The Four Phases of Exceptional Responses
Research
Analyse the agency priorities, existing initiatives, and legislative context to anchor every example in real organisational needs.
Story Selection
Match each criterion with a high-impact scenario that demonstrates breadth — strategy, service, innovation, compliance, and leadership.
Drafting
Structure responses with STAR, emphasising quantified achievements, stakeholder collaboration, and lessons learned.
Refinement
Tighten language, align tone with the employer, and ensure each response reinforces the narrative across your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Treat each phase as a project milestone. The more disciplined your process, the faster you can produce compelling responses for future applications.
Interpreting the Criteria
- Highlight verbs that signal the level of responsibility expected (deliver, coordinate, lead, advise).
- Identify the stakeholder groups and service outcomes mentioned in the advertisement or organisational documents.
- Note any reference to frameworks or legislation so you can align your examples with compliance requirements.
Capture your insights in the same tracker you use for the resume playbook. This ensures the story you tell remains consistent across every document.
Building a STAR Story Library
- Catalogue achievements across Strategy, Service Delivery, Innovation, Risk & Compliance, and Leadership.
- Write a one-sentence summary for each story covering situation, action, and quantifiable result.
- Tag each story with the criteria it can support so you can repurpose it quickly.
- Align stories with your LinkedIn highlights and cover letter narratives to build recognition.
Drafting Compelling Responses
- Situation: Establish context in two sentences — the scale, stakeholders, and urgency of the challenge.
- Task: Clarify your accountability, decision-making authority, and constraints.
- Action: Break down your approach into 3–4 strategic moves, highlighting collaboration and innovation.
- Result: Quantify outcomes and share what changed for the organisation, community, or customers.
- Reflection: Add a final sentence on lessons learned or how the experience prepares you for the new role.
Quality Assurance Checklist
- Word count matches the application instructions and remains concise.
- Language mirrors the agency's communication style (formal, service oriented, community focused).
- Outcomes are evidence-based with clear metrics or stakeholder testimonials.
- Stories complement — not duplicate — the achievements in your resume and cover letter.
Ask a trusted colleague to review clarity and impact, then proofread aloud to catch cadence issues. Submit with confidence alongside the assets you refined in our other cornerstone guides.
