If you are applying for a role with the Queensland Fire Department (QFD, formerly QFES), you may need to submit a Statement of Suitability as part of your application. This document is critical in demonstrating how your skills, experience, and achievements align with the key accountabilities of the role.

This guide will walk you through:

• What a Statement of Suitability is
• How to use the STAR method to structure your response
• The Leadership Competencies for Queensland (LC4QLD) framework
• A sample Statement of Suitability for a Program Officer role

We’ll also outline how to prepare a strong resume for a QFD role.

What is a Statement of Suitability?

A Statement of Suitability is a concise document (maximum 2 A4 pages) that explains why you are the best candidate for the role. It should:

• Address the key accountabilities of the role
• Showcase your leadership competencies
• Provide specific examples of relevant experience

To make your statement really powerful, we recommend you use the STAR method, which ensures your examples are structured and results-oriented. A statement of suitability isn’t required for all roles with QFD, for example firefighter roles have different application requirements.

The STAR Method

The STAR method is a simple but effective way to provide evidence of your skills and experience. Each response should include:

• Situation – Provide context about the scenario.
• Task – Explain your role and responsibilities.
• Action – Detail the steps you took.
• Result – Highlight the outcome and impact.

Using this format will make your statement clear, concise, and evidence-based.

Leadership Competencies for Queensland (LC4QLD)

QFES has adopted the Leadership Competencies for Queensland (LC4QLD) framework, which is used to assess applicants holistically throughout the selection process.

You should read through the behavioural indicators for the relevant leadership ‘stream’ within the framework. This stream is listed under the ‘capability’ heading in the role description and outlines the leadership competencies required for the position.

For more information, refer to the official LC4QLD framework: Leadership Competencies for Queensland

How LC4QLD Applies to Your Application:

You are not required to explicitly address every competency in your application. However, the selection panel will assess these competencies holistically through your resume, statement of suitability, and interview. Ensure your examples demonstrate leadership behaviours aligned with the role’s competency stream. By understanding and incorporating LC4QLD principles into your application, you will strengthen your case as a suitable candidate.

QFD/ QFES Statement of Suitability Example

Below is a sample Statement of Suitability tailored to a Program Officer role at QFES, incorporating the STAR method.

I am excited to apply for the Program Officer (20525) role at QFES, bringing strong experience in project coordination, administrative support, and stakeholder engagement.

In my previous role as a Project Administrator at XYZ Government Agency, I was responsible for supporting the development of a new workforce policy framework. My role required me to assist in drafting policies, frameworks, and project documentation to ensure consistency and compliance with governance standards. I coordinated stakeholder input, revised policy drafts based on feedback, and implemented a document tracking system to streamline policy updates. This improved policy accuracy by 30% and enhanced compliance with governance requirements.

While working as a Policy Officer at ABC Department, I was tasked with compiling briefing notes for executive decision-making. I needed to ensure reports were well-researched, structured, and aligned with departmental priorities. I liaised with subject matter experts, conducted data analysis, and formatted documents to ensure clarity and conciseness. The reports I prepared contributed to faster decision-making, reducing processing time by 40%.

At XYZ Agency, I managed secretariat duties for a departmental working group. I needed to prepare agendas, record meeting minutes, and track action items. I introduced a structured template for minutes and an automated system for tracking action progress. Action item completion rates increased by 25%, improving overall meeting efficiency.

In a previous role, I was responsible for engaging with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate a major change initiative. My goal was to ensure smooth collaboration and address stakeholder concerns. I facilitated stakeholder workshops, provided regular updates, and ensured transparent communication. Stakeholder satisfaction scores increased by 95%, reflecting strong engagement and trust.

My team faced inefficiencies in tracking program deliverables. I was responsible for identifying system gaps and implementing improvements. I introduced a digital workflow solution that reduced manual processing time. Administrative workload decreased by 50%, freeing up resources for strategic initiatives.

In my previous role as a Business Improvement Analyst, our department was rolling out a new workforce development program, but there was limited visibility on progress and key milestones. I was responsible for identifying key information gaps, developing a structured approach to tracking milestones, and providing updates to senior leadership on progress and areas requiring intervention. I conducted stakeholder consultations to determine critical reporting needs, developed a dashboard using Power BI to track real-time progress, and created a communication plan to ensure timely updates were provided to relevant teams. The dashboard significantly improved transparency, reducing reporting delays by 40% and ensuring key program objectives were met on schedule.

Resume for QFD/ QFES

Your resume (or CV) is a critical component of your application. It should provide a clear and concise summary of your relevant experience, skills, and achievements.

Key Tips for Your Resume:

✅ Keep it succinct and focused on outcomes (maximum 4x A4 pages for AO and other streams e.g. PO/TOC and maximum 6 pages for Senior Officer (SO) or Executive (SES) roles).

✅ Use specific examples to demonstrate your experience (What you did? How you did it? What was the outcome?)

✅ Align your resume with the key accountabilities of the role

✅ Ensure readability by using a professional format (e.g., Arial 10 font with standard margins)

✅ Include two to three referees who can speak to your work performance and conduct

A well-structured Statement of Suitability and resume is crucial in securing an interview for a role with QFD. By using the STAR method, preparing a strong resume, and understanding the LC4QLD framework, you can present a powerful case for your candidacy. Good luck!

We are on hand to assist with any part of your application. Contact us to discuss your requirements: