Help with civil service application

[JonahofArk]

I am currently applying for an EO project delivery role in the civil service and could do with some help. They are asking for a personal statement and then statements relating to four behaviours. I think I'm okay with the behaviours (I'm answering them using the STAR method) but need some help with the personal statement. I only have 250 words for it-what should I focus on? How should I structure it? Any advice would be much appreciated!

What did they ask for in the personal statement? Sometimes they say in the advert but sometimes it’s only clear when you click through the actual application.

@Doorhandleghost it doesn't say much to be honest, the application section says 'The statement of suitability should be aligned to demonstrate your skills and experience for the role and how you meet the essential criteria as detailed in the job description'. I meet all of the essential criteria in the advert and all but two of the desirable criteria (and would like to show in the statement that I want to develop in the role).

The behaviours they are looking for are:
Seeing the Big Picture
Delivering at Pace
Changing and Improving
Communicating and Influencing

The role is in the Home Office if that helps.

Should I focus on each essential criteria in turn?

You can do that - just try and get the essential criteria into your statement. I have sifted and you'll be surprised how many seem to ignore it altogether.

@SconesJamthenCream thanks for the advice. So if I keep it very factual in the personal statement-e.g. 'I've supported x projects and worked with such and such stakeholders' for each criteria and then do the STAR method with specific examples for the behaviours that should be okay?

I focussed on essential criteria and added in what I could on desirable. It's bloody hard with 250 words, I empathise as I've recently done it. I did an opening line saying I met all the criteria and in a sentence said why I wanted the role. Then went into more detail as to how I met the criteria. It got me an interview and the job if that helps!

Congratulations on the job @userchange856! That's great advice thank you, I think I will take that approach. Fingers crossed!

Sorry for the delay. Yes get what you can in there, don't procrastinate or you'll use up your words! Make sure you get as close to that word limit as you can though!

@SconesJamthenCream, I will definitely work on keeping it concise and focusing on the criteria-thank you!