How do you write selection criteria?

Answer 1

Selection criteria for a government job represent the personal qualities, skills, abilities, knowledge, experience and qualifications a person needs to perform a role effectively. They set out the standards by which each candidate will be assessed during the recruitment process with the aim of providing a fair and transperant selection process. Selection criteria are therefore used for assessing written applications, and they also provide a framework for the interview. In the end, the applicant who is able to demonstrate that they meet the selection criteria to the highest standard, is the one who gets the job.

In your written application you need to address the criteria to show and demonstrate specifically how your knowledge, skills and experience make you not only eligible, but the superior applicant for the vacancy. All applicants must address selection criteria, and any applicant who has not sufficiently addressed the criteria may be eliminated. Your statements addressing the selection criteria therefore, is the most important part of your application.

They key to writing successful statements against selection criteria is to provide solid evidence. Claims should be direct, and not include broad sweeping statements, without anything to back them up. One of the most important things to remember is to outline delivery versus activity. Anyone can create a list of duties they perform, but the superior applicants will focus on how they delivered outcomes to their organisation, thus providing convincing evidence and solid arguments that they are valuable employees and well qualified for the position.

So, how do you make your responses to selection criteria stand out form the crowd? * Provide solid and measurable evidence that is relevant to the position, * Target your application to the job description, * Understand what kind of criterion it is, and respond appropriately. For example, is the criterion based on knowledge, skills and abilities, experience, qualifications or work related qualities? Each type of criterion will require a different type, and level of response. * Assume that all applicants are well qualified for the job and make your application the marketing document that describes: * ** why your skills are the most relevant; ** why your experience is the most beneficial; ** why your understanding is the most developed; and ** why you have the best personal qualities for the position. A good acronym to remember to get well written reponses to selection criteria is "SMART":

S = Structured - Your statements are structured logically, with a beginning (introduction), middle (evidence) and end (conclusion).

M = Measurable - Outcomes that you have provided are measured (specific) and your skills are able to be gauged.

A = Attributable - You have attributed success and outcomes to yourself by using the word "I" and not "we".

R = Relevant - The evidence you have provided is relevant and specific to the position and duty statement, without generalisations.

T = Timely - The evidence you have provided does not span back more than 5 years and most of it is less than 2 years old.

Follow these guidelines and you'll not only smart selection criteria, but selection criteria that will get you an interview!

More information is available from www.selection-criteria.com.au