HEO communication evidence should show purpose, audience judgement and a useful outcome. Strong examples may involve briefings, reports, presentations, negotiations or explaining complex material to people with different needs.
The exact wording will vary between vacancies. Use the criterion from your advert as the heading where the form allows, then give a relevant example. The strongest HEO communication skills evidence names the setting, your responsibility, the action you personally took and the result.
On this page
What communication skills criteria can look like
Common HEO advert wording includes:
- “Strong written and verbal communication skills”
- “Able to explain complex or technical information clearly to a range of audiences”
- “Experience producing clear, concise briefings, reports, or submissions for senior stakeholders”
- “Confident in presenting, influencing, and negotiating to achieve outcomes”
What your communication skills evidence needs to show
- The audience and what they needed to understand or decide.
- How you selected the message, format and level of detail.
- How you listened, adapted or dealt with challenge.
- The decision, action or improvement that followed.
Why a strong communication skills answer works
The applicant identifies the audience and the source of confusion. Their briefing checks whether colleagues understood the revised instructions. The later quality review establishes whether the change worked. In your own example, explain how feedback influenced what you communicated.
Join our careers service to read more...
If everyone knew the best tricks and tips then they would no longer work! That is why the best guidance is for members only.
Subscribe to open the locked section on this page and get access to the full Civil Service Careers premium library.
Get help with applications, interviews, behaviours, personal statements, CVs, tests, workplace problems, promotions, and career decisions, all written for people who want a better result.
Already subscribed? Log in
