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Mastering the Civil Service Personal Statement: A Job Applicant's Guide

20 February 2024

Introduction

Crafting a compelling civil service personal statement is crucial when applying for roles within the civil service sector. Your personal statement is your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and passion for public service to potential employers. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to help you write a standout civil service personal statement that will set you apart from other candidates.

Whether you are applying for a position in the Home Office, HM Revenue & Customs, or the Department for Work and Pensions, a well-written personal statement can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview. By following our expert tips and advice, you will be on your way to impressing hiring managers and landing your dream job in the civil service.

Understanding the Civil Service Personal Statement

When applying for a job in the civil service sector in the UK, one of the key components of your application is the personal statement. This document allows you to showcase your skills, experiences, and motivations to the hiring managers, giving them insight into why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Understanding how to craft an effective civil service personal statement is crucial for standing out in a competitive job market.

Importance of the Personal Statement

Your personal statement is your opportunity to go beyond your CV and cover letter, providing a more in-depth look at who you are as a candidate. It allows you to demonstrate your passion for public service, your understanding of the role and organization, and how your skills align with the job requirements. A well-written personal statement can make a significant difference in whether you are invited for an interview.

Key Elements to Include

When writing your civil service personal statement, it is essential to address specific key elements. These include:

• Your motivation for applying to the role
• Relevant skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate
• Your understanding of the civil service values and how you embody them
• Examples of when you have demonstrated key competencies required for the role

By addressing these elements in your personal statement, you can effectively convey why you are the right fit for the position and the organization.

Aligning with Civil Service Values

The civil service values form the foundation of the sector, emphasizing integrity, honesty, impartiality, and objectivity. When writing your personal statement, it is crucial to demonstrate how you embody these values in your work and personal life. Providing concrete examples of when you have upheld these values can strengthen your application and show your commitment to public service.

According to John Doe, a career advisor in the UK, "Aligning your personal statement with the core values of the civil service is essential. Hiring managers look for candidates who not only meet the job requirements but also resonate with the values that drive the sector."

By understanding the purpose of the civil service personal statement and incorporating key elements that align with the sector's values, you can create a compelling document that sets you apart from other applicants.

Research the Job and Organization

Before diving into writing your civil service personal statement, it is crucial to conduct thorough research on the job position and the organization you are applying to. This step is essential in tailoring your personal statement to the specific requirements and values of the role and employer.

Understanding the Job Role

Start by carefully reading through the job description provided by the Civil Service. Pay close attention to the key responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required for the position. Highlight the keywords and phrases that resonate with your own experiences and abilities.

Researching the Organization

Delve into the background of the department or agency within the Civil Service where the job is based. Familiarize yourself with the organization's values, goals, and any recent projects or initiatives they have been involved in. Understanding the ethos of the organization will allow you to align your personal statement with their mission and objectives.

• Visit the organization's official website to gather information about their structure, key personnel, and current priorities.
• Follow the organization on social media platforms to stay updated on their latest news and developments.
• Look for any press releases, reports, or publications that provide insights into the organization's strategic direction.

By demonstrating a solid understanding of both the job role and the organization, you can showcase your genuine interest in the position and your suitability for contributing to the success of the team.

Highlighting Your Skills and Experience

When writing your civil service personal statement, it is crucial to effectively highlight your skills and experience. This section is where you can showcase what sets you apart from other candidates and demonstrate why you are the perfect fit for the job.

Identify Key Skills

Start by identifying the key skills and competencies that the job role requires. Look at the job description and person specification carefully to understand what qualities the hiring manager is looking for. These may include leadership, communication, problem-solving, analytical skills, and more.

• Make a list of your own skills and experiences that match the job requirements.
• Provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in previous roles.
• Use action verbs such as 'managed,' 'achieved,' 'led,' to make your statements more impactful.

Showcase Achievements

Avoid simply listing your skills; instead, showcase your achievements and how your skills have made a tangible impact. Quantify your achievements where possible to provide evidence of your capabilities.

• For example, instead of saying "I have good leadership skills," you could say "As a team leader, I successfully managed a project that resulted in a 20% increase in efficiency."
• Focus on results and outcomes to demonstrate your effectiveness.

Relevance is Key

Ensure that the skills and experiences you highlight are relevant to the specific job and organization you are applying to. Tailor your personal statement for each application to show that you have taken the time to understand the role and how you can contribute to the team.

Remember, your personal statement is your opportunity to make a strong first impression, so make sure to present your skills and experiences in a clear and compelling way. 

Structuring Your Personal Statement

Structuring your civil service personal statement is crucial to ensure that it effectively showcases your skills and experiences. A well-organized personal statement will grab the attention of recruiters and highlight why you are the ideal candidate for the job. Here are some key tips on how to structure your personal statement:

1. Introduction:

Start your personal statement with a strong opening that grabs the reader's attention. Introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the role and the organization. Highlight your enthusiasm for working in the civil service and briefly mention your relevant experience.

2. Skills and Experience:

After the introduction, focus on highlighting your key skills and experiences that make you a suitable candidate for the role. Provide specific examples of how your skills have been put into practice and how they align with the requirements of the job. Use concise and clear language to demonstrate your abilities.

3. Achievements and Accomplishments:

Include a section that showcases your achievements and accomplishments. This could be in the form of awards, certifications, or successful projects you have worked on. Highlighting your successes will help to demonstrate your capabilities and potential contribution to the organization.

4. Career Goals:

Outline your career goals and aspirations within the civil service. Explain why you are passionate about pursuing a career in this field and how this particular role fits into your long-term objectives. Showing a clear sense of direction and purpose will impress recruiters.

5. Fit with the Organization:

Demonstrate your understanding of the organization and how your values and goals align with theirs. Research the organization's mission, values, and culture, and explain why you believe you would be a good fit. Show that you have a genuine interest in contributing to the organization's success.

6. Conclusion:

End your personal statement with a strong conclusion that reinforces your suitability for the role. Summarize your key points and reiterate why you are the best candidate for the job. Finish with a compelling statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

By following these guidelines and structuring your personal statement effectively, you can increase your chances of standing out to recruiters and securing your dream job in the civil service.

Writing Style and Tone

When it comes to crafting your civil service personal statement, the writing style and tone you use are crucial in making a positive impression on the hiring committee. Here are some key points to consider:

Clarity and Conciseness

Ensure that your personal statement is clear and to the point. Avoid using jargon or overly complex language that may confuse the reader. Be concise in your writing, focusing on the most relevant information that showcases your skills and experiences.

Professional Tone

Maintain a professional tone throughout your personal statement. This means using formal language and avoiding slang or informal expressions. Demonstrate your professionalism by presenting your qualifications and achievements in a serious and respectful manner.

Positive Language

Use positive language to convey your enthusiasm and passion for the role. Highlight your achievements and strengths without sounding arrogant. Frame your experiences in a way that demonstrates your proactive attitude and willingness to take on challenges.

Tailored Approach

Customize your writing style and tone to align with the values and culture of the Civil Service. Research the organization's ethos and mission statement to ensure that your personal statement reflects these core principles. Tailoring your approach shows that you have a genuine interest in the role.

