Provide relevant detail, using examples of your achievements to illustrate your level of skills, knowledge and experienc
Selection Criteria Looking and applying for a new job can be time consuming and seem almost impossible when you are currently working. You need to plan your time to complete selection criteria responses to ensure that you allow enough time to put your best word forward. You will need to be flexible and schedule your time when an exciting opportunity becomes available so you can feel confident in your completed application. The key to a successful application is demonstrating that you meet the selection criteria. Submitting clear, concise and well written selection criteria responses is a crucial part of your job application. Allow yourself enough time to write, review and edit your responses. One sentence responses aren’t sufficient, while responses that are too lengthy and “rambling” are not advisable either! And don’t forget that if one of the selection criteria is “strong written communication skills”, “report writing skills” or similar, your written responses are an opportunity to display your writing skills!
Exceptional selection criteria responses are an important step to ensure you progress to an interview. Make sure what you present warrants progressing to the next stage by using this as a way to market yourself, your skills and prior experience. Take the opportunity to expand on anything that you have, makes you stand out from others and showcases what you have done. Example: Eligibility to drive in NSW? State that you are eligible to drive in NSW (current NSW driver’s licence or other licence making you eligible to drive in NSW) and have a commendable driving record for a set amount of time and where required, that you are willing to incorporate travel into your position.
Hands up if you find it difficult and time consuming to complete selection criteria! Don’t worry we all do. Here are some tips to take on board: • • • • • •
Start by making a few quick points on each criterion. Include how you meet each one with your current skill base Your responses will need to have a beginning, middle and an end. Similar to writing an essay If you see the word ‘demonstrated’ make sure you provide a relevant example Spell check before you save and send! Get someone else to look over your responses and read aloud to check grammar If you don’t understand any of the criteria or feel you could address it better, contact the person listed on the advertisement and ask for clarification
Need some help deciphering key words commonly found in selection criteria? • • • •
Demonstrated knowledge: you need to give examples that prove you have this area of knowledge Demonstrated ability: you do not need to have done this kind of work before, but you need to describe how your skills, knowledge and experience show that you are capable of doing the work Experience in: you need to provide examples of where you have done this work before Effective, Proven, Highly Developed, Superior: you need to show your level of skill. Provide relevant detail, using examples of your achievements to illustrate your level of skills, knowledge and experience
When you are at this stage think extensively about the examples you believe best highlight your meeting the criteria. Try to think of two suitable examples; one for the selection criteria and another to use if you gain an interview. Have you ever lived this scenario? Seeing the perfect job advertised; read the selection criteria and felt confident. Started to make your application and talk yourself out of actually being able to fit the criteria. Think positively. Try to remember that the selection criteria and job advertisement outline an ideal candidate. Your skills may come close and even fulfil some entirely. Complete them to the best of your ability, providing relevant examples and surprise yourself! It may just be your new position.
