Selection criteria
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Address what employers are looking for

Selection criteria are statements that describe the personal qualities, qualifications, skills, knowledge, abilities and experience that are required for a job.

In responding to selection criteria, you need to describe how you meet the requirements of the job and provide examples because:

  • An employer would like a summary of how you meet their desirable and essential skills without having to tease this out of your resume/CV.
  • Often a separate statement/document is required to formally and clearly address each of the criteria/how you meet each of the criteria that they are looking for.

What to do

In your CV

  • Identify criteria and make each one a separate heading.
  • Make sure you addressing each one (roughly a paragraph to half a page long).
  • Draw on a range of evidence from University and other formal education, employment experience and extra-curricular activities.

In your statement/document

Structure your responses in the following way:

  1. Introduction (one sentence): Answer the question; introduce the example.
  2. Body: Support your answer by providing a relevant example. Demonstrate research of the company and role.
    Use the STAR approach:
    • Situation: Brief outline of the situation or setting. Who was involved? What was your role?
    • Task: What did you do? What happened next?
    • Action or Approach: How did you do it?
    • Result: What was the outcome? What was the feedback you received?

Also, make sure to apply the following tips when drafting your responses:

  • Stick to the word limit.
  • Answer the question.
  • Proofread, check grammar, and spelling.
  • Use examples from within the last two years, such as your employment, education and/or extra-curricular activities.
  • Use examples that have a clear beginning, middle and end.
  • Focus on your own involvement (use “I” not “We”).
  • Link your transferable skills to the job and company.
  • Keep your responses for future reference, as many jobs have similar selection criteria.
  • Ask more information from employers about what they are looking for in the selection criteria, length of response and format.
  • Have a friend read over it before submitting.