required to include a personal statement. This document gives more insight into your abilities as a candidate. The personal statement summarizes your skills, experiences, and accomplishments and demonstrates why you’re a good fit for the job. It is the first item employers glance through when reviewing your application, so it helps to make it the most effective document you write. You may not have written one before, but this article’s  civil service personal statement example  provides a solution. 

Your personal statement will pave the way for success if it’s well written. You’re on your way to landing your dream job if you create an excellent first impression with a well-written personal statement . Let’s see some relevant examples that you can draw inspiration from!

What is A Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a document written as part of a job application. It includes details about yourself, your skills, experience, and accomplishments and lets the recruiter know why you’re interested in the position. The personal statement is your chance to leave a lasting impression about yourself. It’s a chance to call attention to your achievements and explain how you can be an asset to the company.

Your personal statement helps the employer to assess your suitability for a job role . Although your resume accounts for your career experience and qualifications, it says nothing about who you are. The personal statement enables you to highlight why you are the best fit for the position. Including a personal statement in your resume will make you stand out. And give the recruiter the notion that you’ll be the best person to work with. 

Why the Civil Service Requests Personal Statements

When a vacancy is advertised, employers provide a job description that enumerates the job’s important criteria, responsibilities, and desirable skills. 

If put into proper use, your statement is ideal for aligning what you can offer to the organization with the job details. A well-articulated statement will show that your skills and personality fit the available role. It is only by your statement that your recruiter confirms if you are eligible for the position or not.

Things to consider when Writing a Personal Statement?

• Your personal statement should not be less than 500 words or more than 750 words. Keep it brief and concise. State only essential details and leave out those things that are important. You should properly edit your written statement despite the word count.
• Ensure that you’re well-prepared. Adequate preparation is essential, and a great tip is to take the vital criteria and group them under common themes. 
• Write at most a hundred words underneath a point. Your first draft may exceed the word count, but you should remove unnecessary information and retain the essential ones.
• Before you write your statement, outline how you’ll go about it. Then, as you write, weave these ideas into your text and link them to specific examples that prove your success.
• Be bold in talking about your capabilities. You don’t have to exaggerate facts or boast about your achievements. Mention your great qualities and outline your strengths. 

How to Introduce Yourself in a Personal Statement?

Your opening paragraph will either gain or lose the attention of the employers. And that is why you need to introduce yourself properly, as this will determine your success.

There are two things you should do:

• Provide a personal profile. State only important information, like your years of experience, your strength, and anything else relevant.
• State your reasons for applying. Explain how relevant your skills and experiences are to the role. You can also narrate what inspired you to be a part of the Civil Service.

Civil Service Personal Statement Example

As someone with a strong interest in public policy, I am keen to pursue a career in the civil service. The challenge of working within a complex and ever-changing environment is something that appeals to me. And the Civil Service offers unrivaled opportunities for professional development. 

Through my academic studies, I have developed expertise in political analysis and policymaking processes. This I hope to apply in a practical setting during my career. My previous work experience has given me an insight into the realities of working in government. This will stand me in good stead should I successfully secure a role within the Civil Service.

I am an experienced civil servant looking for a new challenge. I have a proven track record in delivering results and thrive in busy, fast-paced environments that require hard work, teamwork, and accountability. In my previous role as an auditor for the government of Alberta, I developed strong analytical skills and critical thinking abilities. My experience has also taught me how to communicate effectively with people at all levels within an organization. 

With my combination of skills and abilities, I would be an excellent candidate for a position in civil service. I am committed to delivering high-quality services that meet the needs of everyone, and my skills and experience would be valuable in this environment. I would be a valuable asset to your team and can provide tangible results in any role you appoint me to.

When writing your statement, outline your experience, skills, and achievements. This way, you give the recruiter insight into who you are and your experiences . Tailor your statement to the exact role that you are applying for. Lastly, employ the use of positive language.

Using Hey INK , you can generate a personal statement similar to the civil service personal statement example above.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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CVs & Résumés

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How to Write an Attention-Grabbing Suitability Statement

Learn how you can write a suitability statement for a new job role and discover the best tips and examples to make yours stand out.

Adele Weeks

CV and Recruitment Specialist

Reviewed by Hayley Ramsey

Whether you are a recent graduate or an experienced executive, putting together a  good résumé  can be quite a challenge, let alone crafting an adequate suitability statement . 

Even if you have  perfected your résumé , which details your previous experience and the skills that you have acquired throughout your career, you still need to showcase potential employers how you have developed your expertise. This is where the suitability statement comes in. Not only will it enhance your profile and emphasize your skills , but it will highlight your professional capabilities. 

To help you write your very own statement and land your next  dream job , we’ve put together a brief guide, complete with tips and examples.

What is a suitability statement?

A suitability statement, or personal statement , is used to depict the reasons you believe yourself to be a suitable candidate for a job role. Much like a  cover letter , a suitability statement should outline your skills, experience and the reasons why an employer should hire you.

This is an essential part of the job application process since it will highlight the characteristics and qualities that make you stand out from the crowd .

When submitting a job application, you can attach your suitability statement as a separate item. Alternatively, it may be presented with your CV or résumé when applying for an employment opportunity. 

How long should a suitability statement be?

Much like your résumé, the suitability statement should be short, concise, and to the point to grab the attention of the reader. The general criterion is 75 to 150 words .

In an  eye-tracking study  conducted in 2012, The Ladders revealed that a recruiter spends an average of six seconds absorbing key résumé details. 

So, as a jobseeker, how can your suitability statement make an impact on a busy recruiter? The answer is pretty simple: kindle their interest by detailing what you can bring to the table — the  distinctive qualities , or  je ne sais quoi,  that other candidates lack. 

How to structure a suitability statement

There are several ways to structure your suitability statement. Like the  skills section  in your résumé, this can be presented in a bullet-point format, a simple paragraph, or with your experience listed in separate headings , followed by small paragraphs. Although recruiters have different preferences, we recommend using the paragraph format. This enables you to outline your key offerings and write about how your experience meets the requirements of the position that you are applying for. 

Since all candidates are different, it could be wise to present your statement in your way. However, by using a paragraph format, you can detail your previous experience and the tasks you have completed, your key achievements, the skills you have gained, and the impact you have made. 

You may also choose to list your main offerings in bullet point format , which can be effective since they are often concise, straight to the point, and easily digestible. 

Whichever option you go for, it is important to detail how and when you gained your experience, when you learned and applied your primary skills, and the outcome.

How to write a suitability statement

The suitability statement writing process can be a challenge due to the limited word count. You may be wondering what things you should include and what things you should leave out. In order to identify what’s important and what isn’t, you must first understand who you’re addressing and what the job actually entails .

Before you write a suitability statement, remember to start with some reading. Once you’ve done that, follow it up with a bit of storytelling. Read our how-to below!

Step 1: Research the company

Before writing your suitability statement , you must  research your prospective employer  to obtain information on the  company’s culture  and values. That way, you can get a better understanding of how you can fit into the organization. 

