My example is strong but sounds above the grade. Is that a problem?
Using Experience Above the Advertised Civil Service Grade
Hello,
I am moving from the private sector and applying for a HEO role. My strongest Leadership example involves directing a large transformation programme, chairing senior governance and managing several workstream leads.
The example is genuine, but it sounds closer to Grade 7 or Grade 6. I am worried the panel will think I am overqualified, exaggerating or unable to work at HEO level.
Should I use a smaller example instead?
Quick Answer
A higher-scale example can be used when it answers the HEO criteria clearly and your personal actions remain believable. The risk is that strategic context takes over or the statement skips the practical leadership evidence required at the advertised grade. Choose the example that is easiest to assess, not automatically the largest.
Read our HEO Behaviour Statements for the full guidance.
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How I Would Calibrate a Senior Example for a HEO Application
Continue reading to see how I would reduce unnecessary scale, keep the useful evidence and decide whether a smaller example would score more clearly.
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