Discussions

Applicants often make mistakes in professional reports by focusing too much on project descriptions and not enough on their own contributions. While context is important, assessors want to know what actions you personally took, what decisions you made, and what results you achieved. Within the evaluation process, the APEGS Competency Assessment standards highlight individual responsibility as a key requirement, so failing to emphasize your role can weaken your submission. Another frequent mistake is using overly technical jargon without explanation, which can make responses difficult to understand. Some applicants also forget to include measurable results, such as percentages, cost savings, or performance improvements, which serve as strong evidence of competence. Poor organization is another issue; unstructured answers can confuse assessors and reduce clarity. To avoid these problems, applicants should follow a structured format, focus on actions and outcomes, and review responses for relevance. Avoiding these common mistakes not only improves readability but also ensures your experience aligns clearly with competency expectations.