Selection Criteria Documents
Selection Criteria documents These are documents which require responses which each address each selection criteria in turn. A selection criteria document is separate from the other application documents (resumés, cover letters, application forms).
Key points about selection criteria documents
- Sometimes it is not clear whether you are required to address selection criteria formally in a separate document. A job advertisement may list selection criteria yet not indicate whether they are to be addressed. If unclear, contact the recruiter/employer – there is nearly always a contact given for enquiries.
- Don’t underestimate the time required to produce a quality response – allow plenty of time to prepare your responses, including enough time to come back at look afresh at what you have written.
- Some organisations eg Australian Public Service have their own guidelines for responding to selection criteria – it is always worth checking/asking if there are specific guidelines.
Preparing your selection criteria responses
- Start a new document and use the exact wording of the selection criteria as headings. Don’t be tempted to combine criteria which sound similar. Keep in mind that selection criteria are not always well written but you need to work with what is given.
- Respond to both Essential and Desirable criteria. It is important to respond to all criteria even if you don’t feel you have much to say. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t give a strong response to every criterion.
- Most selection criteria relate to skills - in your response, you need to provide examples of where you have demonstrated the skill. Typically, several examples are given; however, if you have one substantial example which covers all elements of the criteria, this can be appropriate.
- The response can be presented in bullet points or prose or some combination of both. Bullet points tend to be easier and can assist in staying focused. The presentation can be varied for different criteria.
- Use a range of examples throughout your responses – these examples can be taken from your work, study or extra-curricular activities.
- A useful framework for responses for skills criteria is the STAR model. For further information on using the STAR model for selection criteria and examples of response formats, use Application Express Module 2: Key Selection Criteria (Links Skills, Examples 1, 2 and 3).
- While there is no strict guide to length, perhaps consider a 1/3 to 1/2 a page.
- For non-skills based selection criteria eg qualifications required, a simple statement of the facts is sufficient.
- Application Express is available in Online Career Tools.
- Questions about a Selection Criteria document you are working on can be brought to a Careers Drop-in session. Check Careers Online for times and locations.
Further Resources
Anne Villiers ‘How to write and talk to selection criteria’ (copies in the Careers Resource Centre – ground floor Baldwin Spencer Building).
Australian Government ‘A guide on addressing selection criteria’ http://www.bom.gov.au/careers/guide2SC.shtml