Why did the same personal statement score differently in two applications?
Different Civil Service Sift Scores for the Same Personal Statement
Hello,
I used almost the same HEO personal statement for two vacancies with similar responsibilities. One campaign scored it 5 and invited me to interview. The other scored it 3 and rejected me.
The word limits were the same and both adverts asked for stakeholder management, delivery and analysis. I changed the department name and a few lines, but the main examples were identical.
I am confused about which score reflects the true quality of the statement. I also do not know whether I should keep using it.
Why can the same evidence receive such different scores?
Quick Answer
The statement is scored against each vacancy and campaign, not against a fixed universal standard in isolation. Differences in criterion wording, panel judgement, applicant strength and sift thresholds can produce different outcomes.
Read our HEO Personal Statement Help for the full guidance.
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How I Would Use the Score of 5 Without Ignoring the Score of 3
Continue reading to see how I would compare the two adverts, identify the mismatch and decide which parts of the statement remain strong.
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