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Answering the Questions
The Supporting Statement section of an application form is where you provide detailed information to demonstrate that you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria associated with the role. Your qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience should make direct reference to the job description and person specification for the role you are applying for.
The supporting statement section can begin with a question like ‘Please use the space below to write down why you believe that you are suited for this position’.
The Rules
- If you have completed an application form by hand, you may wish to type your supporting statement and attach it to the form. Ensure you state on the form ‘Please refer to attached document’.
- Remember, competencies mean ‘the ability to carry out’ and if they are stated on the person specification as essential you must be able to evidence them to be shortlisted.
- Begin by breaking down your thoughts into knowledge, aptitude, experience and skills and make notes against each point outlined in the job description and person specification.
- Explain how you meet each selection criterion, addressing each one in turn using appropriate headings. For example, if an essential criterion (under Knowledge and Experience in the person specification) was ‘Understanding and experience of project management’, use the criterion as a heading, and then describe how you meet it.
- Understanding and experience of project management
In my final year at university I was required to complete a dissertation on….I treated this as a project as it involved me prioritising and completing a number of tasks on time, liaising with a range of people, regularly reviewing progress against my plan … etc.
- Understanding and experience of project management
- Ensure you can provide comprehensive answers with relevant examples. If you are unable to provide examples for all the essential criteria you will not be short listed for interview.
- The supporting statement is your chance to sell yourself but be wary of exaggerations. Ensure your tone is positive and confident without being over the top.
- Your personal statement needs to contain relevant details and examples but not be too long. Avoid writing a narrative without headings as the employer then has to pick through your narrative matching relevant examples to the selection criteria. This can be difficult, time-consuming and off-putting for the employer. You also need to be concise and accurate with your examples as too much waffle will result in the reader switching off.
- Ensure consistent grammar throughout. Avoid using contractions such as I’ve or I’m.
Test Yourself
Think you’ve got the rules? Click Test yourself to check your knowledge on Answering the Question.