You probably already know that you should  tailor your résumé  for each role; suitability statements are no different. So, since you need to modify the statement towards the position you are applying for , it is crucial to read through the job description thoroughly and identify the key requirements. That way, you can give an example of how you have executed the tasks and yielded positive outcomes. 

Step 2: Highlight relevant skills and experience 

Once you have conducted adequate research into your prospective employer, use this information to highlight your relevant professional skills and experience and align them with the company’s goals. Remember, to grab the reader’s interest from the get-go, your opening statement must be gripping. 

It’s essential to highlight relevant skills and experience in a way that indicates how they relate to the job description and candidate profile specifications. As you want to make an immediate impression, consider  highlighting prior accomplishments and responsibilities. 

Consider the following point: “I managed software development and upgrades.” Now take a look at this point, “As a lead software developer, I oversaw the development and upgrade of 12 software programmes, which automated processes and inspired a cost-saving of £30k”. Which is more compelling? Exactly! 

By highlighting your skills and experience in this way, you are demonstrating to your prospective employer that you not only match the job requirements, but you are capable of adding value to the company. 

Step 3: Get personal

This is your chance to state your suitability for a role . Do not be humble here. You need to  sell yourself  and a generic statement won’t make the cut. Yes, you may be a team player, and you might be great at taking initiative, but these are  cliché phrases that carry little meaning for employers. Such expressions will not make you stand out from the crowd. 

Employers want candidates to take a proactive approach in their statements . Therefore, it’s important to consider your achievements and how you have made a difference in previous roles. If the last restaurant you managed received a five-star rating from food critics or a 100% review score on TripAdvisor, that is great, but what was your role in those achievements? Be sure to include this. You need to demonstrate that you are the best candidate for the job.

Tips for writing a suitability statement

While some people are better at written communication than others, hiring managers hardly expect candidates to be masterful wordsmiths . Besides, even those who have a way with words are often repelled by the idea of selling themselves.

No matter which of those categories you fall into, we’ve compiled a list of handy tips to help you get started with confidence when writing your statement .

1. Use proper sentences

Though you’re supposed to condense your past experiences, skills, and passion for what you do into a few sentences, you still have to make sure they are grammatically correct . This means including a subject, a verb, and an object. Let’s look at the following example:

“I am a hard-working TV production floor manager. I have experience supervising and dealing with last-minute technical problems. Also working closely with the director.”

Everyone knows that “supervising” refers to crew members and not “problems”, but the way it’s written creates ambiguity. Each verb (“supervising” and “dealing”) needs to have its own subject (in this case, “crew” and “problems”). The final sentence has a verb and a subject, but no object at all.

To be concise, you must cut out fluffy words , not vital sentence structure components!

2. Divide it into sections

Before you start writing, note down the following suitability statement elements and tick them off one by one. This will help you ensure that you’re not wasting precious characters repeating yourself, and that you don’t omit any important information.

Your statement should mention the following:

• Your area of expertise
• Your number of years of experience
• Your professional achievements
• Any relevant skills, qualities, and qualifications
• Your immediate career aspirations

3. Convey confidence and enthusiasm

We all experience self-doubt from time to time. When writing your personal statement, however, try to maintain a positive, can-do attitude . Once you give yourself a pep talk (science says it works in combatting stress !), it’ll be easier to bring your best personal qualities to mind.

Words like “adaptable” and “proactive” can show hiring managers that you take your job seriously. Backing this up with examples of how your efforts have been fruitful in the past will also make you sound trustworthy.

If you’re feeling unsure due to a lack of relevant experience, focus on how your skills can be transferred between jobs. For example, the ability to communicate clearly and manage your time can be useful in any setting, whether applying for a civil service job or to become a veterinary assistant.

4. Avoid ending it abruptly

You want to wrap up your suitability statement on a striking note . To do this, dedicate your last sentence to summarizing your key skills or mentioning some of your near-future goals . If you’re planning on doing the latter, make sure you tie it in with the job description. For example, you could state how eager you are to take on a new challenge that will allow you to enhance your technical skills.

Your conclusion should affirm your confidence , commitment, and ambition as a professional, and show your prospective employer just how much of a benefit you could be to them.

5. Check for errors

Misspelling the word “professional” (which is a very common mistake , by the way!) is ironic to say the least. Not only that, it can seriously harm your chances of being considered for the position.

A study  involving over 500 professional recruiters has shown that spelling errors in your résumé can have just as negative an impact as the lack of work experience . So, to keep your application from ending up in the discard pile, you need to really polish it .

Once you’ve closely examined your statement, we recommend handing it over to a friend, too. A second pair of eyes can really help in catching those evasive little errors.

Suitability statement example

Once you’ve done your company research, reread the job listing, and outlined the points you’d like to make, it’s time to start writing ! Keeping the following example in front of you can simplify the process of structuring your own suitability statement:

“I am an intuitive and analytical Risk Management professional acclaimed for identifying operational risks and managing and mitigating financial crime risks and controls across international borders. Experienced in risk assessments and reviews, I have managed financial crime across 23 European countries and inspired cost savings of over £7 million. 

With a strong focus on the implementation and deployment of action plans, I have mitigated numerous risk issues. I am a strong communicator and leader, skilled in building and leveraging networks with key stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, I have adept knowledge of anti-money laundering and due diligence procedures in addition to a substantial commitment to complying with appropriate legislation and codes of practice.”

Final thoughts

Putting together a suitability statement is not an easy task. Whether you are writing it from scratch or starting with a generic template, it is vital to amend your statement for it to reflect the requirements of the position which you are applying for. 

Don’t forget to proofread the final draft of your statement! You don’t want to spend time writing the perfect blurb only to be rejected because of a small spelling mistake. The same applies to format issues. Be consistent ! It won’t appear very professional if the font changes halfway through.

Have you ever had to submit a suitability statement? Maybe you have a specific way of writing one? Let us know in the comments below.

Originally published 24 March 2020. Updated by Electra Michaelidou.

Résumé Sections

How To Write a Civil Service Personal Statement (+ Template)

by BobUSA | Jul 6, 2023 | Resumes

A ‌Civil Service personal statement holds the power to open doors to prestigious‍ and rewarding job opportunities in ⁣the public sector. It ⁢serves as your passport to showcasing‌ your skills, ‌experiences, and aspirations to potential employers.​ Whether you’re a‌ recent graduate ⁤or ‌a seasoned professional looking‍ to⁢ make⁣ a career change, the process ‌of crafting an ‍impactful personal statement can be⁤ overwhelming. Fear ‌not! In this article, we⁢ will guide you through the essential⁤ steps of writing ⁤a compelling Civil⁤ Service personal ⁤statement. ⁣We’ll provide you ⁣with a tried-and-tested template and valuable tips to help you present yourself as the ideal candidate for your dream job in ⁤the ⁢civil ⁣service. So,⁤ let’s get ‌started ⁤on your journey to securing a successful and fulfilling career serving‍ the public.

