Applying for a Civil Service position can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to writing the 250-word statements.
Many candidates find these statements to be the most challenging part of their application.
However, with a solid understanding of the required behaviours and a good structure, this perceived weakness can actually become one of your greatest strengths.
Related Article: 5 Leadership Behaviour Statement Examples
What the Behaviour Means at This Level
When we talk about Leadership at the Administrative Assistant (AA) level, it's important to recognize that the expectations are tailored to this entry-grade position.
At this level, leadership isn't about managing teams or making strategic decisions. Instead, it focuses on demonstrating personal responsibility, contributing to team efforts, and showing initiative within your role.
As an AA, you are expected to:
- Show initiative: Proactively take on tasks and seek ways to improve processes.
- Support colleagues: Work collaboratively and support your team to achieve common goals.
- Communicate effectively: Clearly convey information and ideas to colleagues and supervisors.
- Adapt and be flexible: Adjust to new tasks and challenges with a positive attitude.
These expectations differ from those at higher levels, where leadership involves more strategic thinking and team management. At the AA level, it's about being a reliable and proactive team player.
Statement Structure: The B-STAR Technique
To effectively convey your leadership abilities in your 250-word statement, using the B-STAR technique can be incredibly helpful. This method allows you to clearly structure your response and ensures you cover all essential aspects. Let's break it down:
- Belief: Start by stating your belief about what good leadership means at the AA level. This sets the stage for your example.
- Situation: Describe a specific situation where you demonstrated leadership. Be concise but detailed enough to provide context.
- Task: Explain the task you were responsible for in that situation. What needed to be done, and what was your role?
- Action: Detail the actions you took to address the task. Focus on your proactive steps, collaboration with others, and any initiatives you led.
- Result: Conclude with the outcome of your actions. Highlight the positive impact your leadership had on the task, team, or process.
By using this structure, you ensure your statement is well-organized and clearly showcases your leadership capabilities.
Check out 50 examples covering all 9 key behaviours
Now, let's dive into an example to illustrate this technique in action...
250 Word Statement Example
I believe that enthusiasm and responsibility are essential for achieving team success. Treating team members with fairness and respect creates a positive and productive environment.
During my time at university, I was part of a group project for a business course. Our task was to develop a comprehensive business plan for a start-up idea. I was excited about this project and eager to contribute.
Assigned the role of project coordinator, I took responsibility for organising our meetings and ensuring that everyone stayed on track. I was proactive in setting deadlines and keeping the group motivated. I made sure to listen to everyone’s ideas and concerns, valuing each member's input.
I encouraged quieter members to share their thoughts and made sure their ideas were considered. I facilitated open discussions, where everyone felt comfortable expressing their views. This approach helped us develop a well-rounded business plan that incorporated diverse perspectives.
One of our key challenges was conducting market research. Some team members were unsure how to proceed. I took the initiative to organise a workshop on effective research methods, which helped us gather accurate data.
Throughout the project, I provided regular updates to our advisor and sought feedback to improve our plan. I was mindful of the wider impact of our work, ensuring that our business plan was not only feasible but also socially responsible.
The result was a comprehensive and well-received business plan that earned high marks. This experience reinforced the importance of enthusiasm, responsibility, and inclusivity in achieving team success.