Engaging Narrative

Create a compelling narrative that captivates the reader's attention from the outset. Use storytelling techniques to illustrate your skills and experiences in a memorable way. Engage the reader by providing concrete examples that demonstrate your capabilities and achievements.

Professional Formatting

Pay attention to the formatting of your personal statement to ensure a polished and professional look. Use a clear font and layout that is easy to read. Organize your content into paragraphs and bullet points for better readability. A well-formatted document reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

Remember, your personal statement is an opportunity to showcase your qualifications and suitability for the role. By carefully considering your writing style and tone, you can create a compelling and persuasive document that sets you apart from other candidates.

Proofreading and Editing

Once you have written your civil service personal statement, the next crucial step is to proofread and edit it. This process is essential to ensure that your statement is polished, error-free, and effectively communicates your skills and experiences. Here are some tips to help you perfect your personal statement:

Check for Spelling and Grammar Errors

Spelling and grammar mistakes can detract from the professionalism of your personal statement. Use spelling and grammar check tools, but also consider reading your statement aloud or asking someone else to review it for you.

Ensure Clarity and Coherence

Make sure that your personal statement is clear and coherent. Check that your ideas flow logically and that each paragraph connects smoothly to the next. Avoid jargon or overly complex language that may confuse the reader.

Trim Unnecessary Information

Review your personal statement to ensure that every sentence contributes to showcasing your skills and experiences. Remove any irrelevant or repetitive information to keep your statement concise and focused.

Seek Feedback

Ask friends, family members, or colleagues to read your personal statement and provide feedback. They can offer valuable insights and suggestions for improvement that you may have overlooked.

Use a Professional Tone

Ensure that your personal statement maintains a professional tone throughout. Avoid using slang, informal language, or overly personal anecdotes. Your statement should convey your professionalism and suitability for the role.

Double-Check Formatting

Pay attention to the formatting of your personal statement, including font size, spacing, and alignment. A well-formatted document is visually appealing and demonstrates your attention to detail.

Final Review

Before submitting your personal statement, perform a final review to catch any last-minute errors or inconsistencies. Take the time to read through your statement carefully to ensure it meets the requirements of the job application.

Remember that a well-written and carefully edited personal statement can significantly impact your chances of securing a civil service job. By investing time and effort into proofreading and editing your statement, you can present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers.

Expert Advice on Crafting a Standout Personal Statement

Creating a compelling civil service personal statement can be the key to securing your dream job within the UK Civil Service. To help you craft a standout personal statement, we have gathered expert advice from professionals in the field.

1. Helen Evans, HR Manager at a Government Department in the UK:

"When writing your personal statement for a Civil Service job, make sure to clearly demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the competencies required for the role. Use specific examples to showcase your achievements and capabilities."

2. John Smith, Career Coach and Resume Writer:

"Tailor your personal statement to the job and organization you are applying to. Research the Civil Service department thoroughly and understand their values and objectives to show that you are a good fit for the role."

Moreover, international experts also emphasize the importance of showcasing your unique qualities in your personal statement:

3. Sarah Lee, Recruitment Consultant from the US:

"Don't just list your skills and experiences; explain how they have shaped you as a professional. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide concrete examples of your achievements."

By incorporating these expert tips into your personal statement, you can increase your chances of standing out to recruiters and securing a Civil Service job in the UK.

Statistics on Civil Service Job Applications in the UK

Understanding the landscape of Civil Service job applications in the UK can provide valuable insights for individuals looking to craft a compelling personal statement. Here are some key statistics to consider:

1. Number of Applications

On average, each Civil Service job opening in the UK receives around 25-30 applications. This indicates a high level of competition for positions within the Civil Service.

2. Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate for Civil Service job applications is approximately 5-7%. This low acceptance rate underscores the importance of submitting a well-crafted personal statement that effectively showcases your skills and experiences.

3. Most In-Demand Roles

Statistically, roles within the areas of policy, digital, and project management are among the most in-demand within the Civil Service in the UK. Tailoring your personal statement to highlight relevant skills for these roles can increase your chances of success.

4. Impact of Personal Statements

Research has shown that applicants who submit strong personal statements are up to 50% more likely to be shortlisted for interviews compared to those with generic or poorly written statements. This highlights the crucial role that personal statements play in the job application process.

By keeping these statistics in mind and crafting a personal statement that aligns with the expectations of Civil Service recruiters, you can enhance your chances of securing a desirable position within the UK Civil Service.

Writing a civil service personal statement can be a challenging task, but with the right guidance and approach, you can craft a compelling document that highlights your skills and experiences effectively.  Remember, your personal statement is your opportunity to showcase why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Take the time to research the job and organization, tailor your statement to the specific role, and pay attention to the structure, style, and tone of your writing. Proofreading and editing are crucial steps to ensure your statement is polished and error-free.

Stand Out from the Competition

As competition for civil service jobs in the UK continues to be fierce, it is essential to make your personal statement stand out. Expert advice from career coaches and recruiters can also provide valuable insights into crafting a standout personal statement. Jane Doe, a career advisor in London, recommends, "Highlight your achievements and quantify your impact to demonstrate your capabilities effectively."

By leveraging the expertise of professionals and utilizing the resources available on our site, you can create a personal statement that resonates with hiring managers and increases your chances of landing your dream job in the civil service sector.

Making Effective Decisions – How to Write a 250 Word Statement For a Civil Service Application

• Updated January 15, 2024
• Published September 28, 2023

In the Civil Service, making effective decisions is crucial. Securing a position within the civil service is an admirable and impactful career choice. Whether you aspire to work in government, public administration, or related fields, the application process for civil service roles can be highly competitive.

One crucial aspect of your application is the “ 250-word statement, ” a concise document that holds significant weight in the selection process. Your ability to make effective decisions and articulate them within this limited word count is pivotal.

In this article, we will delve into the art of crafting a compelling and concise 250-word statement for your civil service application. We will guide you through the essential components of this statement, including understanding the competencies, structuring your response, and showcasing your qualifications effectively.

By the end of this article, you will have the knowledge and confidence to present yourself as a strong candidate, capable of making effective decisions in the complex and dynamic world of civil service. So, let us help equip you with the tools to stand out and succeed in your civil service application.

What Does Making Effective Decisions Mean in Civil Service?

In civil service, the concept of making effective decisions transcends mere problem-solving. It encompasses a holistic approach that combines analytical prowess, sound judgment, adaptability, and a strong sense of public duty. Effective decision-making means having the ability to navigate complex issues, often with incomplete information, and arrive at choices that serve the best interests of the public.

It involves considering the long-term consequences of decisions, adhering to ethical principles, and balancing the diverse needs and perspectives of a diverse society. A civil servant who excels in this competency demonstrates a commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the ever-evolving demands of governance.

Showcasing Effective Decision-Making in Your 250-Word Personal Statement

When crafting your 250-word personal statement for a civil service application, it is crucial to showcase your understanding of effective decision-making. Begin by providing a concise but impactful example from your past experiences, preferably from a relevant role or situation where you demonstrated your decision-making skills.

Describe the context, the challenge or opportunity you faced, and the steps you took to analyze the situation thoroughly. Emphasize your ability to weigh options, consider multiple viewpoints, and arrive at a well-reasoned decision that yields positive outcomes.

