APS Pitch CheckerACT government applications: writing a pitch or addressing selection criteria
Short answer: ACT Public Service ads ask for either selection criteria responses, written formally with each criterion numbered and headed in position-description order, or a pitch, written as a conversational letter with no headings that still covers every requirement. Check the ad's How to apply section for which one and the page limit, often one to three pages, and back every claim with a specific example.
ACT Public Service ads ask for a written response, but not always the same kind. Some want selection criteria answered one by one, some want a "pitch" and a few want answers to a couple of questions. The ACT's own guidance treats these as different formats with different rules, so this guide starts with how to tell them apart, then shows how to write each one.
Pitch or selection criteria? Check the ad
The Jobs ACT page on preparing your application sets out the difference clearly. In summary:
| Selection criteria | Pitch | |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Formal, report format | Engaging, conversational letter format |
| Headings | Number and head each criterion, in the same order as the position description | No headings; paragraphs that each relate to one or more requirements |
| Content | Evidence against each criterion separately | Why you're interested and why you're the best person, while covering all the requirements |
| Also called | Addressing the criteria; "what you require" | Personal pitch; expression of interest (EOI) |
The ad's "How to apply" section tells you which one to write and any length limit. The ACT Applicant Information Kit (March 2026) describes the written response as one to three pages depending on the instruction in the ad. If it's unclear which format is wanted, Jobs ACT says to ask the contact officer named in the ad.
Writing an ACT pitch
An ACT pitch is closer to a persuasive letter than the Commonwealth (APS) pitch most people know. It combines motivation with evidence, and it must cover every requirement even though there are no headings. A plan that works for a two-page pitch:
- Map the requirements. List each requirement from the position description ("what you require" or similar) and choose the examples that cover them. One example can cover two or three related requirements.
- Open with a specific reason. Two or three sentences on why this role and directorate, tied to something real about their work, plus what you bring. Skip general enthusiasm.
- Write three to five evidence paragraphs. Each paragraph starts with a clear topic sentence that echoes one or two requirements, then gives a STAR example: situation, task, what you did, result.
- Cover transferable skills honestly. Jobs ACT says that if you lack direct experience in an area, you should outline the transferable skills, knowledge or experience you have.
- Close briefly with what you'd bring to the team. No summary of the examples.
- Tick off every requirement against your paragraphs before you submit.
The Applicant Information Kit contrasts evidence-based examples with statements like "I am a really great communicator" or "If I was in a business improvement position, I would find solutions". Statements about what you would do, or who you are, don't count as evidence. What you did, and what changed, does.
A fictional pitch excerpt
The person, directorate work and numbers below are invented. This shows one evidence paragraph in letter style, with no heading, covering two requirements: stakeholder engagement and written communication.
Role: Community Engagement Officer, ASO6 (fictional). Requirements covered: "Builds productive relationships with community stakeholders" and "Communicates clearly in writing for a range of audiences".
Building trust with community groups is the part of my current work I'm proudest of. When our team was asked to consult on changes to a suburban playground upgrade, two resident groups had already said publicly that they felt ignored. I met each group's convenor separately, listened to their concerns and agreed on a timetable for when they would see draft plans. I then rewrote our consultation paper in plain English, cutting it from 14 pages to four, and added a one-page visual summary that I tested with three residents before release. I ran two evening drop-in sessions and replied in writing to every one of the 86 submissions within ten working days. Both groups endorsed the final design, and formal complaints about the project dropped from nine in the first month to none in the last two.
This paragraph is 138 words. A two-page pitch has room for an opening, four paragraphs like this and a short close.
Why it works: the opening sentence signals the requirement without a heading; the actions show both relationship-building and writing; and the result can be checked. It reads as a letter but is still evidence-led.
Writing ACT selection criteria responses
When the ad asks you to address the criteria, use the formal format Jobs ACT describes:
- Number each criterion and use it as a heading, in the same order as the position description.
- Open with a one-sentence claim, then give one STAR example. The kit explains situation, task, action and result.
- Keep within any word or page limit. If the ad sets a limit for the whole response, divide it roughly evenly, with a little more for the criteria that matter most in the duties.
- If an ad asks a couple of questions instead, Jobs ACT says your answers should show how they relate to the role's requirements or capabilities.
The same rules apply as in other jurisdictions; our guide to key selection criteria responses has a fuller walk-through of the claim-plus-STAR structure.
ACTPS values and signature behaviours
The Applicant Information Kit says all ACTPS employees are expected to embody the values of respect, integrity, collaboration and innovation, along with related signature behaviours. Unless the ad asks you to address them directly, show one or two through your examples, such as collaboration in how you worked with stakeholders, rather than adding a paragraph that defines them.
Referees, checks and closing times
- Referees: the kit asks for two professional referees, including a current manager where possible. Some ads require a referee report with the application; Jobs ACT provides a referee report template (PDF) for that.
- Requirements and checks: if the role needs something specific, such as a Working with Vulnerable People registration or a driver's licence, confirm in your application that you meet it. Check eligibility in the ad itself.
- Closing time: submissions close at 11:59pm on the closing date unless the ad says otherwise. Submission methods vary, so follow the ad and the Jobs ACT page on submitting your application.
Common mistakes
- Sending an APS-style pitch with capability headings when the ad asked for an ACT pitch in letter format, or the reverse.
- Writing a pitch that's all motivation and no evidence, or one that misses a requirement because there were no headings to prompt you.
- Describing what you would do in the role instead of what you have done.
- Exceeding the page limit set in the ad.
Paste your draft into the free checker to check the word count, the STAR balance and how often you write "we". Also applying for Commonwealth roles in Canberra? See APS pitch examples by level and pitch vs statement of claims vs selection criteria.
FAQ
What is a pitch in an ACT government application?
Jobs ACT describes it as an engaging, conversational letter that combines why you're interested and why you're the best person with evidence against the position requirements, without headings. It may also be called an expression of interest.
How long is an ACT government written response?
The ACT Applicant Information Kit describes it as one to three pages, depending on the instruction in the ad.
Should I use headings in an ACT pitch?
No. Jobs ACT says not to use headings in a pitch, but to organise paragraphs so each relates to one or more of the requirements.
What are the ACTPS values?
Respect, integrity, collaboration and innovation, with related signature behaviours. Show them through your examples unless the ad asks you to address them directly.
Free download: state-by-state map and a worked NSW targeted question (PDF)
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Also applying for Commonwealth (APS) jobs? The bundle includes both kits for A$34 (A$41 bought separately). It's a writing aid. It can't guarantee an interview or a job, and you don't need it to use the free checker or these guides.
Disclosure: this guide is made by Mint, and we sell the State Government Application Kit and the APS + State bundle mentioned above. It's independent general information, not affiliated with or endorsed by any Australian, state or territory government. It isn't legal, employment or immigration advice; check eligibility and instructions in the job ad. Examples are fictional. Last updated 2026-10-21.