Addressing selection criteria is a typically utilized recruitment strategy in Australia where applicants are required to provide detailed responses to a series of statements (often between 4 and 7 selection criteria).

Government departments (either local, state or central government level) follow policies and processes that are built to aid the recruiting process. The initial step of the recruitment process is to make a position outline outlining the qualifications, knowledge, abilities, abilities and experience a person needs to meet the prerequisites of the position.

Format and Layout

There are a bunch of things you can do in order to make your selection criteria statement effective and easy for the selection panel to read.

Make it a separate attachment from your rsum and covering letter.

Address each criterion separately:

  • give each selection criteria (also called key selection criteria) a title, using the same wording as appears on the selection criteria form, e.g. ‘Excellent oral communication abilities ‘
  • list each criterion in the same order as the job outline
  • between 3 quarters to one page is good length (including your summary bullet list)
  • Ensure your name and the position reference number appears in a footer

Content

Your statement addressing the selection criteria needs to demonstrate how your prior experience, abilities, education and training have equipped you to meet the requirements of the position.

Below are some suggestions for what to include in the statement you write for each criterion.

Highlight your important skills and experience by describing your significant responsibilities in current or prior employment (this may include important non-paid work). Wherever possible, mention the same types of jobs and responsibilities as are listed in the publicized duty statement.

At the end of your selection criteria statement you can like to add any extra info that you think has relevancy to the job. Examples of things you could mention include:

  • abilities and capabilities which you think are significant and which haven't been mentioned in the selection criteria, e.g. ‘flexibility ‘, ‘ability to maintain confidentiality ‘
  • data or experience you have which you think is vital to the job, e.g. Understanding of particular government systems, policies or procedures.

Make sure that any info you include is explicitly related to the position.

Chris Burton has over 10 years experience in writing Government job applications. Get more tips and pointers concerning how to write selection criteria answers at Selection Criteria Expert

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