It is very important that you address the Selection Criteria which will assist the selection panel make an assessment of your experience, skills and qualifications in relation to this position. This is an integral part in determining those applicants competitive for interview. Your response to the Selection Criteria is the most important part of your application.
The selection criteria specifies the minimum education, knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position. When preparing your statement:
- Address each selection criteria separately – use each selection criterion as the heading and outline your relevant claims and experience separately against each minimum criteria. A brief statement that you meet the criteria is insufficient! You must indicate how you meet each criteria by providing examples, not general claims.
- Address both the “essential” and “desirable” criteria. Desirable criteria are usually only used to distinguish between two or more applicants who are equal on merit following assessment of the essential criteria, however it is highly recommended to address all the selection criteria listed in the Job Description Form.
- Provide a statement which relates your experience, skills and knowledge to each criterion, additionally describe examples of events/projects where you have used the required skills, aptitude or knowledge
- Draw on knowledge and experience you have gained from either your career or personal life.
- Include information of any relevant qualifications you may have obtained and there relevance to the selection criteria.
It is essential that information you provide is clear, relevant and presented so that the selection panel can readily assess your claims.
It is up to you to demonstrate to the panel that you understand the requirements for the position and have the experience knowledge, skills and attributes necessary to undertake the work required.
Some further points for consideration:
- Do not present an over-long, rambling application, as the importance of your arguments may be lost (especially if written communication skills are selection criteria). It’s important to note that applications must be concise and specific.
- Do not forget that it is up to you to write an application that will convince the selection panel that you are very competitive and should be granted an interview
EXAMPLES OF ADDRESSING THE SELECTION CRITERIA
WARNING: DO NOT COPY THESE FOR YOUR APPLICATION USE EXAMPLES OF YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE
Good verbal and written communication skills
I have gained and developed my communication skills through many years of experience in positions that required me to liaise with internal and external clients. All of these roles that I have held have required me to use various communication methods including email, letter and report writing, telephone conversations, attending and chairing meetings as well as conducting recruitment activities for the organisation.
As a specific example, my current position as a HR Officer at Torp requires me to conduct full recruitment activities for the organization. I am required to liaise with management regarding developing advertisements, reviewing applications and organising, conducting and chairing interviews.
After interviews I am required to utilise my written communication skills by writing selection reports detailing information about each candidate which outlines reasons why the nominated candidate was selected above other applicants.
High retention rates at the organization indicate that my verbal communication skills have been utilised effectively in the recruitment process to ensure that the most suitable candidate is selected.
Computer Literacy Skills
I have a high level of computer literacy skills. Throughout all the secretarial and reception positions I have held over the past years I have been required to use a variety of Microsoft applications. These include Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Project for a diverse range of tasks including creating and editing templates, customizing toolbars, menus and shortcut keys, developing and linking multiple worksheet files, and using functions and productivity tools when developing worksheets.
I have completed a wide range of advanced accredited courses at the Australian Institute of Management including Advanced Microsoft Word, Advanced Excel and Advanced Microsoft PowerPoint.
In my current position, as a receptionist I have been identified by my manager to have a high level of computer literacy skills. Due to this I am currently required to explain and demonstrate new applications and there capabilities to all the secretaries in my department and to be the point of contact for any queries on these applications in my department.
Addressing the Selection Criteria