Understanding ⁢the Purpose of​ a Civil Service Personal Statement

When applying for a civil⁢ service job in the USA, one crucial component of your application is the personal statement. This‌ document ⁤provides a ⁤unique opportunity for ‌you ⁣to showcase⁣ your skills, qualifications, and experiences that make you the ⁢ideal ‍candidate ​for the position. The purpose of a ‌civil service personal statement is to demonstrate your⁤ suitability‍ and⁢ fit for the specific job you⁢ are ‍seeking.

Highlighting relevant competencies: ‍ The ​personal statement allows you to expand on the information provided in ​your⁤ resume and ‌cover letter. It provides a platform for you to detail your relevant competencies and skills that⁤ align with the requirements‍ of the civil service job .‌ By clearly ⁤outlining your abilities, you can demonstrate ​to hiring‍ managers that ⁤you have the‍ necessary qualifications to ⁢excel in the ⁤role.

Showcasing your passion and motivation: Beyond⁤ qualifications and competencies,‌ the ⁣personal statement also allows you to express your passion and motivation for the civil service position. Here, ‌you ⁣can illustrate why you are drawn to this career ⁢field, what specific aspects of civil service work ⁤inspire ​you,⁣ and⁤ how‌ your experiences‍ have prepared you for the challenges and opportunities within⁣ the industry.

An⁢ opportunity to stand out: With numerous applicants vying for​ civil service roles, a‌ well-crafted personal statement can help you stand out from the crowd. It offers a chance to showcase your unique experiences, accomplishments, and perspectives that set you apart from other candidates. By effectively​ communicating your strengths and aligning them with the demands ⁤of the job, you increase ⁤your chances of being considered ​for an ⁢interview and ultimately securing your desired civil⁤ service position.

Key Elements to Include in Your Civil Service‌ Personal Statement

Introduction.

A ⁤civil service‌ personal statement is an integral part‌ of your job application when applying ⁢for‌ positions within the civil service sector ​in the⁤ United States. ‍It ⁢is your opportunity⁤ to highlight your skills,⁤ experiences,⁢ and qualifications, and demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate for the role. When writing⁤ your personal statement, ‌there are several key elements that you should ‍include to make a strong​ and compelling impression‍ on the ⁤hiring manager.

Relevant ⁤Skills and Experiences

One of the ⁢ is a clear​ outline of your relevant skills and experiences. Consider the specific requirements and responsibilities of the role you are⁣ applying for⁤ and showcase how your skills align with ⁢those‌ requirements. Focus on relevant experiences such as internships, volunteer work, ‍or ⁢previous employment that demonstrate your ability to handle challenging situations, work well in a team,⁤ or possess⁤ strong communication skills. Highlighting these skills ‍and experiences​ will show​ the hiring ⁢manager that you are qualified and prepared for the demands of the civil service role.

Passion for ‌Public ⁤Service

Demonstrating your passion for public service is‍ crucial in‍ your ⁤civil service personal statement. Government positions within​ the civil service sector require individuals⁢ who‌ are ‍committed to serving the public and ‌making a positive ⁣impact. Use ⁤your⁤ personal statement to explain why you⁤ are drawn to working within the ​civil service sector and how​ your personal and professional goals align‍ with⁢ this passion. Showcasing your dedication to public service will help set‍ you apart ‍from other applicants and ‍convey your genuine desire to⁣ contribute ‌to the well-being of your community and country.

Including these key elements in ‌your civil service personal statement ⁤will increase your ​chances of standing out to hiring managers and‍ securing a position within​ the civil​ service ‍sector. Remember to tailor your personal statement to the specific role and organization you are applying to,‌ highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant. With a properly crafted personal statement, you can showcase your qualifications, passion, and commitment to public service, ultimately increasing your ​chances of success in your civil service career.

Crafting a Compelling⁤ Introduction ‌for Your Civil Service ‌Personal ‌Statement

When writing your ​civil service personal statement, it’s crucial to grab⁣ the attention of the hiring managers right from the beginning. Your introduction sets the tone⁣ for the rest of your statement,​ so it’s essential ⁣to make it compelling and⁣ engaging. Here are some tips to help you create an introduction that will make you stand out amongst other candidates:

1. Start with a captivating opening sentence: Begin⁤ your personal statement with a powerful statement or a thought-provoking question that immediately sparks the interest ⁤of the readers.​ This will help to create a strong connection between ‌you and the ⁢hiring managers.

2. ​Highlight your relevant skills and experiences: In ‌the introduction, briefly mention​ the skills and‍ experiences you possess that make you a strong​ fit for the‌ civil service position. ⁢This will provide a‌ glimpse‍ into your qualifications‌ and generate curiosity in the readers to learn more ⁤about you.

3. Show enthusiasm and‍ passion: Express your enthusiasm and passion for working ⁢in the civil service‌ industry. Share why you are interested in this particular field and how your personal and professional goals align with the mission of the ⁢civil service. This will demonstrate your ‌dedication and commitment, leaving ‌a lasting ⁢impression⁢ on the hiring managers.

In ⁢the table below, you’ll find some essential qualities that​ civil service employers often look for in⁢ candidates. ‍Use this as a reference when crafting⁤ your introduction to ‌emphasize traits that align with the industry’s expectations:

Remember, ⁤your introduction is your chance to make a strong initial impression. ⁣By following these tips and highlighting the qualities⁢ valued‌ in‍ the ‌civil service industry, you can create an introduction that captures ⁣the attention of the hiring⁤ managers and sets you‌ apart from the competition.

Showcasing ‌Relevant Skills and Experience in‌ Your Civil Service Personal Statement

When writing a civil ⁢service personal statement, it is ⁤crucial to highlight‌ your relevant skills and ⁢experience in a clear and concise manner. ‌This section of your statement serves as an opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications and ⁣show‍ how they align with the requirements of the civil ‌service job you are applying for. Here are ⁢some​ essential tips ​to‍ help‌ you effectively showcase your skills and experience:

1.‍ Tailor your experiences

Take the time to carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and experience sought by the hiring agency or⁢ department. Then, tailor your personal statement to highlight those ⁢specific qualifications and achievements that ⁢are most relevant to the position. By aligning your experiences⁣ directly ⁤with the job requirements, you can demonstrate that you possess the necessary skills to ​excel in the role.

2. Provide concrete examples

Support your claims with concrete examples⁣ of past​ accomplishments or experiences that demonstrate your skills. Use ⁤the STAR ⁢method (Situation,⁤ Task, ⁤Action, Result)⁢ to describe specific situations where you successfully applied your skills and the positive outcomes that resulted. This not only adds ​credibility to​ your ⁣claims but ⁢also provides⁤ tangible evidence of your abilities.

3. Emphasize transferable skills

While ⁢it is important to highlight skills specific ⁤to the civil service role you ⁢are applying for, ​don’t forget to emphasize transferable skills that​ can be valuable in any professional setting. These may include ⁢communication skills, problem-solving abilities, leadership qualities, and adaptability. By showcasing a diverse range⁤ of skills, you can demonstrate‌ your suitability‌ for various‌ roles within the civil service.

By following these tips, you can effectively showcase⁢ your relevant skills and experience in your civil ​service personal statement, increasing your chances of securing a position in the⁢ civil service industry.

Structuring and Formatting Your ‍Civil Service Personal Statement

Structuring⁣ your civil‌ service personal statement.

When‌ it comes​ to structuring your Civil​ Service personal‌ statement, ​it’s important to have​ a clear and concise format that ⁢highlights your ⁣qualifications,⁢ skills, and experiences. Start with an introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and provides ‌a brief overview of your background. ‌Then, move on ‌to the main body of your statement, where you can​ expand on⁢ your relevant work⁤ experience, ‌education, and any ‍specific achievements or⁣ projects that ⁣demonstrate⁤ your⁣ suitability for​ the role.

Consider using⁤ subheadings⁤ to organize ‍your statement and make it⁤ easier to read. For example, you could use subheadings such as “Work Experience,” “Education,” and ​”Skills ‍and⁤ Personal Qualities.” This helps the reader quickly navigate your statement ‌and find the information ⁣they are looking​ for. Additionally, using bullet points or numbered lists can help break up your content and make it more digestible.

Formatting Your ‌Civil Service ‍Personal ​Statement

Formatting your ⁣personal statement ‍is just as important as ⁤the content itself. Ensure your statement is easy ‍to read by ⁤using a clear and​ legible font, such as Arial or ​Times New ⁢Roman, and ⁣a font⁣ size between 10 and 12 points. Aim to keep ⁣your paragraphs short and use line spacing of at least ‌1.5, as this makes your statement more visually appealing⁣ and easier to follow.

Here are⁢ some formatting tips to keep ⁣in mind:

• Use headings and subheadings to break⁤ up your‌ statement
• Use⁣ bold ⁢or italics to highlight key points⁤ or important information
• Avoid using excessive formatting, as it can ‍make your statement look cluttered⁣ and unprofessional

Example Table:‍ Relevant Skills

Remember, the formatting of your personal statement should enhance the ‍readability and overall ⁣professional appearance of ⁤your ⁤document. By carefully⁣ , you can effectively showcase your qualifications and⁤ increase your chances of securing ⁣your desired job in the USA.

Expert Tips and Recommendations from the Job/Career Industry

Expert tips‍ for writing a winning civil service personal⁢ statement.

Writing a compelling civil service personal statement‌ is crucial⁢ to stand out⁢ from the competition and increase your chances of securing a job in the industry. Here are some expert ‍tips⁣ that can help you ​craft a winning⁣ personal statement:

• Showcase your relevant skills and experiences: Highlight your qualifications, work experience, and any transferable skills ⁣that are relevant to the ‍civil service. This will demonstrate your⁢ suitability for‌ the role and​ grab the attention ⁣of the hiring manager.
• Provide concrete examples: Use specific‍ examples to illustrate your skills and experiences. ⁤This can include successful projects you have completed, leadership⁣ roles you have taken on, or challenges ‌you have overcome. These examples will add depth to your personal statement and make it more memorable.
• Address⁢ the job ⁤requirements: Tailor your personal statement⁣ to the specific job requirements outlined in the job⁢ description. Use the⁢ language and ‍keywords used in ⁣the job posting to show that you understand the ​expectations and have ⁣the necessary qualifications.
• Keep it ‍concise and focused: ​Your personal statement should be concise and ‍to the point. Avoid lengthy paragraphs and unnecessary details. ​Instead, focus on key ⁢experiences and⁣ skills that make ​you a strong candidate for‍ the position.
• Edit and proofread: ⁢ After‍ writing your‍ personal ‍statement, take the time to edit and proofread it carefully. Ensure that there are ‌no‍ grammatical or ⁣spelling errors that could detract from your professional image. ⁢Consider asking someone else‍ to review ‍it for a fresh perspective.

Recommendations for a ​Standout Civil Service Personal Statement

Here are some recommendations to make your civil service personal ⁤statement stand ​out from the crowd:

• Research ⁤the organization: Before⁤ writing your ⁤personal statement,⁤ thoroughly research the organization you are applying to and understand their mission,⁤ values, and goals. This ⁢will enable you to align your personal ⁣statement with their requirements​ and emphasize your fit within⁢ their culture.
• Show your enthusiasm: Demonstrate your passion for working in the civil service industry. ‍Discuss ⁢why you are interested in pursuing⁤ a career‌ in this field and how your personal goals align​ with⁢ the organization’s mission. This will show that you are‌ committed and motivated.
• Highlight your ​commitment to public service: Civil service ⁤positions often⁣ require ⁢a genuine commitment to serving the public. Showcase​ your ​dedication‍ to making a positive impact on ‌society​ and ‌any previous experiences you have had in public service roles.

Table: Relevant⁢ Skills for Civil Service Personal Statements

Remember, your civil ‍service personal statement is ‌an opportunity to present yourself as​ the ideal candidate for ‍the ‍job. By‍ following these expert tips and recommendations, you ⁤can craft a personal statement that showcases your ‍qualifications, ​stands out from the competition, and increases your chances of success in the job application process.

Template + FAQ

Use the following template as a guide when crafting your civil service‍ personal⁣ statement:

People Also Ask

What should i include in my civil service personal statement.

In your civil service personal statement, you ⁢should include an‍ introduction that​ highlights‌ your passion for public service, a brief background ⁤overview, your ‌key skills and abilities, relevant experience, and your long-term career goals. ⁢Remember to end with⁢ a strong closing paragraph‌ summarizing⁤ your qualifications and enthusiasm.

How long should a civil service‍ personal ​statement be?

A‌ civil⁣ service personal statement should generally be around‌ 500 to 700 words. However, it’s important to check the specific guidelines provided by the ‌organization or agency you ⁤are applying to in order ‌to ⁣ensure ‌you meet‌ their requirements.

What‌ can I do to make my civil service personal statement ​stand out?

To make your civil service‍ personal statement stand⁤ out, focus on showcasing your unique experiences and attributes that make⁣ you a strong candidate. Be specific ​and provide⁤ examples of how your skills and ‍experiences align ⁤with the requirements of​ the⁤ civil service role. Additionally, ensure your statement is well-written, organized, ⁤and free of ​errors.

Writing a civil service personal statement can be a⁤ daunting task, but with⁢ the right⁣ understanding‌ and approach, you can⁢ create​ a compelling document that highlights your skills‍ and experiences. By following ⁤the key elements outlined in this article, ‍you can ensure‌ that your personal ⁤statement stands out from⁤ the competition and effectively conveys your ‌suitability ‍for the civil service role you are applying for.

Remember that the purpose of your personal statement is to showcase your abilities and demonstrate why you are the ideal⁣ candidate⁤ for ⁤the position. Take the time to thoroughly understand the ‌job requirements ⁢and‌ tailor your statement accordingly, highlighting specific skills‌ and ​experiences‌ that​ directly‍ align with the​ job‍ description.

Crafting a compelling‍ introduction is​ crucial to capturing the attention of the reader and setting the tone for⁢ the rest of your personal⁤ statement.‌ Use engaging language and personal anecdotes‌ to draw the reader in and make‍ a strong ⁤first impression. Additionally, remember​ to ⁢highlight ⁤your relevant​ skills and experiences throughout ​the ⁣document, providing concrete examples to support your ⁣claims.

To ⁢ensure that your personal statement is well-structured and easy to read, follow​ a clear format that⁢ includes⁢ an introduction, body ‌paragraphs, and a conclusion. ​Use subheadings ⁢and ‍bullet ⁣points to organize your thoughts and‌ make your statement more ​visually⁣ appealing.

Incorporating expert tips and recommendations from‍ the job and career industry ‍can‍ further enhance the quality of your‍ personal statement. ‌Seek advice from professionals in⁢ the field, read sample personal statements, and consider seeking ⁤feedback from ‍trusted ​mentors ‍or friends.

Now that⁣ you have ⁢a ⁤comprehensive understanding⁣ of how ⁤to write ⁤a ⁣civil service​ personal statement, it’s time to put your knowledge into ‌practice.​ Start by utilizing the provided template as a guide and create a personal statement that ⁢effectively represents your skills, experiences, and passion for public service. With⁢ dedication and effort, you can craft a compelling personal statement that ‍increases your chances of success in the competitive ⁢world ⁢of civil service. Good luck on your journey!

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Privacy Overview

Leadership – How to Write a 250 Word Statement For a Civil Service Application

• Updated January 15, 2024
• Published September 29, 2023

In the Civil Service, leadership is crucial. But how do you highlight your experiences and proficiency in these areas in a concise 250-word statement during your civil service application?

This becomes an even more delicate balance when it comes to showcasing your leadership skills. This article helps you craft a concise yet compelling narrative that effectively highlights your leadership credentials.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or an emerging talent, understanding how to convey your capabilities within a concise 250-word limit is pivotal. Dive in to gain insights and tips on making every word count!

What Does Leadership Mean in Civil Service?

Leadership within the Civil Service is more than just occupying a higher position or making pivotal decisions. It embodies a commitment to public service, steering multidisciplinary teams with integrity, and aligning departmental goals with broader societal values. Leaders in this realm are not just visionaries but also stewards of public trust. They understand the multifaceted nature of government work, realizing that decisions have long-term ramifications affecting diverse communities.

Leadership in the Civil Service, therefore, hinges on collaboration, adaptability, and transparency. It’s about listening as much as directing, understanding the nuances of policy implications, and fostering an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered.

Leaders in civil roles often find themselves navigating complex terrains of bureaucracy, public expectation, and departmental objectives. Success in such positions requires a delicate balance of assertiveness and empathy, strategic thinking, and a grounded understanding of community needs.

Showcasing Leadership in Your 250-Word Personal Statement

In your 250-word personal statement for the Civil Service, it’s crucial to emphasize your unique leadership traits. A practical way to do this is by detailing a particular experience using the STAR method, which covers the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

This approach helps to not only showcase the results of your leadership but also the reasoning and values behind your choices. Highlight moments where you championed teamwork, tackled intricate problems, or led an initiative with significant community effects.

In the Civil Service, leadership isn’t about flashy actions but creating genuine, community-focused results through thoughtful and caring leadership.

• Changing & Improving – How to Write a 250-Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
• Communicating & Influencing – How to Write a 250-Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
• Delivering at Pace – How to Write a 250-Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
• Making Effective Decisions – How to Write a 250-Word Statement For a Civil Service Application

How to Structure a 250-word Personal Statement?

Are you applying for a job in the Civil Service? The 250-word statement on the application is your chance to make a strong first impression. They want to see if you can describe your leadership style effectively. 

Are you wondering how to fit this in a small space? Use the STAR method. It’s a simple way to discuss what you’ve done and how. Let’s dive into how you can structure your 250-word personal statement.

• Begin with a compelling introduction that succinctly states your core belief about leadership. This belief or philosophy should encapsulate your unique approach and perspective on leadership. For instance, “I’ve always believed that leadership is not about wielding authority but about empowering every team member.”
• Following your opening statement, elaborate briefly on your style or approach to leadership. For example, “Adopting a collaborative and transformative leadership style, I prioritize open communication and mutual respect, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard.”
• Situation : Describe the context. Maybe your team faced a particular challenge, or there was a pivotal project at hand.
• Task : Outline your specific role or responsibility in that situation. Highlight any goals or objectives you were aiming for.
• Action : Detail the actions you undertook as a leader. Did you initiate team meetings? Mediate a conflict? Introduce a new strategy? This should resonate with your previously mentioned leadership style.
• Result : Conclude with the outcome. Showcase the positive impact of your leadership, such as achieved goals, improved team dynamics, or successful project completion.
• Wrap your statement by tying back to your core belief about leadership. Reaffirm your commitment to this leadership style in the Civil Service context, like, “In the Civil Service, I am eager to uphold this leadership philosophy, striving for collective success through collaboration.”

Quick Tips :

• Stay succinct and avoid jargon.
• Ensure there’s a logical flow between each section.
• Proofreading is vital! Eliminate any grammatical errors or ambiguities.

By following this structure and leveraging the STAR method, you’ll craft a compelling narrative that showcases your leadership skills and suitability for the Civil Service.

How to Write a Personal Statement Within the 250-Word Limit

Crafting a 250-word personal statement for a Civil Service application can initially appear challenging, given the limited space to convey your qualifications and aspirations. However, when structured efficiently, it offers a concise snapshot of your skills, particularly when highlighting leadership capabilities.

The STAR method is a tried-and-true method to achieve this clarity, allowing applicants to present evidence of their leadership prowess through personal experiences succinctly.

Tips for an Effective 250-Word Statement :

• Start Strong : Your opening sentence should grab attention and make clear the skill you’re emphasizing – in this case, leadership.
• Situation : Briefly set the context. Where were you, and what was the challenge?
• Task : Define your responsibility in that situation.
• Action : Detail the steps you took as a leader to address the challenge.
• Result : Conclude with the positive outcome derived from your actions.
• Stay Focused : With a tight word limit, hone in on one significant leadership experience rather than trying to cover multiple events.
• Use Active Voice : This makes your statement more dynamic and easier to read.
• Edit and Proofread : Eliminate any unnecessary words and ensure clarity. A polished statement will make a strong impression.

By employing the STAR method in your personal statement, you offer a clear narrative of your leadership journey, ensuring evaluators recognize your potential and dedication to the Civil Service’s values.

Example Personal Statement Civil Service

Below, we discuss five different examples of civil service personal statements.

