Mastering the Supporting Statement: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Winning Application

Your CV isn’t enough—your supporting statement is the game-changer! Crafting a winning supporting statement that grabs attention, showcases your skills, and gets you hired could make all the difference in your job pursue. Getting that job may just be about getting it right when writing your supporting statement.

A supporting statement is a crucial part of your job application. It's your opportunity to showcase your qualifications, skills, and experiences that make you the best fit for the role. Unlike a CV or cover letter, a supporting statement is typically structured around the job description and the key criteria outlined by the employer.

In simple terms, a supporting statement is a written document where you explain how your skills and experience meet the requirements of a specific job. It’s your chance to provide detailed examples and show exactly why you’re the best person for the role.

Employers use supporting statements to assess candidates' suitability for a position beyond what is written on their CVs.

It allows hiring managers to understand how well your background matches the job’s key responsibilities and essential criteria.

A well-crafted supporting statement helps you stand out, showing that you can meet their expectations with specific examples from your previous roles.

It’s important to understand how supporting statements differ from cover letters and personal statements:

• Cover Letter: A brief introduction that explains why you’re interested in the company or position, typically less detailed than a supporting statement.

• Personal Statement: Often used in academic or educational applications, it focuses on your motivations and personal experiences rather than directly addressing job criteria.

• Supporting Statement: A structured response that directly addresses the job's essential criteria, providing concrete examples of how you meet those needs.

Supporting statements are widely used in fields where structured applications are required, such as:

• National Health Service (NHS): NHS jobs often ask you to address specific essential and desirable criteria in your supporting statement.

• Public Sector: Government and civil service positions often require them to assess candidates on merit.

• Education: Teachers and academics need to provide supporting statements that explain their qualifications and teaching philosophies.

• Charity & Non-Profit Sector: Many non-profit organizations use supporting statements to evaluate a candidate’s passion and alignment with their mission.

A strong supporting statement can be the key to landing an interview. Here’s why it matters:

• It highlights your relevant skills and experiences.

• It demonstrates how you meet the job’s essential criteria with clear examples.

• It sets you apart from other candidates by showing your past successes.

• It shows enthusiasm for the role and the company, demonstrating your commitment.

By mastering the art of writing a compelling supporting statement, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of advancing in the hiring process.

1. Introduction: Who You Are and Why You’re Applying

Start strong with a concise introduction that immediately grabs the employer’s attention. Include:

• Your current job role and experience level

• Why you’re interested in the role and the company

• A quick mention of how your skills align with the job requirements

💡 Example: “I am an experienced project manager with over five years of experience leading cross-functional teams in the healthcare sector. I’m excited to apply for the Senior Project Manager role at the NHS, as it perfectly matches my skills in process improvement and stakeholder management."

2. Skills & Experience: Demonstrating Your Fit

This section is where you address the job’s essential criteria. Use bullet points to make it easy to read and include concrete examples that show how your experience aligns with the role.

💡 Tip: Focus on measurable outcomes:

• ✅ “Managed a team of 10 staff to implement a new digital records system, reducing processing time by 40%.”

• ✅ “Led a fundraising campaign that exceeded its target by 20%, generating £50,000 for community projects.”

3. Achievements & Evidence: Showcasing Your Impact

Don’t just tell employers what you’ve done—show them with specific examples. Use the STAR Method for structured, impactful examples:

• Situation: Set the context.
• Task: Describe what was required.
• Action: Explain what you did.
• Result: Show the outcome.

💡 Example:

• Situation: Our organization was facing high employee turnover.
• Task: I was tasked with implementing a retention strategy.
• Action: I introduced mentorship programs and quarterly staff engagement initiatives.
• Result: Employee retention increased by 30% within one year.

4. Closing Statement: Making a Strong Final Impression

Wrap up with a strong, enthusiastic closing. Reaffirm why you’re the best fit for the role and express your excitement about the opportunity to contribute to the company’s success.

💡 Example: “I am eager to bring my leadership skills and strategic vision to your team and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]’s mission.”

To make sure your supporting statement stands out, avoid these common pitfalls:

• ❌ Writing in a generic, impersonal tone.
• ❌ Failing to address the job’s essential criteria.
• ❌ Using vague statements without evidence or examples.
• ❌ Ignoring formatting and readability.

By following this guide and structuring your supporting statement effectively, you’ll greatly increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.

Don’t leave your application to chance. Download our free resources (coming soon!) and get started on crafting a supporting statement that highlights your skills, experience, and passion for the role. You can make a powerful case for why you’re the perfect fit for the job with the right structure and examples.