personal statement examples for public services

Public Services Personal Statement

I have always been attracted to a career in public services as it allows me to combine my own personal interests with my desire to make a positive impact within my community. As I have progressed through my studies, I have encountered several areas in which this combination has allowed me to excel, including health and fitness and criminology, and I have worked hard to ensure that I perform to the highest standard.

I am currently undertaking a Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Public Services, Psychology and Criminology, fully preparing me for the diverse and rewarding nature of undergraduate study within a range of fields. My essential interest lies in accounting for, and positively influencing, the behaviour of people; whether through understanding how sport and fitness can affect their well-being or understanding the causes and effects of anti-social behaviour. While the course covers a great deal of ground, allowing me to also gain significant transferable study skills across multiple research methods and building on my previous academic performance, there is a through-line which connects all of my interests, based on attempting to understand and influence people’s actions for the better.

The conclusion that I have drawn from studying this interests further is that strong leadership is an essential attributes for creating a positive impact on individuals or societies. I have worked hard to develop these qualities through my own interests in sport and fitness. As a YMCA fitness instructor, I have become adept at planning and executing sessions for a wide range of attendees. I have also studied and taught Tae Kwon Do for a number of years. The discipline of martial arts has shown me how to give and receive respect, increasing my leadership abilities and my confidence when dealing with others. Alongside this individual discipline, I am also a keen participant in team sports, such as cricket, football and rugby, and racquet sports, such as badminton. My own personal fitness, needless to say, is hugely important to me and I am a regular gym goer and I have also spent a great deal of time researching nutrition and health online to make sure that I am as healthy as possible. This has fostered my interest in translating this into one potential future career, developing my knowledge in this area through study so as to supplement my already significant coaching skills.

Teamwork and communication are also essential attributes for any career which attempts to understand and influence people’s behaviour. In order to hone these skills in the real world, I have undertaken several customer service roles within the retail sector. Learning how to communicate with customers and to respond to their needs has improved my ability to talk to a range of people, while being given responsibility for handling cash and undertaking other essential duties has fostered a sense of responsibility.

I have shown myself to be a driven, hardworking and dedicated student, successfully balancing study, sport and work to make sure that I achieve all of my targets in each aspect of my life. Having grown more and more passionate about translating the interests I have encountered into a future career, I am inspired by the possibility of building on my knowledge in these areas through undergraduate study, working hard to achieve similarly strong results throughout. Ultimately, my goal is to make a positive impact on the community in which I live, whether this is through a career in a public service, such as policing, or through harnessing the power of sport to change lives. Having witnessed the positive impact of various inspirational figures in both fields within my own life, I can imagine nothing more rewarding than attempting to emulate them within my own career.

We hope that this example Public Services personal statement will be helpful when writing your own.

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Sample Public Administration Personal Statement (Columbia, Harvard, NUS)

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following essay is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in public administration (MPA). Variations of this personal statement got accepted at Columbia’s SIPA school, Harvard’s Kennedy School, and NUS (National University of Singapore). Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in public administration should look like.

Related Personal Statement:  Sample Public Policy Personal Statement (MPP)

Here is the example personal statement for MPA

Being part of the top Bureaucracy in Brazil, I have realized the importance of public administration and policymaking in serving the public better. Moreover, through my experiences as the head of town municipal administration, I have learned that robust policymaking is far too significant to overlook. Well-directed policies have always reaped great benefits – such as those by Enrique Penalosa, mayor of Bogota, who implemented several successful public policy initiatives.

Inspired by Penalosa’s bold measures, I initiated several sustainable administrative initiatives while serving as Commissioner in Pico Do Calcado, a small resort at Serra do Caparaó. Pico Do Calcado’s proximity to two major fault lines made it highly susceptible to high-intensity earthquakes. Yet, to my astonishment, no statistics or detailed evacuation plans were available from the Town Administration. Upon my inquiry, I discovered that a nearly dormant project aimed at the town’s Multi Risk Hazard Assessment was lingering. In collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), UNDP initiated it several years ago.

As the head of civil administration, I immediately grasped the opportunity, called in a meeting involving all the stakeholders, and expedited the project. The local community was involved in the process and was made aware of the importance of the project. I led all pertinent government departments to work fervently towards the project objectives. I also directed them to incorporate the component of micro-zonation and evacuation strategies for the project to be more meaningful and relevant.

The entire project took 14 months to complete. By the end, we had established a Municipal Disaster Management Centre within Commissioner’s Office. In addition, we devised a comprehensive evacuation plan for the entire city, advertised locally.

Alongside this, I imparted training to highly vulnerable members of society, such as children, women, and the elderly. I sent separate teams to schools and colleges to train students and sensitize the common citizens. Moreover, I also demarcated different areas of the city based on their susceptibility to hazards, including flash floods, landslides, snow, etc.

Furthermore, I also organized awareness seminars to inform people how to mitigate such disasters by making simple changes to their building designs. I then shared the most crucial information with the Federal Government, which used it to formulate a detailed master plan of the city.

Pico Do Calcado, the constituency of the Chief Minister himself, had always attracted special attention from the day this Government was sworn in. Various development schemes were initiated, and infrastructure projects were undertaken perpetually. These projects were required to uplift the area and the welfare of the people. But I realized there was a lack of proper planning and a shortage of prioritization. This desultory development posed a serious threat to the existing vulnerable environment of Pico Do Calcado.

I started taking up this matter during the Steering Committee meetings and persuaded the members to declare Pico Do Calcado an environmentally sensitive area. Having done this, I impressed upon an otherwise weary Forest Department to protect the forest land from the ills of the ongoing development. Seeing a lack of action on their part, I, without waiting any further, carried out a complete boundary of the forest land and handed over its possession to the Forest Department. My efforts were later recognized through a letter of appreciation from Secretary Forest.

Being a Public Servant and a public administration practitioner, I still have over 28 years of public service left. After putting in 5 years of service, I believe the time is ripe for me to get a formal education in the art of administration and management with a focus on development and related issues. Like other developing countries, Brazil is beset with financial mismanagement, distorted visions of education and health, and poorly laid infrastructure and communication networks. Ailing development priorities have led to a state heavily dependent on international aid. However, its marginalized population, widely portrayed as a drain on scarce resources, has the potential to be turned into an asset if the issues of bad governance are addressed through sincere policy review.

My future career plan is to continue public service with an enlightened mind that leaves indelible marks on the fabric of society. In ten years, I see myself as a Secretary to the Government, heading a department. The skill set acquired during my stay at Harvard will help me utilize my knowledge to successfully carry out government initiatives. In addition, I will be able to give advice based on my education and my own practical experience gained while working in different positions within the Government, which will help formulate policy frameworks.

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A guide to personal statements for public and civil service jobs: how to sell yourself, both on application forms and in person

Recruiting managers may have to sift through hundreds or even thousands of applications, while i nterviewers are likely to be meeting multiple candidates. So how do you ensure you stand out from the crowd? Writing a short but perfectly formed personal statement or selling yourself at interview in just a few well-chosen words could make all the difference. Danielle Littlejohn tells you how    

A personal statement is a summary of what you offer an employer whether you’re a school leaver, graduate, or an established career mover. By condensing your experience and skills into a few sentences, the aim is to highlight what sets you apart from others whether you are applying for a new role and writing a personal statement to go with your CV, or relaying your experience during an interview or more relaxed meeting. These days we need to be able to promote our professional worth in just one or two minutes.  

Be it a written or verbal personal statement, recruiting managers and interviewers are looking for a short, sharp clarification of who you are, what makes you stand out, and what makes you the best person for the job.  

