Guide · updated November 2026

How to write an APS pitch

Most APS jobs now ask for a short "pitch" with your CV. The Australian Public Service Commission describes it as your chance to tell the agency why you're the right person for the job — in a nutshell, why they should hire you.

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Answer plain-English prompts, get a structured draft inside the word limit, then edit it.

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What the panel is looking for

  • Fit with this job — how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications apply to the role in the ad.
  • Evidence, not adjectives — specific examples of what you did, how well you did it and what you achieved.
  • Motivation — why this agency and this role.
  • Respect for the limit — the APSC is blunt: stick to the word or page limit.

A structure that works (about 1,000 words)

  1. Opening (80–120 words): the role you're applying for, why you want it, and a one-line summary of what you bring.
  2. Two or three examples (200–250 words each): each one mapped to a key requirement or capability from the job ad, written with STAR.
  3. Close (50–80 words): what you'd contribute in the role.

Write each example with STAR

SSituation — the context: where, when, what was going on
TTask — what you were responsible for
AAction — what you did and how (most of your words go here)
RResult — what you achieved, with numbers where possible

The most common mistakes

WeakI am a passionate, results-driven team player with excellent communication skills.
StrongIn my last role I rewrote our customer letters in plain English and cut related calls by about 40% in a quarter.
  • Repeating your CV instead of giving examples.
  • "We did…" — the panel is assessing you.
  • Examples with no result.
  • Going over the limit.
  • Generic pitches that don't use the job ad's language.

Write examples for these common requirements

Common questions

How long should an APS pitch be?

Follow the job ad. The APSC notes agencies may ask for a one or two page pitch or set a limit such as 1,000 words — stick to it.

Should my pitch repeat my CV?

No. The APSC advises not duplicating your CV and instead highlighting specific examples or achievements that show you can do the role.

How many examples should I use?

The APSC suggests using one or two of your strongest examples when responding to selection criteria. In a pitch, two or three well-chosen examples usually fit a 1,000-word limit.

Source: APSC — Applying for an APS job: cracking the code.