Selection Criteria Tips

Some job applications require the addressing of selection criteria for the position as well as the submission of a resume and cover letter. While many government positions require selection criteria there are an increasing number of larger private companies that are also using selection criteria to assist them in finding the perfect candidate.

As a component of the job search process the key selection criteria accompanying a job application help the employer to make the most accurate match between the requirements of the specific position and the skills of the applicant.

Normally selection criteria will be presented as a list of essential knowledge, skills, experience and/or qualifications that the applicant must fulfil to be eligible for the job. If a desired position requests the applicant address selection criteria it is imperative that the job applicant carefully and thoroughly answer each criterion.

While it is additional work in the application process, submitting a high-quality response to the selection criteria will play a significant role in positioning the applicant as a qualified candidate.

Tip 1
The selection criteria have been added to the job application for a reason, the job application writer should give them just as much thought and consideration as the resume.

Tip 2
Follow the specific requirements presented by the employer including word counts, page counts, file type when job application writing. The number of selection criterion will vary from job to job, but there are usually at least four. As a general rule each written selection criteria should be answered in half to two-thirds of an A4 page.

Tip 3
The selection criteria writer should carefully peruse each selection criterion and understand what each one is asking prior to commencing the task of writing the answers. The key words used in the selection criteria will assist the selection criteria writer in formatting a response to each criterion. For example, ‘knowledge of’ is requesting evidence of the applicant’s knowledge in a particular area while ‘experience using’ is looking for a description of how the job applicant can demonstrate their skills and experience.

Tip 4
The selection criteria writer needs to ensure that the first sentence addressing each criterion clearly describes how the applicant can fulfil that specific criterion. The selection criteria writer can then go into further details and provide more clarification in the body of the document.

Tip 5
The Selection criteria writer can use the STAR model to address the selection criteria and demonstrate the capacity of the applicant to perform the desired tasks and responsibilities within the job role
SITUATION describes a relevant work situation that the applicant was faced with.
TASK describes the task they had to complete
ACTION describes the action taken to successfully complete the task.
RESULT describes what occurred as a result of the action

Tip 6
The selection criteria writer needs to provide specific examples to support the claims of the applicant in regards to their skills, knowledge and professional qualities. The potential employer wants to see how the applicant best meets their requirements.

Tip 7
The selection criteria writer should choose a simple and easy to peruse layout for the selection criteria document. Large blocks of text can be off putting and time consuming so using short sentences, headings and bullet points can highlight the important points mc ensure the employer can quickly and easily determine if the applicant meets their requirements.

Tip 8
Proofreading, spell check and grammar check are extremely important prior to submitting the selection criteria document. It should look professional and be free from errors.