APS One-Page Pitch Example: Full Sample and Writing Guide
An APS one-page pitch is a 600–800 word document in which you address all selection criteria through two or three structured examples. Panels assess it for evidence density — the concentration of concrete actions, specific context, and measurable results within a tightly constrained word limit. A pitch that uses its space to assert qualities without demonstrating them through examples will score below one that presents two or three well-structured examples in the same space.
This guide explains what panels are looking for, how to structure your pitch, and includes a full APS one-page pitch example at APS5 level.
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What Is a One-Page Pitch?
A one-page pitch (also called a statement of claims or pitch statement) requires applicants to demonstrate capability across all selection criteria using two or three examples that collectively cover the key areas.
Rather than writing a separate response to each criterion, you integrate your examples to address multiple criteria within the same piece of evidence.
Departments use the one-page pitch format because:
- It is faster to read and assess across a large applicant pool
- It tests whether applicants can synthesise experience under a word constraint
- It reflects real work conditions — APS officers are expected to communicate clearly and concisely
The one-page pitch has largely replaced the traditional selection criteria document at many agencies, particularly for APS3–APS6 roles.
For a detailed explanation of how written applications are assessed throughout the recruitment process, see APS job application process.
What Panels Look For
Panels assessing a one-page pitch evaluate:
- Evidence of capability — do the examples demonstrate the skills required by the role?
- Alignment with the role — are the examples relevant to what the position requires?
- Clarity and structure — can the panel identify each example's situation, action, and result quickly?
- Appropriate level — do the examples demonstrate complexity and autonomy consistent with the classification?
A panel member reviewing a one-page pitch should be able to identify two or three distinct examples within a single read. If the examples are not clearly separated or if the applicant writes in a continuous narrative without structure, the evidence becomes harder to locate and score.
Structure of a Strong APS One-Page Pitch
A reliable structure for a one-page pitch is:
- Opening summary (2–3 sentences) — who you are, your level of experience, and why you are well-suited to this specific role
- Example 1 (150–200 words) — STAR-structured example addressing the primary capability area
- Example 2 (150–200 words) — STAR-structured example addressing a second capability area
- Example 3 (optional, 100–150 words) — shorter example or supporting evidence for a third capability area
- Closing sentence — brief statement of what you bring to the role (1–2 sentences)
This structure ensures the pitch is assessable. Each example is clearly delineated and contains all the elements a panel needs to allocate marks.
How APS Pitch Examples Are Structured
Each example in your pitch should follow the STAR format:
- Situation — brief context setting out your role and the circumstances (1–2 sentences)
- Task — your specific responsibility in that situation (1 sentence)
- Action — the steps you personally took, in sequence (3–5 sentences)
- Result — a measurable outcome from your actions (1–2 sentences)
The action section should take up approximately 50–60% of each example. This is where individual capability is demonstrated and where panels allocate marks.
Word limit allocation within each example:
- Context (situation + task): ~20%
- Action: ~60%
- Result: ~20%
For a detailed explanation of how STAR is applied at each APS level, see APS STAR method explained.
Weak vs Strong One-Page Pitch
| Element |
Weak |
Strong |
| Opening |
"I am a dedicated professional with a passion for public service" |
"I am an APS4 policy officer with five years in regulatory analysis and stakeholder engagement" |
| Example structure |
Continuous paragraph describing general responsibilities |
Named example with clear situation, actions, and a stated outcome |
| Action specificity |
"I helped the team complete the project" |
"I led the stakeholder consultation phase, conducting 14 interviews and synthesising findings into a 35-page analysis" |
| Result |
"The project was successful" |
"Recommendations adopted by the Director; submission accepted without material amendment" |
| Word use |
Filler phrases, motivational statements |
Concrete verbs: designed, drafted, coordinated, facilitated, resolved |
Full One-Page Pitch Example
The following is a realistic APS5 one-page pitch for a policy and engagement role.
Name: David Park
Role applied for: APS5 Senior Policy Officer — Department of Climate and Energy
Word count: 670
I am an APS4 policy officer with five years of experience in regulatory analysis, stakeholder consultation, and evidence-based policy development across two federal departments. I have consistently worked at, and on several occasions above, APS5 complexity. I am applying for this role because my experience in environmental regulation and cross-agency coordination directly matches its requirements.