Example 1: Civil Service Leadership

Leadership, especially within the Civil Service, isn’t just about holding a title or directing teams—it’s a profound commitment to public welfare, characterized by vision, integrity, and the ability to galvanize collective effort toward meaningful outcomes. Over the years, I’ve always tried to lead in a way that makes a real difference for people.

Situation : Upon joining the Department of Urban Development, I identified a significant gap: our projects were solid, but public engagement and inter-departmental collaboration were lacking, leading to bottlenecks in execution.

Task : As a newly appointed Division Head, I was entrusted with the twin challenges of enhancing public involvement in our projects and fostering better inter-departmental synergy.

Action : Recognizing the power of collective insight, I spearheaded an initiative called “Together We Build.” This involved monthly town hall meetings where public feedback was actively sought. Additionally, I instituted quarterly cross-departmental strategy sessions, breaking down silos and ensuring a more unified approach. Communication channels were established, responsibilities clearly defined, and feedback loops rigorously maintained.

Result : Within a year, project approval ratings from the public surged by 65%. More gratifyingly, inter-departmental project delays were reduced by 50%. The success of our projects became not just a departmental achievement but a collective triumph.

In the world of the Civil Service, I want to be the kind of leader who brings people together, comes up with new ideas, and always thinks about what’s best for the public.

Example 2: Civil Service Leadership

In the Civil Service, being a leader is about more than just leading a team. It’s about creating a place where honesty, dedication, and caring for the public come first. I’ve always led by these ideas, making sure that what we do is better for everyone involved.

Situation : At the Department of Environmental Initiatives, our projects were technically sound but faced resistance from local communities, impacting implementation timelines.

Task : As the appointed Project Lead, my challenge extended beyond administrative duties. I was to bridge the communication gap with the communities and streamline our projects to align with their concerns.

Action : I launched “EcoTalks,” a series of community engagement sessions. This platform wasn’t just for the department to elucidate project details but also for community members to voice their apprehensions and suggestions. I also initiated a mentorship program within the department, pairing experienced staff with newer members, ensuring knowledge dissemination, and fostering a culture of internal collaboration.

Result : By the end of the fiscal year, community resistance had diminished by 70%, with three major projects rolling out without hurdles. Internally, the mentorship program led to a 30% increase in project efficiency, and inter-departmental collaborations reached an all-time high.

Working in the Civil Service can be challenging, so a good leader needs to be flexible, welcoming, and strong-willed. With what I’ve learned so far, I’m ready to help out and make sure that everyone gets a chance to be a leader in their own way.

Example 3: Civil Service Leadership

Being a leader in the Civil Service means leading teams while also understanding what the public wants. It’s not just about making decisions but also about really getting what different people need and want. My experience has taught me that leadership is as much about listening as it is about guiding.

Situation : When I took charge of the Department of Transportation’s outreach team, I encountered a significant challenge. Several public transit proposals, though well-intentioned, were met with skepticism and pushback from local communities.

Task : Beyond my standard duties, I recognized an urgent need to rebuild public trust and realign our proposals to better match community needs.

Action : I established “TransitTalks,” interactive town-hall sessions allowing communities to engage directly with our department. These weren’t just informative but dialogic, providing a platform for feedback and concerns. Internally, I championed a mentor-mentee system, ensuring new recruits had guidance and a clearer understanding of our department’s ethos and objectives.

Result : Six months in, not only did public opposition to our transit proposals drop by 60%, but our projects also began incorporating invaluable community insights, leading to more sustainable and accepted initiatives. The mentorship initiative led to a more synchronized team, reducing project lead times by 25%.

In the world of the Civil Service, being a leader is about bringing different things together to create a clear and strong story. Based on what I’ve learned and done, I want to promote a way of leading where everyone works together, respects each other, and grows together.

Example 4: Civil Service Leadership

Being a leader in the Civil Service is about more than just giving orders. It’s about leading while also listening and working together with your team and the public to solve problems. I think a real leader is someone whose ideas connect with others and who makes decisions that really make a difference.

Situation : When I stepped into the role at the Department of Community Development, I was met with a team that was technically proficient but often faced challenges in harmonizing with the communities they served.

Task : Beyond the typical administrative roles, I aimed to revitalize our department’s relationship with the communities and bolster internal team collaboration.

Action : I instituted “Community Voices” – forums where community leaders and citizens could directly discuss their aspirations and concerns with our department. This ensured we didn’t just work for the community but with them. Simultaneously, I launched internal workshops fostering cross-functional collaboration and peer learning, breaking silos and creating a unified departmental vision.

Result : Over the next year, our projects witnessed a 50% increase in community endorsements and support. Internally, project collaboration led to a 35% decrease in delivery times and enhanced team morale.

Within the dynamic framework of the Civil Service, I am driven by a vision of leadership that is both participative and impactful. It’s a vision where leadership is not a position but a shared journey towards creating meaningful societal change.

FAQ: Civil Service Leadership

• Leadership in the Civil Service revolves around guiding teams, shaping departmental strategies, and driving impactful policies, all while adhering to public service values and principles.
• As the Civil Service is instrumental in implementing public policies and programs, effective leadership ensures these are carried out efficiently, transparently, and in the best interest of the public.
• Showcase specific experiences where you’ve led teams, influenced decision-making, or spearheaded projects. Utilize the STAR method in personal statements or interviews to clearly convey your leadership journey.
• While various leadership styles can be effective, the Civil Service often values collaborative, inclusive, and adaptive leadership that prioritizes teamwork, stakeholder engagement, and continuous learning.
• Many departments offer leadership training programs, mentoring opportunities, and rotational assignments to help employees cultivate and enhance their leadership capabilities.
• Leaders might grapple with balancing policy directives with public feedback, managing inter-departmental collaborations, and navigating the complexities of governmental processes and regulations.
• No. Leadership is valued at all levels. Even early-career civil servants can display leadership by taking initiative, championing ideas, or leading small teams and projects.
• Civil Service leadership often involves more stakeholder engagement, a stronger emphasis on public welfare, and navigating unique bureaucratic and regulatory landscapes.
• Seek feedback regularly, participate in available training, engage in cross-departmental projects, and stay updated on best practices and leadership trends.

Related posts:

• Making Effective Decisions – How to Write a 250 Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
• Delivering at Pace – How to Write a 250 Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
• Communicating & Influencing – How to Write a 250 Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
• Changing & Improving – How to Write a 250 Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
• Civil Service Interview Questions & Answers

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Natalja Atapin

Natalja Atapin is a seasoned job interview and career coach at Megainterview.com and brings a decade of recruitment and coaching experience across diverse industries. Holding a master's degree in Organisational Psychology, she transitioned from coaching to managerial roles at prominent companies like Hays. Natalja's passion for simplifying the job search process is evident in her role at Megainterview.com, where she contributes practical strategies to assist professionals and fresh graduates.

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Civil Service job personal statement - AIBU to ask for advice?

