What is selection criteria and how to write selection criteria?
Let’s start from the beginning and give you some examples so that you can prepare a winning selection criteria. Selection criteria examples are what the panels will look at to determine if you’re actually qualified for an advertised role. If they feel you are qualified, they will call you for an interview. The essential criteria that they look for is knowledge, qualifications, skills, abilities, and experience that a person has. It’s your responsibility to describe in detail the selection criteria you have that meets the advertised role.
To write a winning selection criteria, you need to be clear and concise in your description. You may be the person that the government is looking for, but if you can’t get your point across, someone else will get the job. Make sure that all your selection criteria is about positive results or interactions. Don’t write about anything negative as that won’t get you an interview. Think positive and write about your best achievements. Always prioritise your examples by putting the most significant items to the advertised role first and then in descending order. This will give your best attributes the attention that they deserve from the panel.
Some of your selection criteria examples will overlap and that’s okay too. For instance, if you’re writing about the ‘ability to work in teams’ qualification, this information may also be included in ‘problem-solving ability’, ‘supervisory skills’, or experience in providing ‘client services’.
Here’s some other selection criteria that may be pertinent to the advertised role that you’re applying for:
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Attention to detail Organisational/planning skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability and Experience solving problems
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledge of the government’s policy and procedures
- Keyboard skills
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to achieve results
- Building rapport with clients
The above examples will give you an idea of what the government is looking for in its selection criteria. There are other examples and you can determine them by reading the advertised role. As you think about the selection criteria that applies to you and the advertised role, write a list of specific examples. For instance, if you’re writing about ‘building a rapport with clients’, you can list several specific experiences that you’ve had.
Maybe you have listed these three items:
- Returns phone calls in a timely manner
- Resolved an issue with an irate client
- Achieved an award for client satisfaction
Now, take a look at the advertised role and list these items in order of priority to that advertised role. They’re all important achievements and experiences for this selection criteria so don’t leave any of them out. With these tips, you’ll be able to create a winning selection criteria for the government.
About Chris
This site is published by Chris Burton a current government employee living in Melbourne, Australia. I developed this site because I was looking on the internet for resources to help me with my application but what I found just wasn’t helpful.
