When it comes to Civil Service exams, many candidates find the 250-word statements to be the most challenging part of the application.
This struggle often stems from the need to concisely convey one's capabilities and experiences within a limited word count.
However, with a good understanding of the behaviour required and a solid structure, this perceived weakness can transform into a significant strength.
Related Article: 5 Seeing the Big Picture Example Statements
Understanding "Seeing the Big Picture" at the Administrative Assistant Level
The "Seeing the Big Picture" behaviour is crucial for all roles within the Civil Service, including the Administrative Assistant (AA) level. At this level, it involves understanding how your work fits into the broader goals and objectives of your team and organization.
An Administrative Assistant is expected to grasp the wider context of their tasks, recognizing the impact of their actions on others and on the overall success of the organization. This differs from lower levels, where the focus might be more on executing tasks accurately and efficiently. At the AA level, there is an additional expectation to appreciate how these tasks contribute to the bigger picture, enhancing the effectiveness and coherence of the team’s work.
Crafting Your Statement with the B-STAR Technique
To effectively demonstrate your understanding of the "Seeing the Big Picture" behaviour, using the B-STAR technique (Belief, Situation, Task, Action, Result) can be highly beneficial. This structure helps ensure your statement is clear, concise, and impactful.
Belief: Start by explaining your belief or philosophy regarding the importance of seeing the big picture. This sets the stage for your narrative and provides insight into your mindset.
Situation: Describe a specific situation where this behaviour was relevant. This gives context to your statement and shows you understand when and why seeing the big picture matters.
Task: Outline the task you were responsible for in this situation. This helps to clarify your role and responsibilities.
Action: Detail the actions you took to address the task, emphasizing how you considered the wider context and how your actions aligned with the bigger picture.
Result: Conclude with the results of your actions. Highlight how seeing the big picture positively impacted the outcome and contributed to the team's or organization's goals.
By following the B-STAR technique, you can craft a compelling statement that showcases your ability to see the big picture at the Administrative Assistant level.
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 understand that seeing the bigger picture is crucial to aligning my work with broader objectives and making meaningful contributions.
While working at a private environmental consultancy, I was responsible for compiling reports on various projects. One project involved assessing the impact of a new industrial development on local wildlife. While my role mainly focused on administrative support, I recognised the broader implications of our work for environmental conservation.
To support the project effectively, I gathered detailed information from both internal and external sources. I liaised with our field researchers to understand their findings and consulted with local environmental groups to gain insights into community concerns. This comprehensive approach ensured our reports were well-informed and balanced.
Understanding the varied impacts of the project, I made sure our reports were accessible to all stakeholders. I used clear, jargon-free language and included visual aids to help non-experts understand the content. I also ensured that the documents were available in formats suitable for individuals with different needs.
Throughout the project, I kept my manager and team updated on my progress. I also participated in team meetings, where I shared relevant information and insights I had gathered. This collaborative approach helped align our efforts with the consultancy’s mission of promoting sustainable development.
The final report was well-received by both the client and the community. It provided actionable recommendations that balanced industrial development with environmental preservation. This experience highlighted the importance of understanding how my work fits into the larger context and supports organisational goals.