Highlighting Key Qualities and Competencies

In your 250-word statement, highlight the key qualities and competencies that underpin effective decision-making. Discuss how you embrace critical thinking, data analysis, and risk assessment to inform your choices. Mention your commitment to ethical decision-making, ensuring that the public’s trust is upheld in all your actions.

Showcase your adaptability and agility in responding to changing circumstances and your ability to collaborate with diverse teams to reach consensus when necessary. By presenting concrete examples and demonstrating your understanding of the multifaceted nature of decision-making in civil service, you’ll convey your readiness to excel in this vital competency and contribute significantly to the public good.

• Changing & Improving – How to Write a 250-Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
• Leadership – 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

How to Structure a 250-word Personal Statement?

Crafting a compelling 250-word personal statement for your civil service application requires a thoughtful and structured approach. Given the limited word count, every word and sentence must count towards showcasing your qualifications and suitability for the role.

Begin by introducing yourself briefly and explaining your interest in the position. A concise opening sentence or two should capture the reader’s attention and provide context for the rest of your statement. For instance, you can mention your current role, your passion for public service, or any relevant background that aligns with the position. Go into detail about your belief in making effective decisions.

STAR Method

After the introduction and establishing your personal philosophy or belief about decision-making, provide a snapshot of where your conviction comes from. Mention relevant roles or experiences that have shaped your view on decision-making. Next, use the STAR method to illustrate a scenario where you demonstrated your dedication to making effective decisions. 

Situation : Detail a particular event or circumstance where you were challenged to make a significant decision. The aim is to provide context for your evidence. This could be a project that you worked on, a challenging situation where you took responsibility, or a situation where you helped another person in decision-making.

Task : Here, delineate your specific role or responsibility in the mentioned situation. What were you tasked to decide or achieve? This sets the stage for your actions. Focus on what you did to ensure effective decision-making.

Action : Discuss your approach. How did you navigate the task? Which resources or strategies did you employ? If multiple options were present, how did you assess them? This section is pivotal in illustrating your effective decision-making process and thought pattern. 

Result : Highlight the outcome or impact of your decision. Was it beneficial for the decision-making process? Were there learnings you took away? Show the reader that your actions led to concrete, often positive, outcomes.

Proofreading and Conciseness

Ask a trusted friend or mentor to review it for feedback and ensure that it effectively communicates your qualifications and enthusiasm. By adhering to this structured approach and paying attention to detail, you can create a powerful 250-word personal statement that leaves a lasting impression on the selection committee and enhances your chances of success in your civil service application.

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

To formulate a compelling 250-word statement, there are a couple of tips to help you get started. 

• Use the STAR Method : Ensure that each step of the STAR Method is concise and to the point. Balance the length of each section, and be clear and direct.
• Start with a Clear Plan: Before you begin writing, outline the key points and experiences you want to include. Having a structured plan will help you stay focused and avoid unnecessary details.
• Be Ruthless with Editing: Once you’ve written your initial draft, go back and edit rigorously. Look for redundant phrases or ideas that can be expressed more succinctly.
• Use Strong Action Verbs: Opt for strong verbs that convey your achievements directly, allowing you to express more in fewer words. For example, “managed” instead of “was responsible for managing.”
• Prioritize Relevance: Keep the focus on experiences and skills directly relevant to the civil service role. Avoid going off-topic or including unrelated anecdotes.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use quantifiable metrics to highlight your accomplishments. Numbers can provide a vivid picture of your contributions.
• Avoid Jargon: While it’s essential to demonstrate your expertise, avoid using excessive industry-specific jargon that might confuse or inflate your word count unnecessarily.
• Condense Lists: If you need to list multiple accomplishments, group them into concise bullet points rather than lengthy sentences.
• Combine Sentences: Look for opportunities to combine related sentences or ideas. Condensing information can save valuable space.
• Use Contractions: Utilize contractions like “I’ve” instead of “I have” to make your writing sound more conversational and save a few characters.
• Seek Feedback: Share your statement with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor for feedback. They can often spot areas where you can make your writing more concise or clarify your points.
• Read Aloud: Reading your statement aloud can help you identify overly complex sentences or areas where you can simplify your language.
• Stay Mindful of the Word Count: As you make revisions, continuously check the word count to ensure you’re within the 250-word limit.
• Have a Clear Conclusion: Wrap up your statement with a concise and impactful closing statement that reinforces your enthusiasm and suitability for the role.

By implementing these tips and tricks, you can craft a focused, compelling, and well-edited personal statement that adheres to the strict 250-word limit while effectively showcasing your qualifications and passion for the civil service position.

Example Personal Statement Civil Service

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

Example 1: Civil Service Making Effective Decisions 

Effective decision-making is the linchpin of any successful public service endeavor. This philosophy has been a cornerstone of my professional life, consistently driving me to ensure that the decisions I make are not only timely but also robust, inclusive, and sustainable. Drawing from my tenure as a Project Coordinator at ABC Organization, I’ve cultivated an acute understanding of the intricate balance required in civil service roles.

Situation : While spearheading a major community project aimed at urban sustainability, I faced challenges related to conflicting stakeholder interests, with both environmental groups and local businesses presenting contrasting priorities.

Task : My challenge was to harmonize these varied perspectives into a unified, actionable plan that would serve the community’s broader interests without compromising our sustainability goals.

Action : I organized a series of consultative forums, bringing together representatives from each stakeholder group. Leveraging these discussions, I commissioned a team to map out potential solutions, weighing each against our project objectives. Through iterative evaluations and collaborations, we were able to devise a strategy that integrated economic and environmental considerations.

Result : The project was executed with unanimous stakeholder approval, setting a precedent for future initiatives. It underscored the importance of consultative, data-driven decision-making in achieving outcomes that resonate with a diverse set of stakeholders.

In seeking a role within the Civil Service, I aspire to apply and further hone these decision-making skills, aiming for impact, inclusivity, and innovation in every endeavor.

Example 2: Civil Service Making Effective Decisions 

Throughout my career, the belief that purposeful and strategic decision-making lies at the heart of successful public service has remained unwavering. My role as a Community Outreach Manager at XYZ Council has provided me numerous opportunities to shape decisions that have far-reaching consequences.

Situation : In one pivotal instance, we were tasked to rejuvenate an underused public park, but budget constraints and community concerns regarding the disruption posed significant challenges.

Task : My primary responsibility was to deliver a revitalized park that met community needs, preserved local heritage, and stayed within budget.

Action : Recognizing the importance of community buy-in, I initiated a two-pronged approach. First, I facilitated a series of community engagement workshops to understand their aspirations for the space. Concurrently, I collaborated with financial analysts to draft potential budget scenarios. Integrating the community’s feedback, I proposed a park redesign that incorporated historical landmarks, community spaces, and eco-friendly facilities. I also identified potential sponsorships and grants to offset costs, ensuring financial viability.

Result : The transformed park, unveiled months later, not only stayed within budget but also received accolades for its blend of heritage and innovation. Visitor numbers surged, and the park became a community hub, testifying to the success of the decisions made.

As I look to contribute to the Civil Service, I bring with me this meticulous approach to decision-making, ensuring that every choice is rooted in research, collaboration, and a deep commitment to community welfare.

Example 3: Civil Service Making Effective Decisions 

In the realm of public service, I am aware that decisions resonate beyond the confines of a spreadsheet or a meeting room. As an Urban Development Strategist at LMN Planners, my actions directly influenced community well-being and long-term city growth.

Situation : We were confronted with revitalizing an old district, a mosaic of dilapidated buildings, and a rich historical legacy. The easy route was to raze and rebuild, but this would erase invaluable cultural history.

Task : My challenge was to integrate modern urban planning with heritage preservation, creating a vibrant, functional, and historically resonant space.

Action : Collaborating with a team of historians, architects, and community leaders, I organized town hall sessions to understand local sentiments and aspirations. We then used 3D mapping tools to overlay modern designs onto the historical structures, aiming to blend the old with the new. By reallocating certain commercial zones, we introduced a pedestrian-friendly layout, prioritizing communal spaces while retaining iconic landmarks.

Result : The district’s transformation became emblematic of merging past and future. It witnessed increased footfall, reinvigorated business activities, and was featured in architectural journals. Most importantly, it preserved the narratives and histories of its inhabitants while catering to the needs of a modern city.

Entering the Civil Service, my vision is clear: to make decisions that respect our past, understand our present, and anticipate our future. I am driven by the goal of making choices that not only solve today’s problems but also respect the tapestry of our shared histories.

Example 4: Civil Service Making Effective Decisions 

Decisions made in public service carry an inherent weight of responsibility, echoing across communities and generations. My tenure as a Sustainability Lead at XYZ Initiatives has refined my perspective on decision-making, ensuring it’s both informed and impactful.

Situation : Amid a citywide push for greener infrastructure, I encountered a dilemma where a proposed green belt conflicted with an area earmarked for essential urban development.

Task : My mandate was to find a middle ground: fulfilling our environmental commitment without hindering urban growth.

Action : Recognizing the multifaceted nature of the issue, I spearheaded an interdisciplinary team comprising urban planners, environmentalists, and community representatives. Through a series of workshops, we mapped out the potential overlap between the green initiative and urban development. Leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS), we visualized alternative configurations that could serve both objectives. This techno-social approach facilitated the identification of areas for green corridors that enhanced, rather than impeded, urban progression.

Result : Our innovative solution resulted in not only preserving 80% of the original green belt but also enhancing urban connectivity and accessibility. This initiative was subsequently hailed as a blueprint for sustainable urban planning, capturing the essence of effective and symbiotic decision-making.

In joining the Civil Service, I seek to embody this balanced and integrative approach to decision-making, always striving for solutions that serve the multifaceted needs of our diverse communities while upholding the principles of sustainability and progress.

FAQ: Civil Service Making Effective Decisions

• This competency focuses on your ability to make clear, informed, and effective choices by analyzing available information, evaluating risks and implications, and considering both current and future impacts.
• Since your role carries public responsibility, the decisions you make must be in the best interests of the public, sustainable, and considerate of both immediate and long-term implications.
• You can use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in your personal statement or interview responses to provide structured examples of your past decision-making experiences.
• While individual departments might have their preferred tools, the general emphasis is on evidence-based decision-making, collaboration, and consistent evaluation.
• Examples might include determining budget allocations, selecting policy options, deciding on strategies for public engagement, or prioritizing departmental objectives.
• Yes, regardless of your position, making effective decisions and encouraging others to do so as well is essential for success in the Civil Service.
• Yes, the Civil Service often provides training programs, workshops, and resources focusing on decision-making, leadership, and other core competencies.

Related posts:

• 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
• Leadership – 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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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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Civil Service Success Profiles

The Civil Service recruits using a skills, abilities and experience framework called Success Profiles. For each job, we consider what you need to demonstrate to perform successfully in the job. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job and gives you an opportunity to demonstrate what you can bring to it.

Success Profiles video

This video tells you what you'll need to provide throughout the assessment process with supporting guidance on each step.

For some jobs you will be asked to provide a CV (curriculum vitae) as part of your application. Here you can find information on how to write the best CV.

How to write your personal statement

For some jobs you will be asked to provide a personal statement or statement of suitability. Here you can find information on how to show yourself in the best light.

The Civil Service Behaviours are one element of the Success Profile. These are the things that people do that result in effective performance. Read more about why we use Behaviours to assess you here.

What to expect next

The recruitment process, and what evidence is asked for, varies depending on the job you are applying for. Here you can read about different stages of recruitment.

It is much more diverse than I thought it would be. I thought as a woman of colour I would stick out. That hasn’t been the case at all. My cohort of apprentices are so diverse Civil Servant

How to Apply

Still need more information on how to apply? Head back to our list of information to support you with your application.

How to apply

Could an apprenticeship be right for you?

An apprenticeship puts you in a paid position whilst allowing you to study for professional accreditation.

See all of the detailed Success Profiles guides

GOV.UK hosts a huge amount of guidance on the different elements of Success Profiles.

Blog Defra digital, data, technology and security

https://defradigital.blog.gov.uk/2023/04/14/how-to-improve-civil-service-job-applications-and-ace-your-interviews/

How to improve Civil Service job applications and ace your interviews

As recruiters around the world have been celebrating International Recruiter’s Day, Polly Whitworth shares her tips for those thinking of applying for a job in the Civil Service, including how to avoid some of the common pitfalls in the written application process and the interview.

I’m a huge cat lover (I expect you can tell from the picture)! I think I like cats so much because they are independent, and they “choose” their human.

Like many people, I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I graduated. I studied International Relations and Mandarin Chinese, with a year spent abroad in Wuhan.

I had the best time; however, I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I graduated. I sort of fell into Civil Service recruitment (as I know that I enjoy connecting people) and I have loved it ever since.

Working in central government has many benefits including hybrid and flexible working, learning and development budget, diverse staff networks. up to 27% pension contribution, a generous cycle to work scheme, minimum of 25 days annual leave rising to 30 after five years’ service and a privilege day off to mark the King’s birthday.

I work in a truly diverse and inclusive environment at Defra Digital data and technology; an environment that encourages ideas, new ways of working and supports my development as a recruiter.

One of my academic interests was in gender, and I’ve been able use my knowledge of both recruitment and gender disparity in technology roles to implement a job advert text analyser that eliminates bias from our job descriptions.

We’ve really seen a difference too; more women are now applying to our digital data and technology jobs than ever before, with an increase every year.

Working in Defra is not your typical ‘9 to 5’ either; there is also an opportunity to take up to three days off a year for volunteer leave. I take one of my volunteer days to go back to the University of Portsmouth and talk to the students about careers in the Civil Service, as well as providing them with hints and tips on how to apply.

Understanding the Civil Service recruitment process

Civil Service jobs use Success Profiles to assess candidates. This includes the need to demonstrate their experience, ability, technical skills, behaviours and strengths.

We mark on a merit basis and use a Civil Service rating scale between 1 and 7 to score each assessment on the job advert. To pass to the next stage, you will require to score a 4 or more on each assessment.

This means it’s very important to tailor your application specifically to what is required on the job advert. A standard job advert would normally require a CV and personal statement.