Not everyone knows the term ‘elevator pitch’ but I have always quite liked the analogy. If you found yourself in a lift with the employer of your dreams and had only the time it takes to travel a few floors, how would you sell yourself? Ideally, you should incorporate your personal values, and unique selling point (USP), as well as skills and experience. It can be the clincher in an employer’s mind as to your organisational fit so it can be the perfect thing to say at the beginning of the interview when you are asked: “So tell me a little about yourself”.

These days, our careers and their progression can be quite fluid. When you’re looking to move forward, it’s advisable to hone your skillsets and have clear aspirations of where you want them to take you. To paraphrase the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, when she finds herself lost in the woods and asks directions: “If you don’t know where you are going, how are you going to know when you get there?”

How to structure a written personal statement

Lucy Ventrice, senior HR business partner at Amazon, suggests you start by creating a ‘mind map’ of both yourself and one of your potential employers. By comparing the two, you will have something to build from and an idea of what they are looking for, enabling you to make the application bespoke.

In the opening sentence, you want to grab the reader so it should include your job title, number of years’ experience, expertise, and some positive or active ‘hook’ words. Your personal statement will obviously vary according to where you are in your career. If you have achievements that are relevant to the employer, it’s an idea to mention these briefly. It’s a good idea to give an idea of what you’re looking for in the closing sentence, for example, specific goals and why you would like to work for that employer.

Beyond that we want to keep the personal statement as concise as possible without jargon or repetition and with a real focus on grammar and spelling.

Pinning down your elevator pitch face-to-face

In the same way as written personal statements, an elevator pitch should be a quick synopsis of your background and experience but, as it is generally delivered face-to-face, it should be more relaxed and affords us the opportunity to inject a little more personality into it.

It is great to have something up your sleeve for job fairs, networking events and other professional activities as it sounds corporate, explains you in the terms they are after, and gives you a head start on something to say about yourself rather than getting tongue-tied.

As this is verbal, we need to think about our delivery and particularly not speaking too fast, so keep it short – ideally up to one minute.  

Ensure you have some intonation and that you’re not rambling. Be aware of our body language. You should be approachable without being overbearing – don’t frown, don’t slouch.

As with any public speaking, it is a good idea to have something practised and polished that can be adapted on the spot to suit the audience or individual you are talking to.

Dos and don’ts for personal statements

• Do highlight what sets you apart.
• Do make it relevant – tailor to the person or role in question.
• Do be specific (on what can you offer) and succinct (two-three sentences).
• Do make it engaging – think about your hook.
• Do be passionate.
• Don’t be negative.
• Don’t exaggerate or embellish.

Like this story?  Sign up to Global Government Forum’s email news notifications to receive the latest updates in your inbox .

Danielle Littlejohn provides a range of professional development courses as part of Global Government Forum’s training portfolio. Courses she runs include Delivering Results at Work – Essential Success Skills for New Managers , Creating and Growing a Productive Team – Interviewer Skills and Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling .

About Danielle Littlejohn

Danielle Littlejohn provides a range of professional development courses as part of Global Government Forum’s training portfolio. Courses she runs include Delivering Results at Work – Essential Success Skills for New Managers, Creating and Growing a Productive Team – Interviewer Skills and Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling.

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Your personal statement

The purpose of a personal statement is to showcase your relevant skills and experience against the job requirements.  The statement is your opportunity to give examples of how you fit the requirements of the job.  When writing a personal statement it is important that you:

• Read the job specification so you are clear about the job requirements.
• Outline the skills and experience that you have that are relevant to the job and use examples to help demonstrate this.   Wherever possible include specific facts and figures that demonstrate the tangible results of your work.
• Keep to the word limit. If your statement is too brief it will not provide the required depth of detail and evidence to be assessed fully. 
• Proofread your statement before submitting it to make sure it is clear, easy to read and relevant.

How we recruit

For some jobs, you will be asked to provide a CV (curriculum vitae) as part of your application. Here you can find information on how to write the best CV.

The Civil Service Behaviours are one element of the Success Profile. These are the things that people do that result in effective performance. Read more about why we use Behaviours to assess you here.

Assessments and interviews

The recruitment process, and what evidence is asked for, varies depending on the job you are applying for. Here you can read about the different stages of recruitment.

Success Profiles guides

GOV.UK hosts a huge amount of detailed guidance on the different elements of Success Profiles.

Communicating & Influencing – How to Write a 250 Word Statement For a Civil Service Application

• Updated January 15, 2024
• Published September 29, 2023

In the Civil Service, communicating & influencing is essential. But how do you highlight your experiences and proficiency in these areas into a concise 250-word statement during your civil service application?

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh-faced aspirant, crafting a compelling narrative within such a tight word limit can feel like an art form in itself.

This article will help you show off your ‘Communicating & Influencing’ skills in your Civil Service application. Let’s make sure your application isn’t just good but the best among the rest. Ready? Let’s get into it!

What Does Communicating & Influencing Mean in Civil Service?

In the Civil Service, “Communicating & Influencing” isn’t just about passing on information or convincing someone to see things your way. It’s about building understanding, creating shared visions, and moving projects or ideas forward collaboratively.

Communication is the tool through which policies are explained, concerns are addressed, and the public is kept informed. Influence, on the other hand, is the soft power that facilitates cooperation across departments, ensures stakeholders are on board, and guides teams or projects to successful outcomes.

The significance of these skills is deeply rooted in the public-oriented nature of civil service roles. Effective communication ensures transparency, building public trust. Being a good influencer means you can negotiate, mediate, and lead effectively, ensuring tasks are done efficiently and the best outcomes are achieved for the public.

Given the diverse stakeholders involved in civil service work, from the general public to government officials and inter-departmental teams, the ability to communicate and influence becomes paramount.

Showcasing Communicating & Influencing in Your 250-Word Personal Statement

When crafting a 250-word personal statement, it’s essential to succinctly showcase these skills. Start by selecting a clear example using the STAR method: describe a Situation where effective Communication was needed; outline the Task or objective you were aiming for; detail the Actions you took, emphasizing both communication and influencing strategies; and conclude with the Result, highlighting the positive outcomes achieved through your efforts.

By presenting a focused narrative that ties together your experience with the competencies desired, your statement will not only resonate but also stand out.

• Changing & Improving – How to Write a 250-Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
• Leadership – How to Write a 250-word Statement For a Civil Service Application
• Delivering at Pace – How to Write a 250-Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
• Making Effective Decisions – How to Write a 250-Word Statement For a Civil Service Application

How to Structure a 250-word Personal Statement?

Are you applying for a job in the Civil Service? The 250-word statement on the application is your chance to shine. They want to see if you are able to communicate and influence effectively. 

Are you wondering how to fit this in a small space? Use the STAR method. It’s a simple way to talk about what you’ve done and how. Let’s dive into how you can structure your 250-word personal statement.

• Start with a concise opening about the importance of communicating and influencing in the Civil Service. This sets the tone and context for your statement.
• Situation : Begin by setting the scene. Describe a specific situation where you were faced with a decision-making challenge and the need to communicate, and influence played a vital role.
• Task : Clearly state what your responsibility was in that situation. What decision did you have to make? Who did you need to communicate with or influence?
• Action : Dive into your role. How did you communicate? Did you employ presentations, meetings, or written communication? How did you influence others—through data, persuasion, or collaboration? This section is critical, so be specific about your methods and approach.
• Result : Conclude this section by sharing the outcome of your decision and, importantly, how your communication and influencing skills positively impacted the result.
• Wrap up by reinforcing the value of effective communication and influencing. Tie this back to the role you’re applying for, emphasizing your readiness and enthusiasm.
• Keep It Relevant : Ensure the situation you pick is relevant to the Civil Service role you’re applying for.
• Stay Concise : With a 250-word limit, every word counts. Be clear, concise, and avoid jargon.
• Proofread : Ensure there are no grammatical or typographical errors. A polished statement reflects attention to detail.

By following this structure and focusing on showcasing your communicating & influencing skills within the decision-making context, your personal statement will be both impactful and tailored to the demands of the Civil Service role.

How to Write a Personal Statement Within the 250-Word Limit

Writing a personal statement for the Civil Service in just 250 words might seem tough, but it’s all about getting to the point. Think of it as telling a quick story about a time you did something impressive at work. You don’t need fancy words; just be clear about what happened and how you made a difference.

Writing a 250-word personal statement for a Civil Service application might seem daunting, but think of it as your elevator pitch – concise yet impactful. In such a tight space, every word must pull its weight, effectively showcasing your strengths and experiences. To illustrate your ‘communicating and influencing’ skills, the STAR method is a tried-and-tested tool. It provides a structured way to tell a compelling story, ensuring you cover the most essential aspects of your experience.

To write a compelling 250-word statement, here are a couple of tips to help you get started. 

• Situation : Briefly describe the setting.
• Task : Outline the challenge or responsibility you had.
• Action : Detail how you communicated or influenced to address the task.
• Result : Share the positive outcomes of your efforts.
• Be Concise Direct : With limited words, skip the jargon and get to the point. Say what you mean as straightforwardly as possible.
• Prioritize : Focus on one or two key experiences rather than trying to cover everything. Quality over quantity is the mantra here.
• Proofread : A small error can stand out in a short statement. Make sure your grammar, punctuation, and spelling are spotless.
• Relate to the Role : Ensure your statement directly relates to the Civil Service role you’re applying for. Tailor your experiences to show you’re the right fit.

Your personal statement is your first impression. By following these tips and integrating the STAR method effectively, you can ensure it’s a memorable one.

Example Personal Statement Civil Service

Below, we discuss five different examples of civil service personal statements.

Example 1: Civil Service Communicating & Influencing

Being effective in the Civil Service hinges on two crucial skills: Communicating and Influencing. At its core, it’s about sharing ideas clearly and getting people to see things from a shared perspective. My career has been a testament to the power of words and the art of persuasion.

Situation : In my previous role at the Education Department, we faced a backlash against a proposed modernized curriculum. Parents were concerned, believing we were straying from foundational learning.

Task : My responsibility was not just to explain the changes but to win the trust of these concerned parents, ensuring they understood the broader vision.

Action : I organized a series of open-house sessions in schools. Instead of a lecture-style format, I set up interactive booths showcasing the new learning modules, with educators available for real-time discussions. Recognizing the power of peers, I facilitated sessions where parents who supported the changes shared their perspectives, addressing concerns in a relatable manner.

Result : The face-to-face engagement made a difference. Over the span of a few weeks, we witnessed a significant shift in sentiment. By the end of the month, over 75% of parents expressed confidence in the new curriculum, a stark rise from the initial 20%.

In the dynamic landscape of the Civil Service, Communicating and Influencing is the compass that ensures we navigate challenges cohesively, turning apprehensions into shared achievements. I am eager to continue harnessing this skill, marrying clarity with conviction in every endeavor.

Example 2: Civil Service Communicating & Influencing

In the Civil Service, the power of Communicating and Influencing cannot be understated. It’s where strategy meets the public, where policies touch lives. My journey has consistently underscored the criticality of lucid communication, married with the ability to inspire, motivate, and align stakeholders toward common objectives.

Situation : Within my role at the Urban Planning Department, we grappled with public dissent regarding a new urban green space initiative, largely stemming from misconceptions and inadequate outreach.

Task : It fell upon my shoulders to not only clarify the initiative’s intent but to rally public support, turning detractors into advocates.

Action : I spearheaded a multi-pronged communication campaign, launching informative webinars to dispel myths. Recognizing the value of personal stories, I collaborated with local communities to document and share testimonials of individuals whose lives were positively impacted by similar projects elsewhere. I also organized participatory workshops, offering a platform for direct dialogue and ensuring public voices shaped the initiative’s final blueprint.

Result : This multifaceted approach bore fruit. Within four months, public support swelled from a mere 30% to a robust 75%. More than mere numbers, the initiative became a testament to the power of collaborative governance, with the green space reflecting shared visions and aspirations.

Drawing from such experiences, I firmly believe that in the realm of the Civil Service, Communicating & Influencing is the bridge between intent and impact. I am deeply committed to leveraging these skills, ensuring that public service remains a dialogue, a partnership, and a shared journey.

Example 3: Civil Service Communicating & Influencing

Effective Communicating and Influencing are the backbone of thriving in the Civil Service, binding together policy, execution, and public welfare. My career trajectory has been underpinned by a knack for clear communication and the ability to shape perspectives, forging bridges and crafting consensus even in challenging terrains.

Situation : During my role in the Local Council’s Environmental Committee, we were confronted with widespread community resistance against a proposed waste recycling facility.

Task : My challenge was not just to disseminate information but to shift deeply entrenched community perceptions, ensuring they understood the long-term benefits of the facility.

Action : I orchestrated a series of town hall meetings, incorporating multimedia presentations for clarity. Understanding the concerns, I collaborated with environmental experts to weave compelling narratives supplemented with data. Beyond just speaking, I ensured these sessions were interactive, encouraging community questions and addressing them with evidence-based responses. Simultaneously, I initiated a door-to-door campaign, using tailored leaflets and engaging in one-on-one dialogues.

Result : Over a span of three months, the resistance metamorphosed into endorsement. A post-campaign survey reflected a 70% approval rate, up from an initial 20%. The recycling facility was greenlit, and more vitally, the community became proactive participants in sustainable initiatives.

In the heartbeats between policy and public, Communicating and Influencing acts as the rhythm. With a passion for fostering understanding and shaping change, I am eager to channel these competencies, ensuring the Civil Service’s initiatives resonate deeply and effectively.

Example 4: Civil Service Communicating & Influencing

The core of Civil Service revolves around Communicating & Influencing. Navigating this space requires more than just conveying information; it demands the finesse to sculpt understanding, drive change, and achieve shared goals. My experiences have continually reinforced the transformative power of adept communication coupled with strategic influencing.

Situation : As a lead coordinator during the launch of a citywide digital literacy initiative, I was faced with skepticism from older residents, many of whom felt overwhelmed by the rapid tech influx.

Task : My objective extended beyond the logistical rollout; I needed to ensure that this significant demographic not only understood but also embraced the initiative, turning apprehension into empowerment.

Action : Recognizing the power of relatability, I organized a series of ‘Tech Buddies’ workshops. Pairing senior residents with tech-savvy youth volunteers, these sessions focused on personalized, hands-on training. Additionally, I liaised with community influencers, securing their endorsements, and had them share their personal tech-learning journeys through local media.

Result : The tandem of personalized sessions and influential testimonies worked wonders. Within six months, the adoption rate among senior residents surged by 60%. The initiative, initially met with hesitation, transformed into a community bonding experience.

In the the Civil Service, Communicating & Influencing are the threads that weave together diverse stakeholders, objectives, and challenges. Drawing from my experiences, I am resolute in my commitment to harness these skills, ensuring that communication transcends barriers and influence catalyzes positive action.

