APS Pitch CheckerAPS one-page pitch examples: what changes from APS5 to APS6 to EL1
Short answer: A one-page APS pitch usually holds two strong STAR examples between a short opening and close, roughly 450 to 600 words. What changes from APS5 to APS6 to EL1 isn't the structure but the evidence: wider scope, more independent judgement, more senior stakeholders and, at EL1, results delivered through a team.
"APS pitch example" is one of the most searched phrases about Commonwealth job applications, usually with a level attached: APS5, APS6 or EL1. The trouble with copying an example is that the level is in the detail. This guide shows the same kind of evidence written three ways, so you can see what changes as the classification rises and pitch your own examples at the right height.
What "one page" usually means
APS ads ask for a pitch in one of two ways: a word limit (often 500, 750 or 1000 words) or a page limit (often one or two pages). A single A4 page in an 11 or 12-point font with normal margins holds roughly 450 to 600 words, depending on the font, spacing and how many paragraph breaks you use. If the ad or candidate pack sets a font, size or margin, follow it exactly. If it doesn't, use a plain, readable font and don't squeeze the margins to fit more in.
Word limits are easier to plan for. If you're writing to a word count, our guide to 500, 750 and 1000-word pitches has word budgets for each.
A one-page structure that works at any level
There is no official template. The APSC's Integrated Leadership System and the role's duties tell you what to show; the structure is up to you. A shape that fits most one-page limits:
| Part | Roughly | What goes here |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | 40-60 words | Your current role and the one or two strengths that matter most for this job. No "I am writing to apply". |
| Example 1 | 180-220 words | Your strongest, most relevant example, in STAR order, covering two or three of the key duties. |
| Example 2 | 180-220 words | A different setting or skill that covers the duties example 1 didn't. |
| Close | 30-50 words | What you'd bring to this role, in one or two sentences. Don't repeat the examples. |
Before you write, list the key duties and capabilities from the ad down one side of a page and your possible examples across the top. Tick which example proves which duty and pick the two that cover the most between them. Three short examples can work in a long page, but at one page each extra example costs you depth.
What changes from APS5 to APS6 to EL1
The APSC's Work Level Standards describe what separates each classification, including guidance, complexity, decisions, stakeholder relationships and supervision. Panels judge whether your evidence sits at the level of the job, so these make a useful checklist. Paraphrasing the APSC's "work level standards differences" summary (read the official wording for detail):
| Area | APS5 | APS6 | EL1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guidance | Limited direction; independent decisions in an area of responsibility | Limited direction, with autonomy and accountability in interpreting policy and practice | Broad direction, with a considerable degree of independence |
| Complexity | Moderately complex to complex work | Complex work | Very complex or sensitive work |
| Decisions | Within defined parameters, sometimes setting new precedents through sound judgement | Good judgement, expertise and knowledge, within regulations and agency procedures | Professional judgement, weighing risks in a complex, changing environment |
| Stakeholders | Develop internal and external relationships; liaise on policy, project or operational issues | Develop and manage complex relationships to achieve work area and agency goals | Manage a range of relationships and collaborate with key stakeholders to achieve outcomes |
| People | May coach, mentor and identify training needs for a team | May take part in performance management and give performance feedback | May supervise and develop staff, building team capability |
The practical test for each sentence in your pitch: does it show the independence, judgement and reach of the level you're applying for, not just the level you hold now? If you're acting at the higher level, say so and use those examples.
One example, written at three levels (fictional)
All three examples below are invented, including the people, programs and numbers. Each one is about the same kind of work, fixing a stakeholder problem, so you can compare the scope. Don't reuse the wording: panels see these patterns often, and your own detail is what makes an example credible.
APS5: Grants Officer (fictional)
In my current role I manage 40 active grant agreements for a community infrastructure program. Last year, recipients were missing milestone report deadlines, which delayed their payments. I phoned the eight organisations with the most overdue reports and found that most were unsure what evidence counted. With my team leader's agreement, I drafted a one-page reporting checklist and a short example report, tested both with three recipients and updated our template letters. Over the next two reporting rounds, on-time reports rose from 55% to 85%, and I now walk new staff through the checklist.
