APS Pitch CheckerStatement of claims vs selection criteria vs one-page pitch: what each one asks for
Short answer: A pitch is one free-flowing statement of a set length, a statement of claims is a similar but often more formal case against the role's capabilities, and selection criteria responses answer each criterion separately. All three are assessed on evidence, so build them from the same bank of STAR examples and follow the ad's exact instructions.
APS and state government ads use three overlapping terms for the written part of an application. They're related, but each one asks for something slightly different, and answering the wrong one is an easy way to lose marks.
The three formats side by side
| Pitch | Statement of claims | Selection criteria responses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical length | One page or a set limit (300-1000 words) | 1-2 pages, sometimes a word limit | A limit per criterion (often 200-400 words each) |
| Structure | Free-flowing: opening, 2-3 examples, close | Usually free-flowing, sometimes loosely grouped by capability | One separate answer per criterion, often in an online form |
| What's assessed | Overall fit against the role and its capabilities | Your "claim" to the role against the duties and capabilities | Each criterion scored on its own |
| Main risk | Leaving a criterion uncovered | Drifting into a cover letter or résumé | Repeating the same example everywhere |
| Where you see it | Very common in current APS ads | Common in APS and some state agencies | Older APS ads, state and local government, some universities |
The names aren't used consistently across agencies, so always read what the ad actually asks for rather than relying on the label.
The pitch
A pitch is a short, persuasive statement that tells the panel why you're suited to the role, backed by examples. The ad usually gives you a word limit and points you to the key duties or capabilities. You decide which examples to use and how to arrange them.
The freedom is the hard part. With no headings forcing you to address each criterion, it's easy to write a strong story that leaves one requirement untouched. Before drafting, list the criteria down one side of a page and your candidate examples across the top, and tick which example covers which criterion. Choose the two or three examples that cover everything between them.
For word budgets by limit, see how to write an APS pitch for 500, 750 and 1000 words.
The statement of claims
A statement of claims (sometimes "statement of suitability" or "statement addressing the key capabilities") is your case that you meet the role's requirements. In practice it often reads like a slightly longer, more formal pitch. Some agencies want it grouped under the capability headings in the job description. Others want flowing prose.
- If the ad lists four or five key capabilities, a short heading for each, or for each example with the capabilities it covers, makes the panel's job easier.
- It isn't a cover letter. Keep greetings, sign-offs and general enthusiasm to a minimum.
- It isn't a résumé. Don't walk through every job you've had. Pick evidence.
Selection criteria responses
Here you answer each criterion separately, often in boxes on an online form with a word or character limit per box. Each answer is usually scored on its own, so each needs to stand alone.
- Open each answer with a one-sentence claim that mirrors the criterion, e.g. "I build strong working relationships with stakeholders who don't always agree."
- Follow with one STAR example (or two short ones for longer limits).
- Use different examples across criteria where you can. If you must reuse one, focus on a different part of it each time.
- Watch character limits, which include spaces. A 2,000-character box is roughly 300-350 words.
How to tell which one the ad wants
- Search the ad and the candidate pack for "pitch", "statement", "claims", "selection criteria" and "word". The exact instruction is usually in the "how to apply" section.
- Look at the form. If the application portal shows one text box per criterion, it's selection criteria responses whatever the ad calls it.
- Check for headings guidance. "Please address the following" with a list suggests the panel wants each item covered, even in a pitch.
- Still unsure? Most ads name a contact officer. A short, polite question about the format is normal and won't count against you.
A STAR planner that works for all three
Whatever the format, the raw material is the same: a bank of real examples you can reshape. For each example, jot down:
| Part | Write down | Share of words when you draft |
|---|---|---|
| Situation | When, where, what the problem was (1-2 lines) | ~10% |
| Task | What you specifically needed to achieve, and who asked | ~10% |
| Action | 3-6 things you did, in order, with "I". Note any judgement calls. | ~60% |
| Result | What changed: numbers, timeframes, decisions, feedback, what others now do differently | ~20% |
| Criteria covered | Which capabilities this example shows | n/a |
Once you have five or six of these, any of the three formats becomes an exercise in choosing and trimming rather than writing from scratch. You can paste any draft into the free APS Pitch Checker to see its STAR balance and word count.
Reusing material safely
Reusing your own examples across applications is sensible. Reusing a whole pitch usually isn't, because the criteria and level change. Re-check every application against the new ad, adjust the opening to name the new role, and swap in the example that best fits the new criteria. Don't copy wording from published examples or other people's applications: panels notice, and it doesn't describe your experience. If you use generative AI to help, follow the agency's guidance on it and make sure every claim is true and your own.
Check any of the three formats
The APS Pitch Checker works for pitches, statements of claims and individual criterion responses. Set a custom limit for a single criterion box.
Open the checkerFAQ
Is a statement of claims the same as a pitch?
They're close. Both are a single statement of your suitability, but a statement of claims is often longer, more formal or grouped by capability. Follow the ad's wording.
How long should each selection criteria response be?
Use the limit the ad or form gives. Without one, 250-400 words per criterion is common. Character limits include spaces.
Can I reuse the same example for several criteria?
You can, but use different examples where possible. If you reuse one, focus on a different part of it each time.
Should I include a cover letter as well?
Only if the ad asks for one. Many APS applications ask for a pitch and a résumé, and an unrequested cover letter adds little.
Free download: a worked APS5 pitch (PDF)
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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.
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 2026-10-19.