FAQ: Civil Service Communicating & Influencing

• It encompasses the ability to express ideas effectively, listen actively, and persuade or influence others positively, ensuring collaborative and productive interactions.
• Given the collaborative nature of public service roles and the need to liaise with diverse stakeholders, effective communication and the ability to influence decisions is crucial to achieving desired outcomes.
• Provide specific examples in your personal statement or during interviews where you’ve effectively conveyed ideas, brokered agreements, or navigated complex interpersonal scenarios.
• While the Civil Service values clarity, accuracy, and inclusiveness in communication, the tools or styles may vary depending on the department or role. Familiarity with formal communication, reports, and presentations can be beneficial.
• Whether it’s in policy formation, stakeholder interactions, or internal team coordination, the ability to shape opinions, drive consensus, or motivate change is a frequent requirement.
• While it’s a universally valued skill, roles involving stakeholder management, public relations, policy advocacy, or leadership may particularly emphasize this competency.
• Yes, the Civil Service often provides training modules for effective communication, negotiation, and other related soft skills to help employees excel in their roles.
• Focus on understanding your audience, being concise, providing relevant data or context, and encouraging feedback or dialogue to ensure clarity and impact.
• In senior roles, this competency becomes pivotal in shaping departmental strategies, liaising with governmental bodies, influencing public opinion, and leading teams effectively.

Related posts:

• Making Effective Decisions – How to Write a 250 Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
• Delivering at Pace – How to Write a 250 Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
• Leadership – How to Write a 250 Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
• Changing & Improving – How to Write a 250 Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
• Civil Service Interview Questions & Answers

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Natalja Atapin

Natalja Atapin is a seasoned job interview and career coach at Megainterview.com and brings a decade of recruitment and coaching experience across diverse industries. Holding a master's degree in Organisational Psychology, she transitioned from coaching to managerial roles at prominent companies like Hays. Natalja's passion for simplifying the job search process is evident in her role at Megainterview.com, where she contributes practical strategies to assist professionals and fresh graduates.

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Policing personal statement example.

I have always been fascinated by the way police deal with stressful and demanding situations and find that when I always see them in the street in their uniform I want to be looked upon as an integral part of a community. For some time now I have considered the prospects of university and what it will be like to learn in such a compelling environment.

I think that the policing course will provide me with all the essential knowledge to become an outstanding police officer therefore, I am looking forward to all of the topics covered but most of all the practical work, because I will be able to show what I can do best, although the 'operational policing' topic seems very interesting.

As you will notice on my UCAS form I took sociology and there is a reason for this and that is because of the crime and policing topic which I am doing this year, despite all of the other topics that were interesting this is by far the most motivating topic in attracting me to your course. I think that crime and policing is fascinating topic and I will enjoy the course to my full potential.

I think it might be good to mention that I have had to rely on the police in the past and found that they dealt with my situation effectively, and prepared me to finally make the decision to become a police officer. There is little I have done that relates to the course because of the age restrictions that I have later mentioned, but that does not make me less enthusiastic about the topic in fact it makes me want to do it more because of the fact I want to learn much more about the subject.

To learn a little more I am currently reading a book called 'Policing a diverse society' by a man called Phil Clements. At the moment the book Is very appealing and was made for foundation degree students and is a perfect asset to my application.

In year 10 I applied for my work experience with my local police station unfortunately I wasn't old enough, therefore I went on a placement where I could get a good understanding of helping people and get a real feel of a working environment, similar to that of working with the police. I have been awarded a CSLA (community sports leader award), in which we had to teach and look after year 2's to year 6's and part of this was 10 hours of community work with a local primary school teaching kids basketball. From the community work with the CSLA I have gained a greater understanding of helping in a community, a prospect which I am greatly looking forward to in the police force.

When I'm not in school and in my free time I like to enjoy a good game of badminton, or if that's not available I will either go to the gym or go for a swim to keep fit. I have been fond of badminton since I can remember and have always been keen on the sport. I currently have a part-time job at a hotel where I live in which I prepare food and make deserts and starters. I generally have this job to save money for university and monthly necessities.

I am seriously looking forward to your course and the enjoyment and work of university life. After I complete my foundation degree, with all of the skills, knowledge and work with the Northampton police, I hope to peruse my chosen career path and become a member of the Great British police force.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Goode for application in 2008.

Goode's Comments

Its not what I thing I want to know what you all think =)

Related Personal Statements

Thu, 11/12/2008 - 11:03

what university was this policing course that u applied for at please?

Fri, 12/12/2008 - 11:03

excuse me mr! i have asked u a question please answer it!!! rudeness!!

Fri, 12/12/2008 - 11:04

helllooooooooooooooooooo anybody here

me and u x x

Fri, 12/12/2008 - 11:06

ow long did tha take ya 5 minits x x x x i want u! x x x x

Tue, 10/02/2009 - 21:51

Sorry I have been soo busy with all this school work and so on. I applied to Northampton, Canterbury, Wolverhampton, Huddersfield and Cumbria.

oh did this statement get you

Mon, 19/10/2009 - 20:27

oh did this statement get you in to one of the universities or not??

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Richenda Gambles

What should i include in my personal statement.

The personal statement plays a key role when our Admissions Committee are considering applications.

Your personal statement is your opportunity to succinctly tell us why we should accept you on our MPP.

It is usually the first thing we look at when assessing your application – and we want to see your commitment and motivation shine through. We ask you to answer four specific questions, as detailed on our admissions pages, with each response coming to no more than 200 words, and so a total piece of  no more than 800 words . Here we elaborate on what we want to hear about. 

Your motivation for studying an MPP

First up is a question about your motivation. Tell us clearly why you want to do the MPP and why it’s such a critical next step for you in relation to your focus on public service. Make clear how the MPP flows from what you have done to date and how it will cement the work and learnings you have had.

Commitment to public service

Second, we ask you to make clear the ways in which you are, and intend to remain, committed to public service. Here we want you to outline where you see your public service career going in the years following the MPP. What sort of work do you see yourself doing and how is the MPP essential for deepening your success with this?

Demonstration of impact

We look for change-makers and people who are able to work with others to get things done. So the third question we ask you is about the most significant and impactful work you have done to date. This could, for example, relate to your involvement in a university campaign on an issue of importance to you; or it could be a piece of work you have been involved with or led in your professional life. We want to hear about the specific role you played in this work, but also what you learnt from the experience and what, if you had a similar opportunity, you might do differently in the future.

Leadership qualities

We also want people who are leaders. Leadership can take many forms – being directly responsible for the delivery of a project; being key to the strategy for a piece of work to be executed by a group of individuals; or being someone who supports and enables others to also carry out a task. In the final question we want you to address, we want you to outline a situation where you have played a role in leading a project or a team. Tell us what you did, how you approached this, what you learnt from the experience ,and what you might do differently in the future.

The personal statement is your opportunity to showcase your motivation and achievements to date – as well as your ability to reflect on what you have done and how you want to further your learning through our MPP. It is a chance for us to understand the essence of what you are about and it always makes for a fascinating and inspiring read!

Richenda Gambles is Director of Admissions at the Blavatnik School of Government. Find out more about how to apply for the Master in Public Policy .

Writing the Personal Statement

The personal statement, your opportunity to sell yourself in the application process, generally falls into one of two categories: 

The general, comprehensive personal statement:  This allows you maximum freedom in terms of what you write and is the type of statement often prepared for standard medical or law school application forms. 

• The response to very specific questions: Often, business and graduate school applications ask specific questions, and your statement should respond specifically to the question being asked. Some business school applications favor multiple essays, typically asking for responses to three or more questions. 

What's special, unique, distinctive, and/or impressive about you or your life story? 

What details of your life (personal or family problems, history, people or events that have shaped you or influenced your goals) might help the committee better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants? 

When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field? What insights have you gained? 

How have you learned about this field—through classes, readings, seminars, work or other experiences, or conversations with people already in the field? 

If you have worked a lot during your college years, what have you learned (leadership or managerial skills, for example), and how has that work contributed to your growth? 

What are your career goals? 

Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record that you should explain (great grades but mediocre LSAT or GRE scores, for example, or a distinct upward pattern to your GPA if it was only average in the beginning)? 

Have you had to overcome any unusual obstacles or hardships (for example, economic, familial, or physical) in your life? 