Let’s go through the top elements you normally see on one of our Digital, Data and Technology Civil Service Job adverts.

Application: CV writing

You’ll find that most Civil Service Jobs adverts ask for CVs. Ensure you carefully read the Job Description and Person Specification, so you are clear what skills and experience are required for the role.

Write your CV and provide examples on how you meet the criteria of the Person Specification. Try and write your examples using the STAR format .

Application: Writing your Personal Statement

Typically, the Personal Statement is 250-1,000 words long and the question will ask the following:

“'Referring to the "Responsibilities and Skills and Experience' sections of the job advert, please demonstrate how you are suitable for the role by providing relevant examples."

You should answer by providing evidence on how you have the relevant or transferable skills that match the requirements under the Person Specification section. Use the STAR format again here. Try to avoid including information that is not relevant to the role as this can eat up your word count. And do check out some of the various websites that provide Personal Statement writing tips .

Interview: Behaviours

When it comes to the interview, assessors will be looking for you to demonstrate evidence against the behaviours that were outlined in the original job advert.

Behaviours are the actions and activities that you do which result in effective performance at a job. They may start with ‘Tell me about a time when…’. I’d recommend you really practice your STAR examples before the interview.

Assessors may ask you follow-up questions from your example, which is great! They want you to give the best answer possible.

You may find this hints and tips document helpful for deciding which examples to use at your Interview. There are some useful videos, for example this one by Jac Williams , and this one by CareerVidz , which help explain how to answer Behaviours questions.

Interview: Technical

Technical skills focus more on specific professional skills. The assessor could ask you to do a scenario-based exercise, test, or a presentation.

You should prepare for this by understanding what is required of the technical skill and make sure you have prepared examples of you demonstrating that skill.

We have a digital, data and technology framework that looks at some of the Technical skills that may be assessed at your interview if you are applying for a DDaT role .

Interview: Strengths

Strengths are things we do regularly, do well and that motivate us. Now is your time to shine!

These questions will require shorter answers, typically two minutes at the most. Examples of questions you might be asked include ‘What motivates you to get up in the morning?’ or ‘Would others describe you as an analytical person?’

You don’t need to apply the STAR format here. Don’t rehearse your answers either as we’re looking for a natural response.

Final Step: Perseverance

A final few words of wisdom. I feel that Civil Service jobs are in high demand because of the benefits we offer such as the unbeatable pension scheme and flexible working .

If at first, you don’t succeed… try again! I applied for several Civil Service Jobs before I landed my current Resourcing Partner role at Defra. So don’t give up.

Polly Whitworth is a Resourcing Partner in Defra Digital Data and Technology.

Check out the latest jobs at Defra Digital Data and Technology . You can also follow our LinkedIn page for all the latest blog posts and job openings.

Find out more about the benefits of working at Defra .

International Recruiters Day is celebrated every year by recruiters the world over.

Tags: digital , people , recruitment , Technology

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A guide to personal statements for public and civil service jobs: how to sell yourself, both on application forms and in person

Recruiting managers may have to sift through hundreds or even thousands of applications, while i nterviewers are likely to be meeting multiple candidates. So how do you ensure you stand out from the crowd? Writing a short but perfectly formed personal statement or selling yourself at interview in just a few well-chosen words could make all the difference. Danielle Littlejohn tells you how    

A personal statement is a summary of what you offer an employer whether you’re a school leaver, graduate, or an established career mover. By condensing your experience and skills into a few sentences, the aim is to highlight what sets you apart from others whether you are applying for a new role and writing a personal statement to go with your CV, or relaying your experience during an interview or more relaxed meeting. These days we need to be able to promote our professional worth in just one or two minutes.  

Be it a written or verbal personal statement, recruiting managers and interviewers are looking for a short, sharp clarification of who you are, what makes you stand out, and what makes you the best person for the job.  

Not everyone knows the term ‘elevator pitch’ but I have always quite liked the analogy. If you found yourself in a lift with the employer of your dreams and had only the time it takes to travel a few floors, how would you sell yourself? Ideally, you should incorporate your personal values, and unique selling point (USP), as well as skills and experience. It can be the clincher in an employer’s mind as to your organisational fit so it can be the perfect thing to say at the beginning of the interview when you are asked: “So tell me a little about yourself”.

These days, our careers and their progression can be quite fluid. When you’re looking to move forward, it’s advisable to hone your skillsets and have clear aspirations of where you want them to take you. To paraphrase the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, when she finds herself lost in the woods and asks directions: “If you don’t know where you are going, how are you going to know when you get there?”

How to structure a written personal statement

Lucy Ventrice, senior HR business partner at Amazon, suggests you start by creating a ‘mind map’ of both yourself and one of your potential employers. By comparing the two, you will have something to build from and an idea of what they are looking for, enabling you to make the application bespoke.

In the opening sentence, you want to grab the reader so it should include your job title, number of years’ experience, expertise, and some positive or active ‘hook’ words. Your personal statement will obviously vary according to where you are in your career. If you have achievements that are relevant to the employer, it’s an idea to mention these briefly. It’s a good idea to give an idea of what you’re looking for in the closing sentence, for example, specific goals and why you would like to work for that employer.

Beyond that we want to keep the personal statement as concise as possible without jargon or repetition and with a real focus on grammar and spelling.

Pinning down your elevator pitch face-to-face

In the same way as written personal statements, an elevator pitch should be a quick synopsis of your background and experience but, as it is generally delivered face-to-face, it should be more relaxed and affords us the opportunity to inject a little more personality into it.

It is great to have something up your sleeve for job fairs, networking events and other professional activities as it sounds corporate, explains you in the terms they are after, and gives you a head start on something to say about yourself rather than getting tongue-tied.

As this is verbal, we need to think about our delivery and particularly not speaking too fast, so keep it short – ideally up to one minute.  

Ensure you have some intonation and that you’re not rambling. Be aware of our body language. You should be approachable without being overbearing – don’t frown, don’t slouch.

As with any public speaking, it is a good idea to have something practised and polished that can be adapted on the spot to suit the audience or individual you are talking to.

Dos and don’ts for personal statements

• Do highlight what sets you apart.
• Do make it relevant – tailor to the person or role in question.
• Do be specific (on what can you offer) and succinct (two-three sentences).
• Do make it engaging – think about your hook.
• Do be passionate.
• Don’t be negative.
• Don’t exaggerate or embellish.

Like this story?  Sign up to Global Government Forum’s email news notifications to receive the latest updates in your inbox .

Danielle Littlejohn provides a range of professional development courses as part of Global Government Forum’s training portfolio. Courses she runs include Delivering Results at Work – Essential Success Skills for New Managers , Creating and Growing a Productive Team – Interviewer Skills and Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling .

About Danielle Littlejohn

Danielle Littlejohn provides a range of professional development courses as part of Global Government Forum’s training portfolio. Courses she runs include Delivering Results at Work – Essential Success Skills for New Managers, Creating and Growing a Productive Team – Interviewer Skills and Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling.

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Using the Civil Service Jobs website as a candidate

Guidance and advice for candidates using the Civil Service Jobs website.

Civil Service Jobs is the recruitment site for the Civil Service. You can also explore careers across the Civil Service .

If you have a problem that can’t be fixed by this advice, technical support is available. You will receive a reply within 2 working days.

Your Civil Service Jobs account

Civil servant account.

When creating an account as a civil servant:

• only enter your work email address if you have access to it as this is used to verify your account
• enter your line manager’s email address as they must verify your account if you don’t have access to your work email address
• your work email and line manager’s email extensions must match the organisation you work for

Closing your account

You can close your account from your Account details page. If you close your account:

• all job applications in progress will be withdrawn and cannot be retrieved
• you will not be able to access your application history
• you will not receive job alert emails
• you will not be able to login or access your details

You may want to keep a copy of your previous applications, as once your account is closed you’ll no longer be able to access this information.

If you are unable to close your own account, you can email [email protected] and request that we close it for you. We’ll send you a confirmation email once your account is closed.

Resetting your password

If you’ve forgotten your password or would like to change your password select Forgotten your password on the sign in page of the website:

• enter the email address (username) you registered with, or the one you use to sign into the website
• select Reset password

We’ll email you instructions on how to change your password. This can take up to 15 minutes to arrive. The email will be sent to the account associated with the address you provided.

If you requested a password reset, and have not received it:

• check your junk or spam folder
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If you’re still having problems, technical support is available. You’ll receive a reply within 2 working days.

Changing your details

To change your details, you’ll need to sign in to your account:

• select Account details on the main navigation menu
• change your details
• check the “I agree to the terms and conditions” box
• select Save

If you started an application before you changed your details it will be updated when you save these changes.

If you start an application for another job, your new details will be used.

Unable to access a job

If you’re a civil servant or an employee of a public body but cannot access all jobs, this may be because you:

• are not signed in
• did not select “yes” to the question “Are you a civil servant or an employee of a public body?” when creating your account
• did not select the organisation you work for. If your organisation is not listed you cannot register as a civil servant or an employee of a public body
• have not activated your account

The account activation reminder will continue to appear on your job search page until you click the link in the activation email to activate your account.

If you still cannot access jobs you should sign into your account:

• select “yes” to the question “Are you a civil servant or an employee of a public body?”
• select the organisation you work for. If your organisation is not listed you cannot register as a civil servant or an employee of a public body
• enter your work email address, if you have access to it, to verify your account
• enter your line manager’s email address

If you’re no longer a civil servant follow the steps above but select “No” to the question “Are you a civil servant or an employee of a public body?”

Emailing your line manager

If you’re unable to access your work email address, leave the work email address field blank on the account form. We’ll email your line manager to ask them to validate your account, giving you access to internal job opportunities.

Why we ask you to verify your account again

All civil servants and members of public bodies are asked to verify their account every 6 months.

To verify your account, sign in and select the Send email button. An activation email is sent to your work email address with an activation link. You must click this link to activate your account. Alternatively, you can copy and paste the link into your internet browser.

You will not be able to see all vacancies that you’re eligible to apply for if your account is not verified but you will still be able to access your account and apply for external jobs.

If you do not have access to your work email you can send your activation email to your line manager instead. This is useful if you’re on leave or seconded to another organisation.

To send your activation email to your line manager:

• remove your work email address
• check your line manager’s email address is correct

This will send the activation email to your line manager, who can activate your account on your behalf. They will not be able to see any applications in your account.

You’ll still receive all other emails to your sign in email address, including job alerts, password resets and emails about your applications.

Create a job alert email

Registering for job alerts will keep you updated on our latest vacancies as soon as they are posted to the website:

• select Job alerts on the main navigation menu
• select Create email alerts
• select how often you want to receive emails for this alert
• add one or more of the options to define the job alert
• select Create alert
• select Edit to make changes to your job alert then Update alert

Civil Service Jobs will email you with any new matches to your search criteria.

You may receive your first alert email in 24 hours if you have chosen daily updates.

Pause, restart or remove job alerts

To pause, restart or remove your alerts you should sign in to your account. Once you’ve signed in:

• to temporarily stop all your alerts use Pause your job alerts
• to restart your alerts use Restart your job alerts
• to remove an alert use Delete this alert
• to carry out a search based on your job alert select Search using my criteria

Applying for a job

To complete and submit your application form.

If the organisation you’re applying to uses our full application system you can complete and submit your application through the website.

If an organisation does not use the full system you can apply by:

• selecting Apply at advertiser’s site which will take you to a different website
• sending your application form to an email address specified in the job advert

Finding your partially completed application form

To find your form, sign in to your account and select Applications .

Re-applying is not permitted

You are not allowed to apply for a job more than once, so you should make sure your application is correct before submission. You cannot make changes to a submitted application.

If you withdraw your application you will not be able to re-submit it at a later date. You cannot re-apply for the same job another time.

Submitting your application

If your contact email address changes after you submit, you can update this in your ‘Account details’ page. The address will automatically update in all applications you have submitted through the site.

If you have a question about your application, contact the recruiting organisation or the point of contact in the job advert.

Tracking your application

You can track your application through Civil Service Jobs if it was completed on the site.

Any applications you made using the “Apply at advertiser’s site” process or emailed directly to an address specified in the advert are not included.

Once you’ve signed in:

• select Applications on the main navigation menu
• select the job to view more details about your application.

Withdrawing your application

You can only withdraw your application through the website if the organisation you applied to uses our full application system. Otherwise you should contact the recruitment team of the relevant organisation or the point of contact in the job advert.

If you’re no longer interested in a job that you’ve applied for you should withdraw your application.

Once you withdraw your application you cannot resubmit it at a later date, or re-apply for the same job.

You’ll be notified that your application has successfully been withdrawn.

Your job history

You should enter your most current employment details first. You should cover a period of at least the last 3 years, and you can enter up to a total of 8 previous jobs. You must provide details of any gaps in your job history.

Uploading documents

You should only upload a document if the application form clearly asks you to. You may be asked to upload:

• a CV or personal statement in the Upload documents section
• an additional attachment in the Upload documents section. You’ll be told what the additional attachment should be

You can only upload one file for each question you see. You can replace it by following the instructions in the relevant section of your application.

If you cannot upload your document, check that it is not password protected.

Reasonable adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• approach the point of contact in the job advert as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs
• complete the Reasonable adjustment section of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process

Disability Confident interview scheme

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

To be considered for an interview you must:

• have a disability defined by the Equality Act 2010
• provide evidence in your application that you meet the minimum criteria in the job description
• meet all of the qualifications, skills or experience defined as essential.

The application form will ask if you want to apply under the Disability Confident scheme, or guidance will be in the job advert.

At the interview, you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities and you will be marked solely on merit.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative

We offer veterans who meet the minimum standard on each of the job’s essential criteria the opportunity to go directly to the next stage of selection.

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Sift assessment.

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Some organisations carry out the initial sift using a lead criteria, but this should be mentioned in the advert.

Feedback is generally not available at sift stage, but recruiting organisations may provide comments in line with the Civil Service rating scale.

A sift panel will agree the standards used to assess each application to determine who has the strongest examples. You may find that on occasions you are sifted in or sifted out with the same example. This happens because each vacancy is a separate competition.

