SEO applications commonly ask for evidence of leading work, coordinating colleagues or supporting a positive team environment. A strong answer makes your own contribution visible while also showing how you enabled others to deliver.
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 SEO teamwork, leadership and people management evidence names the setting, your responsibility, the action you personally took and the result.
On this page
What teamwork, leadership and people management criteria can look like
Common SEO advert wording includes:
- “Works collaboratively across teams or departments to achieve shared objectives”
- “Experience leading others through projects, workstreams, or line management”
- “Provides clear direction, supports team development, and promotes a positive working environment”
What your teamwork, leadership and people management evidence needs to show
- The shared objective and people involved.
- How you set direction, coordinated or resolved tension.
- How you considered capability, inclusion or development.
- The team and delivery outcome.
Why a strong teamwork, leadership and people management answer works
A strong answer gives the sifter evidence instead of adjectives. It connects the criterion to a real SEO-level responsibility and spends most of the space on the applicant’s actions and judgement.
For this criterion area, the sifter should be able to identify the shared objective and people involved, how you set direction, coordinated or resolved tension, how you considered capability, inclusion or development and the team and delivery outcome. The example should remain realistic: SEO evidence often leads a substantial workstream, service outcome or decision with wider dependencies, but it should show broader ownership without claiming Grade 7 or SCS authority the applicant did not hold.
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