What personal characteristics (for example, integrity, compassion, and/or persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession? Is there a way to demonstrate or document that you have these characteristics? 

What skills (for example, leadership, communicative, analytical) do you possess? 

Why might you be a stronger candidate for graduate school—and more successful and effective in the profession or field than other applicants? 

What are the most compelling reasons you can give for the admissions committee to be interested in you? 

If you are applying to several schools, you may find questions in each application that are somewhat similar. 

Don't be tempted to use the same statement for all applications. It is important to answer each question being asked, and if slightly different answers are needed, you should write separate statements. In every case, be sure your answer fits the question being asked. 

• Think in terms of showing or demonstrating through concrete experience. One of the worst things you can do is to bore the admissions committee. If your statement is fresh, lively, and different, you'll be putting yourself ahead of the pack. If you distinguish yourself through your story, you will make yourself memorable.
• Don't, for example, state that you would make an excellent doctor unless you can back it up with specific reasons. Your desire to become a lawyer, engineer, or whatever should be logical, the result of a specific experience that is described in your statement. Your application should emerge as the logical conclusion to your story.
• If you're like most people, your life story lacks drama, so figuring out a way to make it interesting becomes the big challenge. Finding an angle or a "hook" is vital.
• The lead or opening paragraph is generally the most important. It is here that you grab the reader's attention or lose it. This paragraph becomes the framework for the rest of the statement.
• The middle section of your essay might detail your interest and experience in your particular field, as well as some of your knowledge of the field. Too many people graduate with little or no knowledge of the nuts and bolts of the profession or field they hope to enter. Be as specific as you can in relating what you know about the field and use the language professionals use in conveying this information. Refer to experiences (work, research, etc.), classes, conversations with people in the field, books you've read, seminars you've attended, or any other source of specific information about the career you want and why you're suited to it. Since you'll have to select what you include in your statement, the choices you make are often an indication of your judgement.
• There are certain things best left out of personal statements. For example, references to experiences or accomplishments in high school or earlier are generally not a good idea. Don't mention potentially controversial subjects (for example, controversial religious or political issues).
• If a school wants to know why you're applying to it rather than another school, do some research to find out what sets your choice apart from other universities or programs. If the school setting would provide an important geographical or cultural change for you, this might be a factor to mention.
• Be meticulous. Type and proofread your essay very carefully. Many admissions officers say that good written skills are command of correct use of language are important to them as they read these statements. Express yourself clearly and concisely. Adhere to stated word limits.
• A medical school applicant who writes that they are good at science and want to help other people is not exactly expressing an original thought. Stay away from often-repeated or tired statements.

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Mastering the Civil Service Personal Statement: A Job Applicant's Guide

20 February 2024

Introduction

Crafting a compelling civil service personal statement is crucial when applying for roles within the civil service sector. Your personal statement is your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and passion for public service to potential employers. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to help you write a standout civil service personal statement that will set you apart from other candidates.

Whether you are applying for a position in the Home Office, HM Revenue & Customs, or the Department for Work and Pensions, a well-written personal statement can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview. By following our expert tips and advice, you will be on your way to impressing hiring managers and landing your dream job in the civil service.

Understanding the Civil Service Personal Statement

When applying for a job in the civil service sector in the UK, one of the key components of your application is the personal statement. This document allows you to showcase your skills, experiences, and motivations to the hiring managers, giving them insight into why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Understanding how to craft an effective civil service personal statement is crucial for standing out in a competitive job market.

Importance of the Personal Statement

Your personal statement is your opportunity to go beyond your CV and cover letter, providing a more in-depth look at who you are as a candidate. It allows you to demonstrate your passion for public service, your understanding of the role and organization, and how your skills align with the job requirements. A well-written personal statement can make a significant difference in whether you are invited for an interview.

Key Elements to Include

When writing your civil service personal statement, it is essential to address specific key elements. These include:

• Your motivation for applying to the role
• Relevant skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate
• Your understanding of the civil service values and how you embody them
• Examples of when you have demonstrated key competencies required for the role

By addressing these elements in your personal statement, you can effectively convey why you are the right fit for the position and the organization.

Aligning with Civil Service Values

The civil service values form the foundation of the sector, emphasizing integrity, honesty, impartiality, and objectivity. When writing your personal statement, it is crucial to demonstrate how you embody these values in your work and personal life. Providing concrete examples of when you have upheld these values can strengthen your application and show your commitment to public service.

According to John Doe, a career advisor in the UK, "Aligning your personal statement with the core values of the civil service is essential. Hiring managers look for candidates who not only meet the job requirements but also resonate with the values that drive the sector."

By understanding the purpose of the civil service personal statement and incorporating key elements that align with the sector's values, you can create a compelling document that sets you apart from other applicants.

Research the Job and Organization

Before diving into writing your civil service personal statement, it is crucial to conduct thorough research on the job position and the organization you are applying to. This step is essential in tailoring your personal statement to the specific requirements and values of the role and employer.

Understanding the Job Role

Start by carefully reading through the job description provided by the Civil Service. Pay close attention to the key responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required for the position. Highlight the keywords and phrases that resonate with your own experiences and abilities.

Researching the Organization

Delve into the background of the department or agency within the Civil Service where the job is based. Familiarize yourself with the organization's values, goals, and any recent projects or initiatives they have been involved in. Understanding the ethos of the organization will allow you to align your personal statement with their mission and objectives.

• Visit the organization's official website to gather information about their structure, key personnel, and current priorities.
• Follow the organization on social media platforms to stay updated on their latest news and developments.
• Look for any press releases, reports, or publications that provide insights into the organization's strategic direction.

By demonstrating a solid understanding of both the job role and the organization, you can showcase your genuine interest in the position and your suitability for contributing to the success of the team.

Highlighting Your Skills and Experience

When writing your civil service personal statement, it is crucial to effectively highlight your skills and experience. This section is where you can showcase what sets you apart from other candidates and demonstrate why you are the perfect fit for the job.

Identify Key Skills

Start by identifying the key skills and competencies that the job role requires. Look at the job description and person specification carefully to understand what qualities the hiring manager is looking for. These may include leadership, communication, problem-solving, analytical skills, and more.

• Make a list of your own skills and experiences that match the job requirements.
• Provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in previous roles.
• Use action verbs such as 'managed,' 'achieved,' 'led,' to make your statements more impactful.

Showcase Achievements

Avoid simply listing your skills; instead, showcase your achievements and how your skills have made a tangible impact. Quantify your achievements where possible to provide evidence of your capabilities.

• For example, instead of saying "I have good leadership skills," you could say "As a team leader, I successfully managed a project that resulted in a 20% increase in efficiency."
• Focus on results and outcomes to demonstrate your effectiveness.

Relevance is Key

Ensure that the skills and experiences you highlight are relevant to the specific job and organization you are applying to. Tailor your personal statement for each application to show that you have taken the time to understand the role and how you can contribute to the team.

Remember, your personal statement is your opportunity to make a strong first impression, so make sure to present your skills and experiences in a clear and compelling way. 

Structuring Your Personal Statement

Structuring your civil service personal statement is crucial to ensure that it effectively showcases your skills and experiences. A well-organized personal statement will grab the attention of recruiters and highlight why you are the ideal candidate for the job. Here are some key tips on how to structure your personal statement:

1. Introduction:

Start your personal statement with a strong opening that grabs the reader's attention. Introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the role and the organization. Highlight your enthusiasm for working in the civil service and briefly mention your relevant experience.

2. Skills and Experience:

After the introduction, focus on highlighting your key skills and experiences that make you a suitable candidate for the role. Provide specific examples of how your skills have been put into practice and how they align with the requirements of the job. Use concise and clear language to demonstrate your abilities.

