The 250-word statements required for Civil Service exams are often considered the most daunting part of the application process.
Many candidates find themselves struggling to convey their experiences and competencies effectively within such a tight word limit.
However, with a deep understanding of the required behaviours and a solid structural approach, this perceived weakness can transform into a powerful strength.
Related Article: 5 Seeing the Big Picture Behaviour Statements
Understanding "Seeing the Big Picture" at Executive Officer (SEO) Level
"Seeing the Big Picture" at the SEO level involves understanding and embracing the wider context in which the Civil Service operates. At this level, you're expected to look beyond immediate tasks and understand how your role and actions contribute to the broader objectives of the government and public service. This includes being aware of political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors that might impact your work and the goals of your department.
Unlike previous levels, where the focus might be more on individual tasks and immediate team goals, the SEO level requires a more strategic perspective. You should demonstrate an ability to anticipate challenges and opportunities, align your work with the wider public interest, and contribute to shaping policies and strategies that benefit the community at large.
Structuring Your Statement with the B-STAR Technique
To effectively communicate your understanding and application of "Seeing the Big Picture," you can use the B-STAR technique:
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Belief: Start by outlining your core belief or value that aligns with the behaviour. This sets the stage for the rest of your statement by providing context for your actions and decisions.
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Situation: Briefly describe a relevant situation where you had to demonstrate "Seeing the Big Picture." Ensure the situation is significant enough to showcase your strategic thinking.
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Task: Clearly state your specific responsibilities in that situation. What were you tasked with? This should be concise yet detailed enough to show your level of involvement and accountability.
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Action: Detail the actions you took to address the task, focusing on how you incorporated a broader perspective into your decision-making. Highlight your strategic thinking, collaboration with others, and how you considered various external factors.
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Result: Conclude with the outcome of your actions. Emphasize the positive impact your strategic approach had on achieving broader objectives and how it contributed to the goals of your team or department.
Using the B-STAR structure ensures your statement is clear, concise, and impactful, making it easier for the assessors to understand how you exemplify the "Seeing the Big Picture" behaviour at the SEO level.
Now that we have discussed the behaviour and how to structure your statement, let's move on to an example that demonstrates these principles in action.
Check out 50 example statements across all 9 key behaviours
250 Word Statement Example
As a Marketing Manager I believe that understanding the big picture is essential for driving our company’s success and aligning with broader industry trends. Recently, we embarked on a campaign to enhance our online presence and boost e-commerce sales, a priority given the increasing shift towards online shopping.
To ensure our efforts supported the company’s overall objectives, I started by analyzing market trends and consumer behavior reports. This helped me understand the broader context of our industry and identify key areas where we could differentiate ourselves. I discovered that sustainable and ethically sourced products were becoming increasingly important to our target audience.
I communicated this insight to my team and we refocused our marketing strategy to highlight our company’s commitment to sustainability. This involved not just updating our messaging but also collaborating with the product development team to ensure our offerings met these new standards.
Understanding the diverse needs of our stakeholders, I organized focus groups with customers to gather feedback on our new approach.
I also emphasized the importance of our team’s work in achieving the company’s broader goals. In team meetings, I regularly discussed how our marketing efforts were contributing to the company's mission and overall success.
Our campaign resulted in a 25% increase in online sales and strengthened our brand’s reputation for sustainability. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of seeing the big picture, staying informed about industry trends, and aligning team efforts with overarching goals to drive success.