How to write behaviour statements
Behaviour statements are usually the highest-weighted part of a Civil Service application sift. Assessors score your evidence against Success Profiles behaviours using the STAR method.
In short: One behaviour, one example, STAR shape, most words on Action, end with a result. Match the grade in the advert.
What a behaviour statement is
A behaviour statement is a short, structured example of something you did that demonstrates one Civil Service behaviour. It is not a personality summary and it is not a list of duties. It is evidence.
Use STAR
- Situation: brief context (who, where, what was at stake).
- Task: your responsibility in one or two sentences.
- Action: what you did; this should be the longest part.
- Result: what changed, with numbers or feedback where you can.
Word counts
Most AO–HEO adverts ask for 250 words per behaviour. SEO and Grade 7 often ask for 500. Some SCS and Grade 6 exercises use 750 or a character limit. Always follow the advert. See our guides to 250, 500 and 750 word statements.
What assessors mark
Assessors map your actions to the behaviour indicators for the grade. They look for specificity, your personal contribution, decision quality and a credible outcome. Vague claims such as "I am a team player" score poorly.
Common mistakes
- Writing about the team ("we") without your actions.
- Spending half the word count on Situation.
- Choosing an example that fits a different behaviour.
- No result, learning or feedback.