Writing a compelling 250-word statement for Civil Service exams is often cited as the most challenging part of the application process.
These statements can be a stumbling block, especially for candidates applying for the Administrative Assistant (AA) level.
However, with a solid understanding of the specific behaviours and a structured approach, what seems like a weakness can transform into a significant strength.
Related Article: 5 Developing Self and Others Example Statements
Understanding "Developing Self and Others" at the AA Level
At the Administrative Assistant level, the behaviour "Developing Self and Others" focuses on personal growth and fostering development in others. This means showing a commitment to learning and improvement, not only for yourself but also for your colleagues. At this level, you are expected to:
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Demonstrate a proactive approach to personal development by seeking feedback and using it constructively.
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Support the development of colleagues through sharing knowledge, offering help, and encouraging them to seek development opportunities.
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Contribute to a positive learning environment where continuous improvement is valued.
The expectations here are more about support and encouragement rather than leading development initiatives, which might be expected at higher grades.
Structuring Your Statement with B-STAR
When writing your 250-word statement, the B-STAR technique (Belief, Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a powerful tool to showcase your capabilities effectively.
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Belief: Start with your core belief about the importance of developing self and others. This sets the stage for your statement.
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Situation: Describe a specific situation where this belief was put into practice. Ensure the scenario is relevant and clearly sets up the context for your actions.
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Task: Outline the task you were responsible for in this situation. This helps the reader understand your role and the expectations placed upon you.
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Action: Detail the actions you took to develop yourself or others. Be specific about what you did and why.
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Result: Conclude with the results of your actions. Highlight the positive outcomes, including any improvements in skills, knowledge, or team dynamics.
Using B-STAR ensures that your statement is structured, focused, and highlights your competencies effectively.
Check out 50 example statements across all key behaviours
250 Word Statement Example
I believe that ongoing personal and professional development is key to success. Recognising and addressing skill-gaps, while sharing knowledge, benefits everyone.
Recently I noticed that my presentation skills needed improvement. This was important because I frequently needed to present information to my team. To address this, I signed up for a public speaking course.
After completing the course, I applied my new skills by preparing and delivering a well-structured presentation during a team meeting. My improved confidence and clarity were evident, and my colleagues responded positively.
Realising the value of these skills, I organised a session to share what I had learned with my team. I focused on practical tips for structuring presentations and overcoming nervousness. I provided handouts and conducted a brief workshop where team members practiced presenting in a supportive environment.
Listening to feedback, I learned that my colleagues found this training useful but wanted more on handling Q&A sessions. Acting on this, I researched effective techniques and held a follow-up session specifically on managing audience questions.
Additionally, I identified that some team members struggled with time management. I suggested we hold a skills-sharing session where each person could discuss their strategies. This collaborative approach allowed everyone to learn from each other and adopt new methods to improve their productivity.
As a result, our team’s overall presentation and time management skills improved, leading to more efficient meetings and better project outcomes. My proactive approach to self-development and willingness to share knowledge contributed to the team's growth and success.
