Navigating the Civil Service exam application can be daunting, and the 250-word statements required for each behaviour often present the biggest challenge for candidates.
It's a common stumbling block, but it doesn't have to be. With a solid understanding of the behaviours and a structured approach, you can transform this perceived weakness into a significant strength.
Related Article: 5 Working Together Behaviour Statements
What the "Working Together" Behaviour Means at AO Level
At the Administrative Officer (AO) level, "Working Together" is a crucial behaviour that emphasizes the ability to collaborate effectively within and across teams. This level expects you to:
- Build Positive Relationships: Engage with colleagues and stakeholders in a respectful and supportive manner.
- Share Information and Resources: Ensure transparency and openness in sharing knowledge that can benefit the team.
- Support Team Objectives: Contribute to the collective goals of the team rather than just focusing on personal achievements.
- Foster Inclusivity: Encourage diverse perspectives and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
This is a step up from the Assistant Officer level, where the focus might be more on following instructions and participating in team activities. At the AO level, there is a greater expectation of taking initiative, leading small teams or projects, and proactively resolving conflicts.
Statement Structure: The B-STAR Technique
To craft a compelling 250-word statement, the B-STAR technique is highly effective. This structured method ensures that your statement is clear, concise, and impactful.
- Belief: Start with your belief or philosophy about working together. This sets the context and shows your understanding of the behaviour.
- Situation: Describe a specific situation where you demonstrated "Working Together." Keep it relevant and focused.
- Task: Explain the task at hand, outlining your role and responsibilities.
- Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation and achieve your task. Highlight your initiative, communication, and collaborative efforts.
- Result: Conclude with the results of your actions. Quantify your success if possible, and mention the positive impact on the team or project.
Using the B-STAR technique helps you present a structured narrative that clearly showcases your abilities and achievements in line with the "Working Together" behaviour.
To illustrate how this technique can be applied effectively, here is an example statement...
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 working together effectively is essential for creating a productive and harmonious work environment. Building supportive relationships and collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds leads to better outcomes and a more enjoyable workplace.
At my local council our team was tasked with organising a community outreach event. This event required collaboration with various departments and external partners to ensure its success.
My task was to coordinate with these different groups and contribute to the event's planning and execution. First, I took the initiative to get to know my colleagues and build supportive relationships. I arranged a series of informal meetings to understand their perspectives and gather their input on the event.
To ensure effective collaboration, I listened actively to the needs and suggestions of my colleagues and external partners. I responded sensitively to their concerns and checked my understanding by summarising their points and asking clarifying questions.
When challenges arose, such as scheduling conflicts or resource shortages, I proactively asked for help from my colleagues and offered my assistance where needed. I remained flexible, taking on different roles and responsibilities to support the team. Additionally, I was mindful of the wellbeing of my colleagues, encouraging breaks and providing support to those who seemed stressed.
The result was a well-coordinated and successful community outreach event. The collaboration and mutual support among team members and partners led to positive feedback from the community and a strong sense of achievement within the team.
