How to Stand Out: Writing Job Applications That Get Responses
Part 2 of 3: Mastering Supporting Statements
Remember last week when I gave you those cover letter templates?
Well, this week we’re tackling the part of job applications that makes most people want to cry: supporting statements.
What are supporting statements?
“Please explain how you meet the requirements of this role,” or “Describe a time when you demonstrated teamwork.”
These!!
You stare at them. They stare back. Nothing happens.
Here’s the truth: supporting statements are where you actually WIN the job. Your CV gets you past the first gate, but your supporting statement is what makes hiring managers think “Yes! We need to interview this person!”
Why Supporting Statements Matter More in 2025:
AI can’t fake these. While ChatGPT can write generic text, your REAL examples with specific details and numbers stand out. They prove you can do the job.
Anyone can say “I’m a team player.” Showing HOW you worked in a team? That’s evidence.
They’re required for most public sector jobs (NHS, government, councils, education) and are increasingly common everywhere else.
They let you control the narrative. You choose which achievements to highlight.
The STAR Technique: Your Secret Weapon.
Before we get to the templates, you need to understand STAR. It’s not complicated, it’s just a structure that helps you tell a complete story:
S - SITUATION/TASK.
What was the context? Keep this brief (2-3 sentences max). Set the scene, but don’t spend forever here.
Example: “During my internship at XYZ Company, our team was tasked with reducing customer response time...”
A - ACTION What did YOU do?
This is the MOST important part! Use “I” not “we.” Explain your specific actions and WHY you made those choices.
Example: “I analyzed our response patterns and created a prioritization system...”
R - RESULT What happened?
Include numbers whenever possible! Percentages, money saved, time reduced, ratings improved.
Example: “Response time decreased from 48 hours to 12 hours, and customer satisfaction increased by 35%...”
+LEARNING What did you learn?
This bonus part shows growth and self-awareness. What would you do differently? How have you applied this since?
Example: “This taught me the importance of data-driven decisions, which I now apply to...”
Here is a STAR Formula Rule to simplify things: Aim for this split: 20% Situation + 60% Action + 20% Result.
Most people spend too long on the situation. The hiring manager wants to know what YOU did!
Your Fill-in-the-Blank STAR Template.
Copy this template and use it for ANY skills-based question:
SITUATION/TASK:
[Where/when this happened - 1 sentence]
[What the challenge/goal was - 1 sentence]
ACTION:
[First thing you did and WHY - 1-2 sentences]
[Second thing you did and WHY - 1-2 sentences]
[Third thing you did (if relevant) - 1 sentence]
RESULT:
[What happened - include numbers/metrics if possible - 1-2 sentences]
[What you learned or how you’ve applied this since - 1 sentence]
How to Use This Template:
Read the question carefully—what skill are they asking about?
Think of your best example for that skill (work, uni, volunteering, side projects).
Fill in each section—be specific!
Check you’ve focused on YOUR actions (use “I” not “we”).
Add numbers/metrics wherever possible.
6Keep it to 150-250 words total (most online forms have word limits).
Before & After: See STAR in Action
Let’s look at real examples. These are for common skills employers ask about:
Example 1: Teamwork
BEFORE(Generic and weak)
“I am a good team player. I have worked in many teams during my studies and at my part-time job. I always contribute and help my teammates.”
✓ AFTER(Using STAR)
During my final year project at University, I was part of a 5-person team tasked with developing a marketing campaign for a local business within 8 weeks.
As team coordinator, I organized weekly meetings, created a shared project tracker, and assigned tasks based on each member’s strengths. When two team members had conflicting ideas about our creative direction, I facilitated a brainstorming session where we combined both approaches, which actually improved our final concept.
Our campaign increased the client’s social media engagement by 45% in one month, and we received the highest grade in our class (85%). This experience taught me that effective teamwork requires both structure and flexibility—a balance I now apply in every group setting.
Why this works: See the difference? The AFTER version shows WHAT you did, HOW you did it, and WHAT resulted from it.
Example 2: Problem-Solving
BEFORE(Generic and weak)
“I am good at solving problems. I can think critically and come up with solutions quickly. I always stay calm under pressure.”
✓ AFTER(Using STAR)
While working as a Customer Service Representative at TechStore, we received over 200 complaints in one week about delayed shipments due to a supplier issue—our average was usually 20 per week.
I analyzed the complaint patterns and realized 80% were asking the same three questions. I created a FAQ email template and a quick-reference guide for our 8-person team, then suggested we proactively email affected customers before they contacted us. I also coordinated with the warehouse team to get daily updates we could share.
Within three days, complaints dropped by 65%, and our customer satisfaction score actually increased from 3.8 to 4.2 during the crisis. My manager adopted my proactive communication approach as standard practice for future issues, and I learned that preventing problems is even more valuable than solving them.
Why this works: This shows problem-solving in action with context, creative thinking, and measurable impact.
Example 3: Communication
BEFORE(Generic and weak)
“I have excellent communication skills. I can write well and speak confidently. I have done presentations at university, and I’m good with emails.”