Example 1: Policy analysis and advice
In 2023, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations initiated a review of the National Skills Recognition Framework. I was assigned as the lead analyst for the consultation and evidence-gathering phase. I developed the consultation design, conducted structured interviews with 14 industry and education stakeholders, and synthesised findings into a 35-page analysis paper. The paper identified three systemic barriers to mutual recognition — conflicting state-based eligibility standards, inconsistent RPL processes, and incomplete data sharing between agencies. My recommendations were adopted by the Director and incorporated into the department's formal submission to the National Cabinet review. The submission was accepted without material amendment.
Example 2: Stakeholder engagement and coordination
The same review required coordination across four state government departments, two peak bodies, and a contracted research provider. I designed and managed the engagement schedule, which included eight formal consultation sessions over six weeks. Two sessions involved competing stakeholder interests — industry bodies seeking expedited recognition pathways and state education departments seeking stricter assessor standards. I facilitated both sessions, prepared position summaries, and drafted a recommended resolution approach that was agreed by all parties by the end of the process. This avoided the need for a formal mediation process and kept the project timeline on track.
Example 3: Drafting and communication
Throughout the review I drafted all external correspondence, briefing notes, and the final report. Three ministerial briefs were produced, reviewed by SES Band 1 officers, and approved with only minor amendments. I also developed a plain-language summary for public release, which the communications team described as requiring no substantial revision.
I am seeking to continue developing in a more complex regulatory environment. The work of this division — particularly its cross-jurisdictional engagement and regulatory design functions — aligns directly with where I want to progress. I am confident I can contribute at APS5 level from day one.
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How to Turn Experience Into Examples
When selecting examples for your pitch:
- Choose examples where you took a specific, identifiable action — not examples where the team did something
- Choose examples where you can state a result — a decision made, a process completed, an outcome achieved
- If the role lists specific capability areas, select examples that cover the highest-weighted ones
If you are struggling to identify strong examples, list the five most complex tasks you have completed in the last three years and evaluate each against the criteria. For typical APS selection criteria and what panels assess against each one, see APS selection criteria example.
Common Pitch Mistakes
Too generic. A pitch that could apply to any APS role will not score well. Each example should be specific to the work you have done and relevant to what the role requires.
Repeating the resume. The pitch must complement the resume, not summarise it. Use the pitch to demonstrate capability through examples — not to restate your employment history.
No evidence. Stating that you are a strong communicator, an effective team member, or an organised professional without providing a concrete example is an assertion, not evidence. Panels cannot mark assertions.
Addressing criteria separately in one page. If the job has five criteria and you attempt to write a brief paragraph on each, you will not have space for examples. Integrate the examples to address multiple criteria within a single piece of evidence.
Going over the limit. If the job advertisement specifies a word limit, do not exceed it. Panels will typically not read beyond the limit, and exceeding it signals poor judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a one-page pitch in the APS?
A one-page pitch is a short document, typically 600–800 words, in which an applicant addresses the selection criteria for a role using structured examples. It replaces the traditional longer selection criteria document at many agencies for APS3–APS6 roles.
How is an APS one-page pitch different from a cover letter?
A cover letter is typically a brief introduction expressing interest in a role. A one-page pitch is a substantive evidential document that must demonstrate capability against specific selection criteria. Panels assess pitches against the same criteria they use for interviews.
Can I use the same pitch for multiple APS applications?
No. A pitch must be tailored to the specific role and job description. Panels assess alignment to the role as part of their evaluation. A generic pitch that does not address the specific capability requirements of the role will score poorly.
How many examples should I include in a one-page pitch?
Two to three examples is standard. Each example should address one or more of the key capability areas listed in the job description. If the pitch has a 600-word limit, two substantial examples are more effective than three thin ones.
What if I do not have APS experience?
Examples do not need to be from APS roles. Panels assess the capability demonstrated in the example, not where it occurred. Use your strongest, most relevant examples regardless of sector.
If You're Struggling to Structure Your Response
Structuring APS responses clearly and concisely is often harder than it looks.
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