I meet every essential criterion but still cannot pass the sift. Why?
Meeting the Essential Criteria but Failing a Civil Service Sift
Hello,
I am applying for SEO project delivery roles. I only apply where I can honestly say that I meet every essential criterion, and I can point to experience for each one.
My personal statements cover the full person specification. I mention programme planning, senior stakeholders, risk management, governance and team leadership. Despite that, I have failed three recent sifts.
I assumed the essential criteria were a checklist and that showing relevant experience against all of them would be enough to reach interview. I am starting to think the panel is looking for something else.
Why can a statement cover every criterion and still score below the pass mark?
Quick Answer
Meeting the criteria in real life gives you suitable material. The sift is based on the evidence written in the application, so each criterion still needs clear proof at the required grade and enough detail for the panel to assess its strength.
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How I Would Turn Criterion Coverage Into Stronger SEO Evidence
Continue reading to see why criterion mentions can still score poorly and how I would rebuild the evidence around scale, judgement and outcomes.
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