Start with the person specification

Read the job description and person specification side by side. Mark every essential criterion, then note the strongest true evidence you have for each one. Include desirable criteria after the essentials are covered.

Many applications are assessed against a scoring framework. A beautifully written statement can still underperform if it leaves important criteria unanswered.

Choose a structure the reader can follow

When headings are allowed, use short headings based on groups of criteria such as Customer Service, Organisation and Teamwork. Otherwise, use a clear paragraph for each group and repeat the employer's key wording naturally.

Open with two or three sentences naming the role, your overall fit and your motivation. Use the main body for evidence. Close by summarising the contribution you are ready to make.

Turn claims into evidence

A claim tells the employer what you believe about yourself. Evidence shows the behaviour. Replace 'I have excellent organisational skills' with a short example of planning work, managing deadlines and keeping others informed.

Use STAR for the most important criteria, but keep the context short. The reader needs your action and result more than a long description of the workplace.

EXAMPLE

To manage competing weekly deadlines, I created a priority tracker, confirmed dependencies with colleagues and reviewed progress each morning. All reports were submitted on time for three consecutive months, and the tracker was adopted by another team member.

Handle gaps honestly

If you have transferable rather than direct experience, name the connection. Experience supporting members of the public at a community event may show communication and calm problem-solving even if the setting is different.

Do not claim an essential qualification, licence or system you do not have. When appropriate, explain closely related experience and your readiness to learn, but let the employer decide whether it meets the requirement.

Edit for score and clarity

  • Check every essential criterion is addressed at least once.
  • Put the strongest evidence near the relevant claim.
  • Remove long background details that do not add proof.
  • Use accurate numbers and outcomes where available.
  • Stay inside the word or character limit.
  • Proofread names, role title and organisation details.

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked questions

How long should a supporting statement be?

Follow the stated word or character limit. If none is given, cover the essential criteria clearly without repeating yourself; the required detail varies by role.

Should I use headings?

Use headings when the form and instructions allow them. They can make a longer statement easier to score against groups of criteria.

Can I reuse a supporting statement?

Keep useful evidence, but rebuild the structure around each role's person specification. Reusing an unchanged statement risks missing the criteria being scored.