If you’re aiming for a position within the Australian Public Service (APS) or any other Government level in Australia, preparing a Statement of Claims is essential. This document isn’t just a formality—it’s your opportunity to showcase how your specific experiences and skills match the job’s selection criteria. Unlike a standard cover letter, this statement is meticulously tailored to address the competencies required by the job.
A well-written statement of claims can:
- Highlight your relevant qualifications and accomplishments.
- Stand out from other candidates by tailoring your examples to the specific needs of the role.
- Show how your unique skills align with the Department’s or Agency’s goals.
Navigating the Evolving Application Requirements
It’s worth noting that Government Departments—whether Local Councils, State, Territory, or Federal—are reforming their application processes. The trend is towards shorter, more pointed applications. Expect requests for a 600-word statement, a one-page pitch, or a two-page expression of interest (EOI). These concise formats require you to succinctly demonstrate your ability to meet the role’s requirements, competencies, and capabilities.
Why the Change?
This shift is designed to streamline the hiring process, making it easier for selection panels to assess applications. The focus is on cutting through unnecessary details to directly answer the question: can you effectively perform the job duties?
Preparing Your Statement: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction (Optional): Start with a brief paragraph that summarises your credentials, akin to an elevator pitch, linking your skills directly to the job requirements. Review the position description, including the duties, key qualities, and Integrated Leadership System (ILS) requirements. Researching the Department and its priorities is equally important to understand how your role will support these goals.
Body – Using the STAR Method:
- Situation: Describe the context where you demonstrated relevant skills.
- Task: Clarify the requirements or challenges you faced.
- Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the tasks.
- Result: Showcase the outcomes and impact of your actions, with quantifiable achievements if possible.
Simply stating that you have a certain skill isn’t enough—you need to demonstrate it with real-world examples. For instance, if communication is a key requirement, describe how you’ve successfully delivered clear, concise information to stakeholders, and the positive results that followed using the STAR method.
Limit this to 2-3 examples that should already address multiple capabilities or criteria.
Conclusion: A brief sentence or two expressing your interest in the role and reaffirming what you can bring to the Department.
What to Avoid
Avoid narrative, story-telling styles. Your statement should be a series of concise, impactful examples, not a personal story. This professional tone helps maintain the reader’s engagement and directly addresses the job criteria.
Proofreading and Feedback
Proofreading is crucial—consider having someone else review your statement for errors and clarity. This can help refine your final submission.
Final Thoughts
A well-crafted Statement of Claims can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview. If you’re finding it challenging to align your experiences with the job criteria or if you want to ensure your statement is as compelling as possible, consider seeking professional help.
Need Assistance with Your Statement of Claims? Navigating Government job applications can be daunting. If you’re looking for expert advice or need help crafting a standout Statement of Claims, professional services like Rev-Up Your Resume are ready to assist. We specialise in tailoring job applications to meet the specific criteria of government roles. Don’t miss out on your chance to impress – contact Rev-Up Your Resume today for specialised support and guidance
With the right approach and a bit of expert help, you can create a Statement of Claims that not only meets the stringent requirements of Government job applications but also showcases your unique qualifications and potential.
