My personal statement has eight essential criteria and only 750 words. How do I fit everything in?
Fitting Eight Essential Criteria Into a 750-Word Civil Service Personal Statement
Hello,
I am applying for a HEO policy role. The person specification lists eight essential criteria, including analysis, stakeholder work, drafting, delivery and knowledge of the policy area.
The personal statement limit is 750 words. When I give a proper example for one criterion, it can use 200 words. I cannot see how I can cover all eight without turning the statement into short claims with no evidence.
The advert says the statement will be assessed against the essential criteria. It does not say that any criteria carry more weight or that I can leave some out.
How should I decide what gets a full example, what can be combined and how much space each criterion should receive?
Quick Answer
You need visible evidence against all eight criteria, with space weighted towards the requirements that matter most to the role. Use two or three strong examples that each prove several connected criteria, then add shorter evidence where a point still needs to be covered.
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How I Would Build a 750-Word Statement Around Eight Criteria
Continue reading to see how I would rank the criteria, combine compatible evidence and create a word budget that still gives the sifter enough proof.
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