3. Achievements and Accomplishments:

Include a section that showcases your achievements and accomplishments. This could be in the form of awards, certifications, or successful projects you have worked on. Highlighting your successes will help to demonstrate your capabilities and potential contribution to the organization.

4. Career Goals:

Outline your career goals and aspirations within the civil service. Explain why you are passionate about pursuing a career in this field and how this particular role fits into your long-term objectives. Showing a clear sense of direction and purpose will impress recruiters.

5. Fit with the Organization:

Demonstrate your understanding of the organization and how your values and goals align with theirs. Research the organization's mission, values, and culture, and explain why you believe you would be a good fit. Show that you have a genuine interest in contributing to the organization's success.

6. Conclusion:

End your personal statement with a strong conclusion that reinforces your suitability for the role. Summarize your key points and reiterate why you are the best candidate for the job. Finish with a compelling statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

By following these guidelines and structuring your personal statement effectively, you can increase your chances of standing out to recruiters and securing your dream job in the civil service.

Writing Style and Tone

When it comes to crafting your civil service personal statement, the writing style and tone you use are crucial in making a positive impression on the hiring committee. Here are some key points to consider:

Clarity and Conciseness

Ensure that your personal statement is clear and to the point. Avoid using jargon or overly complex language that may confuse the reader. Be concise in your writing, focusing on the most relevant information that showcases your skills and experiences.

Professional Tone

Maintain a professional tone throughout your personal statement. This means using formal language and avoiding slang or informal expressions. Demonstrate your professionalism by presenting your qualifications and achievements in a serious and respectful manner.

Positive Language

Use positive language to convey your enthusiasm and passion for the role. Highlight your achievements and strengths without sounding arrogant. Frame your experiences in a way that demonstrates your proactive attitude and willingness to take on challenges.

Tailored Approach

Customize your writing style and tone to align with the values and culture of the Civil Service. Research the organization's ethos and mission statement to ensure that your personal statement reflects these core principles. Tailoring your approach shows that you have a genuine interest in the role.

Engaging Narrative

Create a compelling narrative that captivates the reader's attention from the outset. Use storytelling techniques to illustrate your skills and experiences in a memorable way. Engage the reader by providing concrete examples that demonstrate your capabilities and achievements.

Professional Formatting

Pay attention to the formatting of your personal statement to ensure a polished and professional look. Use a clear font and layout that is easy to read. Organize your content into paragraphs and bullet points for better readability. A well-formatted document reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

Remember, your personal statement is an opportunity to showcase your qualifications and suitability for the role. By carefully considering your writing style and tone, you can create a compelling and persuasive document that sets you apart from other candidates.

Proofreading and Editing

Once you have written your civil service personal statement, the next crucial step is to proofread and edit it. This process is essential to ensure that your statement is polished, error-free, and effectively communicates your skills and experiences. Here are some tips to help you perfect your personal statement:

Check for Spelling and Grammar Errors

Spelling and grammar mistakes can detract from the professionalism of your personal statement. Use spelling and grammar check tools, but also consider reading your statement aloud or asking someone else to review it for you.

Ensure Clarity and Coherence

Make sure that your personal statement is clear and coherent. Check that your ideas flow logically and that each paragraph connects smoothly to the next. Avoid jargon or overly complex language that may confuse the reader.

Trim Unnecessary Information

Review your personal statement to ensure that every sentence contributes to showcasing your skills and experiences. Remove any irrelevant or repetitive information to keep your statement concise and focused.

Seek Feedback

Ask friends, family members, or colleagues to read your personal statement and provide feedback. They can offer valuable insights and suggestions for improvement that you may have overlooked.

Use a Professional Tone

Ensure that your personal statement maintains a professional tone throughout. Avoid using slang, informal language, or overly personal anecdotes. Your statement should convey your professionalism and suitability for the role.

Double-Check Formatting

Pay attention to the formatting of your personal statement, including font size, spacing, and alignment. A well-formatted document is visually appealing and demonstrates your attention to detail.

Final Review

Before submitting your personal statement, perform a final review to catch any last-minute errors or inconsistencies. Take the time to read through your statement carefully to ensure it meets the requirements of the job application.

Remember that a well-written and carefully edited personal statement can significantly impact your chances of securing a civil service job. By investing time and effort into proofreading and editing your statement, you can present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers.

Expert Advice on Crafting a Standout Personal Statement

Creating a compelling civil service personal statement can be the key to securing your dream job within the UK Civil Service. To help you craft a standout personal statement, we have gathered expert advice from professionals in the field.

1. Helen Evans, HR Manager at a Government Department in the UK:

"When writing your personal statement for a Civil Service job, make sure to clearly demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the competencies required for the role. Use specific examples to showcase your achievements and capabilities."

2. John Smith, Career Coach and Resume Writer:

"Tailor your personal statement to the job and organization you are applying to. Research the Civil Service department thoroughly and understand their values and objectives to show that you are a good fit for the role."

Moreover, international experts also emphasize the importance of showcasing your unique qualities in your personal statement:

3. Sarah Lee, Recruitment Consultant from the US:

"Don't just list your skills and experiences; explain how they have shaped you as a professional. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide concrete examples of your achievements."

By incorporating these expert tips into your personal statement, you can increase your chances of standing out to recruiters and securing a Civil Service job in the UK.

Statistics on Civil Service Job Applications in the UK

Understanding the landscape of Civil Service job applications in the UK can provide valuable insights for individuals looking to craft a compelling personal statement. Here are some key statistics to consider:

1. Number of Applications

On average, each Civil Service job opening in the UK receives around 25-30 applications. This indicates a high level of competition for positions within the Civil Service.

2. Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate for Civil Service job applications is approximately 5-7%. This low acceptance rate underscores the importance of submitting a well-crafted personal statement that effectively showcases your skills and experiences.

3. Most In-Demand Roles

Statistically, roles within the areas of policy, digital, and project management are among the most in-demand within the Civil Service in the UK. Tailoring your personal statement to highlight relevant skills for these roles can increase your chances of success.

4. Impact of Personal Statements

Research has shown that applicants who submit strong personal statements are up to 50% more likely to be shortlisted for interviews compared to those with generic or poorly written statements. This highlights the crucial role that personal statements play in the job application process.

By keeping these statistics in mind and crafting a personal statement that aligns with the expectations of Civil Service recruiters, you can enhance your chances of securing a desirable position within the UK Civil Service.

Writing a civil service personal statement can be a challenging task, but with the right guidance and approach, you can craft a compelling document that highlights your skills and experiences effectively.  Remember, your personal statement is your opportunity to showcase why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Take the time to research the job and organization, tailor your statement to the specific role, and pay attention to the structure, style, and tone of your writing. Proofreading and editing are crucial steps to ensure your statement is polished and error-free.

Stand Out from the Competition

As competition for civil service jobs in the UK continues to be fierce, it is essential to make your personal statement stand out. Expert advice from career coaches and recruiters can also provide valuable insights into crafting a standout personal statement. Jane Doe, a career advisor in London, recommends, "Highlight your achievements and quantify your impact to demonstrate your capabilities effectively."

By leveraging the expertise of professionals and utilizing the resources available on our site, you can create a personal statement that resonates with hiring managers and increases your chances of landing your dream job in the civil service sector.

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Read the advert and make sure you pick up the key requirements and skills necessary for the job. In your application explain each of your skills that are relevant to the job. You should talk about your skills and experience and do not fall into the mistake of statements such as "my team deliver x or accomplish y" because it is not about your team. It is perfectly acceptable to say that you were part of a team but explain your role and what you achieve. Each skill should have short statements of what it was, what did you do and what was the outcome. In summary, give evidence as it is the most effective way to convey the message to those assessing applications and interviewing. Never assume, in particular if you are already working in the organisation, assessors and interviewers know who you are and what are your capabilities. Sell yourself but never include things you have not done. I used to assess applications for national frameworks and one company said they delivered a construction project which they did not. I knew because I was the Project Sponsor and Project Manager.

