Professional Support for Competency-Based Application Forms

Achieve Success in Public Sector and University Roles

Applying for civil service, public sector, education sector roles often begin with a crucial step: completing competency-based application forms. These forms are not just a box-ticking exercise—they are your opportunity to demonstrate how your skills, experience, and achievements align with the competencies required for the role. Success at this stage is essential, as it determines whether you progress to the interview stage.

I specialise in providing expert guidance for filling out these application forms for roles across all levels, from senior leadership roles to clerical officer positions.

My knowledge and expertise are across all of the following areas:

  • Civil Service &Public Sector Roles: Clerical Officer, Executive Officer, Higher Executive Officer, Assistant Principal. Principal Officer, Assistant Secretary, Secretary General, Secretary to the Government, Veterinary roles, Assistant Principal and Principal positions for Primary and Secondary Schools

  • Government Departments: I have in depth experience of working with clients in the following government departments including Department of Agriculture, Education, Foreign Affairs, Health, Justice, Social Protection, Tourism, Taoiseach. Local Government and Heritage, Transport and the Houses of the Oireachtas

  • Commercial State bodies: I have in-depth experience of working with clients in roles of all levels in state bodies such as Failte Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Bord Gais, RTE,

  • Non-Commercial State bodies: Significant experience also with clients such as the HEA, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Bord Bia and HSA

  • Healthcare Roles: Wealth and knowledge of assisting clients with Medical and Dental, Nursing and Midwifery, Health and Social Care professionals, Management and Administrative, General Support and Patient and Client Care roles– Examples of Clients include Clerical Officer, CNM1, CNM2, CNM3, ADON, DON, Dentists at all levels.

  • Education Sector roles: Clerical Officer, Assistant Professor, Senior Lecturer Lecturer Above Bar, Associate Professor, Professor, Assistant Principal and Principal positions for Primary and Secondary Schools

How We Help You Stand Out

I understand that competency-based application forms require more than simply listing qualifications and experience. My expertise in these areas is to design and craft compelling, structured examples that showcase your skills in alignment with the role’s key competencies.

  1. Guided Assistance:
 I work with you to identify your most relevant experiences and translate them into strong, evidence-based responses.
  2. Structured Responses:
 Using proven formats like the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), I will help you create clear and concise examples that highlight your achievements, ensuring they fit within the required word count.
  3. Tailored for Each Role:
 Whether it’s for an entry-level Clerical Officer position or a senior role like Principal Officer or Professor, I have significant experience in tailoring your application to meet the specific competencies of the position and organization.

Why This Stage is Crucial

Competency-based forms are often the first hurdle in public sector and university recruitment processes. They allow hiring panels to evaluate whether you possess the skills and experience needed to excel in the role. A well-crafted application significantly increases your chances of being shortlisted for an interview.

Poorly structured responses or vague examples can result in your application being overlooked. Our service ensures your form is polished, professional, and reflective of your capabilities, giving you the best possible chance of progressing to the next stage.

Invest in Your Future Success

With, my expertise, you’ll feel confident knowing your application presents the best version of yourself. Whether you’re seeking your first public sector role or aiming for a senior position, I will provide the guidance and support you need to move one step closer to your career goals.

Contact me today to learn how I can help you succeed in your application process!

Client Testimonial

I cannot recommend this service highly enough! Completing a competency-based application form for a public sector role felt overwhelming at first, but the expert guidance I received from Maria made all the difference. The process helped me clearly articulate my skills and experiences in a way that was sharp, structured, and to the point.

Each example I provided was transformed into a compelling response that perfectly demonstrated my abilities in relation to the key competencies. The emphasis on using a structured format ensured my application stood out, showcasing my significant achievements and aligning them with the role requirements.

This step was absolutely critical—I was shortlisted for an interview, and ultimately, I received a job offer! I firmly believe that the clarity and precision of my application gave me the edge I needed. If you’re looking to make a strong impression at this crucial stage of the process, this service is invaluable.

Margaret, Public Sector role September 2024