Applying for a Civil Service job can be a daunting process, especially when it comes to writing the infamous 250-word statements. These statements are a key part of demonstrating your suitability for the role by highlighting how your experience and skills align with the specific behaviours required. Today, we’re diving into the “Working Together” behaviour, particularly at the Executive Officer (EO) level.
Understanding the “Working Together” Behaviour
“Working Together” is all about fostering a collaborative environment, building strong relationships, and working effectively with others to achieve common goals. At the EO level, this behaviour is crucial as it involves both managing your own contributions and supporting your team to deliver high-quality results.
At this grade, you’re expected to show a balance of leading and supporting. You might be guiding Administrative Officers (AOs) while also taking direction from Higher Executive Officers (HEOs) and above. Your role is to act as a bridge, ensuring smooth communication and cooperation within your team and across departments.
250-Word Statement Tips for “Working Together”
Crafting a 250-word statement can feel like a puzzle, but with the right approach, you can create a compelling narrative that showcases your abilities. Here are some tips to help you structure your statement effectively using the B-STAR method:
- Belief: Start by expressing your belief in the importance of working together. Why is teamwork vital in the Civil Service? How does it drive success in your role?Example: “I believe that collaboration is the cornerstone of effective public service. Working together ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, leading to well-rounded decisions and successful outcomes.”
- Situation: Set the scene by describing a specific situation where you demonstrated “Working Together”. Make sure it’s relevant to the EO level.Example: “In my previous role as an Administrative Officer, I was part of a project team tasked with improving our department’s processing times.”
- Task: Clearly outline your task or responsibility in this situation. This shows your role and the expectations placed on you.Example: “My task was to coordinate with various teams to gather data and implement new procedures.”
- Action: Detail the actions you took to work effectively with others. Highlight your communication skills, how you resolved conflicts, or how you supported your colleagues.Example: “I facilitated regular meetings to ensure everyone was on the same page, addressed any concerns promptly, and encouraged an open dialogue for sharing ideas.”
- Result: Conclude with the positive outcomes of your actions. Quantify your results if possible, to give a clear picture of your impact.Example: “As a result of our collaborative efforts, we reduced processing times by 30%, significantly improving our service delivery.”
Putting It All Together
When writing your statement, remember to keep it concise and focused. Use the B-STAR method to ensure you cover all necessary points without exceeding the word limit. Also, pay attention to the language you use; be clear and assertive, showing your confidence in your ability to work together effectively.
Now, let’s look at an example statement to see how these tips come to life…
250 Word Statement Example
As a Business Analyst fostering collaboration is crucial for the success of our projects. I believe that building strong relationships and creating an inclusive environment are essential for achieving our goals.
One significant project involved coordinating a new public transportation initiative across multiple regions. This required input and cooperation from various internal teams and external stakeholders, including local councils and transport providers. My role was to ensure seamless collaboration among all parties.
I began by organizing a series of initial meetings to introduce the project and establish clear communication channels. I ensured that all stakeholders were represented and encouraged open dialogue to understand their perspectives and concerns.
To facilitate ongoing collaboration, I set up a digital platform where we could share updates, documents, and feedback in real-time. This transparency helped keep everyone informed and engaged, promoting a cohesive working environment.
Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, I made sure to address and accommodate the diverse needs of all participants. I emphasized that bullying, harassment, and discrimination were unacceptable, fostering a respectful atmosphere.
When challenges arose, such as differing priorities or resource constraints, I worked with the team to find mutually beneficial solutions. I offered support and assistance wherever needed, ensuring that everyone felt valued and supported.
The project was successfully implemented on time, with positive feedback from all involved parties. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other to achieve our common objectives.