APS Pitch CheckerFree APS Pitch Checker
Paste your Australian Public Service pitch, pick the word limit, and get instant feedback on length, STAR balance, sentence length, "I" vs "we", passive voice and overused phrases. Nothing leaves your browser.
Private: your text stays on your device and isn't saved or sent anywhere. Privacy note.
Word count
Suggestions
STAR balance (approximate)
SituationTaskActionResult
A good target within each example is roughly 10% situation, 10% task, 60% action, 20% result. Detection uses cue words, so treat it as a prompt, not a score.
See how each sentence was classified
Overused phrases
From Mint's own list of phrases that tend to replace evidence in applications.
Possible passive voice
Suggested paragraph split
Your paragraphs
| # | Words | Starts with |
|---|
Headings (short lines without a full stop) are counted in the total but not as paragraphs. Check the job ad: some agencies include headings in the limit.
Free download: a worked APS5 pitch (PDF)
A complete 500-word fictional APS5 pitch with notes on why each paragraph works, plus a one-page STAR planner. Email is optional. You can download it straight away either way.
Want the full workbook and templates?
The APS Pitch Kit (A$24, made by us) adds an Excel/Google Sheets example bank, a criteria matcher with word counts for 300-1000-word limits, pitch, statement of claims and selection criteria templates, and three fictional worked pitches (APS4, APS6, EL1). One-off price, instant download, 14-day refund with no questions asked. If you got here from the free sample, code SAMPLE20 takes 20% off (A$19.20).
It's a writing aid. It can't guarantee an interview or a job, and you don't need it to use this free checker.
How to use the results
- Get under the limit first. Cut background and filler before touching actions and results.
- Check the action share. If actions are under half your STAR words, add what you did and why.
- Add a number to each result where you honestly can: time saved, volume, % change, people reached.
- Fix "we". The panel is assessing you. Say which part was yours.
- Replace overused phrases with one specific fact each.
More help: writing to 500, 750 and 1000 words · pitch vs statement of claims vs selection criteria · APS capabilities in plain English · guides by level and word limit
FAQ
Is the APS Pitch Checker free?
Yes. It's free with no sign-up. It runs in your browser, so there is no account and no usage limit.
Is my pitch stored or sent anywhere?
No. The analysis runs on your device in JavaScript. Your text isn't uploaded, saved or logged, and it's gone when you close or refresh the page.
How accurate is the STAR analysis?
It's an approximation. The checker looks for cue words (time phrases, 'asked me to', 'I' plus an action verb, numbers and outcome words) to guess which sentences are situation, task, action or result. Use it as a prompt to re-read your draft, not as a score.
Does it use AI?
No. It uses simple rules that run in your browser, so there is no AI model and nothing is sent to a server.
Will this get me an interview?
No tool can promise that. Panels assess your evidence against the role. The checker helps you spot common problems like going over the word limit, missing results or vague 'we' language.