If you are applying for a role with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), you’ll likely need to submit a two-page pitch as part of your application. This pitch is not just a summary of your resume — it’s your opportunity to show how your experience, skills, and personal attributes make you the right fit for the position. We outline how to write an effective AFP pitch and provide an AFP pitch example for a Band 6 Communications Officer role.

What Is an AFP Pitch?

Your AFP pitch is a concise document (no more than two pages) that outlines why you are suitable for the role, based on the position description, selection criteria, and work level standards. It should highlight:

• How your experience relates directly to the role
• Your attributes and potential to perform
• Relevant achievements, and how you achieved them
• A strong closing statement that shows why you should be selected

Before You Start

Before writing, carefully review:

• The position description and AFP work level standards
• The selection criteria and role responsibilities
• The team overview, key relationships, and any other supporting documentation

If you’re unsure about anything, contact the nominated person listed in the job ad for clarification.

Understanding AFP Work Level Standards (WLS)

The Work Level Standards (WLS) provide a framework for the expected capability, accountability, and complexity of roles across classification levels (APS4, APS5, APS6, EL1, EL2, etc.).

In your pitch, you must demonstrate how your capabilities align with the WLS for the level you’re applying for. Make sure to integrate language from the relevant WLS into your pitch, using real examples to show how you meet or exceed expectations.

Using the STAR Method

The STAR method helps structure your examples:

• Situation – What was the context?
• Task – What was your role?
• Actions – What did you do and how?
• Result – What did you achieve and why does it matter?

AFP Pitch Example (Two Page)

Position: Communications Officer
Level: Band 6
Length: ~2 pages

I am an experienced communications professional with a strong record of developing and delivering strategic communication initiatives in high-pressure environments. Over the past nine years working across federal agencies, I have demonstrated my ability to distil complex information into clear messaging, manage multiple stakeholder relationships, and deliver communications that support corporate objectives. I am motivated by work that supports national security and public safety outcomes and am excited by the opportunity to contribute to the AFP’s mission through clear, consistent, and purposeful communication. My experience aligns closely with the Band 6 Work Level Standards, particularly in terms of strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, results delivery, and communicating with influence.

Achieves Results

As Senior Communications Advisor at the Department of Home Affairs, I was responsible for increasing engagement with internal communication platforms, which had declined due to information fatigue and inconsistent publishing. Engagement with key internal updates had dropped below 40%, creating operational misalignment. I was tasked with developing and implementing a strategy to increase readership and response to internal campaigns. I audited existing communications and consulted staff through a feedback survey. I introduced a fortnightly internal bulletin with curated, need-to-know content and refreshed the visual design to improve clarity. I also created a content pipeline to schedule priority messages in line with operational tempo. Within three months, average engagement rates increased to 71%, and cross-branch feedback indicated improved staff understanding of priorities.

I supported the rapid development of crisis communications during a major IT outage affecting critical staff systems. A systems failure rendered the agency’s staff portal and timesheet platform inoperable, prompting high volumes of internal queries and confusion. I was responsible for ensuring clear and timely communication updates across multiple channels. I immediately established a central update page and coordinated real-time messaging through SMS alerts, internal screens, and team leader briefings. I liaised directly with IT and executive stakeholders to ensure all communications were accurate and appropriately timed, including contingency instructions for staff. Despite the outage lasting over 24 hours, staff compliance with interim processes was over 90%, and the volume of duplicate helpdesk requests was reduced by 40%. I received executive feedback commending the clarity and professionalism of the response.

Contributes to Strategic Thinking

During an organisational restructure, clear and strategic communication was essential to support staff through uncertainty. Structural change was announced with limited lead time, and staff morale was declining due to confusion. I was responsible for developing and delivering a proactive internal communication plan to guide staff through the transition. I worked with executive leadership to clarify messaging, then developed a phased campaign including briefing packs, leadership toolkits, and staff FAQs. I embedded two-way feedback loops via MS Teams and monthly town halls to adapt messaging in real time. The communications received positive feedback from 83% of staff surveyed. The campaign was later adopted as a model for future change programs.

I contributed to the long-term planning of a national recruitment campaign aimed at increasing workforce diversity. The agency was planning its largest-ever intake under a new diversity and inclusion strategy, but prior campaigns had failed to engage target groups. I was engaged to provide strategic communications advice and content planning support from the earliest stages. I conducted a review of audience insights and presented a comms strategy with a targeted, community-driven approach. I proposed partnerships with relevant community organisations, use of inclusive imagery and messaging, and tailored campaign assets for regional and multicultural audiences. I also flagged reputational risks and compliance considerations early in the planning cycle. The campaign achieved a 42% increase in applications from priority cohorts and was shortlisted for a public sector communications award. This example demonstrates how I contribute strategically to organisational goals, taking a long-range perspective and aligning communication activities with broader policy and inclusion outcomes.

Cultivates Productive Working Relationships

A major campaign promoting workplace inclusion required coordination between HR, Comms, and the Office for Diversity. Previous attempts had stalled due to competing messaging priorities. I took the lead on developing a unified communications strategy. I set up a cross-branch working group to co-design messaging, facilitated joint planning sessions, and ensured each team’s objectives were represented. I actively listened to concerns and created a central platform for shared content creation. The campaign launched on schedule and reached 95% of staff, with a measurable uplift in positive sentiment in the following pulse survey.

Shows Personal Drive and Integrity

I was managing a campaign related to a sensitive security matter with media interest and legal constraints on what could be disclosed internally. I needed to ensure staff were informed while respecting confidentiality and security protocols. I consulted with Legal and Security teams, then crafted internal messages that provided clarity without compromising operational security. I also briefed line managers so they could answer questions within the approved scope. There were no security breaches or staff confusion, and I received formal recognition for maintaining integrity under pressure.

Communicates with Influence

A new internal HR system was being rolled out across the agency, but early feedback showed low awareness and resistance. I was responsible for creating a communications campaign to support the rollout and increase user uptake. I developed a multi-channel campaign including an explainer video, user guide, and interactive webinars. I consulted with the HR tech team to ensure messaging addressed common staff concerns and tested early drafts with end users. Within the first month, system adoption reached 87%, exceeding the 70% target.

I bring a strong track record of delivering strategic, audience-centred communications in complex government environments. I am confident operating autonomously, collaborating across diverse teams, and aligning messaging with broader corporate goals. I uphold the highest ethical standards, communicate with impact, and continuously look for ways to improve. I would welcome the opportunity to apply my expertise to support the AFP’s mission and contribute to the success of its internal and external communications function.

AFP Pitch Final Tips

Do:

• Focus on key work examples rather than covering each criterion separately
• Write in full paragraphs — no dot points
• Use real examples to illustrate your strengths
• Demonstrate how and why you achieved outcomes
• Refer to your resume where relevant, but don’t repeat it

Don’t:

• Start with “I am currently a…” or use other superfluous words— get straight to the point
• Shrink your font or margins — keep it professional and readable
• Go over the two-page limit
• Write vague or generic statements without evidence

By taking the time to tailor your pitch and using examples that reflect your strengths, you can significantly boost your chances of progressing to the interview stage.

We hope this AFP pitch example helped you! Need more help with your application? We don’t just write your application for you, we take the time to work with you to gather impactful examples that get you to interview. Contact us for a quote: