When it comes to Civil Service exams, many candidates find the 250-word statements to be one of the most daunting parts of the application process.
These statements require applicants to succinctly demonstrate their competence in specific behaviours, often under tight word limits.
However, with a solid understanding of the required behaviour and a well-structured approach, this challenge can transform into a compelling showcase of your abilities.
Related Article: 5 Delivering at Pace Example Statements
Understanding "Delivering at Pace" at AO Level
Delivering at Pace is a crucial behaviour, especially at the Administrative Officer (AO) level. It encapsulates the ability to work efficiently and effectively, managing time and resources to meet deadlines and deliver quality work. At this level, the expectation is not only to complete tasks swiftly but also to maintain a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail.
At the AO level, delivering at pace means you are adept at handling a variety of tasks simultaneously, often in a fast-paced environment. You are expected to prioritize work effectively, stay organized, and maintain a calm and methodical approach, even under pressure. This differs from more junior levels where the focus might be more on learning and following instructions rather than managing multiple priorities independently.
Structuring Your Statement with B-STAR
One effective way to structure your 250-word statement for "Delivering at Pace" is by using the B-STAR technique: Belief, Situation, Task, Action, Result. This method ensures that your statement is clear, concise, and focused on demonstrating your competencies.
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Belief: Start by briefly stating your belief or understanding of what "Delivering at Pace" means at the AO level. This shows that you comprehend the behaviour and its importance.
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Situation: Describe a specific situation where you needed to deliver at pace. Ensure that this situation is relevant and demonstrates the level of responsibility expected of an AO.
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Task: Outline the task you were responsible for in that situation. What was your role? What were the key objectives you needed to achieve?
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Action: Detail the actions you took to address the task. This is the core of your statement, where you show how you applied your skills to manage time, resources, and priorities effectively.
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Result: Conclude with the results of your actions. Highlight any positive outcomes, such as meeting deadlines, improving efficiency, or receiving positive feedback. Quantifiable results are especially impactful.
By using the B-STAR structure, you can ensure that your statement is well-organized and demonstrates your ability to deliver at pace effectively.
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 focusing on timely and high-quality results is crucial in any role. Ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and accurately is key to achieving success.
In my previous role I was responsible for resolving customer issues quickly and effectively. One week we experienced a surge in calls due to a service outage. My job was to manage a high-volume of customer inquiries and ensure swift resolutions.
I began by organising my workflow, prioritising issues while also addressing routine inquiries. Using my knowledge of the company’s policies and procedures, I efficiently navigated through each case. I remained focused on providing clear and accurate information to customers, ensuring their concerns were addressed promptly.
Throughout this period, I kept my supervisor updated on my progress and any recurring issues that needed attention. This communication helped in coordinating our team’s efforts and streamlining the resolutions.
To maintain a high level of performance, I set hourly targets for resolving customer issues. This approach kept me motivated and on track. I also double-checked the information I provided to ensure it was accurate and helpful, taking full responsibility for the quality of my interactions.
When faced with particularly challenging cases, I collaborated with colleagues to find the best solutions, ensuring that the customers’ needs were met without delay.
By the end of the week, we had successfully resolved a large number of customer issues, significantly reducing the backlog. This experience highlighted the importance of staying organised, communicating effectively, and maintaining a high standard of work.