ComingUpTrumps · 19/08/2020 19:17

Hi all, I’m applying for a Civil Service role that asks applicants to submit a personal statement and CV. The personal statement word-limit is 1,000 words, so it’s a decent word length for expanding on skills and experience and reasons for wanting the job. However, the application also has a separate section called ‘Desirable skills and experience’. The answer word-limit for this is 250 words, so it’s much less than the personal statement. As it’s such a tiny word allowance and there are around 5 desirable skills, I’m unsure how to approach writing my answer to this section. (I’ve attached a photo of this section, for context). One plan I have in mind is to summarise the experience mentioned in my personal statement so it fits the 250 word limit for this section and also shows what skills I have. I don’t think it would be helpful for them if I just repeat what I wrote in the personal statement though. Has anyone had experience of this type of application when applying for Civil Service jobs? I’d be grateful for any advice!

Bumping in case anyone has any advice :)

I’d expect to see - Something about the organisation values and how you demonstrate them Concrete examples of achievements that demonstrate skills Some indication you’d researched the role, the future, the business plan/strategy and your part in that. How you can demonstrate knowledge of current affairs and political awareness.

I've recruited for the civil service and I agree with pp, depending on the area you may want to focus on political trends impacting this area, structural changes , public opinion etc (I did some MOJ recruitment and the expectations were slightly different, although still technically civil service)

I recruit for public sector (not civil service), and I would do a bullet point for each key skill listed explaining (concisely) how I met it and preferably giving an example of a past experience. I would put the bits about organisational values, indications that you’ve researched the role etc into the general personal statement section.

Current CS here. Business awareness and vision is less important. We have been trained to write and assess competency and behavioural examples for years and are somewhat institutionalised to value it. Personal statements are a fairly recent thing so we all still very much recognise the competency format. You should focus on examples and experience. If you can weave in the organisational values then great. But really the focus should be on what it says there under essential skills. The job sounds like it’s probably drafting responses to Parliamentary Questions and writing briefings. Ensure your application has brilliant, succinct language use. Use examples of collaborating with others and having to write effectively, including to persuade with factual arguments. For a competency example you would use the STAR format- look it up. In a statement you will use that less fully but it can still be there, light touch. I’d recommend writing along the lines of: “I have [refer to or rephrase essential skill] excellent interpersonal skills. I demonstrated this in my role as X when I had to Y (e.g. coordinate 3 teams to deliver doodlebops). [situation and task ]. I set up a network of bla blas and explored their priorities.... [actions]. In the end, my team’s goals were achieved and the network still does stuff. [result]. I thrive on e.g. collaboration and getting results at pace. For example, I [insert achievement] and I [insert larger, more full example as above]. In this role, I believe I would be able to demonstrate my political knowledge [or something that demonstrates you actually want THIS job]. I was coordinator for the X team and regularly had to negotiate over priorities while bearing in mind something-or-other. My political experience was further developed when I .. [ example].” You should phone the hiring manager if you get the chance. They might give you some clues.

My comment above was re the personal statement. You could throw in some bullets. We like those. For the 250 words I’d do similar to what I suggested above. But ideally using an example that demonstrates several of the essential skills. You should also look up Civil Service Success Profiles and behaviours. There’s loads of info. The essential skills described are mainly in the ‘working together’, ‘collaborating and partnering’ and ‘delivering at pace’ behaviours.

I’m in the midst of a huge recruitment drive - don’t repeat anything , I have seen a lot of people just cut and paste CV into the personal statement and they were graded very poorly as a result. For the personal statement breakdown into the essential criteria mentioned and then for the 250 words cover off the desirable section

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I've applied for loads of CS jobs and I'd be surprised if there's a winning formula. Sometimes I've been offered jobs, sometimes interviews, sometimes nothing and the way I've approached the application has been pretty consistent and thorough (I'm pretty good at applications.) In all situations I've ended up with a better job elsewhere before CS can screen the applications which can take months. I'm sure there be some good advice here but be prepared to wait and maybe don't put your eggs in one basket or get your hopes up but good luck.

I think I'd make sure that the 250 word box covered off all the essential and desirable criteria. Competency based styles of assessment can be really pernickity in terms of where something is answered- there's a risk that if you put it in the personal statement it may not be marked as that's the wrong question. Certainly use the personal statement to emphasise your relevant skills and experience, using different examples, but make sure that the 250words stands alone and fully answers that section. I'd also make the personal statement a bit more personal in terms of what motivates you/drives you to want to be a civil servant, in the context of some of your previous experience, and some references back to civil service roles/policy objectives. I.e. I did XYZ which resulted in a reduction in child inequality in the local area. This has given me a real understanding of the differece that XYZ can make in reducing social inequality and has given me a drive to make a real difference through work of the department .

And yes yes to using STAR format for the 250 words as well. 250 words is a challenge but they always seem to do this for essential criteria questions. Making it into a coherent response within the word count is a skill in its own right.

Thanks so much everyone! This is all really useful advice. I found it tricky to get all 5 of the essential skills to fit the 250-word word limit but hopefully managed to concisely communicate the essence of all of them in the word limit.

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Your CV is a document that allows you to summarise your education, work history, skills and experience which relate to the job you are applying for.  Your skills and experience will be scored against the essential criteria in the job advert so make sure your information is relevant to the job. 

Your work history can include paid work, volunteering work and/or work experience through school or college. You can also mention experience you have from school, college or hobbies and clubs you have been involved in.  For example, if you helped organise a school trip or arranged a charity event you can highlight the skills you used.

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The Civil Service recruits using Success Profiles. This means that for every role, we consider what you’ll need to demonstrate to be successful. 

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What is the Personal Statement: It is an important part of the university application or even some scholarships require it.

By writing the personal statement, the student reflects his ambitions and purpose in studying the particular major at the university.

It also explains the student’s hopes after graduating from university and how to use this degree to achieve his own dreams and help the surrounding community.

The personal statement is the first opportunity for the student to reflect his passion for studying the major he wants at the university, and here lies the importance of the personal statement.

How to write a personal statement

Start writing your personal statement with a brief, professional summary of yourself. Think of it as an oversized bite that sums up who you are. Always start with the following:

• Your job aspirations
• Why did you become interested in studying your desired specialty?
• Talk about practical experience related to the program and specialization you have chosen
• What subjects interested you in your previous studies and how did they help you choose your chosen major?
• Why you want to study at the university you are applying to
• Talking about anything else helps highlight your personality and positive energy in achieving your dreams and helping your community. Talking about real experience in hobby clubs, volunteer work, or speaking scientifically about your specialty increases the likelihood of drawing attention to your personal statement and getting accepted into the university. 

Examples of writing the beginning and subject personal statement

• A media and broadcasting professional with five years of experience working in digital media.
• A highly creative broadcast expert who recently completed a master's degree in videography as well as four years of experience across digital media.
• Experienced web developer with extensive knowledge of web languages, including XHTML, CSS, PHP and JavaScript.
• An outgoing, sociable and well presented Store Assistant with a passion for first class customer service and three years previous experience in a busy high end fashion store.
• A skilled and adaptable builder who specializes in masonry works as well as roofing, plastering, plumbing, woodwork and demolition.
• A articulate and self-motivated Customer Service Specialist with three years' experience in the banking and financial services sectors.