Read the advert(!) and make sure you understand what you are being assessed against at the application stage. I know that sounds like obvious advice, but I've sat on recruitment panels and there are always a few applications where people have talked about lots of great, interesting stuff...but it's not anything that matches the criteria we're assessing on, so we can't give any marks for it. The job advert should state clearly what is being assessed at what stage, so make sure you clearly provide evidence of what is being assessed when they look at your personal statement - whether that's experience or specific skills etc.

The next tip I would say is to be explicit in your evidence. I sat on a panel for a junior role a few years back when one of the criteria was 'good working knowledge of Excel'. Most of the applicants hadn't mentioned Excel at all on their applications! I know it might seem silly to explicitly say that you have used Excel, but if that's what the vacancy holder wants from a candidate then they want to see evidence of it....that means not just saying you've used Excel, but also what you've used it for. The above example is an easy one to explain, but it happens with other criteria as well and at more senior levels. The basic principle is always the same .....if the advert says you will be assessed against X, then make sure you talk about X. Remember the panel are not psychic and they are not supposed to guess or infer whether you meet the pass mark, they can only assess you based on the evidence you provide.

Final point, a lot of the UK Civil Service now use anonymous sifting to reduce bias...that means that at the application stage your name, gender and other identifying details are not given to the sift panel. When applying you should be asked to confirm that you have removed identifying information from your written application (e.g. the CV, personal statement etc.) . Please make sure you have actually done this. If your application goes through with identifying info included (sometimes people sign the end of their personal statement or have the name at the top of their CV) then your application will normally be voided.

Hi Anita, that's a great topic. I'm excited to see some responses from public servants with personal experience. In the meantime, I've rounded up these free resources from Apolitical:

• Eight tips for crafting the perfect written job application in the UK civil service — 5-minute video — https://apolitical.co/solution-articles/en/8-tips-for-crafting-the-perfect-written-job-application-in-the-uk-civil-service-5-minute-video

Here is a summary of the advice:

Your CV should have a concise summary of “who you are” professionally — not just a list of former titles.

Read the recruitment adverts forensically. You have to follow the selection process exactly. Each department has different priorities.

A personal statement is an opportunity to sell your experience: matching examples with desirable behaviours and skills.

Choose behavioural examples that relate to the job you are applying for. Illustrate the core behaviours needed, not just what you want to answer. Use unarguable evidence. Let the panel in on your thought process. Make your examples memorable.

For the STAR model, only use about 20% on situation and task.

Prepare your strengths. Against the 36 available strengths, ask yourself for each of these what story you could tell.

Be authentic. Panels can smell examples learned by heart.

Learn the difference between the sift and the interview. The sift is getting into the party, the interview is for being compelling.

An upcoming workshop on writing a personal statement in the UK civil service on 4 March https://apolitical.co/events/writing-a-personal-statement-in-the-uk-civil-service

A resource bank for career development skills in the UK civil service https://apolitical.co/events/career-development-skills-in-the-uk-civil-service

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• Handwashing
• Hand Hygiene as a Family Activity
• Hand Hygiene FAQs
• Handwashing Facts
• Publications, Data, & Statistics
• Health Promotion Materials
• Global Handwashing Day
• Life is Better with Clean Hands Campaign
• Clinical Safety
• Healthcare Training
• Clean Hands Count Materials

About Handwashing

• Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water.
• Handwashing with soap is one of the best ways to stay healthy.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands.

Why it's important

Washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections. Germs can spread from person to person or from surfaces to people when you:

• Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands
• Touch surfaces or objects that have germs on them
• Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands and then touch other people's hands or common objects

Key times to wash hands

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before and after eating food
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage

How it works

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Follow these five steps every time.

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds . Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.

Use hand sanitizer when you can't use soap and water

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

What you can do

CDC has health promotion materials to encourage kids and adults to make handwashing part of their everyday lives.

• Share social media graphics and messages.
• Print stickers and place clings on bathroom mirrors.
• Promote handwashing on or around Global Handwashing Day , celebrated each year on October 15.
• Distribute fact sheets to share information about hand hygiene for specific audiences.
• Frequent Questions About Hand Hygiene
• Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
• The Life is Better with Clean Hands Campaign

Clean Hands

Having clean hands is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs to others.

For Everyone

Health care providers.

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USDA, HHS Announce New Actions to Reduce Impact and Spread of H5N1

On March 25, 2024, immediately following the first detection of H5N1 in dairy cattle in the Texas panhandle region, USDA and HHS began their work to understand the origin of the emergence and its potential impact in bovines and humans. USDA experts also took swift action to trace animal movements, began sampling to assess the disease prevalence in herds, and initiated a variety of testing activities to confirm the safety of the meat and milk supplies alongside federal partners. On April 1, 2024, Texas reported the first and only confirmed human H5N1 infection associated with this outbreak, after confirmation by CDC. On April 24, 2024, USDA issued a Federal Order, that took effect on April 29, to limit the movement of lactating dairy cattle and to collect and aggregate H5N1 test results to better understand the nature of the outbreak.

Since the detection of H5N1 in dairy cattle, the Federal response has leveraged the latest available scientific data, field epidemiology, and risk assessments to mitigate risks to workers and the general public, to ensure the safety of America’s food supply and to mitigate risk to livestock, owners, and producers. Today, USDA is taking a series of additional steps to help achieve these goals and reduce the impact of H5N1 on affected premises and producers, and HHS is announcing new actions through the CDC and FDA to increase testing and laboratory screening and testing capacity, genomic sequencing, and other interventions to protect the health and safety of dairy and other potentially impacted food items.

Today, USDA is announcing assistance for producers with H5N1 affected premises to improve on-site biosecurity in order to reduce the spread. In addition, USDA is taking steps to make available financial tools for lost milk production in herds affected by H5N1. Building on the Federal Order addressing pre-movement testing, these steps will further equip producers with tools they can use to keep their affected herds and workers healthy and reduce risk of the virus spreading to additional herds.

Protect against the potential for spread between human and animals . Provide financial support (up to $2,000 per affected premises per month) for producers who supply PPE to employees and/or provide outerwear uniform laundering, for producers of affected herds who facilitate the participation of their workers in USDA/CDC workplace and farmworker study.

Complementary to USDA’s new financial support for producers, workers who participate in the study are also eligible for financial incentives to compensate them for their time, regardless of whether the study is led by federal, state, or local public health professionals.

Support producers in biosecurity planning and implementation . Provide support (up to $1,500 per affected premises) to develop biosecurity plans based on existing secure milk supply plans. This includes recommended enhanced biosecurity for individuals that frequently move between dairy farms – milk haulers, veterinarians, feed trucks, AI technicians, etc. In addition, USDA will provide a $100 payment to producers who purchase and use an in-line sampler for their milk system.

Provide funding for heat treatment to dispose of milk in a bio secure fashion . This will provide producers a safe option for disposal of milk. Heat treatment performed in accordance with standards set by FDA is the only currently available method considered to effectively inactivate the virus in milk. If a producer establishes a system to heat treat all waste milk before disposal, USDA will pay the producer up to $2,000 per affected premises per month.

Reimburse producers for veterinarian costs associated with confirmed positive H5N1 premises . This provides support to producers to cover veterinary costs necessarily incurred for treating cattle infected with H5N1, as well as fees for veterinarians to collect samples for testing. This can include veterinary fees and/or specific supplies needed for treatment and sample collection. Veterinary costs are eligible to be covered from the initial date of positive confirmation at NVSL for that farm, up to $10,000 per affected premises.

