Statement checklist

A printable checklist to review your behaviour statement before you submit. Run through these questions for every statement you write.

How to use this checklist

Print this page or copy the checklist into a document. Go through each item for every behaviour statement you write. If you answer "no" to any item, fix it before you submit. This takes about 5 minutes and catches most common mistakes.

Structure and content

  • Does the statement follow STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result?
  • Is the Situation brief (no more than 2 sentences?
  • Is the Task clear) can the reader see what you were responsible for?
  • Does the Action section use "I" not "we"?
  • Is the Action specific. Can the reader picture what you did?
  • Does the Result include a number, percentage, or measurable outcome?
  • Is the Result clear. Can the reader see what changed?

Word count and formatting

  • Have I checked the job advert for the exact word or character limit?
  • Is my statement within the limit (including the 5-word tolerance)?
  • Have I removed filler words and phrases?
  • Are my sentences short and direct. Average under 25 words?
  • Have I used active voice throughout?
  • Have I checked for spelling and grammar errors?

Relevance and focus

  • Does the example focus on the behaviour being assessed, not another one?
  • Is the example specific (one situation, not a general description of my role?
  • Is the example real) something that actually happened, not hypothetical?
  • Is the grade level appropriate. Does it match the seniority of the role I am applying for?
  • Have I adapted this example from a template or website. Is it genuinely mine?

Common mistakes to check

  • Have I avoided vague phrases like "I considered the bigger picture" without showing what I did?
  • Have I avoided jargon like "leveraged synergies" or "optimised workflows"?
  • Have I avoided listing responsibilities instead of describing actions?
  • Have I avoided ending with "it went well" or "everyone was happy"?
  • Have I avoided copying examples directly from the internet?

Final review

  • Have I read the statement out loud to check it flows?
  • Have I asked someone else to read it and give feedback?
  • Have I left it for 24 hours and re-read it with fresh eyes?
  • Have I saved a copy of the statement for my records?
  • Have I checked that I am submitting the right statement for the right behaviour?
Ready to submit?

If you have checked every item on this list, your statement is in good shape. Remember: a clear, specific, honest statement always scores better than a polished but generic one. Good luck.

More tools