How should I end a statement of purpose – Personal Statement

• Your personal statement should end with your goal. It is an opportunity to conclude your statement with an explanation of why you want to study for this role and why you are the best candidate.
• “Looking for a start in the exciting world of electrical engineering where I can learn a trade and fulfill a lifelong ambition.”
• Hoping to find my next challenge in the world of marketing, and grow my digital portfolio within an innovative and exciting company.”
• “I look forward to starting my career in journalism in a role where I can build on the skills gained at university and work experience.”

Your personal statement should end with your goal. It's an opportunity to conclude your statement with an explanation of why you want the role and why you are the best candidate.

Examples of writing the end of a personal statement

How many words are required to write a personal statement.

• The average words for a bachelor’s program student is between 400 and 600 words.
• Some master's programs require a personal statement of 1,000 words. 

You should avoid exceeding the number of words required by the university because the application review staff reviews a huge amount of personal data. Therefore, the more brief and purposeful the personal statement is within the required number of words, the greater the likelihood of you being accepted by the university. 

Mistakes when writing a personal statement?

• The personal statement is too short or too long
• The personal statement does not contain the required information or contains negative information
• Written inconsistency of the content of the personal statement.

Tips for writing a personal statement in a professional manner

We've compiled our list of key do's and don'ts to help you create the perfect personal statement.

• Grab the reader's attention by adopting a polite, professional, and positive tone
• Keep the personal statement short, concise, and within the recommended length.
• Include a brief overview of your career history.
• Highlight in the personal statement key areas of expertise
• Include basic skills in the personal statement.
• Determine the type of role you are looking for.
• Avoid clichés. Filling your personal statement with ready-made clichés makes your application impersonal and boring
• Use the language of the job description.
• Do not include unnecessary personal information.
• Don't talk about your flaws!
• Don't lie or exaggerate - you will find out.

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• How To Write Your Postgraduate Personal Statement

Choosing a university

• Fairs and open days
• Entry requirements
• What are the differences between an undergraduate and postgraduate personal statement?

What's on this page?

What is a personal statement, preparing to write your personal statement, opening your personal statement, work experience and future plans, ending your personal statement.

Your postgraduate personal statement is your chance to get noticed for your expertise and experience you’ve gathered. It’s an important part of the application process as it allows you to talk about yourself and your passions and prove the value you can bring to your chosen university.

In this article, we’re going to talk you through how to write a postgraduate personal statement that stands out and gives you the best chance of being offered a place on the master’s programme you’re applying for. 

Shona Barrie – Director of Admissions, University of Stirling

You’ll have already written a personal statement for your undergraduate study, so you’ll know the importance of preparation. There are two things to think about when you’re planning:

• The practical and factual information you need to get across.
• Then, the more emotional, human parts of you that make you different to everyone else. 

Before you start writing, take some time to think about the key things you’d want your chosen university to know about you, and get them down on paper.

Questions to focus your mind

• Why have you chosen this master’s programme?
• Why are you passionate about this subject matter? 
• How has your undergraduate study influenced your decision to apply?
• Have you got any work experience that might help you?
• What life experiences have you had that you could talk about?
• What achievements can you talk about to support your application?
• Why do you want to study at this particular university?
• What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Three top tips

Be specific.

Remember that a postgraduate personal statement needs you to talk specifically about the university you’ve chosen.

Demonstrate experience

Universities will be looking for postgraduate students who are able to demonstrate expertise in a particular subject – so include that.

Show what you've learnt

Tell the university about your university life as an undergraduate and include any clubs or societies you were involved in.

Admissions tutors will be reading a lot of personal statements so it’s important to grab their attention right from the start. 

You can find a full guide on How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber but here are the main things for you to think about. 

• Don’t overthink the opening . Just start by showing your enthusiasm for the subject, showcasing your knowledge and understanding, and sharing your ambitions of what you want to achieve.
• Avoid cliches . Remember, this opening part is simply about introducing yourself, so let the admissions tutor reading your personal statement get to know you. 
• Keep it relevant and simple . You’re limited on how much you can include so avoid long-winded explanations. Why use 50 words when ten can make your point?

Talking about the course

Now you’re ready to start talking about the course and subject you’re applying for.

There are four main areas you’ll need to cover in this section of your personal statement. 

• Why are you applying for this master’s?  Think about your undergraduate study and how this master’s will develop your expertise further. Do you have career aspirations this course will help you achieve?
• Why does the subject interest you? This is your chance to show your passion and really demonstrate who you are. If you have work or volunteering experiences related to the subject, include them here.
• Why do you think you’ll be an asset to the university?  Your personal and practical skills combined together create a unique picture of who you are and why you’ll be a successful postgraduate student, so include both. 
• How does your previous undergraduate study relate to the course? Showcase your enthusiasm for your current study and take the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and knowledge now, and how you want to build on that. 

Next, you’ll need to write about your personal skills and achievements.

Universities like to know the abilities you have that’ll help you on the course, or generally with life at university. Don’t forget to include evidence to back up why you’re so passionate about the programme you’ve chosen.

Your personal skills and achievements

Be bold and talk about the achievements you’re proud of., include positions of responsibility you hold, or have held, both in and out of school., what are the things that make you interesting, special, or unique .

Your work experience and future plans are important to include in your personal statement. You should share details of jobs, placements, work experience, or voluntary work, particularly if it's relevant to your course. 

• Try to link any experience to skills or qualities that’ll make you successful on your course.
• If you know what you’d like to do after as a career, explain how you plan to use the knowledge and experience you’ll gain.

It’s always good to connect the beginning of your statement to the end and a great way to reinforce what you said at the start. You want to see the ending as your chance to end in a way that’ll make the university remember you. 

This final part of your personal statement should emphasise the great points you’ve already made and answer the question of why you should be offered a place on the course. 

Read our full guide on How to finish your statement the right way .

Aakriti Labra – MSc Occupational and Organisational Psychology, University of Surrey

Now you’ve written your postgraduate personal statement, you’ll need to do a couple of final things before you submit it. 

• Have you proofread your personal statement? Don’t just rely on spellcheckers. We’d recommend reading it out loud as that’s a great way to spot any errors as well as checking it sounds like you. 
• Have you asked for feedback? Ask friends, family or your undergraduate university tutors to have a read through your personal statement and take their feedback on board.
• Check out our personal statement dos and don'ts Have a look at the common pitfalls against your final draft to make sure you haven't made any obvious errors!

Postgraduate

More advice.

Use the UCAS’ personal statement tool alongside this guide to help you structure your ideas.

Do you want to understand the differences between an undergraduate and postgraduate personal statement? Take a look at our guide here.

Why study a postgraduate course? Find out here.  

What funding is there for postgraduate courses?  

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