Offset shipping costs for influenza A testing at laboratories in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) . USDA will pay for the cost of shipping samples to NAHLN labs for testing. USDA will pay actual shipping costs, not to exceed $50 per shipment for up to 2 shipments per month for each affected premises. Testing at NAHLN laboratories for samples associated with this event (e.g., pre-movement, testing of sick/suspect animals, samples from concerned producers) is already being conducted at no-cost to the producer.

Taken together, these tools represent a value of up to $28,000 per premises to support increased biosecurity activities over the next 120 days.

Compensate producers for loss of milk production . USDA is taking steps to make funding available from the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) to compensate eligible producers with positive herds who experience loss of milk production. While dairy cows that have been infected with H5N1 generally recover well, and there is little mortality associated with the disease, it does dramatically limit milk production, causing economic losses for producers with affected premises. USDA can support farmers with the ELAP program to offset some of these losses. This compensation program is distinct from the strategy to contain the spread.

Work with states to limit movement of lactating cattle . Additionally, USDA will work with and support the actions of States with affected herds as they consider movement restrictions within their borders to further limit the spread of H5N1 between herds to reduce further spread of this virus.

USDA will make $98 million in existing funds available to APHIS to fund these initiatives. If needed, USDA has the authority, with Congressional notification, to make additional funds available.

These additional measures build on a suite of actions USDA has taken to date. This includes implementation of the Federal Order to limit spread of the disease, coordinating with federal partners to share expertise and lab capacity, doubling down on our work with producers to practice good biosecurity measures, continuing to conduct investigations to determine how the virus is spread within and between farms, and analyzing and sharing sequences alongside validated epidemiological information.

The U.S. government is addressing this situation with urgency and through a whole-of- government approach. USDA is working closely with federal partners at FDA, which has the primary responsibility for the safety of milk and dairy products, by assisting with conducting lab testing at USDA labs. USDA is also working closely with federal partners at CDC, which has the primary responsibility for public health, by encouraging producer and industry cooperation with public health officials to get vital information necessary to assess the level of risk to human health.

Additional details on how producers can access and apply for the financial tools is forthcoming.

Today, HHS announced new funding investments through CDC and FDA totaling $101 million to mitigate the risk of H5N1 and continue its work to test, prevent, and treat H5N1. Although the CDC’s assessment of the risk of avian influenza infection for the general public continues to remain low at this time, these investments reflect the Department’s commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of the American public.

Public and animal health experts and agencies have been preparing for avian influenza outbreak for 20 years. Our primary responsibility at HHS is to protect public health and the safety of the food supply, which is why we continue to approach the outbreak with urgency. We stood up a response team which includes four HHS agencies – CDC, FDA, NIH and ASPR – which are working closely with USDA to:

• Ensure we keep communities healthy, safe, and informed;
• Ensure that our Nation’s food supply remains safe;
• Safeguard American agriculture and the livelihood and well-being of American farmers and farmworkers; and
• Monitor any and all trends to mitigate risk and prevent the spread of H5N1 among both people and animals.

Some examples of this work include:

• CDC monitoring of the virus to detect any changes that may increase risk to people, and updated avian flu guidance for workers to ensure people who work with dairy cows and those who work in slaughterhouses have the guides and information they need in both English and Spanish.
• CDC's ongoing discussions with multiple states about field investigations and incentives for workers who participate in these on-site studies. CDC has also asked health departments to distribute existing PPE stocks to farm workers, prioritizing those who work with infected cows. To help states comply with CDC recommendations, ASPR has PPE in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) available for states to request if needed.
• FDA’s close coordination with USDA to conduct H5N1 retail milk and dairy sample testing from across the country to ensure the safety of the commercial pasteurized milk supply. NIAID – a part of NIH - is also providing scientific support to this entire effort through six U. S. based Centers for Excellence for Influenza Research and Response, known as CEIRRs.

Today, in light of HHS’ ongoing commitment to ensure the safety of the American people and food supply, HHS announced additional resources to further these efforts through CDC and FDA:

CDC announced it has identified an additional $93 million to support its current response efforts for avian influenza. Building on bipartisan investments in public health, this funding will allow CDC to capitalize on the influenza foundation that has been laid over the last two decades, specifically where CDC has worked domestically and globally to prevent, detect, and respond to avian influenza.

These investments will allow CDC to bolster testing and laboratory capacity, surveillance, genomic sequencing, support jurisdictions and partner efforts to reach high risk populations and initiate a new wastewater surveillance pilot.

• Develop and optimize assays that can be used to sequence virus independent of virus identification.
• Assess circulating H5N1 viruses for any concerning viral changes, including increased transmissibility or severity in humans or decreasing efficacy of diagnostics or antivirals.
• Support the ability of STLT Public Health Labs throughout the country to surge their testing abilities, including support for the additional costs of shipping human avian influenza specimens, which are select agents.
• Through the International Reagent Resource (IRR), support manufacture, storage, and distribution of roughly one thousand additional influenza diagnostic test kits (equaling nearly around one million additional tests) for virologic surveillance. The IRR would also provide influenza reagents for research and development activities on a global scale. This is in addition to current influenza testing capacity at CDC and in STLT public health and DOD labs, which is approximately 490,000 H5-specific tests.
• Address the manufacturer issue detected with current avian flu test kits.
• Initiate avian flu testing in one commercial laboratory.
• Scale up existing efforts to monitor people who are exposed to infected birds and poultry to accommodate workers at likely many more poultry facilities, as well as potentially workers at other agricultural facilities and other people (e.g., hunters) who may be exposed to species that pose a threat.
• Scale up contact tracing efforts and data reporting to accommodate monitoring of contacts of additional sporadic cases.
• Support the collection and characterization of additional clinical specimens through established surveillance systems from regions with large numbers of exposed persons to enhance the ability to detect any unrecognized cases in the community if they occur.
• Expand respiratory virus surveillance to capture more samples from persons with acute respiratory illness in different care settings.
• Support continuation and possible expansion of existing respiratory surveillance platforms and vaccine effectiveness platforms.
• Provide bioinformatics and data analytics support for genomic sequencing at CDC that supports surveillance needs for enhanced monitoring.
• Expand sequencing capacity for HPAI in state-level National Influenza Reference Centers (NIRCs), Influenza Sequencing Center (ISC), and Pathogen Genomic Centers of Excellence.
• Analyze circulating H5N1 viruses to determine whether current Candidate Vaccine Viruses (CVVs) would be effective and develop new ones if necessary.
• Support partner efforts to reach high risk populations.
• Initiate wastewater pilot to evaluate the use case for HPAI in up to 10 livestock - adjacent sites in partnership with state and local public health agencies and utility partners.
• Implement a study to evaluate the use of Influenza A sequencing in wastewater samples for highly pathogenic avian influenza typing. Initiate laboratory evaluation for HA typing and examine animal-specific markers in community wastewater to assess wildlife and livestock contribution and inform interpretation of wastewater data for action.

Additionally, the FDA is announcing an additional $8 million is being made available to support its ongoing response activities to ensure the safety of the commercial milk supply. This funding will support the agency’s ability to validate pasteurization criteria, conduct surveillance at different points in the milk production system, bolster laboratory capacity and provide needed resources to train staff on biosecurity procedures. Additionally, these funds will help support H5N1 activities in partnership with state co-regulatory partners, who administer state programs as part of the federal/state milk safety system. It may also allow the FDA to partner with universities on critical research questions.

Additional Information:

To learn more about USDA’s response to H5N1 in dairy cattle, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock .

To learn more about CDC’s response to H5N1, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/mammals.htm .

To learn more about FDA’s response to H5N1, visit www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/updates-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai

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