Why it reads as APS5: a defined area of responsibility, independent problem-solving within guidelines, approval sought for the change, and a measurable result in their own work.
APS6: Senior Grants Officer (fictional)
As the senior officer for a 300-agreement regional grants program, I was asked to find out why late reporting had become a pattern across the program. I analysed two years of reporting data, interviewed five state peak bodies and found that our guidelines contradicted the funding agreement on what counted as evidence. I drafted a revised evidence policy, negotiated changes with our legal area, and briefed the Director on the risks of changing guidance mid-program. I then led two webinars for 120 recipients and coached three APS4 officers on handling questions. Within six months, on-time reporting rose from 60% to 88%, and the approach was adopted by a second program.
Why it reads as APS6: program-wide scope, interpreting and reconciling policy, advising the Director, working through other areas, and some supervision of others.
EL1: Assistant Director, Grants Delivery (fictional)
I lead a team of seven delivering three grants programs worth $45 million. When an internal audit rated our reporting compliance as a medium risk, I set up a cross-program review, assigned one APS6 to each program and agreed a three-month plan with the Branch Head. I chaired a working group with state agencies to agree a common evidence standard and resolved a disagreement over audit timing by proposing a phased start. I briefed the SES on options and trade-offs, and recommended a risk-based approach that the Branch adopted. Within a year the audit finding was closed, on-time reporting averaged 90% across all three programs, and two team members I mentored acted at the next level.
Why it reads as EL1: results delivered through a team, cross-agency negotiation, options and advice to SES, accountability for risk, and developing staff.
Notice what stays the same: each example names a real problem, says what I did and ends with a number someone could check. What changes is how wide the problem is, who you work through and who you advise.
Want to check your own draft? Paste it into the free pitch checker to see the word count, the approximate STAR balance and how often you write "we" instead of "I".
Openings and closings by level
- APS5: lead with the work you own and your reliability. "I'm a Grants Officer managing 40 agreements, and I'm known for fixing process problems before they become complaints."
- APS6: lead with complexity and independence. "I'm the senior officer on a 300-agreement program, where I interpret guidelines, resolve disputes and advise the Director."
- EL1: lead with the team and outcomes you're accountable for. "I lead a team of seven delivering three programs, and I'm accountable for their compliance, budget and stakeholder relationships."
Close with one or two sentences that link your evidence to this role, for example the agency's program, the team's priorities or a duty from the ad. Skip general statements about your passion for public service; a specific link to the job does more with fewer words.
Level-specific mistakes
- APS5 and APS6: describing tasks ("I was responsible for...") instead of what you decided and changed. Responsibility isn't evidence; actions and results are.
- APS6: leaving out judgement. If you interpreted policy, handled a contested issue or advised someone senior, say so plainly.
- EL1: writing as a strong individual contributor. EL1 panels look for leading people, setting direction and influencing senior or external stakeholders, so show what your team delivered because of how you led it.
- Every level: "we" throughout, no numbers in the results, and examples older than about five years when you have recent ones.
Related guides: APS capabilities in plain English · a statement of claims example and template · using AI in an APS application · pitch outlines by level and word limit
FAQ
How many words is a one-page APS pitch?
Roughly 450 to 600 words in an 11 or 12-point font with normal margins, depending on font and spacing. If the ad sets a font, size or margin, follow it.
Can I use an APS pitch example as a template?
Use examples to see structure and level, not as text to copy. Panels see common examples often, and your own specific detail is what makes evidence credible.
What is the difference between an APS6 and an EL1 pitch?
An APS6 pitch shows complex work done with autonomy, interpreting policy and managing stakeholders. An EL1 pitch adds leading a team, working under broad direction, advising senior executives and being accountable for a work area's results.
Should I mention that I'm acting at a higher level?
Yes. If you're acting at or above the level you're applying for, say so and draw your examples from that work, because panels assess evidence against the level of the job.
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.
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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).
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Disclosure: Mint sells the APS Pitch Kit mentioned above. This guide is independent general information, not affiliated with the APSC or any agency. Examples are fictional. Last updated 2026-10-21.