✓ AFTER(Using STAR)
As Social Media Coordinator for the university’s Career Services department, I was responsible for communicating job opportunities and career tips to over 5,000 students across multiple platforms.
I developed a content strategy that adapted our message for different channels: concise, engaging posts for Instagram, detailed how-to threads for Twitter, and professional tips for LinkedIn. When engagement was low, I surveyed students to understand their preferences, then shifted our posting times and content mix based on their feedback.
Over six months, our Instagram followers increased by 120%, LinkedIn engagement grew by 85%, and most importantly, student attendance at career events increased by 40%. This experience showed me that effective communication isn’t just about speaking well—it’s about listening to your audience and adapting your message to meet them where they are.
Why this works: This demonstrates strategic communication with audience awareness and measurable results.
Person Specification Responses: The Quick Formula.
Many applications (especially in the public sector) have a “person specification” with a list of requirements. Here’s how to respond to each one:
📋 The 3-Sentence Formula:
State that you meet it:
“I have [X years] experience in [requirement]...”
Give specific evidence:
“In my role as [position], I [specific example with numbers]...”
Link it to this role:
“This experience has prepared me to [relevant aspect of new job]...”
Quick Examples You Can Adapt:
Essential: Degree in Marketing or related field
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from [University Name], graduating in [Year] with [classification/GPA]. My coursework included [relevant modules like Digital Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Market Research], which directly align with the requirements of this role. My final year dissertation on [topic] allowed me to develop deep expertise in [relevant area].
Essential: Proven ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
In my role as [Job Title] at [Company], I regularly managed multiple projects simultaneously with competing deadlines. For example, [specific situation with a tight deadline]. I prioritized tasks based on urgency and impact, communicated clearly with stakeholders about realistic timelines, and delivered [specific result]. This experience has equipped me with strong time management skills and the ability to maintain quality work even under pressure.
Desirable: Experience with social media management
While working as [role], I managed the company’s social media presence across Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for [time period]. I created content calendars, wrote and scheduled posts, and monitored engagement metrics. During this time, I grew our Instagram following by [X%] and increased overall engagement by [X%]. I also completed [relevant course/certification] to strengthen my knowledge of social media best practices and analytics.
READ ALSO: The Cover Letter Formula. Templates That Work in 2025
Need jobs to apply these templates to? Head over to Lucres where we post fresh opportunities daily.
Your Supporting Statement Checklist.
Before you hit submit, check these boxes:
☐ I’ve addressed EVERY point in the person specification/job description.
☐ I’ve used the STAR technique for any skills-based questions.
☐ I’ve included at least 2-3 specific numbers or metrics.
☐ I’ve used ‘I’ not ‘we’ when describing my actions.
☐ I’ve explained WHY I took certain actions, not just WHAT I did.
☐ I’ve varied my examples (not using the same story twice).
☐ I’ve checked I’m within the word limit (if there is one).
☐ I’ve proofread for spelling and grammar.
☐ I’ve shown enthusiasm for THIS specific role and company.
☐ I’ve gotten someone else to read it (fresh eyes catch mistakes!) 🚨 Common 📚
You can also create a STAR Library.
Your STAR Library Should Include:
✓ One example of teamwork.
✓ One example of problem-solving.
✓ One example of leadership or initiative.
✓ One example of communication skills.
✓ One example of handling pressure/deadlines.
✓ One example of learning from failure/adaptability.
✓ One technical/job-specific example relevant to your field.
What If I Don’t Have Experience?
Listen, if you’re an early career or changing industries, you might think, “But I don’t have examples!” Wrong. You do.
✓ Examples COUNT:
• University group projects.
• Part-time jobs (retail, hospitality, anything!).
• Volunteering.
• Society/club leadership.
• Personal projects.
• Internships (even short ones).
• Online courses with projects
✓ Skills Are Transferable:
• Customer service → Communication.
• Busy shifts → Working under pressure.
• Handling complaints → Problem-solving.
• Training new staff → Leadership.
• Meeting sales targets → Results-driven
Your Action Plan for This Week.
Here’s what to do RIGHT NOW:
Today: Write down 5-7 stories from your experience using the STAR template (create your library!).
Tomorrow: Find a job you want to apply for and identify which questions they’re asking.
Day 3: Match your STAR stories to their questions and customize them.
Day 4: Get someone to read your supporting statement (a friend, family member, or career advisor).
Day 5: Make final edits and submit!
Next Week, we will conclude with “The Complete Application Toolkit - Copy, Paste, Customize.” We’re closing out this series with email templates for submitting applications, following up with recruiters, and handling those awkward “checking in” messages.
Plus, I’ll give you the ultimate application checklist and common mistakes that tank otherwise great applications. Don’t miss it!
Now that you’ve got your templates ready, where are you going to use them? Check out the latest jobs on Lucres:
- Fresh opportunities posted daily.
- Filter by industry, experience level & location.
- Apply directly with your new templates.
Talk soon,
DC Content Writer, Lucres.