Selection criteria · updated November 2026

Working as part of a team: how to address it

"Proven ability to work as part of a team" is one of the selection criteria the APSC gives as a common example. Here's how to turn it into evidence a panel can score.

What panels look for

What you contributed — not what 'we' did
Supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, covering gaps
Working through disagreement constructively
A shared result that your contribution made possible

Answer these four questions

SWhat was the team trying to achieve, and what was difficult?

TWhat was your part?

AWhat did you do to help the team work well — not just your own tasks?

RWhat did the team achieve, and what was your contribution to it?

Example response (fictional)

During a peak processing period, my team of six was falling behind because two experienced members were on leave. My role was processing claims, but I noticed newer staff were stuck on the same complex cases. I put together a one-page guide to the five most common issues, ran two short sessions to walk through it, and offered to review tricky cases each afternoon. The team cleared the peak on schedule, and the guide became part of induction for new starters.

Weak vs strong

WeakI am a team player who works well with others and always helps out.

StrongWhen two senior staff were on leave, I wrote a one-page guide to our five most common issues and ran two short sessions, helping a team of six clear peak workload on schedule.

Write your "working as part of a team" response

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Common questions

How do I address "proven ability to work as part of a team"?

Give one or two specific examples using STAR: the situation, your task, what you did, and the result. Show it — don't just claim it.

Can I reuse the same example for different criteria?

Sometimes, if it genuinely shows both — but panels prefer a spread of examples. Use your strongest example where it fits best.