When it comes to applying for Civil Service roles, many candidates find the 250-word statements the most challenging part of their application.
These statements are not just a test of your writing skills but a demonstration of your understanding and application of key behaviours.
However, with a solid grasp of the required behaviour and a well-structured approach, what may initially seem like a weakness can quickly become a significant strength in your application.
Related Article: 5 Delivering at Pace Example Statements
Understanding "Delivering at Pace" at Executive Officer (EO) Level
At the Executive Officer (EO) level, "Delivering at Pace" is all about demonstrating efficiency, effectiveness, and the ability to maintain high standards while working under pressure. This behaviour means showing that you can prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and drive forward progress without compromising on quality.
At this level, expectations are higher than at lower grades. You are expected to handle more complex tasks and manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Your ability to remain organized, make quick yet informed decisions, and motivate others to maintain a steady workflow is crucial. Unlike previous levels where supervision might be more direct, EO level demands a greater degree of autonomy and responsibility in ensuring that projects are completed on time and to the required standard.
Structuring Your Statement: The B-STAR Technique
To craft an effective 250-word statement for "Delivering at Pace" at EO level, using the B-STAR technique can be incredibly helpful. Here’s how you can break it down:
- Belief: Start by briefly stating your core belief or approach to delivering at pace. This sets the tone and shows your understanding of the behaviour's importance.
- Situation: Describe a specific situation where you had to deliver at pace. Be concise but detailed enough to give context to your actions.
- Task: Outline the task you were responsible for. What was the objective? What were the key priorities?
- Action: This is the most crucial part. Detail the specific actions you took to manage the situation and deliver on the task. Focus on what you did, how you did it, and why.
- Result: Conclude with the outcome of your actions. What did you achieve? How did your actions impact the overall project or team performance?
Using the B-STAR technique ensures that your statement is structured, focused, and demonstrates a clear narrative of how you embody the "Delivering at Pace" behaviour at the EO level.
Check out 50 example statements across all 9 key behaviours
250 Word Statement Example
As Shift Supervisor I am responsible for ensuring the timely and efficient operation of bus services. Recently, we faced a significant challenge due to a major road closure, which disrupted our regular routes and schedules.
To address this issue, I first analyzed the affected routes and identified alternative paths to minimize delays. I then organized an emergency meeting with my team of drivers to communicate the new routes and schedules clearly. I provided them with updated maps and instructions, ensuring everyone was on the same page.
I also coordinated with the dispatch center to monitor traffic conditions in real-time and make necessary adjustments. This involved setting up a communication channel for quick updates and feedback from drivers on the ground.
Throughout the shift, I kept a close eye on the performance of the new routes, checking in regularly with drivers to address any challenges they encountered. When one of the alternative routes became congested, I quickly identified another detour and communicated this change to the affected drivers.
To maintain high morale and motivation, I provided encouragement and support to my team, recognizing their efforts in adapting to the sudden changes. I also ensured that passengers were informed of the disruptions and alternative routes through clear announcements and social media updates.
Despite the initial setbacks, our coordinated efforts resulted in minimal delays and maintained a high level of service for our passengers. This experience highlighted the importance of quick decision-making, clear communication, and teamwork in delivering quality results under challenging circumstances.
