It’s one of the most common questions we get at ApplySmart.ie — how long is “too long” or “too short” when it comes to STAR answers in Irish public job applications?
Let’s break it down by what real public sector recruiters expect, and what the sweet spot really looks like.
Most competency-based application forms (especially from PublicJobs.ie or HSE.ie) will either:
If it’s a textbox: use most of the space. If it’s an upload: use ¾ to 1 full page per competency.
Let’s break it down by section:
Give just enough context for the reader to understand the setting, team, and any relevant policies/processes involved.
State your objective. What was your responsibility, challenge, or goal?
This is the core of the answer. Go into detail. Bullet points can work here if allowed. Show initiative, problem-solving, leadership, etc.
Explain the impact clearly — what changed, improved, or was achieved? Use figures or quotes if possible.
That’s typically the sweet spot. You don’t need to write a novel, but if you’re under 300 words, you’re likely missing something important.
More words aren’t always better — waffle, repetition, or vagueness will hurt your score. But concise, detailed STAR answers are consistently higher scoring than vague, brief ones.
We write STAR answers every day for Irish public jobs. You provide your experience, we’ll turn it into a structured, tailored response that gets attention.
👉 Start your application now
The above examples are shortened for blog readability. Your final STAR should be longer and formatted for the job spec. ApplySmart.ie ensures everything aligns perfectly.