If you are applying for a role with the Australian Public Service, you will likely be asked to supply a statement of claims (or pitch) as well as your government resume (view our government resume template).
Read our APS statement of claims example below and our tips for how to perfectly target your application for an APS4 role.
What Is a Statement of Claims?
In the APS, a statement of claims means a written response to the selection criteria outlined in the position description. It is an essential part of the application process in the APS and is used by selection panels to assess the suitability of candidates for the role. It is often considered even more important than your CV.
Each statement of claims needs to be tailored to the specific requirements of the position. and should provide evidence of your ability to perform the duties and responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Ensuring your application is ‘pitched’ at the right level is important. If you are applying for an APS4 role, you need to ensure your application uses examples that reflect an APS4 level in both the Integrated Leadership System and Work Level Standards frameworks.
The Integrated Leadership System
The APS Integrated Leadership System (ILS) is a framework which sets out leadership capabilities and development within the APS. It outlines what capabilities are expected at different levels. The APS4 Integrated Leadership role profile is important to review when writing your APS4 application.
Work Level Standards
The APS Work Level Standards (WLS) is another framework for categorising roles across the APS. These outline the general expectations and duties for each classification level, with the highest function performed regularly determining the classification.
APS4 Role Profile
Employees at APS 4 level generally work under the supervision of more senior staff. They perform a broad range of job functions or roles. Employees may exercise discretion with respect to how precedents, procedures and guidelines are interpreted and applied. Employees may be required to communicate with and provide advice to a range of external stakeholders. Employees may be required to undertake technical, procedural, clerical, administrative support or operational tasks and may undertake some research and analysis. Work may involve some responsibility for mentoring and training newer members of a small work team. Employees may be required to determine straightforward priorities, staffing and workflow within a work unit. Employees at this level would normally be responsible for organising their workflow, and making decisions within defined parameters relating to the area of responsibility, under the support and general direction of a more senior staff member.
Levels of independence and decision-making
- The requirement to exercise some autonomy with support from more senior employees
- Decision-making within defined parameters that requires some reliance on judgement, skills and knowledge, with clarification and advice from senior employees
Levels of leadership and management responsibilities
- The provision of on-the-job assistance and guidance to other employees
- Supervisory responsibilities that are generally limited to task allocation, on the job training, checking of work and providing immediate feedback on performance with clarification and advice from senior employees
Level of expertise
- Responsibilities that incorporate both routine and more complex tasks
- A need to provide detailed and clear advice and assistance based on a sound understanding of area of responsibility
- A need for accuracy and precision in providing advice, assistance and referral to stakeholders, senior employees and other stakeholders
Level of representation and negotiation
- The need to liaise with both internal and external stakeholders
- Liaison with external agencies, groups and individuals
Level of strategic focus
- Responsibility for achieving own and team work goals with limited contribution to team planning
- The need to manage and organise work in the context of competing priorities
Differences Between APS4 and APS5
While the differences can be subtle, APS4 roles tend to be more functional in nature, while APS5 requires more technical and specialist expertise. APS5 roles are required to provide policy and specialist advice. APS4 should participate in strategic planning, but APS5 are required to develop objectives for both short and longer-term initiatives. Both may have some leadership or coaching responsibilities.
Here are some of the specific differences as set out in the Work Level Standards, to help ensure you pitch your application at the right level:
Results:
APS4
“Complete allocated tasks, monitor work flow and review work of less experienced employees”
APS5
“Accountable for tasks and decisions. Support less experienced employees to achieve goals by providing guidance and quality assurance”
Legislation:
APS4:
“Have a good understanding of relevant legislation and policy frameworks”
APS5:
“Maintain a well-developed understanding of relevant legislation and policy frameworks”
Guidance:
APS4:
“Works under general direction. Exercises some discretion with respect to how procedures and guidelines and interpreted and applied”
APS5:
“Works under limited direction and makes independent decisions relating to an area of responsibility”
Writing Your APS4 Statement of Claims
Length
The length requirements for your application will be specified in your application documents. Often, you will be asked for an 800 word Statement of Claims, though sometimes it can be more or less, so read the guidelines carefully.
Formatting
You should start with an opening paragraph providing a quick summary of your suitability for the role, and expressing your interest. There is no need to address your statement to anyone. You can then include some of your top achievements, reflecting the APS4 ILS and WLS. You can conclude with a closing paragraph summarising your interest and eagerness for an interview, as you would in a normal cover letter.
As a guide, your letter should look like this:
Opening paragraph: 10%
STAR examples: 80%
Closing paragraph: 10%
APS4 Statement of Claims Example – Opening Paragraph:
Here is an example opening for an APS4 Grants Project Officer role:
As a seasoned Grant Project Officer with a track record of success in Research and Analysis Services (RAS), I bring robust communication and problem-solving skills, honed through extensive customer service experience. With acute attention to detail and a process-oriented mindset, I excel in navigating complex procedures and policies to provide well-informed recommendations in adherence to standard post-award processes. My ability to quickly grasp new processes and systems, coupled with a collaborative approach to teamwork, has consistently yielded results and streamlined operations. Proficient in preparing process documentation, coordinating user acceptance testing, and monitoring project activities, I am poised to contribute effectively to your team while driving continuous improvement initiatives.
APS4 Statement of Claims Example – STAR Examples
In my previous role as a Research Coordinator at a university, effective communication and liaison skills were crucial for providing exceptional customer service to various stakeholders, including members of the public, researchers, and administrators. One of my primary responsibilities was to handle enquiries and requests from stakeholders via phone communication. This involved addressing questions about research projects, providing guidance on administrative processes, and resolving any issues promptly to ensure a positive experience for all stakeholders. I implemented a proactive approach to phone communication by establishing clear protocols for handling inquiries and ensuring timely responses. I developed a system for tracking and prioritizing incoming calls, allowing me to efficiently manage high call volumes while maintaining quality customer service. Additionally, I honed my active listening skills to understand the needs and concerns of callers and tailored my responses accordingly. By maintaining a professional and empathetic demeanour, I was able to build rapport with stakeholders and effectively address their inquiries and concerns. The university saw a significant improvement in customer satisfaction metrics related to phone communication. Call wait times were reduced by 30%, and the average customer satisfaction rating increased by 20% compared to the previous year. Furthermore, feedback from stakeholders indicated a high level of appreciation for the timely and quality assistance they received over the phone. Overall, my effective communication and liaison skills played a pivotal role in enhancing the university’s reputation for exceptional customer service.
APS4 Statement of Claims Example – Closing Statement:
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to this role. With a passion for research and grant writing, I am eager to collaborate with a dynamic team and make a meaningful impact. Thank you for considering my application.
We hope this APS statement of claims example and guide has been helpful in preparing your own application. Read our APS5 example here.
As always, our expert selection criteria writers are on hand to help with your application. Please contact us for a quote.