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A good interview requires preparation, good listening skills and the ability to answer the question that is asked. Practice before the interview by preparing and rehearsing answers to possible questions. Be prepared to give examples of how you meet the criteria. You can use the same examples you wrote about in your application or new ones if they are a better answer to the question asked.

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Civil Service recruitment

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Grades and types of work in the Civil Service

As a guide, these are examples of the type of work different grades within the Civil Service can expect to perform but these will vary within an organisation.

• Administrators (sometimes known as Administrative Officers/Assistants AO/AA) form the majority of the Civil Service doing various jobs, such as helping the public, supporting senior colleagues or staffing call-centres
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All senior civil service (SCS) grades (known as SCS 1 / Deputy Director; SCS 2 / Director; SCS 3 / Director General; or SCS 4) are administered by the Cabinet Office. Their responsibilities vary and are at the discretion of the organisation they work for.

The grading structure within the Civil Service varies as each organisation may have its own grading structure.

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Other organisations

You should check the job advert for the point of contact information.

A number of organisations also provide contact details on their websites .

Updated section for online tests, as information has moved to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/civil-service-online-tests.

Updated to reflect changes to the application system, including banked scores and locating applications.

Updated to include details of Success Profiles.

References to Civil Service Initial Sift Test removed, following withdrawal of the test.

Introducing changes following the implementation of the Civil Service Recruitment Framework

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Civil Service Application Low Score

HannahGW · 14/01/2021 19:29

Hi all, I just applied for an Executive Officer Role. I have never worked in the civil service before so new to the VERY confusing application process. However, my friend works in the CS and helped me with my application - I just received my scores and got a 2 on my CV and 3 on personal statement. My CS friend also got a 2 on her CV yet she ended up getting an interview and the job anyways. With this in mind, I listed all my relevant jobs, gave very detailed descriptions of my responsibilities making sure to highlight those relevant to the person specification - I then wrote an achievement section for each role highlighting the job spec again, ie using words like "delivering at a pace on X because of X which shows X". I really spent time to tailor my CV to the job role and use achievements that directly reflected the person spec. Its not like I just listed my roles with no further information. Im therefore so confused how I scored so low? The job spec also didnt ask for any specific job requirements or experience rather was open to everyone and wanted more general stuff like "interest in policy, management skills" . My job roles have been in policy and management so I ticked the boxes there. Im just so so confused. I also got a 3 on personal statement - I made sure I answered the questions they asked me and used explanations. I do agree looking back that I could have done better but they asked 6 questions and only gave you 750 words so thats only 125 words per questions! Its impossible to get your point across in such little words?! I think I should have at least scored 4's and be allowed to interview. Does anyone have any insight into why I scored so low - particularly on the CV section?! I have two degrees from good universities, I have a lot of good job experience - I'm potentially slightly under qualified for the role but not by a large margin, I feel like I really tailored my CV to the job spec particularly in highlighting my achievements. I have asked them to give me more feedback and am trying to raise them to look at my application in more depth because I really do not think it is fair. I understand the Civil Service is another world, but my CV has got me some great jobs and no one has ever said it is weak, rather the opposite. It just feels like a total punch in the face.

I've been told there is an art to applying for jobs in the civil service and it's very specific. I'm sure the will be lots advice online if you research it. Don't be disheartened, I know people who have applied lots of times and it took them a while to work out how to approach the application.

They wouldn’t have taken your academic qualifications into account really. The Personal statement needs to score a 4 (out of 7) to get an interview. Were there specific questions or did they have a person specification you needed to match your statement to? I thought cvs were scored differently but I could be wrong, I’ll check in the morning. I work for civil service and recently sifted for a internal EO post but not all adverts are structured in the same way

Thank you so much for your message and your help I really appreciate it! I know I’m clever and have experience but getting such low scores has ruined my confidence and if I understood where I went wrong, I think I’d feel better! So, they asked for a CV and for you to outline your main achievements - which I did. The personal statement asked you to write a statement showing; ● Strong interest in policy development ( I wrote that I did have a strong interest and it’s evident as i work for an NGO in teaching about law and policy and could bring my knowledge of policy development, passion for change and ability to teach to the dept) ● Project management skills (Could have probably done better was pretty generic in saying I had all the key skills and I have managed several projects - but could have been more specific and proved it a bit more rather than saying I had all the skills) ● Good people management skills Again think I could have been more specific but used all the “buzz” words and said stuff like I’ve trained junior staff and managed my teams work load. But again so hard to say all this and back it up with specific examples in 115 words. ● Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills (Again probably too generic but said I’d done presentations and written reports and been a representative for my company at networking events so have good verbal skills and written skills as I write client reports and emails and static website content and am educated to masters level which requires strong written skills) ● Able to organise a daily workload by priorities and be able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment ( I think I did really well on this one, I used a good example of me helping to move all our work online due to covid 19 and we had network issues which caused our workload to be doubled however We worked at a pace and delivered on time and to a high standard - maybe what marked me down was that I used a mixture of “I” and my team, I said my team and I worked at a pace.....? Maybe they didn’t like that? I think a 2 and a 3 is incredibly harsh. I think I probably deserved two 4s and looking back on my application I could kick myself as now that I’ve spent more time in reading through all the literature and reading online comments and YouTube videos I do understand the CS a bit more. I think it’s just really alienating for people who excel and get good CV and application feedback from private companies, yet get absolutely slated in a CS application. I know how to write a CV and application, I got several people to read my application - two were senior managers and one is a CEO and all of them said it was good. So to get a TWO out of 7 on a CV to me, feels like they’re saying you can’t even spell your own name. Anyways! I clearly wasn’t what they wanted or I clearly sold myself short and it’s a learning experience! I just would like to understand a bit more so I can improve and do myself justice in future if I applied to a CS role. I’m hoping they will give me more feedback but I don’t think they will at this stage. I have a job and a roof over my head so am grateful! Onwards and upwards!!!

Did you use the behaviour framework and cover the key points at the appropriate grade? It's unusual for the CV bit to actually be assessed, but re PS we don't look for generic statements, we're looking for demonstrable evidence. Buzzwords don't work well either. A 3 means you just didn't quite hit the bar. No-one gets 7 so don't think of it that way. Essentially 4 is a pass and 3 is a not-quite. A 2 is quite unusually low though, so I wonder if you put something which they saw as a negative and marked you down. Also worth considering how you came across in terms of SPAG etc. Did you also follow the application rules (e.g. didn't use name of Uni etc). (I'm CS and do a lot of recruitment.)

It IS AN ART. That I need to learn 😂 I think in one way the behaviours are great and from the surface it looks like a great way to apply and use the STAR method ect. However, in practice .......it’s impossible. I’ve read loads of comments online saying people have used the same application for several CS posts and the marks differ radically. I clearly wasn’t up to scratch and that’s fair, but I think the marks are far too harsh. 2s and 3s seem like I did the bare minimum. I certainly did not do the bare minimum! I’d expect 4s as i answered the questions and gave examples and my CV was relevant and directly reflect the job specs. However, could definitely have been more specific and brought in more behaviours.

Yeah I totally agree with you with the personal statement and it needed to be on the mark a bit more - for my CV there’s no evidence of my universities, took out all the names. Can they mark you DOWN?! I would have thought marking down would not be allowed?! Surely your experience shouldn’t be a negative but only a positive?

Yes, marks do differ unfortunately across the board. I’m pretty sure cvs are not scored out of 7 but I’d need to check. It’s so disappointing as you clearly have loads of examples. The civil service applications work well with STAR with the main emphasis on the impact of your actions etc. It’s a loss for the civil service really as good people like you aren’t getting a proper look in. PM me if you’d like me to look over anything, I may be able to help make it more “civil service” in case you wanted to apply for other jobs

I’m a current civil servant and always use the same competency answers on the application form. I’ve scored from 2-7s using the exact same answers! I’ve just received feedback for one job and scored 4s and 5s.

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Awh your so kind thank you !!! I really appreciate you saying this. I feel like I did miss the CS mark and thanks to everyone’s comments I can accept that and realise where I went wrong. I’m just upset I let myself down as I know I could do this job, and I genuinely feel that if the team I would have worked with, read my statement, they’d probably have given me an interview as my experience perfectly matches. It was for a Cultural property advisor - I have a full working knowledge of the law, teach law to law makers abroad, I’m a trained researcher and have had senior management roles. I also discussed my passion for cultural heritage protection through policy and how I basically dedicate my every waking moment to doing it. And have two degrees in archaeology and cultural heritage management. And volunteer all my time to protecting heritage. This really was a dream job in cultural heritage policy that I’m perfect for. I just sold myself short. Never mind! I’m sure there will be more posts in the years to come and I will apply again!

It's definitely a bit of a specific skill. In my profession we are always looking for definite examples/evidence rather than just buzz words. Plus as its non-HR civil servants who do the sift (in my case) the clearer you can make it the better, so one example per person specification/behaviour, to save us hunting around in a personal statement. For example for the delivery at pace: an intro sentence with some buzz under stress/time words so it's clear you are addressing this behaviour. Then "I was asked to do x, within x timeframe. I did steps x, y while balancing other commitments x, y. Despite the tight deadline I did x to ensure high quality. I completed it on time and therefore x happened as a result." Please don't be put off from applying again!

You are so spot on and this is AMAZING advice. Wish I’d spoken to you all BEFORE. But it’s happened and more roles relating to my interest will come up in future. It’s been a great learning experience that’s for sure. You guys are amazing and offering such good advice and I definitely missed the mark but in future I wont!!! I feel invigorated to apply again.....just need to wait for an opening haha. Don’t think there’s many within the cultural policy dept but I’ll keep my eyes peeled for sure. I’m only 27 so still just at the start of my career.

It sounds from what you said that you put forward your skills quite generically. To score higher you probably need to use a specific example for each question. The question you think you scored most highly on was the one example that you gave a specific scenario. Stick to the STAR format and you'll be on track. Also EO is lower managerial level (although probably without line management responsibility?) But examples should focus on I rather than We (but if your I benefitted the We, all the better iykwim). Rightly or wrongly it's all a matter of technique to get through a sift. But it sounds like you've absolutely got lots of skills, it's just a matter of putting them in the right format. Good luck with future applications & report back when you get your success!

I know it's discouraging and it seems a bit of a dark art but for the examples you give, I think the marks are probably about right. I would probably have only marked the one about moving info online well as it's the only clear example you give. As PPs have said, it's a specific technique. The CS isn't really that bothered about your academic quals (although they might be included as a requirement more of a filter than anything). Just use one example per answer, use STAR and look at the profiles online. Focus on what you did and what this achieved, not a vague list of skills with no proof. As you mention your experience is in policy, for comms, why didn't you give a policy example, not writing reports and emails? To echo a PP, for a policy job, concise writing is essential. Ministers simply do not have time to wade through submissions that are long and wordy, they need clear summaries and recommendations. This is a good way to demonstrate that.

I'm a senior civil servant and do some recruitment. There is definitely an art to CS applications - as people have said you must use the STAR method and always give specific examples. For example, in situation (problem that needed to be solved) I used X tactic (because of...) with X results. Don't give generic examples but be very specific and talk about results and how the results were evaluated. I hope that helps, by the way 3 is not a poor score. Nearly everyone I have interviewed has scored between 4.1 and 5.9. 6 and 7are almost unheard of.

I mean everyone who has been successful at interview. So, 4.1is a good score.

Agree re the applications being an art, and also different departments/teams/people marking the same application differently - partially depending on what they're looking for. Definitely don't let it put you off applying again. Good luck!

Thanks everyone! I feel so silly now as I knew of the star method and on the application it asked for you to do the INTERVIEW in Star but said nothing about using it in your written application so I just didn’t see as a requirement. I obviously gave examples and evidence but was generic in the hopes of covering more skills and showing my breadth thinking the interview would delve deeper into things. I feel like the CS need to be clearer with what they want as what they want is so specific and not really required by private employers - I’ve always had really strong feedback on my cv and applications and usually get the job! However!! I also think I just didn’t grasp it and I made an obvious mistake knowing what I know now - and I think if I had a chance to re-apply I’d get that 4 or 5 easily. Just need to wait! Hopefully they’ll be another opening in the department within the next 12 months!

@unbotheredbutbewildered - crikey, was it an internal or external role you were recruiting for? That’s a lot of applicants!

Glad you’ve got some good advice and feel inspired to reapply. Hope a good post comes up for you soon. Just to reiterate on the score as well, it’s not really helpful to think of it as 2/7. 7 is basically “ this example is absolutely perfect and far exceeds the standard required” - I’ve worked lots of CS jobs and recruited in most of them and have never been given a 7 on an application, I don’t think I have ever assessed anyone at 7 either. 6s are also pretty rare as again it’s exceeding the standard. 4s are good scores, 5s are very good.

I've never given out a 7 either. Nor have I received one (and have got plenty of job offers over the years).

Some great advice above. As others have said, use STAR at all times! My general advice would be: the main mistake I see most people making is trying to get across the breadth of their experience, when what I want to see is the depth of their skill and ability. You’ve already recognised that you took a different tack to this. And re concise writing - yes this is how you’re expected to be able to write in the job, the best way to assess that is to expect you to write that way at application. Good luck!

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Hi All Such great advice!! I think i am absolutely clear on the application now! What I am still confused about though is the CV! Does anyone know how the CV is scored? What is a bad CV? Do they look for specific job roles? Do they look for specific descriptions within the job roles? Do they look for specific acheivements? Would anyone be able to send me their CV? Or maybe look at my CV? Thanks all, you guys are amazing!!!! You deffo have taken me out of my slump!

[quote WalrusWife] @unbotheredbutbewildered - crikey, was it an internal or external role you were recruiting for? That’s a lot of applicants![/quote] External but even soo... My FCO colleague who had jobs on the internal board recently reported that even for really boring mundane jobs (and not the ones overseas!) she had 50+ applicants! It's so competitive atm

unbothered yep it absolutely is mad out there at the minute. I've got 50 applications in for a not very exciting EO support job and a week to go on the ad. Last time it was recruited, they had one applicant. Accepted her out of desperation for cover and ended up stuck as she didn't really have the skills.

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