Can I name the behaviour within a personal statement?
Referring to Civil Service Behaviours Inside a Personal Statement
Hello,
I am applying for an EO role. The application has no separate behaviour statements, but the advert says the personal statement will assess experience alongside Leadership and Communicating and Influencing.
I planned to use headings such as Leadership and Communicating and Influencing, then write examples beneath them. I have also written sentences such as This demonstrates Leadership because I took ownership of the team response.
Will naming the behaviour help the sifter, or does it look forced?
I want the statement to match the advert without wasting words repeating labels.
Quick Answer
Use the named behaviour as a heading or signpost where the advert says it will be assessed. Let the example prove the behaviour through your actions and remove conclusion sentences that simply announce what the evidence has already shown.
Read our EO Personal Statement Help for the full guidance.
Need help with your own situation? Visit Get Tailored Advice or browse more questions in Advice.
On this page
How I Would Show Named Behaviours Inside an EO Personal Statement
Continue reading to see how I would structure the headings and replace behaviour labels with evidence that earns the marks.
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