AO Decision Making and Problem Solving Personal Statement Examples

AO Application Help Decision Making and Problem Solving Personal Statement Examples
AO personal statements
Show decision making and problem solving through specific evidence the sifter can score
AO decision-making evidence should show a clear problem, the information and guidance used, the options considered and a practical action within your authority. The result should demonstrate accuracy, fairness or successful resolution rather than simply saying the right decision was made.

This page focuses on decision making and problem solving evidence. For the full advert-led method, use the AO Personal Statement Help hub.

How to show decision making and problem solving in an AO personal statement

AO decision-making evidence should show a clear problem, the information and guidance used, the options considered and a practical action within your authority. The result should demonstrate accuracy, fairness or successful resolution rather than simply saying the right decision was made.

What decision making and problem solving criteria can look like

1
“Ability to make sound decisions using relevant information”
2
“Identifies problems and takes practical action to resolve them”
3
“Uses judgement to resolve routine issues and escalate where necessary”

What your decision making and problem solving example needs to show

Evidence the sifter needs for decision making and problem solving
✓
The decision or problem and why it mattered.
✓
The evidence, guidance or colleague input used.
✓
Any missing or conflicting information you resolved.
✓
The options or risks considered.
✓
The action, reason and outcome, including escalation where required.

Why a strong decision making and problem solving answer works

A strong answer gives the sifter evidence instead of claims. A weak answer might say, “I am a good problem solver who can think on my feet and make sensible decisions.” A strong answer shows the task, the applicant’s own actions and the outcome. The best answers also show judgement, such as checking facts before acting, balancing service and risk and keeping decisions within the authority of the AO role. For an AO role, the example should remain practical and believable.

Weak evidence
I am a good problem solver who can think on my feet and make sensible decisions.
Stronger evidence
I used policy, booking records and technical confirmation to choose an accessible exchange within my authority and record the exception clearly.
Members can unlock three complete AO decision making and problem solving example sections below, each based on different advert wording and including a weak example, a strong example, an explanation of why it works and a shorter version for tight word limits.

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