Government job applications are increasingly an exercise in asserting your case in a marketing-style pitch. As these documents usually have word or page limits, every word must contribute to an evidence-based document.

It’s easy to slip into using words and expressions that seem to be solid, but are actually unsupported generalisations or unnecessarily wordy.

Here are five examples with details of why they weaken responses and what to replace them with.

“I was able to …”

When writing about examples to demonstrate a skill such as analysis, people may write something like: “After researching policies and relevant legislation I was able to analyse the information and draw a sound conclusion.”

The expression “was able to” does not assert the use of the skill and uses three unnecessary words. A revised version is: “After researching policies and relevant legislation I analysed the information and draw a sound conclusion.”

“I was required to …”

Similarly, people may use “I was required to …”, perhaps thinking that this also conveys the idea that the action was part of the job description. However, it can be assumed that people are doing what they are supposed to do, and in some cases may be taking the initiative, which is not implied by “required to”. As with the previous case, “was required to” can be dropped. “To build relationships with my colleagues, I was required to meet with them on a weekly basis” becomes “To build relationships with my colleagues, I met with them on a weekly basis”.

Note the direct link between the actor (I) and the action (analysed, met), which is written in the past tense.

“I believe I have the skills to perform this role.”

While job applications may be underpinned by what you believe about yourself, the actual document needs to explain demonstrated behaviour. Belief statements can be replaced with statements like:

• “Across eight years of customer service experience, I have demonstrated the skills to perform this role.”
• “I have a track record of six years, delivering measurable results in project management.”

“I feel I have what it takes to perform this role.”

Similar to the previous expression, job applications are not about what you feel, but about making a case based on demonstrated performance. Feeling statements can be replaced with statements such as:

• “My demonstrated skills and experience during the last five years mean that I meet the requirements to perform this role.”
• “My four years project management experience and demonstrated strengths in client service and team building, mean I will make a valuable contribution in this role.”

Note that “feel” and “believe” may sound more modest, but job applications require an assertive response. It is possible to assert your case without sounding as though you’re bragging.

“I always …”

Generalisations that use “always” are unconvincing. No one performs well on every occasion and there won’t be space to literally back up this claim. While we may think we’re doing well, others may perceive us differently. Our intentions do not necessarily match actual outcomes.

Claims can be based on consistency of performance, having a track record with outcomes, and feedback. For example:

• “I have consistently demonstrated my project management skills across four years leading complex legal and change management projects.”
• “I have a track record in managing tangible, complex projects that met policy, procedural, legal and audit requirements.”
• “My track record in managing complex projects was confirmed by positive feedback from clients and senior managers.”

Note that while you may wish to convey that you can be relied on to do a task, claiming you “always” do something is not the best way to do it. Better to use an alternative approach.